Many of us can be nervous going into a test situation and it is no different for the driving test. Rather than saying to yourself “I have to pass this test”, say to yourself “This is my opportunity to prove that I am a confident and competent driver”. Remember you are not there to prove that you are a perfect driver ... there is no such thing as a perfect driver.
Remember Examiners realise that test applicants may be nervous and part of their job is to do all that they can to help the pupil feel at ease. However do not take it personally that Examiner will not chat to you during your test. The reason for this is that it may influence the marking of the test.
Your entire test takes between 30 – 40 mins and the distance you will cover is 8 – 10km. I try to make sure a pupil has had at least three mock tests before the day of their test. Setting the tone as if it were the real driving test helps when it comes to the day of your test. It can help alleviate some nerves because you are familiar with how the test will be conducted.
ON THE DAY OF YOUR TEST:
Arrive at the test centre 10 – 15 mins early with your Learner Permit and your test confirmation letter. Take a seat in the waiting area for your name to be called.
When your name is called you will be guided to the Examiners office. The Examiner will ask to see your Learner Permit to make sure that it is indeed yours, it’s valid and it has the correct category of vehicle for which you’ll be doing the test in.
You will be asked to read and sign a document stating that you are covered on the insurance of the vehicle that you will be using for your test and that the same vehicle is roadworthy. The Examiner will ask you theory questions and road signs. All of these are in your rules of the road book and driver theory book.
When back outside at your vehicle, you will be asked to open the bonnet. Below are some things you may be asked to locate. Also you may be asked how to check their levels and how to top them up. Your instructor will have covered this many times with you. If you cannot locate where the steering fluid is your vehicle may be (EPAS) Electrically Power Assisted Steering.
Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Engine Oil
Water (windscreen washer)
Coolant
The Examiner will then ask you to sit into your car as he/she checks that your discs are in date and details are correct on them. Other checks will be that you are displaying L plates on the front and rear of your vehicle and that they are the correct size, your tyre tread depth is above minimum and the general road worthiness of the vehicle. He/She will check your indicators and brake lights are working. Many newer vehicles have a centre brake light as well as the left and right brake lights. Even if the centre brake light bulb has blown on your way to the test centre, you will still be allowed sit your test as it is only necessary to have the left and right brake lights working. Carry spare bulbs for all your car lights so you will never be stuck and ask your local mechanic to show you how to change them if unsure. Always be familiar with the vehicle you are about to drive.
When the Examiner sits into the car he/she will ask a few questions on the controls. When asked about these things, your Examiner will expect you to answer without hesitation. They may be needed while out driving and this would not be the time for fumbling while your attention should be on the road ahead. Below are a few examples of questions that may be asked.
Where are your window wipers?
How would you demist your front, rear and side windows?
How and when to use the temperature controls?
What is the difference between the air flow controllers?
Where is the window washer for front window and rear window?
Where are the fog lights?
How do you turn on the air conditioning?
Where are you hazard lights?
From that point on your test is on your driving ability and how you put into practice the theory you know. Below you will see a Test Report Form which will show you what categories are covered during the test.
Gradings:
The Green boxes are Grade 1. MINOR FAULTS
These are minor faults and have no affect on your test.
The Blue boxes are Grade 2. MORE SERIOUS FAULTS
9 or more it is a fail.
6 in one category eg: Position it is a fail.
4 for the same fault eg: Position - position turning right it is a fail
The Pink boxes are Grade 3. DANGEROUS OR POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS FAULTS
1 of these is an instant fail.
Rules/Checks
Where 3 or more questions are not answered, or are incorrectly answered, a grade 2 fault should be
recorded.
Where a ‘Checks’ fault is incurred in relation to the Doors, Mirrors, Seat, Seat belt, or Head restraint adjustment, it should be recorded opposite Rules/Checks and is inclusive of any Oral Test faults.
