First of all let us say categorically, that passing
Driving Test is only
beginning of your driving career irrespective of how well you do on
day of
exam. It is going to take
average novice driver maybe three years of constant, regular driving, before he or she can then say “I am now becoming an experienced driver. Please notice
emphasis on
word “becoming”. Arrival on
Experienced Driver Podium will take much longer. I guess it really depends on
amount of driving one undertakes on a daily, weekly basis,
level of night-time driving, and also
traffic conditions during daily sorties will dictate how long this learning experience will take. To paraphrase Robert Oppenheimer,
inventor of
Atomic bomb….. “I am become a destroyer of worlds” This could be applied to many learner drivers who pass their Driving Test and then proceed to total their cars and those of other drivers in
weeks and months following
Test.
Passing
Driving Test is a combination of basic driving skills, positive attitude, detailed preparation, attention to detail, practise in
general area where Tests are undertaken and plenty of in-depth Instruction by a Driving School. The need for professional instruction cannot be underestimated and
insider information imparted to
pupil by
Instructor will give a Test candidate
best possible chance of a positive result. Many of these aspects are ignored by Test candidates and we will explore in greater detail what will be required throughout
remainder of
text. There are numerous details to be attended to during this preparation and if
candidate takes these on board with a positive focus, a good result with ensue.
We will have a look at
aspects of
car that need to be checked:-
Tyres……… Tyres need to be in good condition with well above legal limit tread depth and with no cuts, splits or bulges to
sidewall. The tyres with
best treads should always be on
front axle and this is something that should be regarded as an essential part of your weekly technical check. Tyre pressures should be according to
tyre specification since incorrectly inflated tyres are not only unsafe but will wear out very quickly and give an uncomfortable ride.
Lights and Indicators……All brake lights and indicators should be functioning correctly and lenses must be damage –free and clean. Its really important to carry a couple of spare bulbs in your emergency kit for last minute replacement since they can blow at any time and a failed brake light or indicator will mean that
Test will not be carried out.
Loose Items ……..All loose items in
car (and who doesn’t have them?) should be removed but rear head rests, if fitted, must be retained despite their obstruction of
rear windscreen. The fad for having dangly spiders, furry dice and nodding dogs on
rear parcel shelf is not
way to create an impression with
Driving Examiner and block vision .In fact I always cringe when I see these in cars, particularly those that are obviously driven by learner drivers. It is also a particularly dangerous sport to be driving as a learner Driver and not displaying L Plates .I am always amazed at pupils who turn up for pre test lessons in their own cars with no L plates .The number of excuses would fill
chapter of a book. It’s a sad reflection that basic driving laws are flouted continually by learner Drivers but even worse is
all too common sight of Learner Drivers under tuition with so called Instructors who actually drive out of Test Centres with no L Plates showing. It shows a disregard for
Law and
need for superb driving skills and
need for concentration. Of course mobile phones should be switched off and out of sight.
Windscreens and mirrors…..These should be crack-free and clean.
Service …….Its a good idea to have
Car serviced prior to your test and any technical problems that you have been putting off getting fixed should be dealt with .If an Instrument warning light comes on during a Test due to mechanical problems then
Test will be aborted by
Examiner.
Paperwork……..Insurance disc, Road Tax disc and N.C.T. certificate, if appropriate need to be in place and readable. If any of these are faded and unreadable
Test will be cancelled .Change of ownership of vehicles close to
Driving Test appointment, leading to lack of documentation for whatever reason, will lead to
Test being cancelled by
Tester. Nothing other than
original .official documents will be accepted so it’s important not to leave anything to chance.