1. REVIEW THE LOG BOOK
The front section of the logbook is the best guide to what is tested in the Driving Test. This front section is the most commonly overlooked section but it is one of the most important to you if you want to pass the test. Review it and make sure you know ALL the dot points well. Ask us if you are not sure about something.
2. HOURS VS EXPERIENCE
If you are planning to only have the minimum 120 hours before sitting the test make sure these hours are in the most difficult driving conditions. Drivers with 50 easy hours do not have the same experience as drivers with 50+ hours gained in more difficult conditions.
Remember good drivers with all the hours done properly usually pass the test easily.
3. PRE-TEST
You need to know what it is you are up against. You need to be assessed by someone who has done the test before and can give you an honest opinion. Holdings Driver Training will give you this test and give comprehensive feedback to you and your supervising driver.
4. KNOW THE TEST CENTRE
Every test centre has its little secret traps or common mistakes people make. A line that cannot be crossed. A turn arrow that is a little hidden. A one-way street that needs weird car positions to be done correctly. Four way stop signs? There are hundreds around.
There is no real test centre that is easier than the next. A good driver trainer can get you to pass anywhere at any time. Let’s face facts, you will be driving in these areas anyway so go to the closest RTA to your home or work.
5. OBSERVATION
Blind spot checking is an RTA favourite. If you look at the dot points throughout the logbook you will find the words "Blind spot" and "Vision Block out” on most of the driving tasks.
How many times have you heard “I didn’t see ……..” you will often hear this from a friend who says there was not even a stop sign, car, line, etc there. But they failed me anyway.
6. KNOW THE RULES
This sounds like an easy one. You have been driving for some time now and have not had any dramas right?
Remember if you make one wrong decision on your test and break the law you fail.
7. DON’T LISTEN TO YOUR MATES
A classic mistake to make. People usually cannot repeat what someone has just said to them accurately. They repeat what they think they heard. They don’t mean to tell you the wrong thing but they often do. We hear all the time “I failed for!” most of the fail items we hear don’t even exist.
Remember. Be the best driver you can be. Have an “attitude to perfection” and try to do the next thing the best you can. If that’s not good enough then you need to revise your skill levels.
Good Luck and Drive Safe.
Scott Holding