Learner drivers urged to do simple task before test to pass

Learner drivers have been urged to do a quick task before they take their driving test - and it could help them pass.

According to the latest advice from GOV.UK's Ready to Pass?, the ideal task is simple - a mock test. It explains: "A mock driving test is a practice driving test that you do with your driving instructor.

"You’d never take any other testswithout doing some practice ones first. And a driving test is no different. You probably took more than one mock theory test before taking the real thing.

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"Taking a mock driving test is a great way of checking you have all the skills you need to drive safely on your own. They also help you understand if you’re ready to take your driving test."

What should a mock test include?

Your mock tests should last about 35 minutes, and include:

• checking your driving licence
• checking your eyesight
• ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
• general driving ability on rural roads, urban roads, dual carriageways, multi-lane roundabouts and one-way systems
• reversing the car
• independent driving for 20 minutes, either following directions from a sat nav or following traffic signs
• an emergency stop
• giving you the result and feedback

Why do I need to take a mock test?

The GOV.UK website explains in detail why these tests are good to take, how you can take them, and what to do if you don't have an instructor.

It can help you:

Find out what you still need to work on

Get used to the pressure before it counts

Avoid wasting money on a test you’re not ready for

Learn how the test actually works

Understand how long each part of the test takes

Understand how the examiner will give you instructions

Understand what the independent driving section feels like

Understand how to recover if something goes wrong

Do you watch mock test driving lessons online?

The experts say that one reason people skip taking a mock test is that they’ve watched driving test videos online. However, this isn't enough.

It explains: "While YouTube or TikTok videos can offer insights into driving techniques and how the driving test works, they do not give you any feedback on your own driving skills under test conditions.

One of the most important reasons for taking a mock test is to see whether you can pass with your current level of skills and knowledge. You completely miss this by just watching videos."

What do I ask my driving instructor?

Speak with your driving instructor to schedule a mock driving test. They can advise you on the best timing for taking it.

If they think it would be beneficial, they may recommend doing the mock test with a different instructor to help you become more comfortable driving with someone unfamiliar.

If you do not have a driving instructor

The experts say that you can find and contact local driving instructors to check if they offer mock tests.

Research by the DVSA, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, shows that over half of driving instructors offer mock tests to learners they don’t normally teach. Driving instructors are road safety professionals, trained to support new drivers and can give you valuable feedback on your performance in a mock test.

How do I cancel my driving test?

Only book your driving test when you feel fully prepared. If you’re not quite ready, you can always postpone it to a later date. The GOV.UK website confirms: "It’s free to change your appointment time, as long as you do it at least 10 full working days (Mondays to Saturdays) before your test."