Tips to Help You Pass the Driving Test

You MUST study for this exam. Give yourself the best chance possible by following my driving test tips.

1. Sleep 

It's been scientifically proven that those who are well rested respond far better in reaction tests.  Your driving test is one long reaction test!  The night before, avoid having any alcohol or caffeine - Both of these will interrupt your sleep cycle.  Humans' optimum sleep time is 8 hours.  If you go to bed at 10pm, you MUST set an alarm for 6am.  Any more than this and your body and mind enter a new sleep cycle which waking from will make you groggy.

2. Food 

What you eat makes your body respond in different ways.  If your exam is early in the morning you need to get a good nights sleep so eat a carbohydrate rich meal e.g. pasta - Carbohydrates make your body feel sleepy.  If your exam is in the afternoon you need to eat protein e.g. meat, eggs or fish - Protein makes your body feel alert.

3. Practice 

“Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice. Learners who prepare this way, with a combination of plenty of professional training and plenty of practice, do better in the test."  This is copied directly from the DVSA website.  If you have only had a handful of lessons with an instructor and no private practice, you are attempting the impossible.  Get out on the road and behind the wheel as much as you can.  If you can't learn practically, you MUST practice theoretically.

4. Make the most of your lesson 

I will always give you at least an hour in the car.  If you turn up late, and I have another lesson afterwards, I can't let down my next client because of you.  Be ready to go when the door bell rings and make sure you get an hours worth. Be well hydrated -  Lack of fluids severally diminishes concentration levels.  Make sure you have eaten (no crash diets),  preferably something that will stimulate you like; asparagus, avocados, bananas, cod, cheese, peanuts, lettuce or fresh fruit. If you give your brain the right nutrients, you will be able to think faster, have a better memory, be better coordinated and balanced and have improved concentration.   For more insight into the science of food, do some research.

5. Don't try to do too much at once 

I've seen this too much over the years.  Students try to pass as quickly as they can, squeezing lessons into lunch breaks, between school/college/university exams and after work.  DO NOT TAKE A LESSON IF YOU ARE ALREADY TIRED!  You won't get the most from your lesson and it can be counter-productive. This exam is very stressful, be flexible. Don't pile unnecessary pressure on yourself.

6. Be relaxed and calm, and dress comfortably

The examiners aren't there to judge you on appearances; they are paid to judge your driving ability.  
    -  Don't wear high heels.  Flat shoes are the best option.  Remove bulky jackets and heavy jumpers.
    -  Breathing: In through the nose, out through the mouth.  Doing this 5 times slowly will help you lower your heart rate.
    -  Remedies:  Antispasmodic stomach medicine, such as Colofac, can help keep those 'butterflies' under control. Rescue Remedy spray can help you.
     - Your environment: Open the window.  Fresh air will help keep you alert and cool.  Make sure the car's environmental controls are set so you are comfortable.  Don't sit there melting!

7. Have confidence 

I will only let you go forward for the exam if I think you have a great chance of passing.  If you don't feel confident with your driving ability, you're not ready.  You are allowed to change your test 3 working days beforehand.  Don't throw away £122 (£62 for the test, £30 for lesson before, £30 for car hire) needlessly.  No one likes to fail and if you think you're going to, you'll make it happen.  Only when you feel confident do you stand a chance of success.

8. Music 

The Mozart Effect is believed to increase learning and spacial awareness by up to 20%.  Years ago it was said that by listening to Mozart made people smarter.  This is not the case.  What helps increase learning is to listen to your favourite music for 10 to 20 minutes before you start to learn something.  It helps to increase the brains ability to make memories, and by making memories you remember how to do things, i.e driving.   So before each lesson, try to listen to your favourite songs for 15 minutes and perhaps you'll be able to learn 20% faster.  This will in the long run save you 20% on the cost and possibly get your licence in far less time.  

When it comes to your exam, you'll have a few minutes wait before your test so why not take a MP3 player/mobile with your music on and some headphones and listen before your test starts.  You'll not be learning anything here, but it could help with spacial awareness, a core skill for driving.