Getting prepared for your driving test can be stressful, so the team here at AXA have created a list of tips to help you prepare for and pass your driving test in Northern Ireland.
Our tips and tricks will help you to be confident on the day of your test so you can focus on the instructions given by the examiner and pass your driving test with ease!
Practice driving on the test routes
Driving through and practising on the driving test routes before your test will help you to get familiar with the roads so you understand the speed limits and where there are turns, ramps etc.
You can practice the routes during a practice driving test with your instructor or with a family member or friend who is over 21 and has had a full driving licence for 3 years.
However, it’s a good idea to take a practice test with your instructor as it will also give you a chance to ask them any questions you have about what you should expect during a driving test in NI. This will help you to feel more comfortable on the day of your test as you will know what will happen throughout it.
Review the Theory Test
Before your driving test, you should review the road safety and road signs content covered in the theory test. This will help refresh your memory of the motoring theory and facts in Northern Ireland, and help you to answer any theory questions the driving test examiner may ask you.
Practice the driving test manoeuvres
When practising for your driving test in NI, you should focus on practising the manoeuvres that you find difficult to execute. This will help you to become more confident if you are asked to do those specific manoeuvres during your driving test.
For example, if you find reverse parking difficult, you could practice this manoeuvre so you understand how to execute it fully and so you are more confident in your ability to do it during your test.
Park in a parking spot that’s easy to drive out of
When you arrive at the test centre for your driving test, parking your car in a spot that’s easy to drive out of is a great tip to keep in mind. Reversing into a spot is always a good choice as you can then just drive forward out of the spot to begin your test.
This will make the start of your test smooth and stress-free as you’ll be able to easily pull out of the parking spot.
Arrive for your driving test on time
Arriving for your driving test on time is critical so that the examiner isn’t left waiting for you. If they are left waiting for you, this could result in them being frustrated, which could have a negative effect on the outcome of your test. What’s more, you could also miss your test slot, lose your fee and need to book another test for another time.
So, plan your journey out in advance, giving yourself plenty of time so you can ensure that you’ll arrive at the test centre on time for your driving test time slot!
Listen to the driving test examiner’s instructions
Listen carefully to the examiner’s instructions so you understand exactly what you need to do. Also, if you struggle to understand what the examiner is asking you to do, whether it’s a manoeuvre or a turn, you can ask them to repeat the instruction for further clarification.
Don’t feel worried asking them to repeat something, it’s better to make sure you understand what you’re being asked to do rather than making a wrong turn which results in a minor fault on your test.
Maintain a safe distance from cars in front
Maintaining a safe distance from cars in front of you is extremely important. You should respect the distance rules to ensure you have enough space to safely stop your car in the event of needing to emergency break.
When driving, you may need to slam on the brakes to avoid an obstacle at any point, so you should always ensure that you are adhering to the safe distance rules and are prepared to stop.
Don’t panic if you make a minor error
If you make a minor error during your driving test you shouldn’t panic as it’s only one small error and you’ll still have a chance to pass the test! In the Northern Ireland driving test, you can make up to 15 minor errors and still pass your test.
So, if you’ve only made a minor driving fault, you should try to remain calm and refocus so you can concentrate on completing the rest of the test to the best of your ability.
Be confident during your driving test in NI
When it comes to the day of your driving test it’s important to be confident in your abilities. You’ve completed your driving lessons and the theory test, and you’ve practised driving for many hours, so it’s time now to trust your instinct and be confident throughout your driving test.
Best of luck!
