Trying to Safely Pass your Driving Test? Let Me Help!
By Features Editor Chloe Barrett
Learning how to drive can be an incredibly daunting process. I have been behind the wheel for almost three years now, and I can still perfectly recall walking into the test centre as a bundle of anxiety. This is why I am writing to you today. Think of me as an agony aunt type character, but instead of writing to me about your husband no longer wanting to share your marital bed, I bestow driving tips upon you. Whether you are just beginning to learn, or are waiting for a test date, hopefully, some of my tips will gift you, dear reader, with confidence and safety.
Do Not Focus on Passing the First Time:
This is something that twenty-year-old Chloe really needed to hear. There is nothing wrong with confidence, but if you expect that you will most certainly pass, the high chance that you may not will sting even harder. It might seem difficult, but not numbering your attempts and instead focusing on driving safely, alongside the fact that one day, you will pass is such a more effective strategy. You might even find it helpful to pretend that your first test is just a practice run. While pre-tests are a great idea, putting yourself in the position and learning how the whole ordeal goes will lower your anxiety and hopefully make the whole process a lot less stressful. As long as you are a safe driver, you will get there, do not worry!
Refrain From Telling Everyone:
After I had booked my test for the first time, I told people that I was going in on a certain date and in my mind, I was a great little driver and would be shocked if I did not pass. Guess what? I did not pass! Shocker, I know. Not only was I mopey when I was leaving the test centre, but I also had messages popping up on my phone from people who cared about me wanting to know how I did. It honestly crushed me having to text back and let them know that unfortunately, I was still a learner driver. Even though their intentions were filled to the brim with kindness, it stung. They will be delighted for you when the amazing news is shared, regardless if you tell them beforehand or not.
Practice Regularly:
I know, you are absolutely sick of hearing people bug you about practicing, and I am a mere voice getting lost in that void. However, on the off chance that you are listening, or rather, reading, please do get your practice in. Driving is not something that you can learn from a book, you must physically go out in the car and demonstrate your little maneuvers. Even if you are only dedicating an hour a week, that is better than nothing! It truly will stand to you when the test date rolls around. After all, there is, realistically, no point in paying to take the test when you have not prepared adequately. It is just a waste of money, and with the waiting lists being so long, you are only pushing yourself further down it. Find yourself an empty area, even if it’s the end of your estate, and head over there! With your accompanying driver, of course. Even figuring out things that seem basic, such as studying how many times you have to turn the wheel to make a tight corner, can really come in useful, both during the test and in your normal life; you do not want to be clipping someone else’s car because your turn is slightly too wide.
I would also suggest that you study the size of your vehicle in general. I drive a small enough car, but figuring out the width, especially when trying to fit down narrow streets or into a tight parking space, still makes me quite anxious – I am always afraid I have misjudged the gap. Only recently did I finally take the plunge and park in an industrial car park, which, for those of you who cannot visualize it, is basically an indoor place to park but has quite a lot of steep ramps and twists to get in and venture up different levels. They really frightened me, but I was super proud of myself for taking the plunge and attempting it, even if it did take a good amount of encouragement. Only try things when you are ready, and if you have doubts about fitting into that especially small-looking parking space, just circle around and find a new one!
Still Embarking on your Theory Test?
Not a problem! My only suggestion for the first part of your driving journey is to use the theory tester online. When it comes to memorizing things, my little brain often fails me, and I really struggled trying to prepare for the theory. The website will take all the possible questions that you might be officially tested on and jumble them up. Over time, I promise, you will start to recognise certain questions and absolutely nail them. I know it sounds boring, but just give it a couple of tries before you completely disregard the idea. It helped me fly through the actual thing, and I was incredibly grateful for it.
I hope some of you out there have found these somewhat mundane tips useful. Driving a big mechanical machine is daunting, and honestly, it should be. When you get onto the road, you are taking your own life, along with others, into your hands. So please, drive safely!
