Advice
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The Practical Test is odd. You usually start a test with zero score, then win points. Here, you start with "no faults" but may "get" some.
But don't lose heart. Perfection is not the aim, just safety and competence. This is a controlled assessment more than a test. The "examiner" is just an observer, checking (in 40 min) that you're safe to go out alone (for 40+ years !) So ... |
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1. Eat, sleep, and be cheerful
Before the day, make sure you rest and that your blood-sugar is alright. Get a treat ready for when you pass, and friends or family to celebrate with. (And if you don't succeed, have something enjoyably distracting to do). If nerves may be a problem, ask your doctor for advice, and don't be afraid of alternatives. Visualise yourself being successful!
Before the day, make sure you rest and that your blood-sugar is alright. Get a treat ready for when you pass, and friends or family to celebrate with. (And if you don't succeed, have something enjoyably distracting to do). If nerves may be a problem, ask your doctor for advice, and don't be afraid of alternatives. Visualise yourself being successful!
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2. Take Your Time
You're in charge. Go cautiously, but not hesitantly. There's no rush. Talk yourself through stuff. All decisions are yours to make. Show other road users they can trust you. Imagine what they feel comfortable seeing. What feels a little slow will probably be right (like when you’re speaking in public). If you really want to, ask to stop for a moment. 3. Don't panic ! Don't think of this as a test, just an assessment. Go to the loo before your instructor collects you. Maybe narrate the steps of the Hazard Routine as you go. Slow down and you'll have time for everything you need to do. "Keep Calm and Drive On" (even if you must reverse first). |
4. Forget any faults
Ignore what the examiner is writing: it's not always about faults. Their job is to observe you, and are simply thinking : "Is this person safe to drive on their own ?" Your job is to concentrate on the present (which you can influence), not the past (which you can't).
Ignore what the examiner is writing: it's not always about faults. Their job is to observe you, and are simply thinking : "Is this person safe to drive on their own ?" Your job is to concentrate on the present (which you can influence), not the past (which you can't).
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5. Breathe deeply, chew, let the emotion out ...
Focus fully on the job = convince your examiner you can control your car, stay within the rules, AND anticipate others' actions. Chew gum, stop for a drink, hum, tap. Talk to yourself, or chat to them. Count exits off roundabouts as you go round. And take a friend, for moral support: they can't participate but it might make you feel more "in your own space". 6. Make it obvious If you notice a mistake, say so (though you don't need to apologise!) It'll show you knew what was right. Question them if anything's unclear. You won't be faulted for going a different way from what's been asked, only for not obeying road signs / markings ... or suddenly changing speed / direction to make up for it. |
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