Each year, there are around 1.6 million driving tests in England, Scotland and Wales; yet, according to official statistics, more than half of all learners will fail. You can avoid becoming part of this statistic by ensuring you are as prepared as you can possibly be for the practical test.

1. Be on time

It may seem obvious, but turning up in good time for your test will start you off on the right foot.
Arriving late puts you at risk of missing your test entirely, while rushing to get there in time will leave you feeling flustered, even if you do make it.
Arrive at your test centre 10-20 minutes beforehand so that you have long enough to prepare, but won’t be waiting around too long.
Ensuring you get a good night’s sleep is also important to avoid unnecessary stress or anxiety.

2. Have a lesson beforehand

It is recommended to have a driving lesson on the day of your test if possible – that way you can go over any manoeuvres or ask for clarification on last-minute questions you may have.
A lesson beforehand will help calm your nerves and put you in the right frame of mind for driving, especially if you have been receiving two-hour lessons in the weeks building up to your test, which I would also recommend.

3. Check that you have everything you need

Thousands of driving tests each year don’t go ahead because the candidate fails to turn up with everything they need on the day. Make sure you have all the required documents (driving licence) and that your car is properly equipped and up to the test standard.

4. Use your instructor’s car

Being in a car you know well and feel comfortable in can maximise the chances of passing your driving test first time. Not only will it definitely be up to the examiners’ standard (there are certain requirements like having additional mirrors that test cars have to meet) but you’ll also have an advantage when it comes to the ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ section of the test – knowing precisely where and how to activate controls such as the rear demister or fog lights, for example.

For the ‘tell me’ question you’ll need to explain how you’d carry out a safety task. For the ‘show me’ question, you’ll have to demonstrate how you would carry out a basic task whilst on the move.
Ask your instructor to talk you through the mechanics of the car as many times as you need. This will help you to sail through the beginning part of your test, so you can start off feeling confident before you’ve even got out on the road!

5. Take your instructor along for reassurance

It is not compulsory to take anyone along with you but be aware that you do have the option to take your instructor in the car for the duration of the test. It may put you at ease and help you to feel more comfortable.
They will also provide another pair of eyes – so if you do happen to fail, they’ll have additional constructive feedback. In fact, you can take anyone you want along for reassurance, providing they are over 16.

6. Ask your examiner to repeat instructions, if required

If you don’t hear an instruction properly during your test, stay calm and ask the examiner to repeat it. Panicking will only cause you to lose focus and slip up.

7. Don’t assume you have failed

One of the most important tips to pass your driving test is to never assume you have already failed. If you do make a mistake, remember you are allowed up to 15 driving faults during your test, so try not to dwell on them and always assume you are still going to pass.
An error like stalling is a driving fault (as long as it is not in a potentially dangerous situation), even if it feels like you have made a huge mistake at the time. If it happens, remain in control and restart the car. Don’t let minor mistakes play on your mind, or you run the risk of making even more.

8. Choose where you want to take your test

It’s natural that driving test centres located in congested areas with lots of complicated roundabouts have lower pass rates than those in rural areas with nothing but a few tractors and stray livestock to worry about.
While taking your test on the Isle of Mull - where there’s a pass rate of more than 90% - is unreasonable for most of us, compare the test pass rates of your local test centres. It is not cheating to take your test somewhere with a higher pass rate - but do ask yourself whether doing so will properly prepare you for driving after taking the test.

9. Get to know your test routes

It is impossible to know where you will be directed on the day or what traffic or hazards you will face along the way. However, once you have selected your test centre, you can always get to know the area and test routes beforehand.
It is important to make sure that you have practiced on a variety of roads. A mixture of major and minor roads, country lanes and dual carriageways is important if you want to avoid any nasty surprises on your test day.

10. Regularly Check Your Mirrors

One of the biggest causes of driving faults for many learner drivers in their test is a lack of observation. Check your mirrors regularly - especially when setting off, approaching hazards, changing road position and changing gears.
While examiners are trained to look out for you checking your mirrors (and will have an extra mirror to do so), sometimes being a bit over the top in your mirror-checking won’t do any harm.
Move your head when checking your mirrors and your examiner is less likely to give you a driving fault than if you give the mirror a quick glance. You are unlikely to get marked down for checking your mirrors too often!

11. Choose when to take your test

Don’t book your test for a time when you’re likely to have other things on your mind.
Whether it is school work, exams, family commitments or anything else, make sure your test falls at a time you can give it your undivided attention, to ensure you have the best chance of passing.

12. Learn to drive in different conditions

You can hope for dry and sunny weather when it comes to taking your test but, as we all know, there are no guarantees. Make sure you have practiced with your instructor in both rain and shine. Also get out on the road when it’s foggy and dark, just so you can feel confident if the weather takes a turn for the worse.