How to pass your driving test first time

Learning how to drive can be exciting, and getting behind the wheel for the first time is empowering. If you’re taking driving lessons and your driving test is not far away, you may be wondering how to pass your driving test first time. Usually, around 50% of drivers will pass their driving test on the first go. Increase your chances of passing your driving test by following our 8 simple tips below. 

How long does it take to pass your driving test? 

The average driver needs around 40-50 hours of driving lessons before they are ready to take their driving test. However, it can be completely dependent on the learner and how they are progressing. What seems to set drivers back in terms of how long it takes to pass is the driving test waiting times. After COVID-19, there was a huge backlog of learners wanting to take their driving tests and the industry is still being affected today. Currently, it can take up to 24 weeks or more for a driving test date to become available. 

How many people pass their driving test first time?

Around 50% of learners pass their driving first time. However, there are many factors which can affect your ability to pass your driving test the first time. If you don’t pass first time, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are a bad driver. Instead, could indicate you need more lessons or need more time to prepare.

Read our top tips below to increase your chances of passing your driving test first time. 

Tips to pass your driving test: 

1. Practice, Practice, Practice. 

It may seem obvious, but the more you practice, the more likely you are to pass your driving test. Your instructor will give you guidance on when they feel as though you are ready, but if you don’t feel confident and feel you need more lessons, tell your instructor. alternatively, you can also practice at home with a friend or family member. You will need to have learner ‘L plates’ displayed on your vehicle and suitable learner driver insurance in place. The person accompanying you will also need to have had their full UK license for at least 3 years and be at least 21 years old. 

3. Do a mock test. 

Your driving instructor may want you to undergo a mock driving test to see how likely you are to pass. Treat the mock test just like the real thing and it can help to prepare you for your driving test. If you can easily pass a mock test, it will give you more confidence in your ability to drive. If you don’t, don’t be disheartened! It can be a great opportunity to identify any weak areas and where you need to improve. 

4. Ace your ‘show me, tell me’ questions. 

‘Show me, tell me’ is an important part of your practical driving test. It aims to test your knowledge of safety and you will be asked two ‘show me, tell me’ questions at the start of your driving test. You can view all the ‘show me, tell me’ questions online before you take your test. You should learn and recite these questions during your driving lessons with your instructor to make sure you’re ready to pass. Some common ‘show me, tell me’ questions are below. 

Tell me…

• Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
• Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
• Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

Test your ‘show me, tell me’ knowledge.

5. Take your time. 

The key to passing your driving test is to take your time and not panic. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself and think about the full exam. Instead, take the test step by step and focus on each road as it comes. This can help you to avoid getting overwhelmed and making rushed decisions. Keep your thought process simple and don’t get disheartened if you feel you have made a mistake. It can be easy to put yourself in a negative frame of mind and assume you have failed. before you start the test, take a deep breath and be confident in the knowledge and experience you have. 

6. Refresh your theory test knowledge. 

Before you book a practical driving test, you have to have passed your theory test. Many driving instructors encourage you to book in for your theory as early as possible when learning how to drive. It can be a good idea to revisit the theory test just before your practical driving exam. Your theory test aims to test your hazard perception skills and your driving knowledge, both of which will be used on the day of your practical exam. 

7. Mirror, signal, manoeuvre. 

When you’re learning how to drive, there are three words which are your bread and butter. Mirror. Signal. Manoeuvre. These actions need to be performed before you make any movement on the road. The examiner will be watching to make sure you check your mirrors, use the appropriate signal and then manoeuvre safely.

8. Be on time and bring your documents. 

It may seem pretty obvious but you should be on time for your driving test. You’ll get stressed out if you turn up late or you could even miss your allotted time altogether. Make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes before your test start time to ensure you are there on time and can have a short break to gather your thoughts first. You’ll also need to bring with you your UK provisional license and your theory pass certificate.