TEST NERVES & SERIOUS FAULTS








If you were about to sit a normal examination, and you didn't know what the questions were going to be, you were not sure what you had been supposed to learn, and had possibly missed some of the preparation anyway, because of the cost, it would be surprising if you were not a little apprehensive.

Yet this is how most people go into their driving test, and is the basis of test nerves, as opposed to general anxiety because of the occasion. Let's examine that first paragraph.

"You don't know what the questions are going to be" - oh yes you do!! They are clearly laid out in the booklet published by the DSA "Your Driving Test" available from any decent bookseller. They are also laid out on the examiner's marking sheet, as topics, together with your responses, though you won't see that until after the test. They are also laid out below. From 2nd February 2004, a "universal" marking sheet will be used. This will be used on all tests for all categories, so some boxes on the new sheet will not apply to the "L" Test. The relevant topics will still be as below, though.

"You were not sure what you had been supposed to learn" - if you go through this web site carefully, that is cleared up too. Your ADI instructor will know too and should cover everything in the curriculum during your training. Read the booklet mentioned above and if the instructor is not covering everything, get another instructor.

"Missed some of the preparation" - ie not enough lessons. Well this is up to you. It is an expensive business, and if you can't afford the training and qualifying, are you sure you can afford to maintain a car in roadworthy condition? If you try to cut the training short, the instructor will not be able to cover everything properly, be guided by the instructor.

So these are the actual questions you will be marked on during your practical test. If you get them right, you must pass. Look through them. Click on each aspect, one at a time, and a small pop-up window will appear showing what serious marks can be made against that aspect. These are information only pop-ups and are not linked to any advert. Close the window before selecting another aspect. Please note that if your browser or security settings do not allow "pop-ups", or Java is disabled, they may not work.

THE TOPICS OF THE QUESTIONS

Eyesight Test Precautions before starting the engine Proper use of Accelerator Clutch control
Correct use of Gears Proper use of footbrake Proper use of handbrake Proper use of steering
Move off safely Move off under control Emergency Stop Corner Reverse
Turn in the road Reverse park,Bay or Road Mirrors before signalling Mirrors before turning
Mirrors before changing speed Proper use of signals Traffic signs/road markings Traffic lights/controllers
Proper use of speed Following distance Progress/appropriate speed Progress/hesitation
Junctions approach speed Junctions/observation Position before turning left Position before turning right
Cutting corners Overtaking Meeting oncoming traffic Crossing oncoming traffic
Normal position Lane discipline Clearance to obstructions Pedestrian crossings
Position for normal stops Anticipation Forward planning Ancillary controls

You might want to try an audio CD that aims to calm your nerves by helping you to relax. If you feel this might help, go to "Pass your driving Test". I have no financial links with this company.

There is also a very good page on test nerves at 2Pass web site Please be aware you will be leaving this site.

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