4 Things That Prevent People from Passing Practical Driving School Test

For many people, the driving school experience is a simple, fairly easy one. However, we cannot assume that everyone who goes through driving school passes their practical tests. Some have to do it three or four times to sail through. If you have found yourself in such a situation, you have certainly asked yourself; where do I normally get it wrong?

What are some of the common mistakes that make many people fail their first driving test? What can be done to ensure that you drive your way out of the test in the first attempt? Well, it doesn’t have to be as complicated as everyone else thinks. We take have a quick look at some of the common reasons why many people fail practical driving tests.

Observation at junctions

Many people who fail practical driving tests wait until they are at a junction before they decide what to do next. That is wrong. You should always have the next move figured out. In case of an open junction, you must observe whatever is coming from both directions. The ‘right, left and then right’ rules apply here more than you can imagine. Remember, it is easy to miss a car coming from your left. Always avoid the temptation of simply looking right then driving out. Before driving out of a junction, make the best decisions based on your observations.

Underscoring the importance of side mirrors

The side mirrors are there to help you gather as much information as possible from the road. Whatever you pick from the mirrors should then be acted upon appropriately. My Driving School instructors observe that many learners fail to use the side mirrors appropriately, failing the entire driving test in the process. A common scenario is that of driving past a parked bus without checking the mirrors. Just when you are driving out, you spot a motorcyclist passing on your right.

For many learners, such moments are characterized by confusion. You might make the motorcyclist swerve, causing an accident. When driving, it is not for you to make other road users stop, slow down or even swerve. Such moments of quick decision making might lead to accidents.

Inappropriate use of signals

Simple use of car signals might mean the difference between passing your driving test the first time and having to take it again. While on your practical driving test, you must avoid emitting any misleading signals. You do not want to leave the right signal on after successfully pulling off on the right side then driving off with the same signal still on.

Reverse packing issues

Failure to check potential blind spots might cost you a pass. The last thing you want to do is cruise through the blind spots robotically while moving your head to ‘convince’ the instructor. Instructors are there to observe that you are fully aware of your environment. When on a practical driving test, use the mirrors appropriately and keep a keen eye on the other sections you might not be able to see through the mirrors.