| .www.theinstructor.com | Practical
test page 1 of 3 |
0141
586 0614 |
These
pages are designed to help learner drivers preparing for their practical
test |
| Hopefully, it will take some of the mystery out of the big day, by giving as much information as possible, help pupils to understand what's expected of them, and give more confidence in coping with situations. It is important to deal with every situation at the time, once you have completed it, the examiner will deal with the assessment. Once a hazard has been dealt with you cannot change things, so concentrate on what happens immediately after that. Worrying about what you have previously done could affect your ability to cope with the next circumstance effectively. ( ie stalling the engine, retrieving it, but forgetting to recheck the movement of other drivers around you. |
| Once you have passed your theory test and your instructor feels you are ready, the next step is to check the test fee .and book a practical test. There are three methods of doing this : |
|
| The waiting room : |
| The examiner calls your name, and asks you " to read the declaration which states that your vehicle is covered by a valid policy of insurance for the test " Read and sign the box ( top left DL 25 ). He will then ask you to produce your licence. If your licence is of the older type ( no photo ID ), then you must have something with a photo ( passport ) to be able to sit the test. The newer licence comes in two parts ie photo card and counterpart, and both must be present for the test to go ahead. At this point, you will be asked to " lead the way to your vehicle " As you walk out, the examiner will want to know where you are parked so he can stop you and ask you to read a number plate - preferably not your own ! |
| 1a Eyesight : Candidates must be able to read a car number plate @ 20.5 metres. If you wear glasses to read the plate, they must be worn at all times during the test. .>...........................................................................................................................> |  |
| 1b Safety : The examiner will now ask you two Safety questions . You will be marked one minor fault if you get one or both wrong. These questions are to do with general maintenance ( level checks tyre pressures etc ) and should be carried out on the car regularly by the person responsible - the driver. These 12 questions and answers can be downloaded here from this link. |
| Before you start, insure you are comfortably seated and all controls can be safely operated.. ( Precautions no 11 ) |
| You are now ready to start driving ! |
| Instructions for moving off at the start of the test : When your both in the car, the examiner will explain the directional instructions to you : " I would like you to follow the road ahead, unless traffic signs direct you otherwise, or I ask you to turn, which I will do in good time. - Move off when you are ready please ". So approaching traffic lights and give way junctions, plan your lane position and speed early, and continue to go ahead until told otherwise. |
| Get a good smooth start ( no 12 ) by co-ordinating the controls well : accelerator, clutch, footbrake, handbrake and steering |
| Move off safely ( no 13 ) after you have had a good look round you. Remember other learners on test are keen to get going too. Be patient and give them a chance. Consider the use of a moving off signal to warn other pupils if you intend to go directly. Two or three candidates driving off at the same time can cause confusion. |
| Marking sheet DL 25 - fault recording explained |
|
|
| One serious or one dangerous driving fault is enough to justify a fail on the test. If candidates have minor faults and no serious or dangerous ones, they are allowed up to 16 before they fail ! |
During the test be aware of what's happening round about you, and try not to focus on the examiner's marking. Concentrate on the job in hand and deal with each situation as it happens, even if you come across one you have not experienced before. To dwell on a previous incident may affect your concentration later. The test itself lasts some 40 - 50 minutes, so if you have had some double lessons leading up to it, you will feel comfortable with the time span. Remember you are out with your instructor for one hour, and nearly a full hour on test ! Try not to let everyone know about the day of your test - you have enough pressure. |
|
|
|
| Site created and maintained by: gerrybrennan.com © 2001-2008 |
