Up and down the country, there have been extended delays of driving tests. Leaving learner drivers with more time on their hands then expected. Due to the impact of the pandemic, almost half of learners have had their driving test cancelled. The backlog of those wanting to learn has left instructors with jam-packed schedules. So with all this extra time, it’s time to prepare for your driving test!
With the DVSA recently announcing that there could be waiting times of up to 17 weeks till your test, if you’re someone who has been learning to drive and want to know ways in which you can improve your skills in this time, then look no further! Here’s some simple ways that you can make the most of your time, in preparation for your practical driving test.
Get to grips with the car
As well as an essential skill when driving, part of your test will actually involve questions on how to maintain a car. So, in preparation for this, whilst waiting for your test, you could get used to where things are in the car.
You should learn how to open the bonnet, where the oil is and how to check it, for example. Its worth also knowing where you have to put the engine coolant and the screen-wash. As previously mentioned, these might be one of the questions that crop up during the exam, but will also help you when you get your own car.
Learning the ins and outs of the car will also help you understand what to do when driving in different conditions, especially when the British weather could throw anything at you on the day of your test.
You should learn where and how to turn on the lights in a car, and if necessary, how to use the fog lights. On a cold or rainy day, you may also have to use the air systems to de-mist the windows, which is important to learn, as the driving examiner will not do this for you.
Using your time before you take the test to learn all these things will help you be more confident when it comes to the all-important day. Plus, this is something you can do with a family member’s car, if you’re struggling to book in with your instructor right now.
Research the routes of the test
If you know where the test centre is likely to be for when you get round to taking your test, then you can use this to your advantage and get to know the roads in that area beforehand. That way you can be more confident of the different road types you might be driving when it’s the real deal!
It may be the case that you can’t do this with your instructor at the moment, but a quick search of the area on a map can still help. Plus, you can look up the expected traffic levels or any speed restrictions on the roads near to the test centre, so you know a little more of what to expect during your test.
Alternatively, you can gain some more experience of the roads by going out driving with a friend or family member in the extra time you have before your test. You just need to make sure that they are over the age of 21, have insurance for their car that includes a learner driver, and that their own driving licence has been held for a minimum of three years. If they tick all three boxes, then you can get ready to head out onto the roads and practice driving!
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