Article written by Russell from our Sunshine Coast Team.

PREPERATION FOR A TEST

Doing a Driving Test, and hopefully passing, is a huge moment in your life. It's a real game changer, especially with the independence gained and the benefit of just going places when ever you want to. For example, getting to work or just pleasant road trips or visits to friends and loved ones.

The Driving Schools and Supervisors with the best teaching philosophies not only teach you to pass a Test, but also to drive safely for the remainder of your driving life. Here are a few points to consider in order to help you be successful when the big day comes on Test day.

1. Make sure you have had sufficient Instruction leading up to the test. Some students may have their 100 hours up, but are still not ready to pass a test. The majority of failures are put down to the fact that the student was simply not at the required level. Get lessons with an Instructor, preferably one who has been referred from a friend or workmate. Ask the Instructor to do Mock Driving Tests with you. This is an excellent way to find out your current level and what you need to work on. Take on board the feedback!

2. For students with International Licences, get lessons. A lot of students underestimate what is required because they may have been driving around for some time with no supervision. Typically, they still have a few bad habits and usually need proper Instruction on conducting manoeuvres safely. It is very important to test your skills before you sit for a test as once you sit for your driving test you cannot drive on your International licence until you successfully pass a follow up driving test.

3. Consider the best car to use for your Test to give you the best chance of passing. Only two options, the car from home that you may of done most of your driving in, or a Driving School car. If using your own car or family car make sure its clean and roadworthy. Plenty of tread on the tyres, Indicators and brake lights all working, door and window handles and seat belts in good order. Students in Driving School cars have a slightly higher pass rate on Test day.

4. Book a test centre that is close to where you have done most of your driving. Some students make the mistake of trying to get an early test date by travelling to a test area they are not familiar with and in my experience this doesn’t end well on most occasions.
5. Ensure you have the required documentation if on an International licenced and have completed the Hazard Perception Test if on a Qld Learners. Bring your licence and money or card to pay for your new licence. Plan to be successful !
6. Prepare well personally leading up to Test time. If your Test is in the afternoon, don’t sit at home and think about it, stay busy. Go to school, have a run or go to the gym. Keep occupied. Get a good nights sleep the night before. A lot of students benefit from having an hour lesson just before the driving test This a great way to burn up a little nervous energy and review all skills. Remember, by this point you should already have the necessary skills to pass the test. 
7. Do an exercise called Commentary Drive when you do the test. It simply means look ahead and talk to yourself about what you see up ahead and also check rear view and speed every 7 seconds, quickly of course. Its a wonderful method of increasing your observation and focus levels. "Observation" is  absolutely paramount on test day, and all driving there after. Driving Examiners like to hear during the test. They are a little more relaxed when you may say “Red light ahead. Slowing down” for example. Its very much a mental thing on the day and this talking to yourself will help immensely if you do it well. I’ve found clearly over the years that most failures are due to a lack of applied focus and a Commentary Drive helps greatly to keep that concentration level high. Your driving part of the test is only 30 minutes, so put everything into it to make it work for you.
8. Stay calm as possible, don’t rush, the test is all about Safety, not you doing things in a hurry. Be mindful, PUT ALL YOUR EFFORT INTO FOCUSING ON THE MOMENT, don’t think of anything else. Remember, by this point you already have the skills to drive (and therefore pass the test).