The driving test day is just around the corner and the days seem to be moving too fast enough to contend with Usain Bolt. It has finally dawn on you, a complete stranger will sit next to you and decide whether or not you will get a driving license depending on the number of mistakes you make. Not to forget that stranger is paid to identify your mistakes. But don’t worry much about it. The examiners have spilled the beans on the most common mistakes candidates make on a driving test. What better way to get the info but from the judgmental strangers who are very likely to sit next to you? The best you can do is try to avoid the mistakes.
Letting your nerves take control- Most people get nervous during a driving test but letting the nerves take control could make you fail the test before you even get started. You could be an excellent driving student but the minute you get a panic attack is when everything goes south and you just can’t remember anything. Fortunately, there are effective methods you can use to overcome driving test nerves. What better time than to get started now?
Getting distracted- Distraction driving is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents on the road. Even when you get a driver’s license, getting distracted while driving could put you in a lot of trouble with the law. It goes without saying during a driving test; you should avoid talking on your phone, texting or flipping channels. But yet, there are cases of candidates getting phone calls during a test, answering the phone and telling the person on the other end that they’re in the middle of a driving test. Well, if it was a comedy script, it would be funny but these things happen.
Forgetting to check the mirrors – It only takes a few seconds to check the mirrors yet it is very common for candidates to forget it. Even if you constantly check your mirrors while reversing or making a turn, the examiner wants to see you constantly analyzing your surrounding environment while driving. Of course, you don’t have to remain glued to your side and rearview mirrors like you are watching a 3D IMAX movie on the big screen. However, you can check your mirrors after a few minutes or so while driving just to be aware of other cars around you.
Driving too slow- There is a myth that you’re supposed to drive too slowly during a road test for cautious purposes. Quite the opposite, driving too slowly could be dangerous and the reason why you’re very likely to get a fail. However, that doesn’t mean that you should drive too fast either. The aim is to stay within the speed limit; do not over-speed or under-speed.
Making rolling stops- If you’re thinking about slowing down when you come across a stop sign or a red light, don’t even think about it! You have to make a complete stop before the demarcation line marked at the stop sign or red light. The same rules should apply when you’re planning to make a right-hand turn at an intersection. Just don’t compensate your mistake by driving faster to beat a yellow light before it turns red.
Aggressive braking- Apart from driving too slowly, most new drivers have a habit of stepping on the brakes too hard for every little stop. From a distance, the car looks like it just had a heart attack and came to sudden stop. Inside, the passengers are suddenly thrown forward without prior warning. Examiners hate that mistake! The only time you can apply hard braking is during an emergency when your only option is to stop abruptly. Otherwise, stick to gradually decelerating and gently stepping on the brakes when you want to slow down or stop.
Not inspecting your vehicle- If the examiner finds out your car is faulty, the test will be over even before it begins. Before you take your car to the meet up point, make sure it complies with the safety laws. Inspect the critical components such as the windshield, wiper, headlights, turn signals and seat belts. Don’t forget to clean the interior and exterior of the car.
Not giving the right of way- Most candidates get confused at the intersection. Usually, they do not know who has the right of way in an intersection. Remember, the first car to arrive at the intersection has the right of way. If both of you arrived simultaneously, the right of way automatically goes to whoever is on the right. Additionally, you should always yield to pedestrians especially at crosswalks. Make sure not to drive your car through a crosswalk unless there are no pedestrians on both sides.
