Libra Driving School

Passing your driving test is an incredibly liberating experience and a moment to be savoured. There's nothing quite like saying goodbye to the L plates and trading in your provisional for a full licence.

How long it takes to get there varies differently from person to person. Some individuals can pass in a week on an intensive course, while others take a year or more, plus several tests. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA), the body charged with examining new drivers and ensuring instructors are up to scratch recommends that learners take 40 hours of professional training with 20 hours of private practice. It might seem a lot, but it will mean that you're sufficiently competent and confident to use the roads as safely as possible.

The driving test itself will take around 40 minutes during which you'll be permitted no more than 15 minor errors or one major error. You will also be asked to perform a series of manoeuvres, which may include reversing around a corner, making a three-point turn, parking parallel, bay park and possibly even an emergency stop.

To stand the best chance of passing first time, you could try the following:

1) Have a lesson beforehand

Arrange a 'dry run' the day of your test with your instructor to get yourself warmed up for the big occasion. It will mean that you can address any concerns you have prior to the examination and do your best to eliminate them.

2) Stay calm

Take deep breaths and think positively. If need be, assure yourself in your head that you're able to accomplish what is asked of you and don't worry if you think you've failed - you may not have!

3) Prepare well

Make sure you're familiar with the routes that you take. Make a note of where the major obstacles are and how best to tackle them.

4) Keep your eyes on the road

It might be tempting to glance over and look at what the examiner may be noting, but keep focused on the task in hand.

To stand the best chance of passing first time, you could try the following:

5) Remember the essentials

If you fail to turn up with your provisional license and the photo part, then you won't be able to take your test and will lose your fee too, so whatever you do, don't forget them.

6) Watch the speedometer

One of the most frequent reasons for failing a driving test is driving at an inappropriate speed, so keep an eye on what the speedometer tells you. Even driving too slowly can be detrimental to your chances!

As well as preparing with your instructor, you should embark on some private practice with somebody who can accompany you. For this, you'll need a learner drivers' insurance policy, plus the obligatory 'L' plates (or 'D' in Wales). You should liaise with your instructor to see what skills you need to brush up on leading up to your test. And always remember that even if you don't pass first time, it's not the end of the world.

If you do pass and you have your own car then you'll need to invest in drivers car insurance by shopping around online using a comparison sit its where its easy to locate the best deals.Further information on new drivers insurance can be found at : http://www.gocompare.com/car-insurance/learner-drivers.aspx

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