Learning to drive is a nerve-wracking process at the best of times. Your first time driving a vehicle on the road is terrifying. Whilst learning to keep up with traffic can be a hugely stressful aspect of the journey to a qualified driver. But even more stressful by far is trying to pass your practical driving test, which condenses weeks of tutored driving into a relatively short journey with a high watermark for success.

According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, the pass rate was less than half in 2020-21. But what can you do to improve your chances for your upcoming practical driving test?

Practice With Another Driver, and In Your Car

The single most effective thing you can do to all-but guarantee a practical driving test pass is to practice, and practice well. Driving lessons are expensive, and can be prohibitively after a long time learning. So don’t be afraid to brush up before an exam with a trusted friend or family member instead.

You might already have your own car, and you might be keen on getting to grips with it as soon as possible. If this is the case, getting learner insurance for a day can cover you for driving your car providing there is a driver in the car with you. This is a win-win, as you can practice for your test and ask questions along the way.

I think another good tip is to start practicing from a young age. My children have both had early driving lessons, its a good way to give them more confidence in their ability. Driving can be quite nerve wrecking so the Young Driver Experience is a fantastic starting point if you want to be better prepared to pass your practical.

Scout the Test Area

It’s important that you know exactly what you’re dealing with when it comes to your practical exam. That goes for the location of the test just as much as its content. Knowing the roads on which you’re being tested well can work heavily in your favour. No nasty surprises with road flow and signage means no easily-avoidable faults.

It is common for learner drivers to let their budget lead them when it comes to testing and scheduling. It may be that you have done the same, and found yourself taking your practical exam in a completely different area you are not otherwise familiar with. Here, this advice is more important than ever! The more you are comfortable with the roads around you, the less likely you are to make a silly mistake during your test.

Don’t Rush!

It can be all too easy to throw yourself into the rigours of lessons and testing, without checking in to see if you are ready for either. Rather than booking your practical test straight away and crossing your fingers for a good day, you might find a better approach in taking your time. Give yourself ample time to brush up on key things, and give your brain room to rest. Not only will you want to be clued-up on driving, but you will also want to be as stress-free as can be, in order to eliminate the likelihood of nerve-related mistakes.