A 1st Time Pass is possible for everyone just by following a few guidelines.

• 1

  Keep It Quiet

  Tell as few people as possible. You don’t need the extra pressure. The more people you tell the more pressure you may feel. Surprise them instead!

• 2

  Eat well… Sleep Well

  Try not to have a late night the night before, and get as good a night sleep as possible. Eat well on the day, even if you don’t feel like it, to give yourself the energy needed to get you through.

• 3

  Practice, Practice, Practice

  If possible get as much private practice as you can. Try to get to your test area to practice, but if that’s not possible try to drive on a variety of road types from dual carriageways to housing estates and town centres.

• 4

  Know The Show Me Tell Me Questions

  At the start of your test you’ll be asked a Tell Me question. You’ll be asked a Show Me question while you are driving. Get off to a good start and be confident with the questions that you may be asked. Make sure you know how to open the bonnet and practice doing it before your test.

• 5

  Think Positively

  Say to yourself, “I am going to pass my test today”. Getting into the right frame of mind can make all the difference in the world. If you think you will pass, then you probably will. Remember, you are taking your test because your instructor thinks that you’re ready and a safe driver.

• 6

  Have Extra Lessons

  Keep your driving lessons regular and try to aim for extra lessons in the week or two leading up to your test. This will help you progress further and boost your confidence.

• 7

  Take A Mock Driving Test

  Do at least one mock test, under test conditions and using a test route. This will help you prepare for the big day and help to settle your nerves as you will know what to expect.

• 8

  Keep Calm

  Any time you feel tense or feel you’ve lost your focus, or if you feel you’ve made a mistake on your test, remember to concentrate on your breathing and take a few deep breaths. This will calm your mind, stop you dwelling in the past and help you focus on the next instruction.

• 9

  Not Sure About Something?

  Remember your examiner wants to make sure you’re safe on the roads. They are not trying to catch you out. If there is anything you’re not sure about just ask. They are really happy to answer your questions.

• 10

  You Are Not The Examiner

  If you make a mistake there is absolutely no point in worrying about it. What you think is a serious fault may well be only marked by the examiner as a minor fault or even no fault at all. You can’t be sure what the examiner feels so stay calm, focused and continue to drive safely. Remember, the test isn’t over until you turn the engine off and secure the car.