Book your driving test
Book your driving test
Are you ready for your driving test? With demand at an all-time high, you are more than likely to have your test booked already, and now the date is approaching. Here is our guide to preparing for your driving test.
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So the date of your driving test is approaching and you need to make sure you are ready to pass. Here’s some useful information on getting the experience, reasons students have failed and what to avoid.
According to the DVSA, 51 out of every 100 driving tests failed during January 2025. A big factor behind this is the need for more sufficient driving experience. On average, it takes 45 hours of driving lessons with an instructor and 22 hours of practice with family or friends to be fully prepared. These hours ensure you have a broad understanding of different driving scenarios, from busy city streets to rural roads.
It’s tempting to rush into your test, especially if you’re eager to start driving independently. However, ensuring you’re genuinely ready will save you from potential disappointment and make you a safer driver in the long run.
Trusting your RED driving instructor to tell you when you are ready for your driving test is essential, as they are highly trained and experienced in assessing a learner’s ability to handle real-world driving scenarios. They can evaluate your skills, including:
Their feedback is grounded in years of experience preparing students for tests, so you can rely on their judgment to guide you through the learning process.
While professional lessons are crucial, additional practice with family or friends can make a significant difference. These real-world experiences outside your structured lessons will help solidify your skills and give you the confidence to drive independently. Practice regularly to keep your skills sharp.
There’s a wide variety of reasons people fail their driving test, and for most learners, it comes down to one simple factor: not having enough real-world driving experience. You may have perfected your manoeuvres in lessons, but the unpredictable nature of driving in different conditions truly tests your skills.
Whether making a minor mistake due to nerves or being caught off guard by an unexpected situation, gaining enough experience and preparing for various road conditions is crucial to passing.
According to the DVSA, 1 in 5 failed students fail due to making a simple mistake. This could be anything from stalling the car to misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic at a junction. These mistakes often happen due to a lack of preparation or nerves.
Another key factor is nerves. Driving tests can be stressful, especially if you’re not confident in your abilities. About 1 in 10 candidates say nervousness caused them to fail. Staying calm and composed can make all the difference.
Technical errors, like failing to complete a manoeuvre correctly, are also common reasons for failure. It’s all about practice—especially under test-like conditions, so make sure you practise reverse parking, parallel parking, and three-point turns so you feel more comfortable.
Avoiding failure is all about being prepared. The better prepared you are, the more confident and relaxed you’ll feel on test day. Here’s what you can do to boost your chances of passing:
If you have a driving test booked but feel that you’re not yet ready, you can re-arrange the test for free as long as it’s 3 working days before (Monday – Saturday)
Your driving instructor should be helping you with these things and won’t suggest you take your test until you are ready. Listen to their advice, and don’t rush into booking your test if you feel unprepared.
You can easily book your driving test online through the DVSA website. Make sure you choose a test centre you’re familiar with, as this can reduce test-day nerves and increase your comfort with the surrounding roads. Check the availability early, as many test centres can have long waiting times, especially in busy areas.
Yes! Practising driving with family or friends is highly recommended for extra experience. To do this legally, you’ll need learner driver insurance, which can be easily arranged to cover you while practising in someone else’s car or your own.
If you have a driving test booked but feel unsure about your readiness, don’t hesitate to reschedule. You can change the date for free, as long as it's at least three working days before the test (Monday to Saturday). Your driving instructor can guide you in assessing your readiness. Their recommendation will likely indicate whether you’re ready to pass or need more time. Listen to their advice, and don’t rush the process.
Learning to drive in a manual car is not for everyone – for many people, automatic driving lessons are a better option. Find out more.
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