Getting Your Driver's Licence

When attempting your Licence Assessment, you may feel a range of emotions – i.e. pressure from your friends who already have their licenses and are driving their cars. Personally you may well be feeling threatened by the possibility that you may fail your driving test. Perhaps your Parents have an expectation that you should pass first time or the cost of the Assessment is concerning you.

….. and you will be driving with an Assessor in the car – someone whom you don’t know and whom is studying your every move!

This is a very different scenario from driving with a friendly Trainer, a parent or friend.

Keeping your mind calm and composed while completing a Licence Assessment can be a very daunting task. Here are some tips to assist you to conquer nerves and blitz your Test.

Statistics prove that it is essential to have a cool and relaxed mind to have the best chance of passing the Assessment. The pressure can seem overwhelming but as long as you have sound skills and strong preparation, you really have nothing to worry about.  Sound skills include - strong road rule knowledge, well practiced physical skills and familiarity with the Assessment area.

Many people make the most rudimentary of mistakes under pressure. You can avoid many mistakes through good preparation. For example, your car must be clean, safe and roadworthy (tyres/lights, etc) and you must have the correct papers as well – such as ID/permits.

While taking your driving test, be seated comfortably in an upright and alert position - definitely not lounging! Before you log in for the Assessment, adjust the positioning of your seat to operate the pedals with ease and set up your mirrors. Once in the car, impress your Assessor before starting the car, by fastening your seat belt, rechecking seat position & your mirrors.

Take a few deep breaths to settle your nerves, steady your breathing, relax your mind and body and release any extra tension.  Now you are mentally ready to start your assessment.

During your assessment listen carefully to instructions from your Assessor and don’t be afraid to clarify them, but be courteous and polite. Ensure you use your signals and mirrors at appropriate times, be cautious but confident. Obey all road signs, especially speed, stop and traffic flow. Be alert at intersections and watch for special areas such as school zones, zebra crossings and crosswalks. While driving in heavy traffic, maintain a steady speed and distance between your car and the vehicle in front of it. While making turns or going through intersections be sure to look right, left and right once again.

The Assessor may choose to test you on busy or congested roads and the pressure on you may feel greater, but …  the basic rules do not change. The key to driving well is using your proactive driving techniques, awareness, observation and to be in good control of your vehicle at all times.

In order to prepare for your driving test, we recommend you learn the key skills from a drivestyle Driver Trainer and then practice these skills as much as possible.  

Your highly skilled drivestyle  Driver Trainer will assist you to be aware of the minimum mandatory skills required at assessment, so you don’t get caught short.

Strong preparation will help you to relax and you can do your best to Blitz the Licence Assessment!

Practical Driver Assessment (Licence Centre Test)

Practical Assessment Test

This is all about how well you can drive!

The Examiner will test your practical skills such as parking, obeying signage, observation, awareness, correct use of vehicle (mirrors, speed, gears, etc). They are also expecting you to demonstrate thorough road rule knowledge to be competent.

So how can you prepare and give yourself the best chance of passing?

Each testing center will have set routes that the Examiners prefer.

It is advisable to discover what these routes may be, well before the practical test so that you can develop a level of comfort. Make special note of signs and special conditions such as speed limits, school zones, etc.

Having advance warning and knowledge of these specific hazards can assist you in passing your exam, as you will be more aware of potential surprises.

• Ensure you have formal driving lessons to identify if you have a thorough knowledge and skill set.
• Choose an experienced Driver Trainer for this and trust in their knowledge. They will also know the likely routes for the test!
• Get as much driving practice as you can to build your confidence and experience.
• Attempting a test without this may just waste your time & money!

It is recommended to have a lesson an hour before your test. This reinforces your knowledge and settles nerves. Arrive at the centre early, so you are not flustered. Make sure you have all of the correct papers and the car you use meets the examiners criteria (clean, roadworthy, etc).

Take your time when you get into the car - no need to rush. Recheck your seat position and mirrors.  Sitting comfortably from the beginning will stop you from wriggling around and having to adjust later and risk being marked down.

There are many different Examiners who have their own procedure and attitudes.

Listen carefully to their instructions and relax. You can query or clarify their instructions, but please be polite and respectful at all times.

By ensuring you have good driving skills, strong knowledge of rules and a strong idea of what to expect prior to your exam, you have taken important steps to help you in succeeding in your license efforts.

(for more info and tips visit drivestyle.com.au)

What To Expect From A Driving Test

There are two primary parts to getting a driving license :-

• a written test to gain your initial Learner’s permit and
• a practical assessment test that will take place during the day in normal traffic.

Part 1 - Learner’s Permit – Written Test

The questions are designed to ensure that the applicant is fully aware of the rules and regulations associated with driving. Knowing these rules is paramount to passing both the written and the practical tests.

There will not be any deliberate trick questions, but a strong knowledge is required to pass this test. Allocating time to study and learn these rules is strongly recommended.

The Department of Transport offers online booklets and mock tests for the Learner’s permit phase. This department also designs the test, administers and issues the Learners Permits.

for more info - visit

drivestyle.com.au

Welcome

Our new blog page is finally open - we hope to make regular posts including interesting facts, tips, news and hints for drivers of all ages and skills.
If you are in the Learner category these could be very useful for approaching your Permit test and Driver Assessment Tests.
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