If you’re preparing to take your driving test you understand the mixed emotions of absolute anticipation, overwhelming excitement, nervous anxiety and even dread that precedes the actual test!
Here’s some tips to help you prepare for your test…. that also serve as a great reminder for those of us that have had their licence for a while!
Practice, Practice, Practice! Try to get as much ‘in the car’ practice as possible, it really is the best way to build confidence and understand the road rules you have to study. You’ll also get a better understanding of how other road users act towards a vehicle with an ‘L’ plate on display! And you’ll be much better prepared for the test.- Remember the 9 o’clock / 3 o’clock rule! Keep your hands on the wheel! Another useful suggestion to help you ace a driving test is to keep both of your paws on the steering wheel. Grab hold of the steering wheel at the 9 o’clock / 3 o’clock positions and keep your hands there. This strategy is safe, effective, and it will help put your instructor at ease.
- Watch what’s happening in the distance! In both racing and street driving, it’s important to look far ahead of your own vehicle. Keeping an eye on what’s happening in the distance is critical. The sooner you see something, the faster you can react to it and the safer you and your passengers will be.
- Be observant! With your smartphone tucked away, your hands on the wheel and eyes looking ahead, there’s another thing you should be doing! Look what’s going on all around you and check your mirrors often, scan areas along the roadside for children playing or potential cross traffic that could cause issues. Again, the sooner you spot a potential risk the better it is for everyone.
- Adjust to a change in weather – the Sunshine Coast is known for its’ beautiful sunny days but watch out when the rain comes! Oil debris that has been absorbed by the road during hot sunny days will rise and coat the tarmac. Traction, the way the car ‘sticks’ to the road, will decrease so this means slowing down, braking sooner, increasing the following distance between you and the vehicle ahead and negotiating corners with great care.
