Everybody wants to take their driving test as soon as they can.
Driving lessons are expensive (up to £40 per hour) so it's not surprising, especially in the current economic climate, that learner drivers want to take as few lessons as possible.
And who wants to take the bus or keep asking for lifts a moment longer than necessary?
But taking a driving test before you're 100% ready is a big mistake.
Failing a driving test is not only embarrassing, it damages your self confidence and makes passing next time even harder.
The top ten reasons why people don't pass their driving test.
But if you take a driving test before you're a safe, independent driver there is a outcome that's worse than failing - you might pass!
Driving examiners can only assess you on what they have seen so if you get an easy route, the roundabouts are empty and nothing much happens you could pass only to go out on your own the next day in rush hour traffic or on fast country roads and have an 'accident'.
Globally, road traffic crashes are a leading cause of death among young people, and the main cause of death among those aged 15–29 years.1
So before you take your driving test make sure that:
1. You do not need prompts from your driving instructor.
2. You do not make silly mistakes when you’re driving.
3. You pass mock driving tests.
4. You can control your nerves.
5. Your driving instructor agrees you’re ready.
Source: DVLA, Ready to pass? 2022
If you're not ready, be honest with yourself.
Rearrange your driving test and take more lessons. You could save some money by getting some provisional licence insurance and practice with family members too.
Then go and pass first time!