The time has come for you to take your test, but what should you expect? There’s lots to learn before taking a driving test, and we have broken down everything you need to know in our helpful guide below. Understand how driving tests work and how you can increase your chance of passing when the day comes.
The Road Signs You Need To Learn
Our Top Tips To Pass Your Driving Test
What Happens In Your Test
Once your theory test is passed, it’s time for your practical test. As part of your test, you will be required to:
- Answer questions on road rules.
- Demonstrate hand signals.
- Reverse your car around a corner.
- Perform a vehicle turnabout.
- Complete a hill start.
- Drive up to five miles.
(source: RSA)
The Road Signs You Need To Learn
There are lots of road signs, and most won’t come up on your test, but it’s best to have an idea of all of them in case an unexpected one pops up. You can find all the road signs online with a simple Google search or via a physical handbook that can be bought online. There are five main types of road signs you will find out and about:
Regulatory Signs
These signs make you aware of the rules of the road and must be followed. Typical regulatory signs include stop, speed limit, and keep left.
Warning Signs
These signs signal a hazard or potential danger and so must be paid attention to. Examples of warning signs include dangerous bends and upcoming roundabouts.
Road Works
When you’re out on the road, being aware of workers is key. Thankfully, road works signs are there to make you aware of a worker’s presence. Examples include road works ahead, temporary lights and the road narrows from the left.
Information Signs
These are not as important as the previous groups but can be great if you are in an unfamiliar area. Information signs work by giving you information to make navigating a particular place easier. Examples of information signs include a town sign and upcoming services signs.
Motorway Signs
Motorway signs are harder to notice with the faster speeds you pass them, so being aware of what they look like can give you a chance to take in the information as quickly as possible. Motorway signs are rectangular with a blue background and range from ‘Garda only’ to upcoming exit distances.
It is important that you have looked at all road signs to ensure that you’re ready for everything the test can throw at you.
Our Top Tips To Pass Your Driving Test
Your driving test might seem daunting, but if you apply our tips you should be hitting the road as a qualified driver in no time.
- Take your time and trust your gut.
- Make sure you’re well prepared for both the oral and driving tests. Make use of theory test apps and get out on the road as much as possible. This helps avoid a situation where an unknown circumstance occurs.
- Practice your manoeuvres. With manoeuvres critical to passing, make sure you are an expert at all of them.
- You are taking your test because your instructor believes you are ready. Don’t let the occasion panic you; it is just another drive.
- Check your mirrors as much as possible. Failing to check mirrors is a common cause of test failures, so it’s best to make sure you are regularly checking and that it is obvious to your instructor that you are doing so.
- Brush up on your road signs. With tests requiring you to follow directions, knowing what road signs mean can give you that extra couple of seconds of peace of mind to get ready for any turns or stops.
The Logistics Of A Driving Test
Once you are ready to take your test, you will have to pay a fee. This can depend on the type of vehicle classification you are planning to drive, which can see prices range from 85 euros to 120. Booking your test is super easy, too. You can do this completely online via LINK. Be aware of waiting lists, though, as backlogs caused by COVID continue to have an effect. You can sign up to be notified when a cancellation appears if you are in a rush to pass your test.
Conclusion
That concludes our driving test support and advice. Remember to master road signs, only take the test when you are ready, trust yourself, and take your time. If you do all of this, you have a great chance of passing your test first time. If not, though, you can retake the test as many times as you like, so relax and trust your ability.