5 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking a Driving Test

Posted by Isaac Brunt on October 18th, 2021

Taking a driving test is an activity that will help determine whether you’re ready to receive a driver’s license. As such, it’s a pretty big deal for both you and the traffic as a whole (as a community). In order to let you drive on your own, the supervising body needs to be 100% sure that you’re reliable. This is why there are some mistakes and blunders that you simply cannot afford to make.

Now, the biggest reason why you make a mistake like this is that it completely slipped your mind. You either grew overconfident and forgot to check everything there is to check or you made a silly blunder that you would never make otherwise. With that in mind and without further ado, here are five quick reminders to help avoid this issue for good.

1.      Improper lane change

The first thing you need to understand is the importance of properly changing lanes every time you need to. First, you need to check behind you using side mirrors and rearview mirrors. Then, you’re supposed to give a signal. Then, you look once again (it’s even a good idea to turn your head for a millisecond, seeing as how mirrors usually have a slight blind spot). After this, you should slowly change your lanes (rapid movement can cause others to panic and do something reckless/stupid). While doing so, you should keep the optimal speed and watch out for the traffic in front of you.

Now, you may assume that if nothing goes wrong, you’re off the hook (regardless of your lane shifting procedure). However, the supervisor will pay close attention to your behavior while driving and this will not go unnoticed. The most likely of blunders in this regard is a chance that you’ll forget to give a turn signal.

2.      Four-way stop confusion

Even though the rules of an intersection are incredibly simple, you still need to understand them in order to avoid making a mistake. Needless to say, this is one of the most important things you’re supposed to learn during your driving lessons. If there’s a traffic light, the things are fairly simple but a four-way stop without it may confuse a lot of people. Generally speaking, there’s usually a sign indicating that one party has a priority (is on a priority road). If not, the vehicle turning right has a priority of passage compared to the one turning left. It’s that simple.

3.      Not yielding to pedestrians

This is a tricky situation, seeing as how it can seem impractical and, in some scenarios, even counterintuitive. You see, pedestrians always have the right of the way – always, even if this right isn’t necessarily stated by the law. Sure, they’re jaywalking and you’re not legally obliged to stop, so what’s your alternative in this scenario? Are you going to run them over or nearly run them over?

Pay close attention to what they’re doing and you’ll have an easy job avoiding the biggest potential risk. A lot of people give tips like pay attention to the other cars, pay attention to the road ahead, mind pedestrians, etc. The truth is that, as a driver, you have to see everyone.

4.      Distracted driving

Why is this such a common mistake while taking a driving test? Probably because it’s up to interpretation. You may think that the supervisor hasn’t noticed that you’re looking around while driving but this is probably something that caught their eye quite easily. Checking your cellphone is one of the biggest offenses you can make in the process. Namely, even while waiting at the traffic light, you’re still a traffic participant, which means that you’re not allowed to check your phone.

So, what are some of the most common reasons why people face off? Daydreaming, activities of passengers (especially focusing on the supervisor) and changing radio stations are just some of these options.

5.      Braking too hard

This is quite an obvious mistake and while you may believe it to be impossible to avoid in some scenarios, the truth is that, more often than not, it comes down to your ability to keep a proper distance. This means that you should be so far away that you can react if the vehicle in front of you does something reckless. In a scenario where it really wasn’t up to you, the situation won’t be interpreted as a driving test mistake. It’s as simple as that.

In conclusion

Remember that while focusing on the road with 100% of your mental capacity might not be something that you’ll do all the time (even though it’s a good thing), this day is special. On this day, you’re taking a test that has two outcomes, only one of which is in your best interest. So, focus on the road ahead and do everything by the book. Also, remember that these rules aren’t nonsensical or mere formality and that abiding by them means keeping yourself and those around you safe.