DRIVING TEST - TRUTH OR MYTH? 

There is a quota for test passes and only a certain number can pass per week or month.

This is the big one!  If only I had £100 for every time I've heard this!

IT IS A TOTAL MYTH - there is no such thing as 'quotas'.

You go for a test on Friday afternoon.  The examiner has used up their 'quota' of passes for the week - so in spite of the fact you drive perfectly - they have to fail you.  Completely ridiculous.

But it gets better....

You go for a test on Friday afternoon.  The examiner is one pass short of their 'quota' for the week - so in spite of the fact you drive dreadfully - they have to pass you.  Utterly ludicrous.

The reason this myth persists is that it is a convenient way for people to explain away test failures rather than accepting responsibilty for their own mistakes.

The driving test lasts for one hour.

MYTH! - Tests are usually completed in around 35 minutes

You will fail your test for crossing your hands while steering.

MYTH! - You can steer any way you like (within reason) as long as you keep proper control of the car.

You need to exaggerate checking your mirrors so the examiner can see you do it.

MYTH! - Examiners are very well trained and know exactly whether you are checking mirrors or not.

You fail the test if you cannot read a numberplate.

TRUTH! - The first part of the driving test is an eyesight test. If you fail this you will not be allowed to proceed with the test so you should ensure your eyesight meets the required standards before booking a test.

You take your test in a special car that is kept at the test centre.

MYTH! - You need to provide a car for the test.  Usually you will use your instructor's car.

You can take your own car on a test.

TRUTH! - So long as the car is properly taxed, insured and is in roadworthy condition. You need to provide L-plates and a mirror for the examiner to use.

You fail your test if you stall.

MYTH! - Stalling is usually considered a minor error unless it causes a danger or severe inconvenience to someone.

If you fail your test the examiner will remember you and it goes against you next time.

MYTH! - The examiner is unlikely to remember you - they do too many tests to remember individuals. Even if they did, each test is treated with a clean slate - what may have happened on previous tests is completely irrelevant.

You can fail the test even if you don't commit a major error.

TRUTH! - You can fail your test by committing a large number of minor errors or by committing the same minor error repeatedly.  If you are properly prepared though, these things should not happen.

My grandad says you should pass your test after ten lessons.

MYTH! - That might have been the case when your grandad sat their test.  Or perhaps they have 'competitive grandad' syndrome! These days the test is much more difficult and requires a great deal more preparation.

My mate failed his test but he says he didn't do anything wrong.

MYTH! - Examiners are not in the habit of failing people for no reason.  Sometimes, though, people do not properly understand the reason they failed, so it is worthwhile taking your instructor as an observer on the test.  They will be able to properly explain to you what went wrong.

Some examiners are stricter than others.

MYTH! - Examiners are completely impartial and all operate using exactly the same criteria.

You fail your test if you go the wrong way.

MYTH! - You will not fail for going the wrong way as long as what you do, you do correctly.

You need to check your mirrors every five seconds or you will fail.

MYTH! - You need to check your mirrors if you are doing something which may affect the traffic behind you, such as stopping, turning or changing lane.

You shouldn't take your instructor on your test because it will make you more nervous.

MYTH! - I have sat in on hundreds of tests and have only ever had a handful of people say it made them more nervous - if fact, most say it makes them more confident.  The benefits of your instructor being on a test overwhelmingly outweight any perceived disadvantages.

Examiners enjoy failing people.

MYTH! - No they don't.  They would much rather you passed.

You should drive very slowly on your test as it will show you are a careful driver.

MYTH! - It is important that you make reasonable progress where it is possible.  Driving too slowly can cause confusion and frustration in other drivers and lead to accidents.

The Government want you to fail your test because they will get more money from you in test fees.

MYTH! - The Government will get far more money from you AFTER you pass your test, from road tax, insurance tax and fuel duty.

Hardly anyone passes their test first time.

MYTH! - There is no reason at all why you cannot pass your test first time.  The majority of my pupils do so.

Failing your driving test is the worst thing ever.

MYTH! - No it isn't!  For some people failing the driving test might be the first test failure in their entire life.  But the driving test is not like any other test. Nobody is guaranteed to pass. Anyone can fail. No-one is immune.

If you do fail - have a cry if you want, beat up your teddy bear if you must; but you will notice the sun will rise again the next day.  Then sort out whatever caused you to fail and get back out there and do it again!