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Home How to Impress the Driving Examiner

How to Impress the Driving Examiner

For many, the driving test is highly stressful. Mistakes are often made during the test, but were those mistakes serious enough to fail you, or have you impressed the examiner enough for them to be a little lenient?

Contrary to popular belief, many driving examiners are in fact human, and most of them are actually quite friendly too. In terms of figuring out how to impress the driving examiner, that can be a little difficult – even if they are human.

Often though, it’s the little things that have an impact and can ultimately influence an outcome. Let’s look at a few basics on how to impress your driving examiner.

First impressions

People form an impression about another person within the first few seconds they meet. We then usually judge that person based on that initial first impression.

Driving examiners are of course professionals and shouldn’t judge people outside of their driving ability. We do however all form an initial opinion that may somewhat determine an outcome. So, arriving for your driving test in smart but casual clothing will tell the examiner that you are bothered.

The examiners driving test report sheet

The examiners driving test report sheet

Ensure you have all applicable documents at hand so as not to cause any immediate complications – see what to take to driving test, and if possible, greet the examiner with a friendly smile. It’s all just a bit of basic psychology.

Will you be my friend?

Driving examiners tend to come in two forms – the bot type mentioned at the start, who appear devoid of emotion and simply emit instructions on what you need to do, and there’s the more chatty types.

You’ll be able to distinguish the type you have been assigned on the way to the car. The more friendly and chatty examiner type will initiate a conversation on the way to the car, essentially as a means to help put you at ease.




Use this to your advantage and during the driving test, strike up little conversations with the examiner. This could be about their job, the type of people they have had on the test, scary moments etc. A driving examiners job can become monotonous, so having a friendly chat and perhaps a laugh may break up any monotony. You may also find that having a chat helps to alleviate tension and stress and by making you more relaxed, helps you on the test.

This may all sound a little superficial, but the fact is that we all tend to be a little more lenient and forgiving to people we like, compared to those we feel impartial to. If however, talking and driving isn’t your thing and you feel that is may increase your chances of making mistakes, you’re probably better off keeping quiet.


Making the Examiner aware

So mounting the pavement and taking a little old lady out isn’t going to pass a driving test any time soon. But what you need to do is reassure the examiner you are safe. A clean test report at the end isn’t too common, so the chances are, you will make mistakes.

Although driving examiners have predefined rules they must follow, they also have rather a lot of leeway in determining whether a particular fault is only a minor, serious or dangerous. If you make a fault and are aware of it yourself, tell the examiner that you are aware of this. So for instance knocking into the kerb may or may not fail a driving test.

But by informing the examiner that you are aware of the mistake you made and that you’ll ensure it doesn’t happen again is far better than the examiner believing that you are completely oblivious to the error. This could apply to many faults and errors to a certain degree and it will allow the examiner to test you further in this area to ensure it isn’t a recurring error.


Perseverance is admirable

We all admire a person who perseveres and driving examiners are no exception. If you mess something up, ask if you can do it again. Take one of the driving test manoeuvres for example, if you make a terrible mistake, such as mounting a kerb or ending up in the middle of the road, ask if you can give it another try. You’ve nothing to lose and if there’s enough time, the examiner may well let you have another go at it. There is of course some things that aren’t recoverable, such as running a red light for example as that would be pretty much fatal, but there are plenty of things that may be a test failure, but turned into a minor.

Generally what we’re saying is that examiners won’t turn a blind eye to anything, but providing it’s not dangerous, they will often be willing to let you give it another go to prove yourself.

Outside of this, then there’s not much else you can do to impress the driving examiner and it really comes down to your driving ability and safety, of which there are plenty of tips within these pages.

What a driving examiner looks for

Driving examiners are mostly looking for natural and safe driving. Don’t listen to anyone saying that you should drive a certain speed under the speed limit, all that’s going to achieve is to annoy the examiner and perhaps even fail the driving test. On the whole, keep up with other motorists provided they are keeping to the speed limit.

Situations where you can allow yourself a little more time than other drivers are all the various junctions which include roundabouts. Examiners expect this as you are a learner and may require a little more time. Manoeuvres in particular, keep nice and slow with plenty of observations. Mirror checks are particularly important, but you don’t need to exaggerate head movements as examiners are perfectly aware of your mirror observations.



Driving Test Tips
Comments: 37
  1. Shannon Denman
    at

    I have my 3rd test on wendsday so nervous I failed my 1 one becouse where I stopped on the left I would have potentially blocked someone in then the 2 one I failed was because I was hesitant because there was a lady oppersite me and she kept stop starting and I wasn’t to sure whether I could go or not and then I was in the wrong lane for the turn I wanted to Make so thats not good but I only came out with 2 minors on my 2 second one I’m so worried the same thing is going to happen again when I get nervous if I don’t know where I am I can tend to panic how do I overcome those nervs besides places I don’t know my driving is excellent !! any advice ..

    ReplyCancel
  2. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Shannon,
    It’s very common for learner drivers to drive great during lessons and then on the test drive erratically. It’s a psychological issue that produces nerves. I often find that if you try to convince yourself that you don’t care if you fail, then this reduces the nerves. It’s the worry of whether you’ll pass or not that piles on the pressure and increases nerves.
    Another method is commentary driving. This is essentially talking yourself through the test and works very well. It’s kinda like a second person giving you instructions and helps with the nerves too. I’ve had people do this out loud during a test, but you can talk in your own mind if you wish. Might sound a bit mad, but it does work. So for example if you were making a left turn, you would say ‘main mirror, left mirror, indicate to the left, check junction for hazards, all clear’ etc..

    ReplyCancel
  3. Kelebogile
    at

    Thanks for the tips guys I hope and pray everything goes well for me on the 19th

    ReplyCancel
  4. Lin
    at

    I just failed my exam yesterday and one serious for Use of Speed…And I totally agree with the speed part wish I had read your artical before.
    At build up area, when no car in front or behind, I was driving around 25 mph at gear 3 when speed limit was 30, and examiner said I was driving too slow…
    Additionally, the examiner told my instructor I slowed down too early approaching the roundabout and then build up the speed bit more to reach the stop line. 20 mph in gear 3 was my approaching speed (without blocking anyone).
    In order to be able to read Road signs , what speed would you suggest then?

    ReplyCancel
  5. Driving Test Tips
    at

    That’s a shame Lin,
    It’s difficult to say without seeing the specific road, but generally do the speed limit if it’s safe to do so. So if that road is clear and you have a clear view of the road ahead, do 30 mph. If you’re passing parked cars for example, then you might want to slow down due to the extra hazard. Use the highest gear possible at all times in which your car is comfortable with.

    Approaching roundabouts / speed is often related to what you can see – open / closed roundabouts / junctions. So in a 30 mph area, if the roundabout is open / clear on the approach and you can safely see that it’s safe to continue, there’s no need to slow down as much compared to a closed roundabout / junction.

    Essentially, there’s no specific speed for any situation as every situation is different and requires early observation to assess which speed is appropriate.

    ReplyCancel
  6. Sonia
    at

    Good night everyone do anyone has any tips for me because I have my driving test coming this week so can anyone help me to keep my nerves dwn

    ReplyCancel
  7. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Good luck Sonia.
    If you don’t mind a little chat whilst driving, try and start a little light-hearted conversation with the examiner. That usually works well for nerves and think of the test as a ‘dry-run’ so that you don’t put too much emphasis on passing.

    ReplyCancel
  8. Behzad
    at

    Behzad
    Hi everyone:
    I am a disable person and I can’t move my right leg properly. Owing to this reason I must drive an automatic vehicle.
    I must apply both accelerator and clutch pedals by my left foot which it can be a little bit weird for examiner and may be indicate him or her to wrong direction about how I am driving during the exam.
    Is it really a big problem and how could I have to explain my condition to make examiner sure about my ability? I am concerned if the examiner judges my ability based on my health condition rather than my ability.
    Regards

    ReplyCancel
  9. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Behzad,
    Assuming you have a left-foot accelerator fitted to your vehicle, then I can assure you that an examiner will judge your ability to drive just the same as they would any other test candidate.

    ReplyCancel
  10. Karamjit
    at

    Hi
    I am having some problems when I drive even if my instructor keep repeating me how to do ,but I keep doing same mistake, but my main problem is to positioning at roundabout and usually don’t know why I.forget to look.at mirrors.
    Can you help me please.

    ReplyCancel
  11. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Karamjit,
    Your instructor needs to find an alternative way to deal with this. Whilst telling some learners on how to do something is sufficient, for others it isn’t. You need to see what is coming and think through what needs to be done before you get there – at the moment, you’re dealing with it whilst at the situation. So for example the instructor needs to ask you what type of road system is approaching. Ensure you always look for road signs and you see a roundabout sign. The instructor then tells you where to go; 1st exit for example. Then the instructor asks you how you’re going to do it in plenty of time before you get there. So you’ll explain ‘main mirror, left mirror, signal to the left etc’…Then, say it aloud again whilst dealing with the roundabout. So it’s all about getting you to see the approaching situation, you explain how you’re going to deal with it and run through it again whilst dealing with it.

    ReplyCancel
  12. Amazing
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    Hello everyone, do anyone know an approved driving instructor in Chingford?

    ReplyCancel
  13. Tahmina
    at

    Hi my name Tahmina I am ready to go part 2 ADI test I need some help.if possible to give me some advice about the Adi part 2 test . Thank you

    ReplyCancel
  14. Olivia Mutemanga
    at

    Hello,
    I have my driving test on tuesday and due to complications, my instructor will not be there on the day of the exam. Is it possible that taking my own car that i have more experince driving anyway would increase the chances of me failing?

    Thank you
    Olivia

    ReplyCancel
  15. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Olivia,
    Taking your own car or using your instructors car will make no difference to the test result. The differences are which car you feel most comfortable and confident in driving. If you have more experience in your own car and feel confident driving it, you’ll have a higher chance of passing.

    ReplyCancel
  16. William Tillbrook
    at

    Get Bach’s rescue remedy from Boots works a treat for calming and relaxing you it’s herbal …..my wife used it before her 3rd attempt and passed with flying colours a couple of sprays on your tongue does the job …..she didn’t feel nervous at all ….give it a try you’ll be surprised

    ReplyCancel
  17. Tristan
    at

    i have driving test tomorrow what would peoples top tip be for me?

    ReplyCancel
  18. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Good luck on your test Tristan. Nerves usually impact tests the most, so do your best to just try and relax and if you make a mistake, put it behind you as it may well just be a minor fault.

    ReplyCancel
  19. Tristan
    at

    i failed

    ReplyCancel
  20. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Keep at it Tristan, you’ll get there.

    ReplyCancel
  21. Tristan
    at

    thanks for the support im sure i will

    ReplyCancel
  22. Watt
    at

    I got the “offended bot” examiner today. He started huffing as soon as he got in the car, visibly disturbed by his incapacity to… adjust his head restrain and his belt, also by the fact that he had to (oh, my God, no) bring his own rear mirror and L plates.
    Guess we all guessed the outcome of this test.
    Main failure: (not) use of mirrors – as seen in the report. I believe that the ‘bot’ didn’t realize that some people only need a fraction of a second to check a mirror and a blind spot, and he was expecting everyone to stare at each mirror for a few seconds.
    Oh, well. I’ll get next one cookies and a cup of tea, maybe this way we’ll start on the right foot.

    ReplyCancel
  23. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Watt,
    Yes, examiners are a bit of a mixed bag. Some approachable and polite and others, well..
    Examiners have always stated that a leaner need not emphasise mirror checks as the examiner can always see what’s going on…..so I’ll leave you to make your own mind up on that one.

    ReplyCancel
  24. Kacey Dent
    at

    Thank you!! Got my test next week, gonna give this a go

    ReplyCancel
  25. Jayne Stroud
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    Is it possible to question an examiners decision? Or to lodge a complaint against one

    ReplyCancel
  26. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Jayne.
    Yes, you can complain to the DVSA about a test or examiner. Please see here: Driving test complaints.

    ReplyCancel
  27. demi
    at

    hi all, iv got my test very soon i dont know what to expect and im so nervouse

    ReplyCancel
  28. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Demi,
    Almost all test candidates are very nervous before the test. If you have a good read through what to expect on the driving test, then it will give you a very good idea on what to expect.

    ReplyCancel
  29. Mel
    at

    I have my test for the 2nd time next week but at a different test centre my main obstacle is my confidence and I have severe anxiety disorder I’m petrified and really don’t want to fail again my driving instructor has every confidence in me but really need to pass this time but I’m anxious already at the thought

    ReplyCancel
  30. Driving Test Tips
    at

    If your instructor says you’re ready, then you’re ready 🙂
    I’m sure you’ll do great Mel. Best of luck for your test.

    ReplyCancel
  31. Bryan
    at

    I passed witten test and have a driving test coming up. Ive been practicing but still get confused and hesitant on the road. Passing written test and trying to remember information fram it is hard to use on the road. What to do

    ReplyCancel
  32. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Bryan,
    I’m afraid it’s just lots of practice. The more you do, the easier it will get. Probably not much help, but that’s really all you can do.

    ReplyCancel
  33. Gigie
    at

    Hi! I will have my test soon, can you please give me some tips, I will be using my own car and go to the testing centre on my own. I still have a valid license from other country that I need to change.

    ReplyCancel
  34. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Gigie,
    Examiners do expect to see nervous test candidates, but they also like to see test candidates drive with a reasonable level of confidence. Make sure you are cautious, particularly around junctions where most tests are failed. Approach junctions slowly to ensure you have sufficient time for effective observation. Be cautious but not too hesitant. Examiners don’t like test candidates that are too hesitant – approach everything at a sensible speed based on what you can see, but be confident (Look, Assess, Decide and Act – LADA).

    If you make a mistake, it can be a good idea to make the examiner aware that you’re aware of it. This is better than the examiner thinking that you might be oblivious to it. If you mess up a manoeuvre, ask the examiner if you can try it again (it works sometimes). If a manoeuvre is going wrong, don’t be afraid to make adjustments to your car’s position (just do it safely).

    If you go the wrong way during independent driving, don’t worry about it. Just make sure you go the wrong way legally and safely – examiners are not supposed to fail you for taking the wrong direction.

    Try and enjoy it. Perhaps make a little small-talk with the examiner to help with nerves. Good luck 🙂

    ReplyCancel
  35. Mecki
    at

    I am a Male, Age 91, driving accident free since January 1947.
    From that Time until May 1951, when I emigrated to Canada, I drove
    U.S.Army Vehicles, all Standard Transmissions, from Jeeps, 3/4 Ton and up to
    5 ton Trucks, including Wreckers and amphibious Vehicles. The Cargo included Bombs, Ammunition
    and Automotive Parts.
    In Canada, I obtained an Ontario Drivers License for Delivery Trucks and drove in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and most of the United States.
    I had a Class 4 License, and was involved in Transporting up to 15 Passengers,
    for 16 Ski Seasons, I drove app.20,000 kilometers on Ice and Snow covered Roads, the Banff to Jasper Highway, Rogers Pass and to the Whistler Ski Area.
    I have a clean 10 year Drivers Abstract. The Job with the german based Ski Tour Company ended when they implemented a change in Age to 60 years due to the high cost of Insurance.
    Since then, I am driving with a Class 5 License and I received a Notice today that I have to complete a
    Class 5 Road Test within 90 days.
    While driving in Alberta, I was rear ended 3 times by female Drivers on slippery City Roads when they were following too close, they had to pay for the Damages to my Vehicle.
    My Concern this time is the Opinion of many People that older Drivers are not safe drivers and some comment that they should be banned from driving.
    As I mentioned above, I drove all standard Transmission Vehicles with the US Army and there were
    no signal Lights, many times there were no Mirrors and no Doors.
    I am confident in my Abilities to drive safe, I always use my Mirrors and as much as possible I also do a shoulder check.
    My Vehicle is fully winterized, All wheel Drive with top of the Line Snow Tires.
    I will use this Vehicle for the Drivers Test.

    ReplyCancel
  36. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Mecki.
    If you’re a safe driver, then you’re a safe driver. Age shouldn’t have anything to do with it. Good luck on your test.

    ReplyCancel
  37. Steven
    at

    In reply to Lin.

    That’s incredibly harsh in my opinion. If you were closer to 20mph in a 30 zone in that situation then fair enough. Being given a serious fault for 25mph is a bit of a disgrace in all honesty.

    ReplyCancel

Leave a Reply to Tahmina Cancel reply


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