Driving Test Myths: Busted!

Over the years, I've heard all kinds of nonsense spoken about driving tests, and learning to drive for that matter. I've had so many pupils who believe these myths because "their mates told them". Of course as learners they don't know any better, so I thought it might be nice to put some of these classic myths to rest.

Myth 1) Examiners are only allowed to pass a certain number of people each week. So it must be better to do my test on a Monday.

Busted: While it is true that across the country there is not much variation in pass rates at all test centers, this does not mean that you will fail because the DSA need to keep within their quota. Candidates fail their driving test because they make mistakes. If they did nothing wrong then how could they be given a fault? This myth probably originated with people who were embarassed about failing, and needed to justify it to themselves or other people. It just isn't true. If you demonstrate a great drive, you'll pass.


Myth 2) My mate only took 3 lessons then passed first time.

Busted: Can I let you in on a little secret? People lie! It is unlikely, but possible that someone passed their test with as little as two or three lessons with a driving instructor. It is even possible that, like myself, they passed with no lessons from a professional.

What they have not told you is how much private practice they had with a friend or family member. It is extremely rare... and that is an understatement... for someone to pass a driving test with hardly any practical driving experience. Most people who are successful have had at least 40 hours in the car, usually more. In my time I have come across people who have had about 20 hours and passed, but they are in the minority, perhaps one in every 300.

Sometimes parents who passed many years ago will say that they had no lessons, or very few lessons. This is sometimes true. However, the driving test has changed since then, to meet the demands of busier and more complex traffic situations. As a result it is now a lot harder than it used to be.

Myth 3) I've heard that the examiners are racist/ sexist/ ageist/ at this particular test center.

Busted: Of course examiners are human beings. I know that may be hard to believe with the way they sometimes talk to you, but its true. They may, like anyone else, take a disliking to someone. However they are professionals and will not fail you simply because they don't like you. In order to get driver faults recorded on the DL25 (the exam marking sheet) you have to make a mistake that falls into one of the categories on the sheet. If you don't make mistakes, they will not mark faults. It really is as simple as that. I've actually heard of people telling a candidate to take their test at test center X because all the examiners are black!!

Reality check: learn to drive properly, then take your test. Don't blame your mistakes on other people.

Myth 4) If you stall you will fail.

Busted: Stalling the engine is not in itself a serious fault. Often it is marked down as driver error, but is not serious enough to cause a fail. However it is possible to fail if you do not deal with the stall correctly after it has happenned. An example of this is stalling while turning right at a set of traffic lights. If the candidate fails to get the car going again in good time, and other drivers start approaching from the other direction, the candidate is blocking their path and causing an obstruction. This will often result in a fail, but it is not because they stalled. If you stall the car simple apply the handbrake, select neutral and restart the engine. If you need to move off again as quick as possible, just select the appropriate gear (usually 1st) hold the clutch down and restart!

Myth5) Soon you won't be able to learn to drive until you are 18

Busted: There has been talk of this since I was at school! It has never happened. Even if it does happen it will take a few years to pass through parliament.

Myth 6) Passing your test is all about confidence.

Busted: This one is actually half true. Let me explain. What most people are lacking who fail the test is driving skill, not confidence. Confidence normally comes naturally as skills are improved to a sufficient level. False confidence is one of the most destructive things for a learner. This sometimes comes when someone has learned to adequately control the vehicle, but still lacks the judgment, and decision making ability of a more experienced driver. This usually results in people driving too fast for the situation they are in or making stupid mistakes that can easily result in a dangerous situation.

Sometimes someone is skilled enough, they just have a confidence issue. This is usually fairly obvious to a qualified instructor if you take a lesson with them.



I hope that has cleared a few things up! If you have any more comments or things you've heard, but don't know if they're true or not... post them here!