A driving instructor with more than 10 years of experience has revealed how to pass your driving test the first time you take it
A seasoned driving instructor with more than a decade of experience has spilled the beans on how to ace your driving test at the first attempt, pinpointing the one blunder learners keep making.
Haydn Balch, an independent driving instructor who boasts more than 200 successful students, has lifted the lid on the most crucial error to dodge if you’re gunning for a first-time pass and shared his top tips for preparation, along with some savvy advice from his years in the driver’s seat.
The vital mistake learners commit during their driving tests
Teaming up with Carmoola, Haydn emphasised that vigilance in checking your blind spots is key to nailing your test on the first go. Neglecting your blind spots could see you back in the queue for another shot at the test three months later.
Ignore the backseat drivers in your life
Haydn warns against mimicking the driving habits of friends or family, which is a trap many newbies fall into. He advised: “Don’t copy anybody. You learn your own style of driving in time and with patience.”
The golden rule to remember
Forgetting your provisional licence is a surefire way to flunk immediately, as the examiner will cut your test short then and there. Haydn also recommends getting a good night’s sleep, eating breakfast, and ensuring your eyesight is up to scratch before booking your driving test.
Who usually passes their test on the first try?
Haydn suggested that those who pass their driving test on the first attempt tend to have a relaxed mindset, unencumbered by financial or work pressures. To help learners achieve this, Carmoola obtained data from the DVLA to identify the locations with the highest and lowest first-time pass rates in England, Scotland, and Wales.
The best and worst test locations for first-time pass rates
(In England, Scotland and Wales)
Country
Test Centre
Pass Rate
Scotland
Banbecula Island
92.6%
Elgin
40.3%
England
Kendal
69.7%
Swindon LGV
16%
Wales
Pembroke Dock
64.1%
Bala
46.1%
Source: DVLA
Aidan Rushby, founder and CEO of Carmoola, said: “Learning to drive is the first, and sometimes most nerve-wracking, step in a lifetime of driving. Given the current wait times for driving tests in the UK, we partnered with a driving instructor to offer some advice to test takers hoping to get their licence the first time around.
“Understanding some common mistakes can be helpful when getting in the driver’s seat. From remembering to check your blind spots to eating a good breakfast on the day of your test, preparation is important. Being eager to get behind the wheel is understandable but remember, you have a long road ahead of you.”
