So, you didn’t pass your P’s Test.
You may think that you weren’t trained properly, or weren’t prepared properly. In my experience this is probably not the case. When you think about it, you have completed at least 120 hours of supervised driving, and more than likely some of that was with a qualified instructor.
So, what went wrong? Did the testing officer have it in for you, made it hard for you because of your hair or your clothes. Definitely not the case.
Over the years I have heard so many stories about why people have failed, and nearly all of them are false. Kids that fail, sometimes make up any excuse to make their fail, someone else’s fault. They are often embarrassed and feel like they are inadequate.
So, what’s the problem?
The 3 main things that people fail for are:
- Not giving way properly
- Not stopping fully at a stop sign
- Not stopping at an amber light when it was safe to do so
Generally, it’s nerves that takes control and causes this. So how do you deal with it. Here’s some helpful tips.
- Familiarise yourself in and around the testing area
- Familiarise yourself with the entry and exit point of the testing centre
- Make sure you have a copy of “A Guide to the Driving Test”. It is available on the RMS website
- On the day of the test make sure you have eaten something, and are well hydrated
- Make sure your log booked is fully completed, signed off by a fully licenced driver.
- A common mistake is people put night hours in during summer at a time like 7pm, when it is still daylight. Make sure your night drives are after sunset.
- If you are using your own car for the test, make sure that the tyres are legal, there’s no chips or cracks on the windscreen or on any of the indicators or brake light lenses.
- Check that all indicators and brake lights are working
- Check that your car isn’t affected by the Takata Airbag recall. You can check this at ismyairbagsafe.com.au The RMS won’t conduct the test if the car fails their safety checks
And if you do fail, rebook the test and don’t give up. Chances are you will be successful next time.