9 Manual Driving Test Tips to Ace Your Test
Photo Credit: Stand With Main Street
Whether you are a learner driver getting ready for your test or an experienced driver who wants to progress on a full (unrestricted) driver’s licence, learning how to drive in a manual car can be difficult. Below, you will find nine tips that will help you pass your test and feel more confident driving a manual car.
1. Get a Few Driving Lessons Right Before the Test
Practicing your driving skills right before the test is an excellent way to ensure you will be prepared and confident in your abilities. Work with a professional driving instructor who can give you valuable tips, help you better understand road rules, and help you practice driving in manual.
2. Make Sure You Have Everything You Need
Perhaps one of the most important driving test tips we could give is to ensure that you have everything that you need to take the test. Keep in mind that if you are under 25, you need to have passed the Hazard Perception Test first.
3. Get Familiarised with the Test Routes
If you know where the driving test will take place, then it would be a good idea to familiarise yourself with the test routes. That way you will know when you need to give way and where the school zones are, for example.
4. Arrive Early
Arriving early on the test day may seem like common sense, but being punctual can influence your performance more than you may think. By getting there about 10 or 15 minutes earlier you don’t risk starting the test anxious or in a rush. You will also get the chance to familiarise yourself with the area, compose yourself, and mentally prepare for the test.
With the LTrent Test Day Service, you’ll receive warm up time before your test, arrive 15mins early, we’ll help you fill out the paperwork and drop you off at home after your test as well.
5. Use Your Driving Instructor’s Car
Take the test in a car that you know and are comfortable driving. Ask the instructor to explain to you the mechanics of the car as well as every button and function. That way, if the testing officer asks you anything about the car or asks you to perform a certain manoeuvre during the practical driving test, you will be able to do it more confidently.
6. Don’t Ride the Clutch
“Riding the clutch” is the practice of driving with your foot on the clutch. Not only that the clutch will be engaged at all times but this practice is considered a bad driving habit and it may cost you. We’re not saying that you may fail the test because of it, but you may be penalised for unnecessarily riding the clutch.
7. Check Your Mirrors
Driving a manual vehicle requires you to focus on more things at once. One way to ensure you are in control is by checking your mirrors frequently.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Clarifications
Don’t be afraid to ask the testing officer to repeat the directions if you’ve missed them or are not sure you understood them correctly. Examiners want to ensure that you are able to drive safely and won’t mind if you ask for clarifications.
9. Take Your Time
Don’t rush through the manoeuvres. If you are asked to do parallel parking, take your time to assess the surroundings, look for a suitable parking space, and so on.
Book Your Lessons with LTrent
If you are looking for a driving school that can help you improve your skills and build the confidence you need to ace your test, check out what LTrent has to offer. In NSW we also offer the Safer Drivers Course, designed for learners wanting to become better drivers by reducing risks and anticipate hazard situations. Book today!