{"id":3526,"date":"2021-08-06T11:24:35","date_gmt":"2021-08-06T01:24:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/?p=3526"},"modified":"2021-08-06T11:24:35","modified_gmt":"2021-08-06T01:24:35","slug":"the-9-major-mistakes-you-must-avoid-when-taking-your-driving-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/the-9-major-mistakes-you-must-avoid-when-taking-your-driving-test\/","title":{"rendered":"The 9 Major Mistakes You Must Avoid When Taking Your Driving Test"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving tests can be quite daunting for new drivers. By becoming aware of some of the most common <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">driving test critical errors<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can be one step closer to obtaining your license without a hitch.\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking your driving test can be immensely exciting. After all, it\u2019s the final step to getting your driver\u2019s license, and passing it marks a new stage in your life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it can also be a huge source of stress. After tireless learning, success or failure comes down to performing for an examiner during a short window.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mistakes can prove costly and ruin your chances to pass this particular test. When that happens, you\u2019ll need to spend more money arranging another test and devote more effort the second time around.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To steer clear of that problem, you should avoid the most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common mistakes in a driving test <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">outlined in this article.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Mistakes\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mistake #1 \u2013 Letting Your Nerves Get the Best of You\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common mistakes during a driving test <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is succumbing to tight nerves. Keep in mind that in many cases, testing officers don\u2019t put any more pressure on you than you already feel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting the test overburdened with the outcome can end badly, and it\u2019s vital to change this mentality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most important thing to remember is to not dwell on your errors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is easier said than done, but most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">major mistakes in a driving test <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">happen because learners worry about minor mishaps. Instead of focusing on the remaining sections, they can\u2019t let go of their mistakes, leading to poor performance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students who pass their driving test are relaxed and confident. They adopt a positive attitude, drive safely, and follow the rules. Everything else falls into place because of it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mistake #2 \u2013 Failing to Check Blind Spots\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not checking your blind spots is also a frequent error.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to check your mirrors and blind spots while manoeuvring, changing lanes, and merging. Drivers also tend to forget their left-hand side blind spots when making left turns off a wide road.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The general rule of thumb is to perform a head check before turning left to ensure you can fit another vehicle between your truck and the curb. It\u2019s because you never know when a person will be travelling on that section of the road.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, observation checks are necessary to confirm safety after stopping at a traffic light.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mistake #3 \u2013 Making Rolling Stops<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">list of critical errors on a driving test <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">continues with rolling stops.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people slow down but don\u2019t come to a full stop during their tests. However, you need to make a complete stop behind your demarcation line. Otherwise, the instructor may fail you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mistake #4 \u2013 Failing to Maintain Proper Speed\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obeying the speed limit is an obvious road safety recommendation that helps beginners become responsible drivers. To improve your odds of passing the test, you must travel at speeds consistent with prevailing conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several fail items concerning the inability to comply with speed-related competencies. The list includes driving too slowly, exceeding the speed limit, failing to manage speed according to hazards, and requiring the tester\u2019s intervention to avoid risks. These are all <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">driving test critical errors <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">that often result in failure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main reason why you should concentrate on maintaining optimal speed isn\u2019t to pass your test only. Rather, it will also help get you into the habit of exercising road security and adhering to applicable speed limits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mistake #5 \u2013 Poor Reverse Parking\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although reverse parking isn\u2019t always part of a driving test, the testing officer can include it at their discretion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The manoeuvre can be challenging, but failure to perform it correctly can make the examiner fail you. Therefore, practice reverse parking until it becomes routine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mistake #6 \u2013 Not Knowing Road Rules\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even the tiniest error, such as not realizing you need to yield to merging vehicles on a highway, can lose you points during the test. You need to be well-versed in the relevant road rules and know how to react properly to other drivers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, changing lanes when going through an intersection is generally ill-advised, whether you\u2019re turning or driving straight. Even if the road is clear and you\u2019re abiding by lane-changing rules, don\u2019t do it on intersections. Wait until you\u2019re past them to switch to a different lane.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mistake #7 \u2013 Incorrect Lane Change<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common mistakes in a driving test <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">take place when changing lanes. Performing this task successfully requires several actions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perform a mirror, signal, and shoulder check to prepare to change lanes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flash at least three times before switching your lane. One flash will get the other road user\u2019s attention, and two flashes will help them locate you. Finally, three flashes will let the other person know they should take action.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Move the truck laterally after another mirror and shoulder check.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accelerate slightly between lanes to maintain speed while covering more ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leave the signal activated until you\u2019re completely in the other lane.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turn off the signal and keep driving.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re changing two or more lanes, leave the signal on and stop in each one before moving on.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mistake #8 \u2013 Following Too Closely\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving tests require learners to maintain a three-second following distance from the vehicle travelling in front of them. This action provides enough space to avoid collisions if the vehicle ahead makes a sudden stop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, you need to adjust your speed to allow merging drivers to enter the lane and re-establish an appropriate distance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can\u2019t keep a proper following distance, the examiner will most likely fail you. Thus, focus on this during your test to help ensure you obtain your license and practice safe driving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mistake #9 \u2013 Driving with Just One Hand\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The instructor doesn\u2019t care if you can drive with just one hand. You need to keep both hands on the wheel during the test. Otherwise, you won\u2019t pass.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Showcase Your Driving Prowess\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passing a driving test is by no means an easy feat. Many things can go wrong and pressure is an ever-present enemy. But knowing what to focus on before you even start the engine helps prevent <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">major mistakes during a driving test <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and ensures a favourable outcome.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve just earned your truck driver\u2019s license, it\u2019s time for you to step foot in a high-quality vehicle. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go to our web page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and you\u2019ll find numerous formidable machines to choose from.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Driving tests can be quite daunting for new drivers. By becoming aware of some of the most common driving test critical errors, you can be one step closer to obtaining your license without a hitch.\u00a0 Taking your driving test can be immensely exciting. After all, it\u2019s the final step to getting your driver\u2019s license, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3527,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[12],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3526"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3526"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3526\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3528,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3526\/revisions\/3528"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3527"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3526"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3526"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3526"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}