Common Myths & Mistakes
Myth: Driving examiners are only allowed to pass a certain number of pupils per week:This is not true. Perhaps this myth comes from those embarrassed by failing, trying to come up with a convincing reason for friends. If you are up to driving test standard you will normally pass. It's not meant to be easy, and the fact is that over 50% of candidates are just not up to the standard required.
Myth: Driving examiners enjoy failing learner drivers:
This is not true. Examiners are professionals, their personal feelings do not enter into their
assessment of you. Also, they have their bosses to report to an unusual number of passes or failures would be looked into. It's easier for an examiner to give good news rather than bad, and a pass means less paperwork for them.
Myth: There is a one examiner who has tested me several times and failed me because he does not like me:
This is not true. It would be easy to blame this, but again, driving examiners are professionals. Personal feelings or prejudices are irrelevant. An examiner whose record showed an inclination to fail, for example a particular ethnic group or gender would soon be spotted. We would all like to blame someone else for our mistakes.
Mistake: Taking the driving test in your own car:
This is not a good idea. Pupils who turn up in their own cars could create the wrong impression as those who usually do, have had no professional driver training
or are so dangerous their driving school has not let them use their car. The examiner will be aware of this from the beginning and it is likely to make them nervous. Also your car will not have a dual controls fitted, which may mean the driving examiner may have to intervene, verbally or physically, earlier and intervention by the examiner means failure, so you don't want to increase the chances of that by using a car without dual controls.
Mistake: Delaying lessons and taking the test until you are older:
There is no time to lose, younger candidates perform better in passing the test. The pass rate for 17 yr old's is around 20% better than Pupils ten years older. The DSA estimate a pupil needs 2 hours driving tuition for every year of their age. In other words, if you are 17 you will need about 34 hours, and if you are 20 you will need 40 hours. All in all it's easier and cheaper to learn at the youngest age possible as learning new skills becomes more difficult as you get older
Myth: My parents tell me they only took 10 hours of lessons and passed first time!:
This may have been possible but a long time ago!, The test has changed to match the changing conditions on the roads. There are many more cars on the road, more complicated traffic systems, signs and routes. There is also now the Theory test, reverse parking manoeuvres and the 'show me tell me ' section. Years ago a pupil would just be asked a few questions from the Highway Code. Older drivers often admit that they might have trouble passing a test today. The Driving Standards Agency estimates that a new learner driver needs around 45 hours of professional lessons with a further 22 hours of private practice.
Myth: If you stall the car, you will fail:
No not automatically, but if it happens in a dangerous situation like on a roundabout and causes inconvenience or danger you could be in trouble. If it happens on a normal stretch of road, it depends on how you deal with it. Don't panic, start again safely and promptly and maintain control, and it is unlikely you would be failed on that one thing.
Mistake: Setting the mirrors slightly out of position so the examiner can see your head move so it's more obvious you're checking the mirrors regularly:
Dont do it , examiners are trained to look for small eye movements and are judging you on how you react by what you have seen in your mirrors. Moving your whole head all the time will distract you from taking effective observation, they don't want to just see robotic movements, take in what you see and act upon it.
Myth: Driving Schools make you take more lessons than you really need:
We certainly Don't, It's not in any Instructors best interests to have you taking lesson after lesson with no end result but at the same time we don't want to give you the bare minimum of lessons just to pass the test! we want you to be prepared for as many driving situations as possible after passing, including various weather conditions, night driving etc. we want our passed pupils to recommend us. The DSA state that most people fail simply because they take the test before they are ready.
A1 Driving School providing friendly Competitively priced Quality Driving lessons in Cheshunt, Broxbourne, Waltham Cross, Cuffley, Turnford, Goffs Oak
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