Driving Test Tips: A guide to passing your driving test

With Australia's average pass rate for driving tests at 62%, it's no wonder that so many first-time test takers are wondering about the secrets to passing.

To help you drive safely and put your best foot forward come test day, we have created this comprehensive guide. We will cover the common mistakes drivers make during the test, how to best go about test preparation, and provide you with expert tips from licensed professionals.

With EzLicence's experienced insights, you can face your upcoming driving exam with full confidence.

How Many People Fail Their Driving Test?

If you have previously failed your driving test, it can be reassuring to know that you aren’t alone. 

Many learner drivers across states experience failed driving tests, with some continuing to repeat the driving test multiple times until they pass. In fact, our research shows the following failure rates for tests across the states are as follows:

• 65% for Western Australia
• 39% for Queensland
• 44% for New South Wales
• 25% for Victoria

However, at EzLicence, we don’t want learner drivers feeling anxious behind the wheel or having to repeat the test over and over again. That's why we work with learners across Australia who want to pass their driving test on the first go, or need supervising driver instruction before trying again.

What Happens if You Fail Your Driving Test?

Failing your driving test can be hard to swallow, especially if you’ve spent extensive time practising. However, your first try doesn't have to be your last.

If you didn’t pass your driving test, you’ll need to resit it before your Hazardous Perception Test qualification expires — usually within 12 months of when you first took it. The good news? There aren’t any serious penalties for failing.

That said, not having your licence can impact things like work or other commitments, especially if driving is part of your job or daily routine.

That’s why it’s worth preparing properly for your next go. Booking lessons with a qualified instructor can make all the difference — giving you the confidence and support to pass when you're ready.

Never taken a driving lesson before? Here’s what you can expect for your first time.

Common Mistakes Made in a Driving Test

If you’ve recently failed your driving test, your testing officer should have provided you with clarity around what caused the fail. They will also indicate what areas you need to improve on before resitting your next test.

The underlying issue we see resurface time and again at EzLicence is that learners aren’t fully prepared to demonstrate the correct driving competencies to their testing officer. 

That's why we’ve unpacked some examples of common mistakes made during the test below to help you prepare:

Mistake 1: Speeding

Driving too fast (or too slow) during a driving test is sure to wind up in an immediate fail. This is due to concerns about other drivers' safety, as well as indicating a lack of understanding of speed limits.

Make sure you’re paying attention to any speed signs you come across during your test. Additionally, be sure to check your speedometer regularly.

If you struggle remembering how fast to go on side streets where there aren’t speed signs, this is an indication that you should revisit your learner's manual. Alternatively, you can book a few more lessons with a professional driving instructor for their expertise before the test.

Mistake 2: Traffic Law Violations

One of the most important things to remember while driving is the traffic laws of your state and/or area. Violating any of these laws may be classified as a critical error during a test, causing you to fail immediately.

Remember these common fail items for traffic laws:

1. Failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign
2. Not giving way or stopping at intersections or pedestrian crossings
3. Using a mobile phone while driving
4. Running red lights
5. Making illegal U-turns
6. Failing to wear a seatbelt
7. Tailgating cars in front of your vehicle
8. Changing lanes without signalling
9. And many more...

Mistake 3: Poor Observation Checks

Mirrors in a car are there to be checked. At any given time, you should be aware of your surroundings; What’s happening behind you? What’s happening in front?

Your testing officer will assess how observant you are of the road during a test. If you aren't frequently checking your mirrors or blind spots, you may be marked down during your test. This is especially true if you encounter unexpected road hazards and aren't prepared to navigate them.

Frequent observations tend to indicate how well you can safely adapt to the needs of your driving environment. It's also a necessary safety habit while driving on the road, which is why it is a driving ability commonly checked.

Mistake 4: Poor Situation Judgement & Distractions

Whether you’ve accidentally cut someone off at an intersection or sped up for a yellow light when you should have slowed to a stop, making the wrong judgment call during a test can land you with a fail. On top of this, showing signs of poor situational judgement indicates that you may not be aware of certain road rules, etiquette, or possess a sense of danger.

In turn, if you are prone to distraction while driving, this may also be a merit for a failure. This applies mostly due to checking mobile phones while driving, which is not only dangerous but illegal. If you find yourself unable to concentrate on the road during the test or reaching for your phone, know you're heading for a fail.

Mistake 5: Signalling Errors

If you don't properly signal your turns or merges, you are showing poor communication and control on the road. The typical signal errors that may add up to a failure of the driving test include:

1. Not signalling at all
2. Signalling too late after already making the manoeuvre
3. Signalling too early without taking action in a feasible timeframe

Mistake 6: Difficulty Parking

One of the major driving skills tested for learner drivers is their ability to park their car. While this initially seems simple, the type of parking chosen is random and often under the discretion of the person overseeing your assessment.

The types of parking you may encounter include:

1. Angled Parking: Often used in parking lots and can be driven into with a front or back park
2. Kerb Parking: When you are required to pull up via the front or rear to park alongside the kerb
3. Reverse Parallel Parking: Used to park between two cars on the kerb, this is a particularly difficult manoeuvre

If you are unable to perform the required parking skill set by the testing officer, you may fail automatically.

Mistake 7: Lack of Vehicle Control

While some mistakes in vehicle control may seem small and not noteworthy, they can add up over time. Additionally, feeling confident and capable of driving unsupervised is crucial to gaining your provisional licence.

So, if you are consistently showing any of the following issues in road positioning, you may be at risk of failing:

1. Not sticking to the centre of your lane, especially when you are drifting across lane lines or swerving
2. Erratic steering control
3. Issues with using the clutch or changing gear if you're a manual driver
4. Stop-starting by using the brake and accelerator incorrectly or aggressively

Any poor driving habits can be corrected well ahead of test day with proper instruction. This is just one of the many benefits of taking driving lessons with accredited professionals.

Mistake 8: Roadworthy Vehicle

Finally, one of the most overlooked reasons why you may not be able to get a provisional licence actually occurs before the test starts.

If the testing officer determines your car is not roadworthy, they won't allow you to take the test. Often, they will assess your car before the journey begins, looking for major issues like:

1. Deflated or worn-down tires, especially when there's uneven wear and tear
2. Broken headlights or taillights
3. Cracked glass on the windscreen and/or windows that may obstruct the view
4. Unreliable indicators
5. Worn brake pads
6. Any fluid leaks, such as engine oil or brake fluid
7. Worn steering components or shock absorbers can affect handling
8. Excessive emissions or noise pollution
9. Faulty seatbelts
10. Excessive frame damage, like rust and corrosion

It's best to ensure your car is roadworthy before taking a test, so you aren't failed before you can begin.

For more reasons that may have caused you to fail a driving test, you can read our blog post on common mistakes here.

Key Tips to Pass Your Driving Test

Learning to drive is just like learning any other skill. You must first be taught the correct techniques and behaviours before you can be trusted to perform them unsupervised. 

Luckily, we've collected together key tips that are commonly shared by driving instructors and previous test takers. It's best to:

Tip 1: Practice, Practice, Practice

The more you practice driving, the more competent and confident you will become on the road. In turn, the less likely it is that you’ll fail your driving test.

So, once you feel like you have a strong foundation in the driving basics, it’s time to practice until it feels like second nature.

Take the chance to drive under as many conditions and across as many varying roads as possible. For example, attempting nighttime driving or driving while it's raining can help you develop adaptability.

In turn, you should also take the chance to drive on busy roads with plenty of obstacles and other drivers. This will help strengthen your understanding of road rules, driving skills around other vehicles, and even your ability to remain calm under pressure.

Lastly, one of the best ways you can prepare for your driving test is by practising around the test centre. This will make you familiar with the potential test routes and help you understand the local traffic scene. Said familiarity may help you stay calm on the day of the test.

Tip 2: Study Local Road Rules

All drivers on the road must be aware of not just state legislations, but also local rules. This can be as simple as the common speed limits surrounding the test centre, or the places where a right-of-way is required.

Being aware of the local road rules can help you obey laws and show safe driving come test day.

Tip 3: Master On-Road Observation and Vehicle Control

While learning how to drive, it's important to instil good habits.

On-road observation and vehicle control are regularly intertwined. Both require multiple, regular checks while driving to ensure overall safety and law compliance.

Common habits you need to develop to not just pass your test, but also remain safe on the roads, include:

1. Frequently checking mirrors for other cars or obstacles before changing lanes or merging
2. Performing clear and thorough checks of blind spots
3. Checking your surroundings at a stop sign or traffic light
4. Maintaining a steady and straight path in the middle of your lane
5. Indicating properly
6. Accelerating and braking smoothly, especially when coming to a complete stop

Tip 4: Familiarise Yourself with Driving Test Routes & Requirements

Practising frequently at your chosen driving test centre can already help a lot with this tip - it never hurts to be thorough in familiarising yourself with potential test routes. That way, you can have a clear picture of what kind of manoeuvres may be needed and what road rules will apply.

Also, it's advised to brush up on your knowledge of the requirements needed to pass your learner's test. Having a checklist can help you prepare thoroughly for any challenge or request that arises during the assessment.

Tip 5: Seek Out Expert Driving Supervisors

Learners often make the mistake of exclusively letting their friends and family teach them. While they may be confident drivers, that doesn’t mean they’re equipped to help you pass your test, especially if it’s been a long time since they sat the test themselves. 

To increase your chances of passing the driving test, we strongly advise a series of professional driving lessons early on. With supervised driving, you can ensure that your habits, skills and confidence levels are all optimal before the exam.

Find driving instructors in your city:

• Sydney Driving Instructors
• Melbourne Driving Instructors
• Brisbane Driving Instructors
• Perth Driving Instructors
• Adelaide Driving Instructors
• Hobart Driving Instructors
• Canberra Driving Instructors

EzLicence also offers an exclusive driving test package for the day of your exam to help get you prepared.

Tip 6: Be Mindful of Simple Errors

Sometimes, it's the small errors that can add up to a failure during a driving test.

While these infractions may not mean an immediate fail, multiple mistakes can add up quickly. Thus, be sure your basics in driving are up to scratch. Avoid simple errors such as:

1. Driving with one hand
2. Forgetting to indicate
3. Not respecting the pedestrian right-of-way
4. Inconsistent speed
5. Indecisiveness at intersections
6. Forgetting about your rear-view mirror
7. Following too closely to the vehicle in front
8. Rolling to a stop sign, instead of a complete stop

Tip 7: Find Your Confidence

Anxiety and nerves on your test day can affect your performance. While it may seem difficult, it's best to stay calm and focused while driving.

It can be helpful to focus most on driving safely and defensively. That way, you can ensure that you're not taking unnecessary risks or performing any move that will instantly fail you.

Plenty of practice ahead of time can help build your confidence and keep you calm under pressure. To best ensure you're putting your best foot forward, consider contacting a certified driving school or instructor for their expert advice.

Preparing for Your Driving Test with EzLicence

Passing a driving test, especially if it's your first attempt, may seem daunting. However, avoiding common mistakes and preparing properly can help raise your chances of success significantly.

Fortunately, EzLicence gives you the chance to compare experienced and empathetic driving instructors skilled in preparation for driving tests. Take your pick from an extensive list of local instructors and book using our convenient online service.

Our website lists crucial details such as instructor ratings, profiles, language availability, and many more - helping you find the perfect match to your learning needs.

Book in today and take advantage private driving lessons that will help you to get prepped and ready for your upcoming test.