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FLYING COLOURS

I’m a driving instructor and these are the top three tips that will help you pass your driving test

A DRIVING instructor has given his top tips for Brits to pass their driving test with flying colours.

Passing your driving test isn't easy - around half of all learners fail the practical exam every year.

Roughly half of all drivers fail their driving test first time
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Roughly half of all drivers fail their driving test first timeCredit: Alamy

A recent survey conducted by found that 80% of learners have had to delay learning to drive due to the pandemic and 78% of learners feel more pressure to pass first time because of the pandemic. 

And data has shown that aspiring drivers could be forced to wait until 2024 to get their licence, creating further stress for those who get a test booked. 

Now Seb Goldin, CEO of RED has shared his top three tips to help you pass your driving test first time…

Avoid caffeine

According to Mr Goldin, those who hope to get their full license should avoid having coffee or tea before your test.

He said: “Cutting down on your caffeine intake or removing it entirely can have a surprisingly positive effect on driving anxiety and general concentration ahead of the driving test.”

Eat before the test

Driving students should always have food in their bellies before heading out for their tests.

Mr Goldin said: “While we recommend cutting out the caffeine, don’t cut out the food - make sure you’ve eaten something before the test. 

Ask to repeat

Mr Goldin’s final golden rule is to always make sure you understand what your examiner is asking of you.

He said: “Ask your examiner to repeat. 

“If you don’t hear an instruction properly during your test, it is important to stay calm and simply ask the examiner to repeat themselves. 

“There is no shame in this, and you won’t be the first or last to do so! Panicking is likely to cause you to lose focus and slip up. “

How long does a driving test last?

here are 5 parts to the driving test:

  • an eyesight check
  • ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
  • general driving ability
  • reversing your vehicle
  • independent driving

You’ll drive for around 40 minutes.

You’ll drive for around 70 minutes if you’re taking an extended driving test because you’ve been banned from driving.

Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driving School
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Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driving School
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