Tips for Successfully Passing Your Queensland Driving Test

By Stuart
General

About 43% of Australians fail their driving test, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. It’s certainly a big number. It shows that you cannot underestimate the difficulty of the driving test. You have to take proper preparations to pass and get your licence. The test centres are strict about their rules and regulations. You can enhance your chance of passing the test by following some experts’ tips. It will guide you on how to prepare and crack the driving test. 

7 Tips for Passing Driving Exam

The driving test won’t be too difficult when you are prepared well. Follow the tips below, and you will have a good chance of getting your driver's licence. 

Learn from A Professional Driving School

You should consider learning from a driving school. You will get professional driving instructor advice there. They will guide you in road test preparation. You get to learn about the road rules and techniques. They are aware of the driving tests and help you pass them. You can take mock driving tests. It will boost your confidence and help you familiarise yourself with the pattern. 

You can also learn from friends and family members. However, they may forget something essential for the test. You may get to learn to drive but won’t have enough preparation for the test. Driving schools follow a standard syllabus to ensure you don’t miss anything important. They can also instruct you when to take the test. You should respect their opinion since they know and understand your abilities. 

Familiarise Yourself with Queensland Road Rules 

You must be aware of the Queensland road rules. Some rules can vary across different states. You should be aware of them, such as:

  • Learn to recognise and understand traffic signs and signals. Failing in traffic sign recognition can result in failing the test. 
  • You need to maintain a safe distance from other cars. The official website of the Queensland Government suggests to stay at least 2 seconds behind. You need to add 1 second extra for each 3m of trailer length.
  • Maintain speed rules of the road and other safety measures. 
  • You also need to be aware of the traffic laws and safe driving practices. 

Attempt the Test When You Are Ready

You should not rush to take the test. Make sure you have had enough practice of at least 100 hours. Also, consider the following aspects before attending the test when you are:

  • Aware of all the traffic rules, signs, and signals
  • Comfortable with all driving manoeuvres
  • Accustomed to parallel parking, lane changing, hill starts, or three-point turns.

Choose A Nearby Test Centre

Many candidates make this mistake. They often choose a driving test centre that offers the earliest test date. This is a bad strategy. Instead, you should look for a nearby test centre that offers similar kinds of tracks to your regular driving spots. The familiarity will boost your confidence. This will help you hold driving test nerves. You will also feel comfortable driving on such roads. However, you should also practise driving on different roads. It improves your driving skill and efficiency. 

The Test Day Preparation

Arriving in time for the test is crucial. Complete your pre-drive checklist beforehand. Plan your test day preparation to avoid rushing. It will give you time to relax. Late arrival can make you anxious and create a bad impression. Hold your nerves and be ready for the hazard perception test. Make sure your car is in optimal condition. You should double-check all required documents and equipment. You will need the following things:

  • Completed licence application form.
  • Completed log book with 120 hours filled out and signed off by a supervising adult.
  • Proof of self identity. It can be your birth certificate or passport. 

Control Your Speed

Driving test is not the ideal place for showing your racing skills. You must keep the speed in control and under the limit. Exceeding the permitted limit can result in failure of the test. Adapt to defensive driving techniques to show your responsibility and awareness. 

You should slow down near schools and residential areas. Be aware of speed zones and changes. Smooth braking will help you avoid sudden stops and impress the examiner. Stay alert about the weather conditions and speed limit signs. You need to demonstrate safe driving habits to pass the test. 

Beware of the Test Criteria

You will need to perform various manoeuvres during the test. You should practise them beforehand and gain efficiency. The examiner will mark you on a number of factors. It includes:

  • Observation skills
  • Control of the vehicle. It includes how you handle gears, steering, and pedals.
  • You are obedient to road safety and driving rules
  • Speed management
  • Performing different maneuvering
  • Confidence and calmness
  • Reverse park
  • Reversing exercise
  • Turn around, etc. 

You must not panic if you make a mistake. Instructors know that you are a new driver. They let go of one or two minor mistakes. But try to make as few mistakes as possible. Don’t panic thinking that you have failed. This will affect your driving, and you may do worse than regular. 

Stay Calm During Throughout the Test

Candidates often get nervous during a test. You should try to control your nervousness. Otherwise, you may forget important things. Follow these driver’s licence test tips to maintain calmness:

  • Avoid taking the test when you are going through stressful things in your life. This can affect your performance in the test. 
  • Sleep well the night before the test. 
  • You should avoid caffeine before the test. This can make you jittery and nervous. 
  • Set a positive mindset about the test. Take a deep breath and think about a positive outcome. 

Prepare for the DMV Test

Along with the practical driving test, you also have to sit for a written exam. You need to have a proper DMV test strategy. You don’t need to panic about the test. The questions will be regarding safe driving. You are already familiar with them. Read the questions properly and try to relate them to real-life driving scenarios. You will find the written test the easier part. 

FAQ

The following questions and answers will help you understand the driving test better. 

What are instant fails on the driving test in Qld?

If you do not stop at a stop sign or keep driving when the red sign is on, you will get an instant failing score. Other reasons include speeding over the limit, violating right-of-way rules, and dangerous manoeuvres during the test. 

How many people fail their driving test in QLD?

Failure in driving tests in Queensland is less than the average in Australia. About 43% of candidates fail their test annually. It’s still a big number. You need to be well prepared and aware of the traffic rules to pass the test. 

What are the 5 manoeuvres in the driving test in QLD?

You need to know five common manoeuvres to prepare for your driving test in Queensland. It includes hill start, U-turn, turning around, reverse parallel park, and reversing exercise.  Poor skill to perform these manoeuvres can make you fail the test. 

How long is the Qld driving test?

The driving test duration can be 45 and 90 minutes. 45 minutes for a car and light rigid driving test. Medium and heavy rigid and heavy combination tests are usually 90 minutes long, according to the Queensland Transport.

Final Words

You need to have a strategic approach to do well in your driving test. Take the test seriously, as many candidates fail to pass it. Learning from a professional school can be of great help. Affordable Driving School is a reliable name for driving school in Queensland. We help many students pass the test every year. We have experienced trainers to teach you with flexibility. You can learn at your convenience, according to your skill and need. The test will be much easier for you with the help of our expert instructors. 

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