Late afternoon or evening driving tests As with the early morning tests, these times may be subject to rush hour and depending on your opinion, are best avoided. The benefit of the later tests however is that during the winter season, there is a far less likelihood of the test being cancelled due to icy roads.
The best time of day to take your test
Around two thirds (65%) of those taking evening tests pass. The worst time slot is between 11am and 1pm with a pass rate of 48%, while the early morning slot of 7am to 9am – when you would assume people would be at their most alert – returns a 50% pass rate.
Taking the test between 9 and 11 am is a great choice since it's out of the rush hour, and you are less likely to waste time in a traffic jam or the lunchtime rush.
The exact times may vary depending on location, but generally average 8 to 9AM in the morning, in the afternoon around 2.30 to 3.30PM, and then 5PM to around 6PM. If you can, try to book your driving test on a day with good weather.
Many learners assume that hitting the kerb while performing a manoeuvre will result in an instant fail, but again it's not entirely true. While mounting the kerb – or crashing into it hard – will be marked down as a major, a simple touch or clip during a manoeuvre (like turning in the road) is only classed as a minor.
Pass mark. You'll pass your driving test if you make: no more than 15 driving faults (sometimes called 'minors') no serious or dangerous faults (sometimes called 'majors')
As we've said, you won't actually have to worry about the reversing around a corner manoeuvre showing up on your driving test. Even so, you should at least know how to perform it to a high standard.
Between 9am and 11am is generally a decent time to take a driving test because it's outside of rush hour and avoids the traffic increase in the run-up to lunchtime.
Three or more critical errors mean you fail the test. If you get more than 1 critical error in the first part of the test, you don't pass. Take a look at our guide to Critical Errors and Immediate Fail Errors for more information.
You are allowed up to 15 driving faults on a test, anything more than this will result in a fail. You can also fail your test for having too many faults in one particular element of the marking scheme, for example 'use of mirrors'.
If you fail a second time you can try again in eight days. Which gives you time to get a few more lessons in and shake off the nerves. If you fail three or more times you have to wait 29 days between tests. If this happens then you're going to need that time to fix up the mistakes that catch you out.
The Driving Test is approximately 30-45 Minutes duration. Examiners who conduct the test are required to assess your driving skills, ability to drive safely, make good decisions and minimize risk of accident. There are usually 3 or more test routes at each test location.
Exercise the Day Before
This includes exercise. You may not feel like hitting the gym or going for a run but it's a good way to relax and feel good. Exercise releases good endorphins and this may be just what you need to calm down and forget about your driving test nerves.
Get plenty of sleep
Sleep is essential for our health and wellbeing, so it's important to get a good night's sleep the night before your driving test. Try to aim for between 7 to 8 hours of sleep if possible.
While mornings and afternoons are safer, there are some exceptions. Rush hour traffic, which typically runs from 8 AM to 10 AM in the morning, and then again from 4 PM to 7 PM in the evening, plays a part in safety too. With the influx of cars at these peak times, the roads become more dangerous.
An Immediate Fail Error is when you do something that puts you, other road users , or property in immediate danger.
A critical error is a serious driving error that does not meet the conditions for an immediate failure error. Critical errors are recorded at any time they occur during the test, whether or not the applicant was undertaking an assessable task at the time of the error.
South Dakota has the easiest driving test of any state, followed by Ohio and New York, the study found.
The four possible manoeuvres are pulling up on the right, forward parking into a bay, reverse parking into a bay and parallel parking. Straight reverse, hitting the kerb and road camber are additional guides to help.
Control (steering)
The driving examiner will be checking that steering is smooth, safe and under control. You won't fail your driving test for crossing your hands while steering, but you will fail if the examiner doesn't think you're in control.
You won't fail your test for choosing the wrong lane – it's all about how you react. Use mirrors, checks, speed and signals to get back on track and you'll be fine.