What Do Examiners Look For In A Driving Test

If you already booked your driving test, for sure, you've made steps to prepare yourself for the test as well. You may have taken long hours of driving lessons and practice to prepare for your driving test. 

You also have to pass the hazard perception test to qualify for a driving test. There are countless thoughts that comes to mind when you're about to take your driving test. And knowing what the driving examiners are looking for during your test can help you better prepare yourself.

We will talk about four criteria on which driving examiners observe your driving. 

Decision-making and hazard awareness. 

This is one of the most important skills that learners should develop. Learners should be able to identify hazards on the road. For example, pedestrians approaching the opposite side of the street. Or a car that's about to cross an intersection. You have to show your examiner that you are a safe driver on the road. So knowing how to identify and respond to these possible hazards will help you with your test.

Road position and safety margins.

As part of being a safe driver, you need to demonstrate that you are able to stay in your lane when driving. You need to make sure that you stay away from the parked cars beside the road and maintain a safe distance from them when passing them.

It also includes keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. You can do this by keeping a 2-second gap between other vehicles. Keeping your distance between other vehicles can help you avoid a crash in case they suddenly stop or swerves in your direction. Your driving examiner will observe how you maintain your distance on the road.

Speed control. 

Your driving test route will include some areas which have a lot of traffic. This is to challenge your ability when you drive in different traffic conditions. So you must be able to adjust your speed according to speed limits. 

For example, when you enter or exit a highway, or approach a school zone. Or your test route might include a steep street. You should be able to maintain your speed whether going uphill or downhill. Always be attentive to speed limit signs so you won't go over the speed limit.

Driver's observation.

As mentioned, you must be attentive to the different road signs. You must exhibit that you're able to focus on the road and know the different road signs. Aside from that, you should focus on your environment when driving. 

For example, has it been constantly raining in your area? Then you must always look out for ‘slippery signs’ and reduce your speed. When weather conditions change, most of the time, road conditions are also affected. So make sure to be extra cautious and drive defensively. This way you'll be able to make the appropriate decisions when driving.

The practical driving test is designed to evaluate your general driving abilities. It will test your observation, attitude on the road, and your overall performance. Make sure you're well prepared by taking driving lessons and practice to pass your driving test.

You can also check out our YouTube video on 'How Do Driving Examiners Give You Instructions In Australia’ to know how driving examiners give instructions during your test.

In a nutshell, you need to make the driving examiner, sitting next to you, feel safe. When you demonstrate to the examiner that you are a safe and courteous driver on the road and you know about all the road rules, you will finish your driving test with flying colours.