As a learner driver, you may well have been given lots of information on “how to pass your driving test“.

Some of  it may be true, some of it not!

You may of heard “crossing your hands on the steering wheel and you will fail”.

This one has been around for years and is simply not true. Crossing ones hands whilst steering has never been marked on the DL25 ( Driving Test Report Form). However, a candidate must always be in control of the vehicle, so you best be able to steer guys!

You also may have been told to “drive slowly and you will pass”.

Sorry, another one, not true. Failure to make adequate safe progress on a driving test, will result in a serious fault and a fail will be recorded.

What is making adequate Progress?

A good question indeed.

On your Driving Test, you will be expected to set and maintain a safe driving speed, within the limit.

So sometimes, you might find yourself on a road that has a 60 MPH limit, however because of its width or layout, road and traffic conditions, 40 MPH is the safe maximum speed. The examiner would expect you to know this and drive at a safe speed.

However, if on your Driving Test, you find yourself on a road with a 60 MPH speed limit, it’s a straight road, in good condition, dry conditions, with good visibility, full width, with no obstructions, then the examiner would expect you to drive near to the limit, if that’s a safe speed.

You have a judgement call to make when it comes to adequate progress.

DVSA are concerned that new drivers that drive too slowly, may lack the skills to set a safe speed within the speed limit. In addition, driving unnaturally slowly, within the limit can raise frustration levels and cause other motorists to take chances with unsafe overtakes etc.

So in summary, ensure you receive an adequate number of Driving Lessons and are able to drive at an appropriate speed, within the speed limit.