Go for a first-time pass with want2PASS!

want2PASS 1st time pass rate is consistently better than the local average. This is because you will be properly prepared and will have taken mock tests so you will feel as confident as possible that you are ready to ‘go solo’. want2PASS are familiar with the test areas in Burgess Hill, Worthing and Crawley, so you can choose the area you prefer, or the one with the shortest waiting list.

The on-road test lasts about 40 minutes and will take you through a variety of roads and traffic conditions. There are no ‘daily quotas’ and if you complete the test without serious or dangerous errors and with no more than 15 minor driving errors you will pass!

There are a number of pre-determined routes. However the route may be varied by unusual congestion, road works etc. During the test you will be asked to carry out one of the following: turn the car around, reverse into an opening, or park the car - either in the street or in the test centre car park. You may also be asked to stop the car suddenly under an emergency stop simulation. In addition for 10 minutes you will be asked to drive independantly, in other words without a constant flow of directions from the examiner. During this time it is important to follow the mirror-signal-manouever routine and not make sudden changes of direction if you get 'lost'.

Try to forget the examiner and you’ll feel less nervous. Remember, they’re not going to ask you to do anything out of the ordinary. All they’ll ask you to do is drive around as you would during real life. Drive in a thoughtful, business-like manner. Keep up with the other traffic but be careful to obey speed limits at all times. If you are unsure about a direction, immediately seek clarification. Use good observation skills and react sensibly to other motorists, but don’t let them put you under pressure.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) publish the top ten reasons why people fail. To help you avoid the most common pitfalls, here they are:

• Observation at junctions - ineffective observation and judgement
• Reverse parking - ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy
• Use of mirrors - not checking or not acting on the information
• Reversing around a corner - ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy
• Incorrect use of signals - not cancelling or giving misleading signals
• Moving away safely - ineffective observation
• Incorrect positioning on the road - at roundabouts or on bends
• Lack of steering control - steering too early or leaving it too late
• Incorrect positioning to turn right - at junctions and in one way streets
• Inappropriate speed - travelling too slowly or being hesitant

So, are you ready? Do you measure up OK with these skills?

Ask yourself: Does my instructor need to use the dual controls/verbally stop me from making a serious error/give me much instruction other than directions? If the answer is Yes to any of those questions then you are not ready to book your test!