You’d never take any other tests without doing some practice ones first. And a driving test is no different. You probably took more than one mock theory test before taking the real thing. Taking a mock driving test is a great way of checking you have all the skills you need to drive safely on your own. They also help you understand if you’re ready to take your driving test. Additionally, research shows that people who take a mock test are 40% more likely to pass the real thing.
How taking mock tests will help
Taking a mock driving test is a great way of checking you have all the skills you need to drive safely on your own. They’ll also help you understand if you’re ready to take your driving test.
Here are the 5 top reasons it’s a great idea to take one.
More likely to pass!
Most people who pass the driving test have taken at least one mock test.
Research shows that people who have taken a realistic mock test are 40% more likely to pass the real test.
Get used to the test
Taking mock tests can help you get used to the format of the driving test and give you a feel for what it will be like on the day.
Knowing how all the different parts of the test work can help you prepare to succeed.
Identify things you need to improve on
A mock test can help you understand how well you do when you’re driving without help from your driving instructor.
This gives you and your instructor a list of things you can work on in the run-up to your test. Then you’ll be in a much better position to show the driving examiner how good and safe a driver you are.
Even if you’ve already taken a driving test, mock tests can help you identify areas you need to work on, so you’re more likely to pass next time.
Build confidence
A mock driving test is a supportive and safe environment for you to practise managing the nerves you might get when you take the real test.
The great news is that research shows 4 out 5 people who take a mock test say it leaves them feeling more confident about the real thing.
And 9 out of 10 learner drivers who have taken a mock test before the real driving test would recommend that you take one.
See if you’re ready
It’s better to find out that you still need some more practice at the end of a mock test than it is at the end of your actual driving test.
The driving test costs £62 (or £75 if you’re taking it at the weekend). Research shows most driving instructors charge between £31 and £35 for a one-hour session.
So, taking a mock test is a more cost-effective way of ‘giving it a go’ for the experience and finding out if you really are ready to pass.
Reasons people don’t have mock tests
Despite the many benefits of taking mock driving tests, some people choose to skip taking them.
Let’s take a look at some of the common myths and explain why taking a mock test is a good idea if you’re thinking any of these things.
“I’ve watched videos online”
One reason people skip taking a mock test is because they’ve watched driving test videos online.
While YouTube or TikTok videos can offer insights into driving techniques and how the driving test works, they do not give you any feedback on your own driving skills under test conditions.
One of the most important reasons for taking a mock test is to see whether you can pass with your current level of skills and knowledge. You completely miss this by just watching videos.
“It’s too expensive”
Some people avoid taking a mock test because they think it’s too expensive.
It’s understandable to be mindful of expenses. But view taking a mock driving test as an investment. It will reduce the likelihood of you having to take multiple attempts at the real thing.
A mock test will usually cost the same as a one-hour driving lesson. Research by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) shows the average hourly lesson price is £31 to £35.
That’s less than the cost of the driving test, which is £62 (or £75 at the weekend or on a bank holiday). If you fail the driving test, you’ll have to pay again – you’ll then have spent at least £124 in test fees.
So by taking a mock test, you can end up saving money on test fees.
“I don’t have time”
One reason that people say they cannot take a mock test is because they do not have enough time.
Prioritising your time can be challenging with busy schedules of college, work and a social life. But failing to prioritise some time for a mock test is setting yourself up to fail the driving test.
You should be able to take a mock test within a one-hour driving lesson. One hour of time to become up to 40% more likely to pass your driving test is a really good use of time.
Your driving instructor might recommend that you take a few mock tests. Listen to their expert advice.
“I’m afraid of failing”
Some people say that they do not take a mock test because they’re either too nervous, or worry that they’ll become more nervous about the real test if they fail.
Fear of failure is natural. But avoiding a mock test because you’re afraid will just maintain the anxiety that you need to overcome.
Taking a mock test can help you practise managing your nerves under test conditions. It’s much better to do it in that safe environment.
Research shows 4 out 5 people who take a mock test say it leaves them feeling more confident about the real thing.
And 9 out of 10 learner drivers who have taken a mock test before the real driving test would recommend that you take one.
“I’m not learning with an instructor”
It’s unlikely that anyone except an approved driving instructor (ADI) will have the experience, knowledge and training to teach you properly.
They’re specially trained to help you learn the 27 skills you need to be a safe driver.
DVSA recommends that you learn with a driving instructor, and then take private practice between your lessons when your instructor says you’re ready.
But even if you are not learning a driving instructor, you can still contact one to arrange a mock test. More than half of instructors will do mock tests for people they do not teach.
Arranging a mock test
If you have an instructor
Talk to your driving instructor to arrange a mock driving test. They’ll be able to give you advice about when it’s right for you to take one.
They might suggest that you do the mock test with another instructor if they think it will help you get used to driving with someone you do not know as well.
If you don’t have an instructor
You can find and contact local driving instructors to check if they offer mock tests.
Research from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency shows that more than half of instructors will do mock tests for people they do not teach.
And remember, driving instructors are road safety experts, specially trained to help people learn to drive. They’ll be able to help you understand how you did in a mock test.
What’s in a mock test?
Mock driving tests work best when they include all the parts of the real driving test.
Your mock tests should last about 40 minutes, and include:
– Checking your driving licence
– Checking your eyesight
– ‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
– General driving ability on rural roads, urban roads, dual carriageways, multi-lane roundabouts and one-way systems
– Reversing the car
– Independent driving for 20 minutes, either following directions from a sat nav or following traffic signs
– An emergency stop
– Giving you the result and feedback
The emergency stop may not be included in your actual driving test. It’s used in 1 in 3 tests, but it’s a good idea to practise it in a mock test.
