What is a Mock Driving Test?
A mock driving test is a practice run of the real driving test, often conducted by your Approved Driving Instructor. Your instructor will conduct the test in the same manner of the real driving test and follow the same format. In most cases they will conduct the test in the same area as your driving test.
It could be beneficial to have a mock driving test in an area you are not familiar with.
What will happen on the day?
Your driving instructor will arrange to start the mock test at the agreed starting point. You will complete the mock test and be given the result at the end.
Driving licence
You will need to bring the required paperwork so this can be checked in advance.
Eyesight check
You should not fail this but if you cannot read the number plate at the required distance the mock test will not be conducted.
Driving ability
Your mock test will take on a wide variety of road and traffic conditions. You will be expected to drive at speeds above 30mph.
Reversing
You will be expected to complete at least 1 exercise that involves reversing.
Show me Tell Me
You will be asked 2 questions that cover the general maintenance of your vehicle and operating the basic controls within the vehicle you are driving.
Independent driving
You will be asked to follow the Sat Nav or road signs for approximately 20 minutes.
Emergency Stop
You maybe asked to complete an emergency stop.
Result
A full debrief will be provided so you understand where you need to improve and outlining your strengths and weaknesses.
Your Mock Driving Test will last around 40 minutes.
Why take a Mock Driving Test
There can often be a lot of mystery surrounding a driving test, when in fact you have been preparing beyond this standard during your driving lessons. It can help students to understand more about their thoughts and feelings leading up to their big day. It can help settle some nerves and in some cases may be used as a tool to see your standard of test readiness. There are advantages and disadvantages of taking a mock driving test and your driving instructor will discuss this with you. Sometimes the result may not be what you are expecting and leading up to a driving test this may not be the news you were hoping for. At the same time it can also give you an added boost and motivation to work on the aspect you need to do well.
When is the best time to take a Mock Driving Test?
I normally recommend that students who wish to take a mock driving test do so around 4 weeks before their practical driving test. This gives the student and instructor time to prepare and if needed complete another mock test before their practical driving test. Being in a position to pass a mock test is important. If you take the test too early it will have a negative effect on your training and will be wasted in terms of your progress. Mock Driving Tests should not be used to prove a point in a students training but rather develop their training, skills and knowledge. They will not help a nervous driver become confident, but they may help you understand the process.
Do I need to take a Mock Driving Test?
It's not essential and is just one tool in the process of learning to drive. For many students they gain more from their training than they would taking a mock driving test. Your trainer will discuss the Pro's & Con's.
What happens if I fail my Mock Driving Test? Your instructor will provide a full debrief. This will outline the details of the mock driving test. You should have plenty of time to work on any weaknesses before your practical driving test. Failing a Mock Driving Test may not be a reflection on whether you should not sit your practical driving test. Equally and pass does not guarantee you will pass your practical driving test.
The DVSA has recently written a report detailing what instructors should do during a mock test. Draft Documents can be found here: Instructions and wording to use with your pupils How to mark and assess faults 'Show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions' Marking sheet
Comments