We all know how myths and rumours can spread. A fact gets turned into a myth, and before long, you’re left feeling confused about what is true and what is false.
The aim of this guide is to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about driving tests and explain the truth behind them. Whether you’ve heard that examiners have pass quotas, that stalling automatically means you’ve failed, or that you can’t wear sunglasses during your test, we’ll separate fact from fiction and clear up some of the most common driving test myths.
Common Driving Test Myths
We’ve grouped some of the most common driving test myths into categories below, making it easier to find the answers you’re looking for.
Before Your Driving Test
Many of the most common driving test myths are about what happens before you even arrive at the test centre.
The Minimum Age for Driving Is Increasing to 18 – False
There have previously been suggestions that learners should begin driving at 17 and take their test at 18. However, a change like this would require an Act of Parliament, which can take several years.
So, for now, there is no need to worry.
DVSA Will Provide a Car for the Driving Test – False
This has never been the case.
Please do not turn up to your test expecting to use a DVSA car. You must provide a suitable vehicle to use for your driving test.
You Can Hire a Car for Your Driving Test – True
The DVSA test centre will not hire you a car, but there are companies, such as Arnold Clark, that specialise in dual-control car hire for learner drivers and driving tests.
Make sure any hire car you use meets DVSA rules and is suitable for the practical driving test.
You Can Use Your Own Car for the Driving Test – True
You do not have to use your instructor’s car.
You can use your own car, but it must meet DVSA rules, be roadworthy, be insured for a driving test and have the correct equipment fitted.
You Can Take a Friend, Relative or Instructor With You on Your Test – True
At the beginning of your driving test, the examiner should ask if you would like someone to accompany you.
This can be a friend, family member or, most commonly, your driving instructor. This is completely your choice, but it is a good idea to discuss it with your instructor before your test.
Some learners find it comforting, while others feel it makes them more nervous. Do whatever helps you feel most comfortable. Your instructor or accompanying passenger will not be able to say anything during the test.
I Can Still Do the Test if I Forget My Driving Licence – False
Unfortunately, this is not true.
You must bring your provisional driving licence to your test. If you cannot find it, you should contact the test centre as soon as possible rather than turning up without it.
To avoid stress, check that you have your provisional licence several weeks before your test, again one week before your test and once more the night before.
During Your Driving Test
There are lots of stories about what happens during a driving test, but not all of them are true.
Your Practical Driving Test Can Be Cut Short or Stopped by the Examiner – True
If you drive in a dangerous way, the examiner can stop the test.
If this happens, the examiner may need to end the test and return to the test centre. This is not a situation anyone wants to be in, so make sure you stick to what you’ve been taught in your lessons and drive safely throughout your test.
I Can Use My Own Sat Nav on the Test – False
The DVSA uses its own sat nav for the independent driving section of the test. You will not be asked or allowed to use your phone or your own sat nav.
For best practice, try to become familiar with the type of sat nav used on the driving test. The DVSA commonly uses a TomTom device, and the directions and terminology may vary from other sat navs.
It is also useful to become familiar with the terminology and examiner wordings used during the driving test.
You Can’t Wear Sunglasses on Your Driving Test Because Your Eyes Need to Be Seen – False
If you need to wear sunglasses, you can.
Some learners find that the sun visor does not work well enough, especially in low sun, so sunglasses may be necessary.
The examiner will still be able to see that you are making appropriate observations, and wearing sunglasses will not automatically cause a problem.
If I Stall Once or Twice, I’ve Failed My Test – False
There is no set number of times you can stall before failing your driving test.
A learner could stall twice by the side of the road and, as long as it does not affect other road users or create danger, it may only be marked as a driving fault.
However, if you stall at a roundabout and the car rolls into the path of another road user, this could lead to a serious or dangerous fault. In that situation, the issue may be more about not applying the handbrake or footbrake in time.
Many learners have stalled during their driving test and still passed. What matters most is how you respond to the stall.
You Can Fail for Going the Wrong Way – False
Taking a wrong turn is not usually a fail on its own.
The important thing is how you deal with it. If you stay calm, check your mirrors, signal correctly and follow the road safely, the examiner will simply help you get back on route.
You’ll Fail if You Ask the Examiner to Repeat an Instruction – False
Asking the examiner to repeat an instruction is absolutely fine.
It is much better to check than to panic or make a rushed decision.
How Your Test Is Marked
There’s no shortage of rumours about how driving examiners mark tests. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common ones.
Driving Examiners Can Only Pass a Certain Number of Pupils Each Week – False
This one is very simple: if you are ready to pass your test, you will.
The number of people your examiner has passed before you has nothing to do with whether or not you will pass your driving test.
You Should Set Your Mirrors Slightly Off or Exaggerate Your Mirror Checks so the Examiner Sees Them – False
Nice try, but false.
You do not need to set your mirrors slightly off or dramatically move your head to show the examiner you are checking them. Examiners are trained to spot proper observations, including small eye movements.
Set your mirrors correctly and check them naturally at the right times. Exaggerating your mirror checks will not score you extra points and may even distract you from the road.
Driving Slowly or Below the Speed Limit Will Impress the Examiner – False
The examiner expects you to drive safely and make good progress where appropriate. This is something to bear in mind if you’re wondering whether you can fail a driving test for driving too slowly.
There may be times when you need to drive below the speed limit because of road conditions, upcoming hazards, parked vehicles, pedestrians or other risks.
However, when it is safe to drive at the speed limit, you should aim to drive close to it. For example, in a 30mph zone, driving at around 28–30mph is usually more appropriate than sitting at 25mph when conditions are clear.
Driving too slowly when it is safe to make progress may encourage other drivers to overtake, which could increase the risk to you and other road users.
The Examiner Will Try to Trick You – False
Driving examiners are not trying to catch you out.
Their job is to assess whether you can drive safely and independently. They will give clear instructions, and if you are unsure, you can ask them to repeat what they said.
Going 1–2mph Over the Speed Limit Is an Automatic Fail – False
In most cases, briefly going 1–2mph over the speed limit should not automatically cause you to fail, especially if you notice quickly and adjust your speed safely.
However, if speeding affects your safety, such as causing you to get too close to the vehicle in front, it may be marked as a fault.
Going significantly over the speed limit, even briefly, could be marked as a driving fault, serious fault or dangerous fault depending on the situation.
Learning to Drive Myths
Not every myth is about the practical driving test itself. Some are simply common beliefs about learning to drive and taking driving lessons.
When You’re a Learner Driver, You Are Exempt from Motoring Laws – False
This is completely untrue.
Although you may be learning under a provisional licence, you are still responsible for how you drive. This includes situations such as speeding, causing an accident, or putting pedestrians and other road users at risk.
You have just as much responsibility behind the wheel as any other driver.
Passing in an Automatic Means You Can Drive a Manual – False
If you pass your driving test in an automatic car, your licence only allows you to drive automatic vehicles.
To drive a manual car, you would need to pass a manual driving test.
Mock Tests Are a Waste of Time – False
Mock tests are a great way to work out whether you are on schedule to pass your driving test.
Sometimes, faults discussed during lessons do not fully sink in until they are recorded and reviewed while the car is stationary. Many learners do not realise that the same driving fault can be marked as minor, serious or dangerous depending on the circumstances.
For example, if you forget to check your right door mirror before turning right, this may normally be marked as a driving fault. However, if there is a motorbike approaching in your blind spot, it could become serious or dangerous, and the examiner may need to intervene to keep everyone safe.
Having these discussions with your instructor and reflecting on your mock test performance will help you feel better prepared for your driving test.
Driving Schools Make You Take More Lessons Than You Need – False
Here at driveJohnson’s, this is completely false.
We first provide you with an assessment lesson, giving you honest guidance on how many driving lessons we think you’ll need to pass your driving test. We always have your best interests in mind, so we won’t recommend or charge you for lessons you don’t really need. In fact, our driving instructors in Oxford have had pupils pass in as little as 10–15 hours, which just goes to show they won’t force you to take more lessons than you need.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of driving test myths out there, and it can be difficult to know which ones to believe. Hopefully, this guide has helped clear up some of the most common misconceptions, so you can focus on preparing for your driving test with the right information.
If you have any questions about driving test myths or your practical driving test, feel free to call our friendly office team. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
