Ready to Pass?

How to pass your driving test by learning vital skills, managing nerves and taking mock tests.

Passing your driving test gives you independence and freedom. But many learner drivers take their test too early, leading to a failed test, disappointment, extra costs and delays to getting on the road. Are you ready to pass?

Skills you need to pass your driving test

Find out about the 27 skills you need to learn to pass your driving test and be a safe driver.

Managing driving test nerves

Get advice about how to manage your driving test nerves so you can focus on passing your test.

Taking mock driving tests

Find out why people who take mock driving tests are more likely to pass the real thing.

Taking the driving test

Find out how the driving test works, what you need to take on the day, and how you can avoid common mistakes people make.

Helping a learner

Check the rules about supervising a learner driver, and get advice about how to make the most from practice sessions.

51 out of every 100 driving tests were failed in Great Britain during August 2023

Check you’re ready to take the test

You’ll usually be ready to take your driving test when:

1. You do not need prompts from your driving instructor.
You need to be dealing with every part of driving consistently, confidently and independently – without any prompting from your driving instructor. You’ll be getting ready for your test when you’re able to adapt to situations and see why perfecting your skills makes you safer and more fuel-efficient.
2. You do not make serious or dangerous mistakes when you’re driving.
You need to be a good and safe driver to pass the driving test. If you’re making serious or dangerous mistakes during your driving lessons and brushing them off as ‘silly mistakes’, you’re not ready to pass your driving test and drive on your own.
3. You can pass mock driving tests.
Taking and passing mock driving tests with your driving instructor will help you understand if you’ve reached the standard that’s needed to pass.
4. You have practised ways of managing your nerves.
It’s really important to be able to manage your nerves to be a safe driver. Practise ways of managing your nerves to help you stay calm and focused when you take your test. This will help you in the vital months after you’ve passed your test, too.
5. Your driving instructor agrees you’re ready.
If your driving instructor says you’re not ready to take your driving test, listen to them. Driving instructors are specially trained road safety experts. They’ve got lots of driving experience – and they know what it takes to pass the driving test. Remember, they want you to be a safe driver, keep your insurance costs low, and enjoy driving for years to come.

Move your driving test if you’re not feeling ready

You’re more likely to pass your driving test if you move it back so you have more time to:

  • brush up on your skills
  • take a few more mock tests
  • practise managing your nerves

It’s free to change your appointment time, as long as you do it at least 3 full working days (Mondays to Saturdays) before your test.

And by moving your test, you’ll free up an appointment for someone who is ready to pass.

Change your driving test appointment

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