How taking mock driving tests will help you
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.
1. Find out what you still need to work on
During lessons, your instructor gives you prompts and guidance. In a mock test, you’re on your own, just like in the real thing.
This shows you and your instructor exactly what you can do confidently and what needs more practice.
It’s much better to discover this in a mock test than in your actual driving test.
92% of learners who took a mock test said it helped them prepare for their real driving test
2. Get used to the pressure before it counts
The driving test can feel very different from a normal lesson. You’re being assessed, there’s no help, and it’s easy for nerves to take over.
A mock test lets you experience that pressure in a safe environment. You can practise managing your nerves when the result doesn’t matter.
By the time you take the real test, you’ll know what to expect.
87% of learners said taking a mock test increased their confidence ahead of their real driving test
3. Avoid wasting money on a test you’re not ready for
The driving test costs £62. If you fail, you lose that money and have to wait weeks for another attempt.
A mock test with your instructor typically costs between £36 and £40. If it shows you’re not quite ready, you’ve saved yourself the cost and disappointment of a failed test.
Think of it as a final check before you commit.
4. Learn how the test actually works
Knowing what to expect makes everything feel more manageable.
A mock test helps you understand:
- how long each part of the test takes
- how the examiner will give you instructions
- what the independent driving section feels like
- how to recover if something goes wrong
When you’ve done it once in practice, doing it for real feels much less daunting.
5. Most people who’ve done one say you should too
Learners who have taken a mock test overwhelmingly recommend them to others.
94% of learners who took a mock test said they would recommend it to others with an upcoming driving test
They’ve been where you are. They know what helped.
Not feeling completely prepared?
Only take your driving test if you’re feeling completely prepared.
You can move your driving test back if you’re not feeling quite ready yet.
It’s free to change your appointment time, as long as you do it at least 10 full working days (Mondays to Saturdays) before your test.