Myths about not needing mock driving 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 do not have enough 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 a driving 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.
“I already have an international driving licence”
A lot of people with an international driving licence and some experience of driving in the UK assume their prior knowledge is enough to pass the driving test.
However, driving test formats vary widely between countries.
Taking a mock test will help you get used to how the British driving test works – it could be quite different from the test you originally took.
Regardless of how many years you’ve already been driving, taking a mock test will help you prepare. It’s a much better alternative to turning up for your driving test and then failing.
Previous page:
Next page:
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 3 full working days (Mondays to Saturdays) before your test.