Tips to help you pass your driving test at Ubi Driving Centre. What testers look out for, what you should do other than drive, and the 10 most common errors to avoid during your driving test at Ubi Driving Centre or BBDC.
You’ve spent hours in the classroom, attended all the lectures and made the most of the tutorials. You’ve gone through the driving course and studied the handbook dozens of times.
According to the chief instructor at Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC), there is no minimum number of training hours before students are allowed to take their practical test. However, BBDC suggests that the “studious” read their guidebooks more before hitting the road, and encourages the more gung-ho trainees to just go ahead and attempt the test. Either way, the instructors will demonstrate the correct driving techniques to their students at every opportunity, so they know exactly what is needed to pass the big exam.
The average learner driver takes about three to six months to upgrade from L-plate to P-plate. The test proper takes 45 minutes.
When D-Day approaches (D for driving test, of course), use the know-how below to improve your odds of doing well:
WHAT TESTERS LOOK OUT FOR
• An ability to control the car in different circuit and traffic conditions.
• How safe, smooth and sure you are behind the wheel.
• Situational awareness, such as identifying road hazards ahead.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO OTHER THAN DRIVE (AND CONTINUE BREATHING)
• Personal pep talk – tell yourself you can do it; that you’ve been a good student, and it’s just a matter of putting what you learnt into “practice”.
• Nobody’s perfect – do not expect a full score with zero errors, and remember that you have 18 demerit points to play with during the test.
• Focus on the mission – concentrate on your driving while taking the test and don’t worry about what the tester might be thinking or writing.
• Show confidence – whether natural or forced, be confident at the wheel and don’t let a mistake or two dent your composure.
TEN MOST COMMON ERRORS TO AVOID
1. Checking blind spot too early or late; head not turned enough.
2. Not checking for obstructions or pedestrians before reverse parking.
3. Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic during lane changes.
4. Turning the steering wheel while vehicle is stationary.
5. Hitting or mounting kerbs.
6. Making too wide a turn, and into the wrong lane.
7. Failing to slow down sufficiently when needed.
8. Failing to attain the proper speed or comply with the posted speed limit.
9. Failing to shift gears on time.
10. Braking too early or too late.
