Why Do I Perform Well in Practice but Fail the Driving Test?
2 Answers
Reasons for performing well in practice but failing the driving test are as follows: 1. Excessive nervousness and inability to regulate emotions: Nine out of ten students feel nervous, which is normal when taking the test. However, it's crucial to manage emotions properly during the actual exam to avoid over-nervousness affecting performance. Moderate tension can help regulate emotions and facilitate test performance. Students should avoid attaching too much importance to the outcome and treat the test as a regular practice session. 2. Differences in vehicle condition and test environment: The vehicles at the test center differ from those used in driving school practice. Some students may find the clutch feel completely different when switching cars. In such cases, they should take time to familiarize themselves with the clutch's height and resistance, gradually adapting to the test vehicle. The principle remains the same—engage the clutch slowly to find the semi-engagement point rather than rushing. Proper clutch control ensures steady speed management, enabling smooth progression to the next steps. 3. Failure to adjust the seat and mirrors optimally: During practice at the driving school, instructors usually preset the seat and mirrors to ideal positions. However, if the previous test-taker has significantly different body proportions, students must readjust these settings upon entering the vehicle. Neglecting this step may lead to inaccurate reference points, resulting in either crossing lines or improper parking during the test.
I've seen many people who perform excellently during practice but fail their driving tests, mainly due to the immense pressure during the exam. During practice, the environment is familiar, the instructor is there to guide you, and mistakes can be immediately corrected, making everything feel natural. However, once the test begins, the examiner watches every move, the time pressure makes your heart race, your palms sweat, and shaky hands or slipping feet are common. As a result, maneuvers like parallel parking, usually done flawlessly, might end up scraping the curb or forgetting to signal during the test. My advice is to do a few mock tests beforehand, take deep breaths to adjust your mindset, and treat the exam like a regular practice session. Gradually get used to that nervousness, and after a few attempts, your success rate will improve significantly. Stay positive and believe in yourself—you've got this!
