If you’ve got your driving test coming up, there’s a good chance your instructor has suggested taking a mock test first. Mock driving tests have become increasingly popular because they give learners a realistic idea of what to expect on the big day. But while mock tests can be incredibly useful, they’re not exactly the same as the real thing.
Understanding the differences can help you get more value from your mock test and avoid any surprises when test day arrives.
What’s the Value of a Mock Driving Test?
What is a mock driving test?
As you’d expect, a mock driving test is designed to let you experience the format of the practical driving test as closely as possible, without the high stakes of your actual test day. While you can do this with your usual driving instructor, if you really want to replicate the experience, it’s often a good idea to ask another instructor to take on the role of an examiner.
During your mock test, the ‘examiner’ will ask you to follow directions, complete manoeuvres, and drive independently for a set period of time. During that time, they’ll assess your driving against the same standards used in the UK test, and record any faults you make.
The goal isn’t to catch you out. It’s to identify any weaknesses and give you a realistic assessment of whether you’re ready to take your test.
The pressure feels different
One of the biggest differences between a mock test and a real driving test is the level of pressure. Even if you’re taking the mock seriously, most learners know deep down that the result doesn’t really matter. So, if you make a mistake, you can discuss it straight away and continue learning.
A real driving test feels different because you know that if you fail, there’s no explanations. You’ve waited weeks for your test, paid your fee, and it’s all lost. You have to go back to the beginning and start all over again. There shouldn’t be, but there’s also often a sense of embarrassment about failing your driving test, and that can be really upsetting for a lot of people. Consequently, nerves tend to be much higher during the real test, and that can affect decision-making, concentration and confidence.
Your examiner is not your instructor
During a mock test, you may be sitting next to someone you already know pretty well. Your instructor understands your strengths, your weaknesses and the areas where you sometimes struggle. On your real driving test, you’ll be driving with an examiner you’ve never met before. Which is why it can be so beneficial to book a mock test with another provider, or another driving instructor working for the same company.
Even though most examiners are friendly and professional, the driving test experience can still feel unfamiliar and anxiety-inducing. Partly because you’re so used to your instructor providing reassurance. And that simply won’t happen during a test. Because driving test examiners have the ultimate poker face.
The route may be less familiar
Although most driving instructors will use local test routes during mock tests, nobody ever really knows exactly which route an examiner will choose on the day. So, while the roads may be similar, there will always be an element of unpredictability, meaning that you may encounter different traffic conditions, roadworks, parked vehicles, or unusual situations. This is why it’s important to focus on developing good driving habits rather than memorising routes.
Mistakes can feel more significant
When you make a mistake during a mock test, it can be treated as a learning opportunity after the fact. Your instructor will always explain what went wrong straight after the ‘test’. Helping you to understand how to avoid making the same mistake again.
In a real driving test, you won’t receive feedback while you’re driving. And if you make a mistake, you’ll usually have no idea whether it’s been marked as a driving fault, a serious fault, or not marked at all. That creates a sense of jeopardy that it’s hard to get over. Which is why so many people make multiple mistakes on their driving test. Once you think that you’ve done one thing wrong, it’s really hard not to dwell on it.
The structure is very similar
Although there are some important differences, the overall format of the mock driving test is usually very close to the real deal.
A good mock test will include:
- An eyesight check
- Vehicle safety questions
- Independent driving
- Normal road driving
- Manoeuvres
- Fault recording
So, although you can’t exactly replicate the real thing, a mock test is still one of the best ways to prepare for it.
A mock driving test isn’t intended to predict exactly what will happen on your test day. It’s a chance to experience the test format, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence. And if you treat your mock test seriously and learn from any mistakes, you’ll put yourself in a much stronger position when the day of your real driving test arrives.
Are you looking for driving lessons or a mock driving test in the West Midlands? Get in touch with DGN.
