There are many myths surrounding the driving test, these are some of them:
- A young male driver will not pass the test first time even if he is up to test standard... NOT TRUE
- There is a quota system which allows a certain percentage to pass each week... NOT TRUE
- A person will fail the test if they do not change down through the gears in sequence when stopping... NOT TRUE
- You would fail the test for repeatedly block changing gears i.e. changing from 5th or 4th gear straight to 2nd gear even if it is the appropriate thing to do... NOT TRUE
- You are more likely to fail the test driving your own (or family) car rather than a driving school car... NOT TRUE
- You are more likely to fail the test in a luxury/more powerful/sporty car... NOT TRUE
- First test on Monday or last test on Friday is the worst time for passing the test... NOT TRUE
- You must check the mirrors more often than necessary to impress the tester... NOT TRUE
- The tester must see you scan every side road, otherwise this will lead to failure... NOT TRUE
- You may not cross the central white line without indicating... NOT TRUE
- You must not cross your hands even when executing the turnabout manoeuvre... NOT TRUE
- You must have both hands on the steering wheel when executing the reverse manoeuvre... NOT TRUE
Some of the myths are perpetuated by people who have failed the test, some have become part of driving test folklore and some are even being perpetuated by driving instructors. While you must be prepared for the test, the tester does not set out to fail you. As in any other walk of life, the majority of testers are pleasant and humane individuals, not sadistic demonic monsters! Standards among testers are generally consistent. Most testers much prefer to pass a candidate than fail them. Most testers will try to put you at your ease. They know that you are nervous and allowances are made for this fact, especially in the first few minutes of the test.