Taking a test or exam can be nerve-wracking, and the G2 driver’s test is no exception. Although it’s normal to be somewhat nervous, it’s also important to remember that, with the proper preparation and the right skills, you can help increase your chances of passing. Here are a few important tips to help you pass your driver’s test with flying colours.

1. Practice Makes Perfect

The most important thing you can do to help make sure you pass your driver’s test? Practice, practice, practice!

This is one case where the old adage really does ring true – when it comes to driving, practice makes perfect. You cannot learn to drive by sitting in a passenger seat and watching someone else drive. Learn the rules of the road, and practice driving as much as possible, so that you can get comfortable behind the wheel. Eventually, all the little things you had to remember when you first started – such as using your turn signal, or checking your blind spot – will become second nature.

2. Be Confident

Nerves are normal, especially before your driver’s test. Being a little nervous is okay, but being too nervous can hinder your performance when it’s time to get behind the wheel for your test.

If you’re too cautious during your driver’s test – driving well under the speed limit or being hesitant with lane changes or turns, for example – your instructor will notice, and you may very well lose points on your exam. Hesitating and being overcautious shows a lack of mastery of your driving skills. Calm your nerves so you can drive with confidence, and your skills will shine through.

3. Avoid Common Mistakes

Although each new driver may have different strengths and weaknesses, there are a few common mistakes that are made by many road test-takers time and time again. The good news is that if you familiarize yourself with these common mistakes, you can avoid them when test time comes around, and help set yourself up for success. These include:

• Not checking your blind spot
• Not coming to a full stop at stop signs (rolling stops)
• Driving over the speed limit
• Not adjusting to adverse driving conditions

4. Know Your Vehicle

Besides knowing the rules of the road and becoming acquainted with road signage, you should also know your vehicle well enough to be able to drive comfortably and confidently.

It’s a good idea to take your test in the same vehicle that you have practiced with, since you have already gotten used to the way your car drives and handles.

Make sure you are acquainted with your vehicle and are able to turn on your heating or cooling system, your radio, your windshield wipers, and other elements of your vehicle.

Adjust your rear-view mirror, your side mirrors, and your seat the night before the exam, so your vehicle is ready to go when test time comes around the next day. What’s more, it’s wise to check your lights, turn signals, and brakes the night before, to make sure they are working properly for the test.

5. Focus On Your Driving

If you focus your thoughts and energy on your examiner and on the test itself, you’re not focusing on what’s most important – driving safely and driving well.

Rather than focusing on your examiner, or wondering what maneuver he or she might ask you to accomplish next, you should focus on your own driving, putting into practice all of the defensive driving techniques you’ve learned and making safe decisions behind the wheel.

Good luck!