Read our driving test horror stories for some essential advice for the big day

Dominic Sacco prepares to take his driving test this Thursday, and gets some essential advice by asking the Auto Trader team to tell their tales of the dreaded day.

Adrian Higgins (Web Editor)

What car did you learn to drive in?
The first vehicle I drove was a tractor, but I learnt to drive in a Mini.

What are your memories of the test?
There was a particularly difficult point on my first test where I was told to do a hill start before turning into a road on the right hand of the slope. I thought about it too much, panicked and failed.

What advice would you give to learner drivers?
Practice the test route over and over again until you’re comfortable. Use the Internet to search for routes. Also, visit message boards for tips and advice from other learner drivers in your area.

Stuart Milne (Assistant Editor)

What did you learn to drive in?
A Vauxhall Corsa and my own Vauxhall Nova in 1996.

What are your memories of the test?
Failing for not seeing a national speed limit sign behind a hedge and only doing 30mph. I remember feeling intimidated on my second test - God knows how many minors I got. I stalled three times but somehow managed to pass!

What advice would you give to a learner driver for their test?
Try to relax and remember everything you’ve been taught. Don’t bowl into the test centre wearing a bright yellow T-shirt and go on autopilot, thinking you know it all.

Keith Collantine (Assistant Editor - Trade)

What did you learn to drive in?
An old Vauxhall Corsa. The gear stick was like marshmallow – you had to wave it around before it actually went in gear.

What are your memories of the test?
The examiner slammed his book on the dashboard, the signal for me to perform an emergency stop. But the car seemed to take forever to halt, and from that moment on I was certain I’d blown it. Half an hour later I was astonished to be told I’d passed.

What advice would you give to a learner driver for their test?
Get in plenty of practice but don’t put yourself under any pressure to pass first time. One friend of mine failed their test because a dog jumped out of a van in front of them and they didn’t react properly. Sometimes you just get unlucky…

Alex Eckford (Features Writer)

What did you learn to drive in?
In an old Fiat hatchback.

What are your memories of the test?
I went to shake my examiners hand after passing but he didn’t return the handshake. I don’t think he was human. I also knew someone who, when asked by the examiner if be could read a number plate twenty metres away, had to say “no”. He failed there and then, and went straight to the opticians.

What advice would you give to a learner driver for their test?
Stay calm and make sure you’re familiar with the roads where you’re going to be driving – particularly roundabouts.

Adrian Hearn (Junior Writer)

What did you learn to drive in?
I learnt to drive in a Vauxhall Corsa but the first car I drove and owned was a Mk 1 Volkswagen Golf which I bought for £50 in 2001.

What are your memories of the test?
Driving round the big roundabout in Taunton, Somerset. Also, sounding my horn before going round a tight corner in a built-up area, which the examiner liked!

What advice would you give to a learner driver for their test?
Stay relaxed – if you’re nervous, you’ll struggle much more. And make friends with the examiner, it’s always good to have him or her on your side!

Vijay Pattni (Junior Writer)

What did you learn to drive in?
A red, clapped out Fiesta which would hardly move. My instructor would tell me to speed up to 30, then shout at me to slow down.

What are your memories of the test?
It was really straightforward. I passed first time with three minors!

What advice would you give to a learner driver for their test?
Relax.

Andrew Goodwin (Junior Writer)

What did you learn to drive in?
A 1.1-litre Fiesta.

What are your memories of the test?
Waiting behind parked cars as other traffic approached and being told “you could fit a bus through there”. The funniest thing was when my examiner waved at a friend, causing me to skid to a halt at the wrong time! I thought he was signalling for an emergency stop.

What advice would you give to a learner driver for their test?
Don’t chat to the examiner! Just concentrate. Make sure you look in the rear view mirror fairly obviously. Don’t rush anything, and make sure the seat and steering wheel are adjusted properly.