To prepare for his second driving test, Dom gets some top tips from motoring stars Tiff Needell and Jason Dawe.

Celebrity advice | The week before | The night before | What to wear | The documents | The test day

Celebrity advice

“The main thing is to stay relaxed”.

Tiff Needell, Fifth Gear presenter and motoring star has these words of advice for anyone about to take their driving test.

“The instructor is looking for a high level of driver competence and confidence, so use your common sense and go with the flow.”

Used car expert Jason Dawe says it’s essential to feel comfortable behind the wheel.

“Keep quiet about the test – the more people you tell, the more pressure you’ll put on yourself”, Jason said.

“And I recommend taking your test in the mid to late morning – you’ll avoid the commuter rush and busy lunchtime roads”.

The week before

Practice answering the “under the bonnet” questions and revisit the Highway Code to refresh your memory.

Take at least one more driving lesson and go over the main manoeuvres until you’re comfortable with them:

• Left reverse
• Turning the road
• Reverse park
• Bay parking

It’s also a good idea to learn the different routes your local test centre follows. Practice driving in this area and give yourself time to adapt to any particularly difficult sections such as multi-lane roundabouts.

New drivers take 45 hours of lessons and 22 hours of private practice on average before passing. Ensure you and your instructor are happy with the number of lessons you've taken and your level of driving before booking a test.

The night before

Being tired during your test will reduce your performance and can be dangerous, so it’s important to get at least eight hours sleep. Follow these tips:

1. Go to sleep at least three hours after eating your last meal
2. Ensure your bedroom is cool – it’s harder to sleep in hot temperatures
3. If you’re worried and can’t sleep, read a book or write your thoughts down on a notepad
4. Avoid watching television or using a computer before going to bed
5. Don’t drink alcohol before sleeping

What to wear

DO

• Wear appropriate clothing – anything light, simple and comfortable
• Stay warm – wear at least two or three layers of clothing in cold weather
• Take off any thick coats before the test if they distract you or make you feel uncomfortable
• Bring your glasses with you if necessary

DON’T

• Wear heavy boots, high heels, sandals or other impractical shoes which may make the pedals difficult to use

The documents

You must bring these essential items with you to the driving test centre. Forget one and your test could be cancelled – and fee lost.

Ensure you bring with you:
• Your photo card provisional license and paper counterpart
• Your theory test pass certificate
• The appointment letter
• A fully licensed, insured vehicle, with L plates
• Your CBT certificate (for motorcycle tests only)

The test day

If your test is in the morning, make sure you have a decent breakfast – nothing too light or heavy.

Arrive at the driving test centre in good time and good health - being tired or having a heavy cold for example will do you no favours. If you need to cancel or rebook your test, give your test centre (and instructor) at least three days notice.

Make sure you can read a number plate from 20 metres away, and have the correct glasses or contact lenses with you if necessary.

As Tiff Needell says, try to remain calm and relaxed during the test, and don’t be afraid to ask the examiner to repeat an instruction if you don't hear it.

Good luck!