Congratulations, you’re now one step away from driving by yourself.Â
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You’ve done all the hard work and now the end is near but don’t lose your FOCUS!Â
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We’ve put together a quick guide to help you get that first time perfect pass and get that licence to your freedom and independence.Â
Starter
Step 1
2hr lesson
Amateur/ Advanced
Step 2
10hrs or 20hrs pack or casual lessons
#TestTime
Step 3
1,2 or 3 hr lesson before test
Defensive Driving
Step 4
Half or Full days
OUR GUIDE TO BEFORE SITTING YOUR QLD PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST
Pre-Test Checklist
- Hazard perception test (MUST be completed prior)
- Watch Pre-Drive Check video
- Read message from your driving examiner
- Top 5 test time tips
- Top 5 reasons learners fail
- Complete a defensive driving course (optional)
Pre-Drive Check
IF YOU ARE USING YOUR OWN VEHICLE, ENSURE YOU KNOW ALL OF THESE FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Top 5 Reasons Learners Fail
SPEEDING
STOPPING
GIVEWAY
JUDGEMENT
OBSERVATIONS
Message From your Driving Examiner
BELOW IS SOME HELPFUL INFORMATION ON Q-SAFE ANDÂ
WHAT YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO DO
Q-SAFE is designed to evaluate your ability to drive safely and correctly in different driving situations which may include a variety of speed zones.
I will be asking you to undertake a series of driving tasks throughout the assessment. You will be given clear directions in ample time.Â
If I don’t give you any specific directions, please just follow the road and be directed by road signs, signals and road markings.Â
- You will be expected to perform the driving tasks when conditions are safe and in accordance with the road rules. ÂÂ
- If you have a mobile phone, please ensure it is switched off for the duration of this assessment. ÂÂ
- Please make any lane changes that are necessary to follow my directions. ÂÂ
- At no time during the assessment will I ask you to perform any driving tasks that are illegal. ÂÂ
- You may see me marking the report form during the assessment – please do not assume that an error has occurred. Â
- If your vehicle is fitted with blind spot mirrors you are still required to conduct shoulder checks to ensure there are no vehicles in the blind spot. ÂÂ
- Once the assessment has commenced, I am unable to answer any questions that may influence your driving performance.Â
If the vehicle is fitted with driver assist devices (for example GPS, speed alarms, park assist or easy start) please turn these devices off for the duration of the test, where possible or requested.
If you are recording this assessment, the recording device must not have audio capability turned on and must be outward facing in a safe location.
- You will not be able to access the recording device during the assessment.
- If using a device other than your mobile phone to record, please ensure your mobile phone is switched off for the duration of this assessment.
At the end of the test I will ask you to accompany me to the debrief area to discuss the outcome of your test.
Do you have any questions?
TEST TIME DO'S AND DON'TS
TOP 5 TEST TIPS
- RESET, REFOCUS & RESTART (particularly if you’re in a manual)Â
- if you think you’ve made a mistake, just let it go, it’s probably not as bad as you think it is. Keep thinking about it and chances are you will make more mistakes
- focus on the road, not on the examinerÂ
- BE PATIENTÂ
- take your time, there is no need to rush anything
- don’t think of it as a test but just another drive with your family or driving instructorÂ
- SCAN MOREÂ
- the more you see, the more you can do
- BE CONFIDENT
- refer to our SUCCESS acronym from our first lessonÂ
- BREATHEÂ
- take a deep breathe or two if you have toÂ
- just don’t forget to breathe
TOP 5 COMMON FAILS
- SPEEDING
- either don’t see speed sign or realise own speed
- STOPPING (watch video)
- or lack there of or don’t see stop signÂ
- GIVEWAYÂ
- fails to see oncoming trafficÂ
- if you need to cross the path of an oncoming vehicle
- to pedastrians at PED X-ING
- JUDGEMENT
- fails to see carÂ
- fails to judge speed and distance of oncoming vehicleÂ
- if in doubt, chicken out Â
- Â OBSERVATIONS
- almost all instances above can be avoided if you saw itÂ
- if you don’t remember our scanning & observation technique it’s 5 CHECK.Â
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ntil
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ee your goal
nderstand the obstacles
reate a positive mental picture
lear your mind of self doubt
mbrace the challenge
tay on track
how the world you can do it
You've done all the hard work, now it's your time to SHINE!Â
FAQs
What’s the best way to prepare for my driving test?
Whilst lessons with a driving school are not mandatory, they are recommended. If you’re ready, treat the test as any other drive with your loved ones or your driving instructor. You should be confident enough to pass first time, as the next step is to drive by yourself.
Is my driving instructor the examiner?
No, driving tests are governed by QLD Transport. Examiners are like your instructors, they are there to help get your licence, not fail you.
How long do driving tests go for?
Usually 30mins, in some cases they may go slightly over due to traffic. The time will fly by; so it should should be the least of your worries.
What will I need to bring for the test?
a) Your driver licence (QLD Learner, interstate or overseas; if overseas you may need to provide a certified translation)
b) Photo ID (in some cases more documents may be required so bring up to 100 points of identification)
c) A suitable car (driving school car or your own)
Can we get a driving lesson before the test?
All our Test Time packs include a quick revision; the lesson length is represented by the number; i.e. Test Time 1 is a 1hr lesson before the test.