Driving test tips
The more practice you get, the better chance you give yourself of acing the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).
Don’t worry, we hear you! We know there’s a lot to get your head around.
It will take some time but, just remember, it will all be worth it. Here are our ‘test tips’ for the PDA – straight from the Department of Transport to you.
Practice your moves
You’ll have to perform a number of driving manoeuvres.
Practice makes perfect with these key moves:
- Three-point turns
- Parallel parking
- Turning in and out of driveways
- Reversing
- Parking in car parks
Watch out for the big guys
These guys will earn you an automatic fail in your PDA:
- Disobey a regulatory sign.
- Speeding.
- Drive without wearing your seat belt.
- Refuse to attempt any part of the test.
- Refuse to follow a reasonable direction given by your assessor.
Check yourself
Your assessor will make some key checks while you’re doing everyday driving tasks.
As part of your log book practice hours, get your supervisor to help you check yourself on how well you:
- Operate and guide the car.
- Put the road rules into practice.
- Fit in with other traffic.
- See and respond to hazards.
Know the assessment items
Know the items you will be assessed against. Some of these might need more practice than others:
- Flow
- How well you combine driving skills together
- Movement
- Do you move smoothly when you drive the car forwards or backwards?
- Path
- Do you pick the best track and stay on track?
- Responsiveness
- Are you aware of the hazards around you and do you respond to them appropriately?
- Look Behind
- Do you keep an eye on what’s happening behind you by using your rear view mirrors and checking blind spots?
- Signal
- Do you let other road users know what you intend to do?
- Vehicle Management
- Do you keep an eye on your vehicle’s instruments (like the speedometer) while you’re driving, use the steering wheel correctly and use the clutch and gearbox effectively?
