My number one top tip for passing the driving test first go is to find a good driving instructor.
I know that may not be the answer you were expecting but it is the best advice because the simple fact is if you learn to drive properly, get great support for your home practice and get in some good test preparation you can pass first go. The tricky part is finding the right driving instructor.
So, you begin your search by 'googling' driving schools Sutherland Shire and St George area, hit enter and the results come in. You click on the first result simply because they are first on the list. Easy. But how can you be sure they have good driving instructors? Just because they put the effort into optimising their search engines doesn't mean they put the same effort into the training of their instructors or the service they provide their students.
The first thing you need to do is to talk with your friends, family and colleagues who have used a driving school. Their feedback and experiences will give you honest information, and then you can follow this up by checking out reviews.
Next, make contact. I know it's tempting to go for the one that will allow you to book online at 11pm at night, but using a driving school is an investment in not only your money but also your time, safety and sanity. Make a call, send a text (so you don't actually have to have a conversation) or fill in a contact form. Believe me it's worth it if you find the right driving instructor, and I promise you will get the best results with a little communication.
What do you need to ask so you know you are making the right choice?
Consider why YOU need a driving school and ask how the driving instructor will work with you from the first driving lesson. One size does not fit all.
Are you a beginner or very nervous?
It's important you start in a quiet area and get a good grounding in the basics quickly so you can get into home practice more easily, it's less stressful as well.
Do you have some experience and simply need to fill in the gaps and make sure you have not picked up any bad habits?
An evaluation drive should take less than 5 minutes before your driving instructor is teaching you new things and sorting out problem areas, you don't want to waste time.
Have you completed your hours and simply need some good test preparation?
A practice driving test can sort out any last minute problems quickly and you know that you can do this on your own (make your own driving decisions in complex situations), so you don't feel so nervous on test day.
If you are happy with the answers you receive and feel comfortable with the communication you have had, then go ahead and try them out. Trust your gut!
If this seems all too confusing, then please contact me. I am happy to give you some tips on how to find the right instructor for you, and I can throw in a couple about the driving test as well because I know a lot of those too!
Sometimes things don't work out and if you feel stuck because you have purchased a package of lessons, well you shouldn't. If there is no other solution (please give them a chance to fix things), then the driving school should have a decent refund policy for any remaining lessons to allow you to leave gracefully without feeling guilty. Maybe check on this before you buy that package.