TOO OFTEN, WE KNOW ABOUT MORE YOUTHFUL DRIVERS TEST FAILING

After significant delays brought on by the Covid pandemic, thousands of learner drivers are still waiting to take their practical driving tests. The most recent data from the New Zealand Testing Agency (NZTA) indicate that, once they get the chance to take that test, the pass rate is around 60% nationwide, and in many areas, it is less than 50%! Sure, you’re all eager to pass the practical exam on the first try. Therefore, for you to be ready for those challenging situations, we have identified that the primary causes of failure are lack of practice. The success of the test is by Preparation, practice and consistency.

TEST PREPARATION:
You must complete specific tasks, referred to as “Task Assessment Items” to score well on the test. On the test, critical and immediate failure errors are the two types of errors that fall under this category. Critical Errors are serious mistakes made while driving that will affect your final test score but will not necessarily cost you the test.

Now, here’s the thing: if you don’t know what the “Task Assessment Items” is and what a “Critical Error” or “Immediate Failure Error” is, you won’t be able to pass your test unless you hope for the best and hope for luck rather than if you have the knowledge and skills to do so. Get a good driving instructor with whom you are comfortable to help you prepare specifically before the test. You could also study the Restricted License Test guide (class 1), which has a lot of helpful information about the “Task Assessment Items” “Critical Errors” and “Immediate Failure Errors,” as well as an explanation for each item. You can get this guide for free from the NZ Transport Agency
website.

Learner drivers can avoid common mistakes and pass tests by following these simple steps.
1. Speeding- Adjusting to the situation and general speed management are all common mistakes learner drivers make.
 How to avoid this common mistake: It’s essential to drive confidently, but you shouldn’t speed. Please pay attention to the speed limits, as they will likely change throughout your test.
 While “taking your time” to review observations and safe driving practices is a standard recommendation, it’s critical not to delay further. Therefore, don’t wait more than five seconds to move into a safe gap, and continue driving as long as it’s safe to do so while making sure you are not going faster than 10 kilometres per hour!
2. Failing to yield the right of way- Neglecting to give way signs or other situations in which you should deliver the right way on the road could result in an automatic failure.
 Avoiding this common mistake: You must pay attention to give-way signs, as we have explained, but there are also situations where providing a way to other road users should come naturally to you as a driver.
• When turning, give way to cars that are going straight ahead. When crossing a footpath, bus lane, or cycle lane, give way to pedestrians or other road users on those footpaths or lanes. • When turning right, give way to all cars coming toward you, including those turning left.
3. Failure to completely stop at STOP signs- How to guarantee your success in this part of the exam: While many learner drivers slow down at stop signs without actually coming to a complete stop, this one may seem obvious Simply put, you will fail your test if you do not adequately stop.
4. Failure to check mirrors and blind spots- Missing observation checks. How to avoid making this mistake. You won’t make a mistake if you follow the tried-and- true mirror signal. To pass your test, you must observe every merge, turn, parking, change of lanes, and turning manoeuvre, so make those head checks.
5. Failure to indicate- Missing, incorrect, or improper signalling is a way to fail the driving test! Before performing any driving manoeuvre, including changing lanes, diverging, and exiting a roundabout, it is essential to indicate your intentions. For instance, if you pass a turning before the one you intend to take, don’t use your indicator to trouble, other drivers. Also, after you finish your manoeuvre, cancel your signals, as they may not always turn off automatically.
6. Poor judgment- When pulling out into traffic, merging, or giving way, making dangerous decisions will fail. Tips for avoiding this standard critical error: Learner drivers frequently have trouble estimating the speed of approaching vehicles from a distance, making the manoeuvre unsafe. We suggest that you get a lot of practice entering traffic before your test. Always make sure you give way to vehicles or pedestrians who have priority.
7. Poor responses to traffic lights- When traffic lights turn red, drivers must not only adhere to the signals but also react quickly and avoid cutting too close. Keep your attention on the road as you approach any traffic lights. Be prepared for a smooth set-off and maintain your concentration when pulled over at a red light.
8. To avoid receiving a failing grade on your test- Avoid blocking a pedestrian crossing or stopping your vehicle in an area with pedestrian traffic lights. All you need is to pay attention to road signs and our rather obvious zebra crossings. And make sure your car does not enter a pedestrianized area that is already being. This only applies to pedestrians on the opposite side of a road.
9. Not responding to road markings and signs- Learner drivers will take routes that will test their knowledge, and failing to respond will result in a critical error.

Avoid making multiple mistakes:
To quickly and confidently identify road signs and markings, return to your theory knowledge and ensure you know what they mean. Take precautions and react quickly when you see a sign.
10. Poor car control- It isn’t easy in the test scenario. Try to stay calm. Reset yourself and the vehicle. It’s better to check all the necessary checks before you move off.

These are some tips for the youth to avoid failing the exam.
PRE-DRIVING CHECKS:
Before beginning the RLT, the testing officer will check the vehicle for a valid warrant of fitness or certificate of fitness label. Two learner license plates (L plates) that are correctly displayed. The candidate’s identity; A valid vehicle license (registration) label; an accurate road user charges (RUC) tag if the vehicle is a diesel one. An in-vehicle safety check. Adequate fuel to finish the test.