The Road Test

Presently, in NSW, the Driving Test is the gauge used to determine whether a person has sufficient road skills to be in charge of a car without an unrestricted licenced driver accompanying them in the passenger seat.

In July 2007, the RTA introduced a new system whereby every person who has never held an unrestricted driver's licence or whose previous Learner's Licence expired has to keep a log book and complete a minimum of 120 hours of driving experience over a 12 month period prior to attending a driving test. If 120 hours of driving, (which must include 20 hours of night driving) is not recorded or the log book is not signed off correctly, the driving test cannot proceed.

From October 2007, a new Driving Test was progressively unveiled throughout NSW which required learner drivers to complete a longer driving test (approximately 30 minutes). This test was designed to allow the learner to display his/her ability to handle a motor vehicle in the modern driving environment. The test required the learner driver to demonstrate if they had the skills necessary to be in control of a vehicle without supervision and complete the test course satisfactorily using LOW RISK driving techniques.

For many people, the idea of being tested on their driving ability causes anxiety attacks that can lead to minor and major physical illness. No one relishes the idea of sitting next to an examiner who is recording their performance during the test.

We've all heard stories about how family and friends had "the worst examiner in the world" - who happens to move around to every RTA handing out fails. Here are some points that may help you better prepare for your test and keep you safe after you have passed:

1. KNOW THE ROAD RULES

   Read the publications available from the RTA. As well as the Road Rules Handbook and the current Guide to the Driving Test booklet. There are a number of publications available free of charge or for a small fee to increase your understanding of driving on today's roads.

2. KNOW HOW TO DRIVE A CAR PROPERLY

   Just because you are turning 17 years old and you're old enough to go for your driving test does not mean you will be handed your provisional licence. The driving test has been designed to test your ability to handle a car in normal driving situations and demonstrate your understanding of "Low Risk Driving". By doing this you are also displaying your ability to apply the road rules! The more driving experience you have the more confident you will be.

3. CONTROL YOUR ANXIETY

   It is quite normal to be a little anxious on the day of the test. The problems begin when you allow your anxiety to go beyond the normal level to the point where you become a danger to yourself and other road users. Try to:
   • Not think too much about the test
   • Go about your day as normally as possible
   • Not have other stressful activities on the same day as your test e.g. assessment tasks, arguments or heated discussions with teachers, family or friends
   • Have a good night's sleep

4. DO NOT LISTEN TO THE HORROR STORIES OF OTHERS

   Well meaning family members and friends are often prepared to tell you about horror driving tests they either endured or have heard about through the grapevine. Keep in mind that over time these stories are possibly so embellished that they no longer give a clear or accurate picture of what really happened. A person's own test anxiety will make their driving test seem worse than it may really have been.

Your driving test is yours and yours alone. One person's experience will not necessarily happen to you. Listen to your driving instructor; he/she has the correct information you need concerning the driving test.