Tips from local experts – How to ace your licence the first time

The challenge of passing your driver’s licence test the first time can be daunting, but why should something which opens the door to so many new opportunities be so difficult?

“It’s all about confidence,” said Daylene Tolmay, owner of the Blue Ocean Driving School which has seen many drivers pass their test the first time.

Unwanted drama and attention is unnecessary and should be avoided.

“Do not tell too many people when you book for your test – this causes stress. Only tell your close family members and only once you have passed should you tell your friends,” said Daylene.

Common bad driving habits, Daylene said, includes crossing your hands while steering, driving with your foot on the clutch and failing to hold the steering wheel in the ‘ten to two’ position.

“These bad habits will lead to you failing your test,” she said.

Booking driving lessons close to each other is also beneficial as consistency is key to remembering the correct driving procedures.

Leaving your lessons to the last minute before your test should be avoided and students should also avoid having their test booked close to stressful periods, such as exams.

“Simple things such as a good night’s sleep and eating a well-balanced meal before your test could make a huge difference,” she said.

Times to avoid booking your test generally include the first few days of the month, days on which pensions are paid out and avoid times during which schools break up.

The benefit of doing this, Daylene said, is that traffic is less congested and will reduce your stress levels.

She also advised that the better and more reliable the driving school, the greater your chances of passing your driver’s licence test.

“Be sure to do some research into the driving school you plan to use, choose a good driving school and through doing so, you will also avoid picking up bad driving habits which could lead to you failing,” said Daylene.

Ahmed Younus, who runs the KwaDukuza-based Ahmed’s Student Driver, echoed her sentiments, warning new drivers to go to reputable driving instructors for their lessons.

“Anyone can train a learner driver how to pass a yard and road test like a robot however, teaching them to drive properly is where you get your money’s worth,” said Ahmed, who believed that teaching the bare minimum created new drivers who were a danger on the road, both to themselves and to others.

“Thoroughly consult with driving school operators and ensure that they are fully equipped and actually accredited before making bookings and paying for sessions.”

He said that of all the test centres he would recommend, Eshowe takes first place owing to their reasonable and flexible nature.

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