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Nailing your driving test unlocks the keys to freedom and independence, but let’s face it – some rush into it like it’s a video game. The result? Failures, frustration, additional expenses, and delays in hitting the road.

So you’re feeling confident and just wanna have a little go at the test? Well…. nope.

If you are not completely ready to take your test, you’re not only putting your own life at risk, but that of your examiners and the public too, not to mention your instructors car.

At Shift, we will only send you for your driving test when your instructor agrees that you are ready and although we can’t prevent you from taking your own vehicle, we would highly discourage it if we haven’t gave the green light yet. Your safety is our number one priority, so this may even mean cancelling your test on the day.

As an examiner once said to us at Gateshead Test Centre, “you wanna know how you can pass the test easily? Be Ready!”.

 

52 out of every 100

driving tests were failed in Great Britain during October 2023

OK… Let’s check if you’re ready!

Are you ready to pass? You’ll usually be ready to take your driving test when you can say ‘yes’ to these 5 points.

1. You do not need prompts from your driving instructor

You need to be dealing with every part of driving consistently, confidently and independently – without any prompting from your driving instructor.

You’ll be getting ready for your test when you’re able to adapt to situations and see why developing your skills makes you safer and more fuel-efficient.

2. You do not make serious or dangerous mistakes when you’re driving

You need to be a good and safe driver to pass the driving test.

If you’re making serious or dangerous mistakes during your driving lessons and brushing them off as ‘silly mistakes’, you’re not ready to pass your driving test and drive on your own.

3. You can pass mock driving tests

Taking and passing mock driving tests with your driving instructor will help you understand if you’ve reached the standard that’s needed to pass.

4. You have practised ways of managing your nerves

It’s really important to be able to manage your nerves to be a safe driver.

Practise ways of managing your nerves to help you stay calm and focused when you take your test. This will help you in the vital months after you’ve passed your test, too.

5. Your driving instructor agrees you’re ready

If your driving instructor says you’re not ready to take your driving test, listen to them.

Driving instructors are specially trained road safety experts. They’ve got lots of driving experience – and they know what it takes to pass the driving test.

Remember, they want you to be a safe driver, keep your insurance costs low, and enjoy driving for years to come.

Not feeling quite ready?

It’s free to change your appointment time, as long as you do it at least 3 full working days (Mondays to Saturdays) before your test.

You can move your driving test back if you’re not feeling quite ready yet.

Change your driving test appointment
Roma G.
5 days ago
Driving lessons from Simon were enjoyable and his approach sets you up well to feel confident and safe. We went at a pace I could manage on top of a busy work schedule. We ramped up lessons when it came to crunch time which helped me pass first time. He was very sick on my test day, poor thing, but still came to make sure I could do my test. Will miss working with him!
Garry D.
10 months ago
recommends
Highly recommend Shift Driving School. They were an absolute pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Special shout out to my instructor Hassan, who taught me from scratch in just under 6 months. I had no previous driving experience at all and he talked through the steps and skills needed clearly, always supportively pushing me to be my best. Delighted to have passed at first attempt! Couldn’t have done it without the team at Swift and Hassan. Thank you!
Rachel F.
1 week ago
Can't recommend Shift enough! I was nervous about learning to drive but Majid was very patient and really helped boost my confidence.
Denise W.
2 years ago
recommends
I 10000000% recommend this driving school my instructor has been appsalutly amazing he had so much patience and really helped me through all my lessons then he recommend me a nervous course which really helped me as I really struggled with my nerve on my test but I finally done it and passed my test and I wouldn't have been able to do it if it wasn't for lewis so thank u sooooo much :)
Annabel L.
2 weeks ago
Just passed my test with Sammy, would highly recommend her. She is very patient and made my lessons stress free and was very flexible with scheduling lessons.
Webdeco.
2 years ago
recommends
What a great company to not only learn to drive with, but to actually work with too. We would highly recommend Shift without a doubt.
Sophie B.
1 month ago
Cannot recommend this driving school and Simon enough. Simon is extremely patient and kind, very adaptive in his teaching style to help suit the student. I never thought I would be able to drive as a nervous driver, let alone pass my test but he has helped me feel confident and capable. He goes above and beyond the job and really cares about his students. The app is also really helpful and detailed to keep you organised and get you test ready. I am genuinely going to miss my lessons as I passed today! Thank you so much Simon and the shift team!
Arizah A.
1 month ago
I recently passed my driving test and my instructor Simon, was thorough, and tailored the lessons to improve where I lack.
The mock test is a must as it gave me an indicator if I should proceed or postpone my test.
Overall, reliable, thorough and reasonable driving school.
Leo J.
1 month ago
Passed my test because of Lewis. Amazing.
Tim P.
2 months ago
I had driving lessons with Lisa and passed my driving exam with only one minor. She is very patient and knowledgeable about driving safety and the surrounding area. I would highly recommend Lisa to anyone considering taking driving lessons. Thank you Lisa for all of your help!