AN Irish driving instructor has revealed how you will be graded on observation during the test – and it’s the top reason people fail.
Learner drivers must get a certain amount of things correct in order to pass their test.
Lara is a popular driving instructor who posts tips on TikTok[/caption]
And she shared how you can get full marks on observation[/caption]
Lara, known on TikTok as @Laralewisdrivingschool, is a popular instructor with almost 10,000 followers on the platform.
And she revealed how testers grade your observation skills on the day.
This refers to the ability of the driver to look around and be aware of their surroundings while driving.
Good observation includes checking mirrors, scanning the road ahead, and being aware of other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.
Lara said: “First of all we have observation moving off.
“It is so important that you don’t just have an all around check of your mirrors, but that the last check you do is a blind spot check over your right hand shoulder.
“You might miss something if you’re only relying on your right wing mirror, so make sure you do your blind spot check over your shoulder.
Up next, testers will determine how good your observation skills are based on the straights.
This is when motorists continuously check their mirrors while driving to be aware of their surroundings.
Lara said: “We need to know what’s around us, what’s behind us at all times.”
The driving instructor then revealed that observation during overtaking is another key skill to master in order to get a good grade.
When overtaking another vehicle, drivers must look in their right wing mirror before moving out.
Once it’s safe to do so, drivers must use their mirrors, then signal to the other driver before overtaking.
Similarly, when changing lanes, drivers must ensure their observation skills are sharp before making the maneuver.
Lara said: “If you’re changing lanes right, you’re looking into the right wing mirror and then moving into the right lane.”
Up next, testers will make sure you have good observation skills when crossing junctions.
Drivers must take appropriate observations to the left and right to know exactly what’s around them before crossing.
Lastly, the driving instructor then revealed that testers will be checking your observation skills at roundabouts.
On approaching a roundabout, drivers must look right to assess who is already on it; when leaving, they must look left to check for any nearby vehicles.
Lara added: “So remember, you’re looking left, signalling left, and leaving from the left lane.”
