Tips for Practical Driving Test (Class 1)

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d3Xt3r

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#32189 15-Apr-2009 20:17

Hey all

I got my restricted license today (I also hold a full overseas license) and I want to take the practical test sometime next week. I don't have that much driving experience (never driven solo for >30 mins, nor on busy/main roads), but I have taken a few driving lessons last month and I'm now comfortable with things like a 3-point turn, parallel parking, merging, giving way, etc. I'm also fully familiar with the current Road Code. I do try to get some driving practice now and then and as such I don't have issues, but I do like to know if any of you have any tips for getting in shape for the Practical Test? How was your test experience?

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#207159 15-Apr-2009 20:54

d3Xt3r: I do try to get some driving practice now and then and as such I don't have issues, but I do like to know if any of you have any tips for getting in shape for the Practical Test?

I can't think that far back to my test experience. My advice would be to ensure you do the basics right:
- Indicate three seconds before changing lane, turning a corner etc
- Take a good look over your shoulder to check your blind spot before changing lane
- Remember the right-hand rule
- Remember the 2 and 4 second rules
- Be aware of the correct lane to turn into at multi-lane intersections

There's probably one or two other things as well, but getting these right should see you home and hosed. Good luck!

hbk

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#207160 15-Apr-2009 21:00

Didn't getting a restricted license require a practical test?
The full license test is more about driving and observing and pointing out hazards etc than driving skill.
To me the restriced license practical test was harder than the full test, full test has 2 point turns, u-turn in 80 km zone etc. It's just drive, stop, talk about what you just drove past, repeat 3 times, done.

But yeah as the above poster mentioned, checking over the shoulder for blind spots and 2 second rule are important to remeber for the test.

d3Xt3r

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#207161 15-Apr-2009 21:03

Thanks Dratsab and hbk!

@hbk: I applied to get my overseas license converted. At the moment I'm holding a "Temporary NZ Driver Licence"; the "Permanent Driver Licence Card" is on its way. So all that's remaining is to go for the "Practical Test", according to AA. I'm not sure if its the full test or a mix of restricted and full.

Btw, do we really have to keep checking all the mirrors every three seconds? I find that quite distracting and it makes me loose concentration :|

Tahii

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#207171 15-Apr-2009 22:26

It is possible that holding an overseas license makes the difference, but I understand if you've just done your restricted, you'll have to wait a fair while before doing your full. The idea behind this is to give you a chance to get used to our roads and rules.

rscole86

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#207172 15-Apr-2009 22:31

AFAIK, the OP will not be allowed to drive on their own in NZ, unless supervised by a full NZ class 1 driver, who has held it for two years. The fine for not following this, probably $400. Just had a look, and you have to make sure that you have your full within 12months of your internation licence or permit.

As for what you need to know.... it is all in the road code, have a look at the Full licence test section on the ltnz website so you know what they will be looking at.

manhinli

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#207174 15-Apr-2009 22:55

I've been pretty lazy for my driving - been on a Learner's for nearly a year now!

(not that I have failed, because I haven't actually done the test yet!)

For under 25's it's a long wait for a Restricted -> Full. 12 months with the advanced driving course or 18 without. Otherwise it's 3 / 6 months respectively.

I'm not too worried about my Restricted practical test, but I definitely need to polish my driving skills a little more.

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boby55

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#207181 15-Apr-2009 23:19

rscole86: AFAIK, the OP will not be allowed to drive on their own in NZ, unless supervised by a full NZ class 1 driver, who has held it for two years. The fine for not following this, probably $400. Just had a look, and you have to make sure that you have your full within 12months of your internation licence or permit.

As for what you need to know.... it is all in the road code, have a look at the Full licence test section on the ltnz website so you know what they will be looking at.

I was always under the impression that if you held a Full overseas license you could get it converted to a NZ Full, and only have to sit the practical bypassing the learners and restricted

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boby55

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#207182 15-Apr-2009 23:21

take a look here for more info

http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/overseasdrivers/

tonyhughes

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#207190 16-Apr-2009 00:41

Two years ago (very early thirties), I gained my full licence again, after learning an administrative error about 7 years ago led to my licence being cancelled without my knowledge (I had lost my licence on medical grounds, regained it, then an error on LTSAs part saw me lose it again without being informed - I drove for 7 years as a full unlicenced driver LOL - what a waste that 7 years of insurance payments was!!).

Re-sitting my licence as an adult was weird, especially as I ended up doing my practical test in my souped up VX SS V8.

After getting a perfect result on my practical (be seen looking at your mirrors frequently, obey EVERY road rule, and do not go a single iota over the posted speed limit at ANY time), I asked if there was anything I could have done better on...

"You were a bit bl**dy cautious" .... says the tester!!!

paradoxsm

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#207194 16-Apr-2009 01:15

I have a full list of what will happen in the test somwhere, will upload if discovered.

See the website as this has a great gide of what to expect. - LTSA

First off, Make sure the tyre treads and usual WOF stuff is valid, BUY a spare of tail light bulbs /indicator bulbs "just in case" you turn up and one fails, quicky swap and you are away.

Scan the road, use your mirrors randomly to check, use caution on corners, possible blind spots, Schools (slow to the conditions) they drive you past certain difficult intersections, stop signs, difficult turns, ped-x's (slow down and carefully check these as you should do anyway), some tests are performed a number of times (indicated in the sheet I have) and keep around the speed limit, 45-55 is fine averaging around 50. Try not to go too slow or be far too cautious or they can get funny with that. (frustrating other drivers whom may then make a poor judgement call)

Driven for 14 years, never had a crash, and no "near misses" I tend to build up a radar profile of excactly where cars are on the road, get into lanes early and keep checking the road to map the car locations.

I turned up for my restricted in a tricked up supercharged MR2, the tester did kind of look at me funny but I was careful and passed well.

zocster

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#207202 16-Apr-2009 06:28

Just as well I just upgraded from a restricted for a long time to a full, so it's all fresh in me head!

I guess it also depends on what time of day you go, I prefer early morning as less traffic, anywho...

First part he would be getting you doing things like 3 point turns, driving through some intersections and pointing out hazards so gotta keep your eyes peeled for that.

The second part he just gives you directions and keep an eye on your driving, all takes about 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. I am sure you'll do fine.

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#207203 16-Apr-2009 06:54

from the way you're describing you won't pass unless you spend some money and do a 'test' session with a proper driving instructor! no offense, but these guys wont even let you take the test if a light bulb on the car is blown!

the instructor will tell you what they're looking out for. essentially complete confidence and safeness in the driving in all conditions. and yes you must look into all mirrors every few seconds. they put a mirror to look at your eyeballs to make sure you are looking. not just the mirrors but more importantly the road - every little thing that happens. they'll suddenly stop you and ask - describe all the hazards your saw in the last 30 seconds or something like that.

go back to your instructor first and get the test session.

rscole86

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#207215 16-Apr-2009 08:47

boby55:
rscole86: AFAIK, the OP will not be allowed to drive on their own in NZ, unless supervised by a full NZ class 1 driver, who has held it for two years. The fine for not following this, probably $400. Just had a look, and you have to make sure that you have your full within 12months of your internation licence or permit.

As for what you need to know.... it is all in the road code, have a look at the Full licence test section on the ltnz website so you know what they will be looking at.

I was always under the impression that if you held a Full overseas license you could get it converted to a NZ Full, and only have to sit the practical bypassing the learners and restricted

That all depends on which country you are from, there are only 10 or so that you can sit the theory test and not have to do the practical.

Adamal

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#207224 16-Apr-2009 09:15

Don't drive on the speed limit, drive just under it. They can't fail you for that.

dawnraid

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#207227 16-Apr-2009 09:27

I have just done my restricted test (and passed!) But I highly highly recommend getting a proper paid instructor to take you on a practice test before. It will probably save you money as you wont have to go back and resit your restricted. Look up the AA's drving school in the yellow pages.

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