Worried about your road test? Here are 5 tips to help you pass with flying colours

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You might not want to do the driving test. It can be frightening, but you need to do it to get a driving license.
Here are some easy tips to help you pass the Manitoba driving test:

  1. Prepare as much as you can

    Being prepared is key to doing well. Read the Driver’s Handbook. Know the road signs. Drive a lot to practice. The person testing you will watch how you drive. They will also see how you deal with different things. You should practice these to pass:

    • Parking by the side of the road
    • Starting and stopping the car
    • Turning the car to the right and left
    • Turning the car around
    • Driving at places where roads meet

    Even if you have driven before, don’t think it will be simple. You might have driven in a different country. This can help but also be a problem. The driving rules and signs are not the same here. But no matter if you are new or have driven before, practice a lot. The more you practice, the better you will feel on the day of the test.

  2. Use a car you know

    It is good to know your car. It will help you feel better during the test. Understand how your car works. This will make you less worried. Make sure your car is in good shape. Look at the brakes, lights, and tires. A car that is in good shape is safe. It also shows the tester that you care about driving.

  3. Keep calm

    It is normal to feel worried. But try not to let it control you. Take deep breaths. Look at the road. Remember what you have practiced. Being calm helps you think and choose well. Trust yourself and how you drive. Remember, everyone was new at driving once. Making mistakes is part of learning. Think of the tester as someone who wants to help you. They are not trying to fool you. Don’t let fear control you.

  4. Know what mistakes to avoid

    Talk to people who have done the driving test. Ask them what they did wrong. Knowing these can help you avoid them. Also, ask how they fixed their mistakes. Drivers like to share their tips. If you don’t understand a driving rule, look it up or ask a teacher. Rules are important. Knowing why a rule is there can help you remember it. This is very important. The driving test looks at how you drive and if you know the rules and how to be safe.

  5. Drive defensively
    Think ahead. Watch out for what other drivers might do. Practice safe driving by keeping distance from the car in front, looking in your mirrors, and following speed limits. Being a safe driver is not just for the test, but for always. That’s what testers want to see. A safe driver is a smart driver.

Still worried? Know that you can make small mistakes and still pass the driving test. Testers need to see you make 11 small errors before they can fail you.

If you don’t pass the first time, don’t be too upset. Instead, talk to the tester about how to get better. Learn from any mistakes, and use it to become a better driver. You’ll do great the next time. Good luck!
 
 
Sources: How to pass your driving test (in every province), Canada Drives; Passing your Manitoba Driving Test, Icandrive.ca; Keys to success, CAA; and Top 10 tips for passing your Canadian road test, Testing CAA. Accessed January 24, 2024.

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Community Resources

Do you need help for taking the Knowledge Test? Immigrant Centre Manitoba has a free Driver’s Education Knowledge Test Preparation Class for newcomers. Please click the link to learn how to register.

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