What the Examiner Looks For During a Driving Test

Ever feel like your driving examiner is silently judging your every move? Well… they kind of are — but not in the way you think.

Examiners don’t expect perfection. They’re not trying to trick you or make you nervous. What

they are looking for is solid, safe driving. That means you’re confident, aware, and in control behind the wheel.

So what exactly are they watching during the test? Let’s break it all down.

Smooth, Confident Control of the Vehicle

From the moment you turn the ignition, the examiner is paying attention.

They want to see that you:

• Start the car safely and smoothly.
  Steer with both hands (no one-handed lounging!).
• Accelerate and brake gently.
• Stay within the correct lane at all times.

Jerky movements, sudden braking, or forgetting to cancel your signal can all suggest nervousness or lack of control. So take your time and move with purpose.

Proper Observation and Awareness

This is huge. You could drive in a straight line perfectly, but if you’re not checking mirrors or watching the road ahead, that’s a red flag.

Examiners look for:

• Frequent mirror checks (before turns, stops, lane changes)
• Shoulder checks when merging or changing lanes
• Scanning intersections before proceeding
• Noticing pedestrians, cyclists, and other hazards

Situational awareness is crucial for safe driving, and it’s something examiners are trained to recognize quickly.

Following Road Rules and Signs

This one’s pretty straightforward — you need to know and follow the road rules. That includes speed limits, right-of-way, and using signals properly.

Examples of things they watch for:

• Stopping fully at stop signs (no rolling stops!)
• Yielding when required
• Using turn signals every time
• Obeying traffic lights — even stale green ones

Studying before your test can help more than you think. Understanding rules and scenarios from your Driving Theory Test is a great way to reinforce what’s expected in real-life driving.

Safe Positioning on the Road

Where your car is on the road matters — a lot.

Examiners observe:

• Are you centred in your lane?
• Do you keep a safe following distance?
• Are you too close to parked cars?
• Do you stop at the correct line at intersections?

Being even slightly off can signal that you’re unsure or not paying enough attention. Stay alert, and don’t rush to catch up or change lanes unless it’s safe.

Clear Use of Signals

You might think using your turn signal is automatic, but it’s one of the easiest things to forget when nerves hit.

Examiners will mark you down if you:

• Forget to signal
• Signal too late
• Leave your signal on after turning

Pro tip: Use your signal about 3–5 seconds before a turn or lane change. Make it a habit during every drive so it becomes second nature by test day.

Handling Different Road Scenarios

Your examiner will likely take you through a variety of driving environments. This helps them see how well you adapt.

This could include:

• Residential areas with speed bumps and tight turns
• Busier city streets with pedestrians and cyclists
• Roundabouts, one-way streets, or multi-lane roads
• Parking lots for manoeuvres like three-point turns or parallel parking

They want to see that you can stay calm, remain in control, and apply everything you’ve learned in real-time.

Parking and Reversing Manoeuvres

Examiners don’t expect you to park perfectly. But they do want to see that you:

• Check your mirrors and the surrounding area before backing up.
• Turn your head and shoulders to look out the rear window.
• Make safe, measured movements.
• Stay aware of pedestrians or approaching cars.

Backing up safely — with control and awareness — is what they’re really grading you on, not how fast you do it.

Attitude and Decision-Making

Believe it or not, your attitude can be felt from the passenger seat. Examiners want to see calm, thoughtful decisions, not rushed reactions or reckless moves.

They’ll take note if you:

• Stay calm under pressure.
• Don’t hesitate too much at intersections.
• Make safe, confident decisions when merging or turning.
• React appropriately to unexpected situations.

Even if you make a small mistake, staying calm and recovering well can leave a positive impression.

Final Thoughts: Think Like a Safe Driver, Not a Perfect One

The driving test isn’t about flawless driving — it’s about showing that you can be trusted on the road. Examiners aren’t looking for robots. They’re looking for real drivers who are safe, aware, and prepared.