Real Learner Mock Tests (BN)

Mock Tests with Real Learners

To watch videos relating to the subject, Click on Videos in this Section

Conducting 'Mocks' with your pupils can, if carried out properly, be a very constructive exercise for both ADIs and pupils. This page and the related videos give information on when and how to conduct Mock Tests and how to use the experience to help future teaching as well as increase your pupil’s standard of driving.

The common belief is that pupils should not be taught just to pass their Driving Test, but to be given the tools needed to achieve 'safe driving for life'. However for many pupils the Driving Test is a nerve wracking event and driving under test conditions causes them to drive differently to how they do during lessons, resulting in frequently made, uncharacteristic errors of judgement. Any experienced ADI who sits in on as many pupil tests as possible will have sat in the back and on occasions thought -"Why on earth did you do that?!"

By conducting a Mock Test, simulating test conditions as much as possible, the ADI can help the pupil prepare physically and mentally for the real thing.

Two types of Mock Test can be used -

Prompted Mock Test and Simulated Driving Test

Both types of Mock Tests could be carried out on your pupil by a fellow ADI/PDI, perhaps with a reciprocal arrangement. You may find sitting in on your pupils Mock Test a useful exercise. ( We are in the process of developing a map showing the location of ADIs and PDIs who wish to offer Part 3 Buddying, Check Test support or Real Learner Mock Test arrangements - to follow shortly )

Prompted Mock Test
This is best timed when the pupil is driving well at a 'prompted' level of instruction. A 'mock' at this stage helps to get them to 'independent' comfortably. It does not have to include manoeuvres or an independent drive assessment, nor does it need to be done on an official test route.

A 'prompted Mock Test' can be a useful tool if you have a pupil who perhaps is habitually performing the same faults again and again. Conducting a mock test in this style may help the pupil identify the habit and self manage e.g. " I'm giving you a fault there for mirrors as you failed to check the left mirror before coming in past that parked car " ..... " I'm faulting you again for lack of left mirror check before coming in past that parked car " - experience shows that after committing the same fault even just a couple of times the pupil will consciously self manage and be determined not to be 'caught' again for the same thing!

How to conduct a Prompted Mock Test
Introduce the pupil to the aim of the lesson, including how they should be prepared for you to not talk, other than when you give directional instructions and when a fault has been committed.

Have ready a laminated copy of the DL25 marking sheet and a marker pen. Explain to the pupil that you will be occasionally writing, as the examiner will on the actual test. Explain to the pupil that you will be making notes of things to be discussed at the end of the test, prompts to remind you to mention specific things as well as good points to praise them for too, not just recording faults!

Encourage the pupil to try and ignore what you are doing. Being conscious of the marking sheet and pen, they are more likely to make driving faults purely due to lack of concentration.

Explain that every time they commit a driving fault you will mark it and tell them the fault and consider telling them the reason why, e.g. " I'm marking you down for a mirror fault as you didn't check the left mirror as you came back in around that car, so you wouldn’t have seen it if it had pulled away." Tell your pupil that you will stop the mock test if they reach ten driving faults or three for the same reason or one serious or dangerous fault. At this point it would be advised to stop the mock test and spend some time on analysis, remedial action and instruction. If time allows, a further prompted mock can be done in the same lesson so that progress can be seen by yourself and your pupil.

Example 'Prompted Mock' Test videos can be found in the drop down menu above.

Simulated Driving Test
These Simulated Driving Tests should be carried out to simulate the 'L' Test as much as possible.

You may want to include the eye sight check and 'Show Me, Tell me' questions to make it as real as possible. Have ready a laminated copy of the DL25 marking sheet and a marker pen. Explain to the pupil that you will be occasionally writing, as the examiner will on the actual test. Explain to the pupil that you will be making notes of things to be discussed at the end of the test, prompts to remind you to mention specific things as well as good points to praise them for too, not just recording faults!

Encourage the pupil to try and ignore what you are doing. Being conscious of the marking sheet and pen, they are more likely to make driving faults purely due to lack of concentration.

Advise the pupil that you will not be talking, other than to give directional instructions.

The Test should last for approximately 37 mins, incorporate similar road situations to the set Test routes ( but not necessarily the actual routes ), include an Independent Drive section and one manoeuvre. ( This should be the manoeuvre the pupil finds the most difficult ).

Mark faults as and when they happen, but unlike the Prompted Mock, give no verbal feedback during the actual Test. Stop the Test after 37 mins or earlier if the pupil commits enough driving faults to fail or one serious/dangerous fault.

Always debrief the Test regardless of the result. Go through the marking sheet with the pupil and discuss particular issues that arose and any thoughts the pupil would like to raise. Give feedback on the drive, remembering to praise where praise is due. Again, conclude the lesson with analysis, remedial action and instruction where appropriate.

To watch Prompted Mock Test and Simulated Driving Test videos, see the drop down menu at the top of this page.