Whether you just obtained your Learner’s licence or you are just tired of relying on public transportation to move around, getting your driving licence may seem daunting at first… Do not give up! As your co-driver, LexpressCars will provide you with the keys to a winning driving experience. Here are a few practical information and tips on how to achieve this without tears!

First Stop!

Considering you already passed your oral examinations, the process of registration is the first step towards your future success. Fees to be paid are Rs 500 for the application of the driving licence and Rs 500 for the driving test. Do not keep postponing when the date arrives! 

Requirements for practical driving test  

The driving test requires the use of your own vehicle, either through an approved driving school or your private car, along with a special insurance policy. During the driving test, the examiners will evaluate your ability to drive safely on open roads, without instructions. They do so via a series of checks of which, they expect you to:

 (a) start the vehicle, move away, and maintain an accurate course

(b) turn right and left corners correctly

(c) prove that you can safely stop the vehicle within distance in case of emergency

(d) safely operate all controls while remaining in the driving seat

(e) unmistakeably give all recognised signals

(f) move the car backwards, make right and left turn reverse and back the car into an indicated position

 (g) turn the vehicle round to proceed in opposite direction in a narrow roadway

(h) stop, hold, and start the vehicle on a gradient of at least one in 15 but no steeper than one in 10.

Top practical tips to secure your licence

First and foremost, you must relax and be focused.

The examiner will watch if you are carrying out all the cockpit checks in the following order before you start the engine:

(1) Doors

(2) Driving seat

(3) Mirrors

(4) Seat belt

Note: Starting the engine without fastening your seat belt is a fault.

• Controls and instruments:

While driving, you must concentrate on what is happening around you and apply all the controls safely without looking at them. You must demonstrate good control of the vehicle: foot control, hand control, etc. Do not look at the gear lever while driving and always keep at least one hand on the steering wheel.

• Moving and stopping:

You should stop one meter before the stop line, yellow box and pedestrian crossing.

Give the signal when moving off from the starting point of the test. 

Check your blind spots.

Do not accelerate excessively.

• Mirrors:

Always check your mirrors (first interior, then exterior) before:

(a) moving off

(b) signalling

(c) turning left or right

(d) changing lanes or overtaking

(e) opening your car door

 

• Signals: 

You must master all hand signals and those given by the police.

You need to respond safely to signals given by other vehicles and give clear signals to other road users.

 

• Speed:

Always drive within the speed limit. While on test do not drive beyond 40 km/h and never in the fourth gear.

• Other traffic: 

You must be able to deal safely when crossing and overtaking other vehicles.

Keep three metres distance while stopping behind a vehicle.

• Pedestrian crossing: 

Approach pedestrian crossings with caution. Anticipate people crossing when nearing a busy one, and ensure it is completely free before moving forward.

 

Hands at 9 and 3 o’clock positions and… off we go for your licence!