17/07/2026
One of the most common things you’ll hear from so-called “qualified drivers” is:
“If I had to take my driving test again, I’d fail!”
It’s usually said with a laugh, almost as a badge of honour.
Yet those very same people are often the first to become driving instructors the moment a learner gets behind the wheel with them.
Suddenly they’re experts and want to pass down their pearls of wisdom.
“Don’t worry about that.”
“I’ve been driving for 30 years.”
“My instructor told me this…”
“The examiner won’t like that…”
Before long, the learner is getting two completely different lessons.
One from a qualified instructor who teaches to current standards.
The other from someone whose driving test was taken years, sometimes decades, ago.
Before you accept every pearl of wisdom that’s offered, try asking a few questions.
Would they be happy to sit today’s Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test without revising?
Could they confidently explain how to approach a roundabout and take the second exit?
Which lane should you use?
When should you signal?
How do spiral roundabouts work?
Could they tell you the National Speed Limit for a single carriageway and a dual carriageway?
Now ask them about yellow box junctions.
I’ve lost count of the number of learners who’ve come back from private practice saying:
“My dad says you must never enter a yellow box.”
That isn’t what the Highway Code says..
If your exit road is clear, you may enter the yellow box and continue through it. The rules are there to stop vehicles blocking junctions, not to stop traffic flowing.
Then there are the old favourites…
“Exaggerate your mirror checks so the examiner knows you are checking!”
“Cross your hands on the steering wheel and you’ll fail.”
“Always stop at every roundabout.”
“The examiner is looking for tricks.”
These myths have been around for so long they’ve probably got bus passes.
Some are so old they were probably being shared when Noah stepped off the Ark, looked around and said,
“Put the kettle on… I think we’ll be here for a while.”
The truth is, most parents, partners and friends genuinely want to help and their support is invaluable.
But driving has changed.
The Highway Code has changed.
Road layouts have changed.
Vehicle technology has changed.
The driving test has changed.
Many experienced drivers have picked up habits over the years that work for them but aren’t necessarily the safest, the most up-to-date or even correct.
I always encourage private practice.
It’s one of the best ways to improve.
Just make sure the person giving advice is reinforcing what your instructor has taught, not unintentionally undoing it.
Driving isn’t about tricks.
It isn’t about fooling the examiner.
It’s about making safe decisions, understanding why you’re doing something, and building habits that will keep you safe long after you’ve passed your test.
So listen to advice.
Just make sure it’s the right advice.
Confidence built on incorrect information can be far more dangerous than simply saying,
“I don’t know.”
So don’t get swept away by a tide of second-hand advice.
Learn properly, understand the reasons behind what you’re doing, and become the driver others should be taking advice from.
What’s the worst driving advice you’ve ever been given?
Was it from a parent, partner, friend… or even another instructor? 👀
Share it below.
Let’s separate the myths from the facts. 🚗
Good luck 🤞
Please like, share and tag do not copy and paste my posts 🫶🏾
Sheena Ahmed
Motorvation school of Motoring
