I havn't read the thread but I'll throw in my tips anyway.
- Yes always scan the road by checking mirrors etc, but remember
- If doing any manuveur (U turn, lane change, etc) ALWAYS turn and look, don't just use mirrors!
- Make everything OBVIOUS. If the testing officer didn't see you do something, s/he may well assume you didn't do whatever it is you should've.
- Know the area. This really helps when it comes to complex things, for example, they may say to go straight ahead at the next set of lights, but one of the 2 lanes of the road you are on is a right-hand-turn only lane. If you know to get into the left lane to go straight without getting stuck behind traffic and having to stop, and combat with traffic to change lanes, it looks a lot better for you
- Beware of tricks! They might say "Turn right here", but can you turn right? There might be a "NO RIGHT TURN" sign, or the road might be one way, or something that prevents you doing it legally. So, simply tell them so, that you can't perform that because it would be disobeying signs and rules.
- Be careful of any and all signs really.. Speed limits, corner limits, school zones, bla bla. Also be careful around road works too!
- Beware hidden signs, RTA's like to hide stop signs at carpark exits for example. Run that and you fail the test within a minute!
- Make sure your car is roadworthy for the test! That all lights work, horn, brakes are good, etc. Try and use a nice, sensible car. Have your L plates on too - you're not on your P's until you pass the test! And even having a well presented (clean) car could work to your advantage.
- Before you even start test, check all your mirrors etc. Do things in correct order (I forget what RTA say to do, but for example it's like, when stopping, handbrake up, car off, car in gear or something .. double check this!) Again, make it obvious.
- Pray you get a good instructor
- Hope you've booked the test at a time of day where it's kindof quiet, not during heavy traffic or such.
- Be friendly to the testing person. I dunno, maybe chat to them a bit, if you can drive OK doing that it shows your a little more competant, and you might distract them a little too. Also, if you present a good attitude, they might favour you, instead of thinking "Geez i don't want to give this guy a licence, I can tell he's going to do stupid stuff".
- Yeah have all your paperwork legit and complete, saves headache for everyone.
- Relax! If you're stressing out, you'll fuckup somewhere.
- When indicating, you're supposed to indicate at least 30metres before turning etc. One tip is that street lamps / power poles / the like are usually spaced out apart that much, which can help you guage distances.
- Don't rush! Be gentle accelerating, cornering, gearing, braking, etc.
- Reacting properly in an emergency situation and successfully avoiding things (Eg, not hitting a kid who runs out from between cars) scores you bonus points! But if you hit em, you loose. Quite a gamble, so be extra cautious, juuussst in case.
- Probably a good idea to brush up on your road rules.
- If the area is hilly, brush up on your hill starts, as they'll most likely test you out on this too if they can.
- 'Push-Pull' method for steering rather than "Hand over hand" is preferred, it's apparently safer.
Probably more but thats all I can think of.
Dont fret if you fail, I failed my first go too. The good thing is they'll tell you where you went wrong and you can brush up for your next test. Also the first time is really quite daunting, I know I was nervous as hell, but the second time knowing full well what to expect I nailed it