Learner drivers go to all sorts of extremes to pass the theory test and practical driving exam. Book Theory Test Today reveals some of the superstitions of test candidates.
A recent article about a mother of a student driver who cracked an egg on each tyre of a vehicle in a superstitious act became an internet sensation, sparking a flurry of articles about the lengths learner drivers go to in order to pass the theory test and driving exam.
The original list was compiled by the AA, identifying some of the most unlikely rituals, which goes way beyond simply wearing ‘lucky socks’
Theory Test Superstitions
Research by the AA revealed that in order to pass the theory test a number of superstitious candidates would first answer all the even numbered questions and then return to answer the odd numbered questions.
One candidate revealed how she answered question 13 of the theory test first to ‘get it out of the way’. Several candidates, of Japanese origin, taking the UK theory test said they would always answer question 8 first. In Japanese culture number 8 is considered a very lucky number.
When asked why they performed these rituals the majority of candidates said that
‘it helps to ease the nerves.’
In more theory test rituals one candidate, Jennifer Thompson, revealed how walking between rows of chairs in the test centre waiting room helped her to ‘pass the theory test’. Another candidate said that he sang a song about passing the theory test the night before he was due to take it.
Driving Exam Superstitions
As well as the mother who cracked eggs on every tyre, one candidate, during her last lesson before the practical exam, parked up whenever seeing drain covers in pairs and stood on them.
While the cynics may scoff, both the mother with eggs and the drain cover candidate passed their practical driving exam.
However, some candidates are less prone to superstitious behaviour. Will Law, aged 17 from Felixstowe, said:
“I’m not superstitious at all, I never have been. I could see why people would do those little things before their test because it’s quite nerve-wracking and intense I guess for many people.â€
Although Will might not have any little routines he adheres to, his driving instructor, Barry Martin, certainly does. On every lesson, Mr Martin makes sure that his cuddly monkey toy is with him on every journey.
Mr Martin said:
“Monkey always sits in the back, and I always tell them monkey knows that they can pass and he is waiting for them to pass. Other rituals I have is I always get them to book their test for the morning … usually 9.07am, sometimes 10.14am – whatever they feel comfortable with.â€
Mr Martin believes that drivers should do whatever little routine puts them at ease as long as it’s safe. He said:
“If it works, it’s safe and you drive to the right specification to pass the test then you will pass whether it’s Friday the 13th, first thing on a Monday or last thing on a Friday.â€
Other odd superstitious practices include:
- A mother who wore a t-shirt to a theory test that she was wearing when she gave birth to her daughter
- Those who salute magpies
- Those who refuse to cross the path of a black cat
Book Theory Test Today says:
“For all the superstitions, at the end of the day what results in passing the practical driving exam is good driving and if these little routines help to orchestrate that and ease the nerves, no one can question that.â€
Book Theory Test Today offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your theory test – Ready to take your theory test? Book your theory test online today…
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Tags: Driving Theory Test UK, Learning To Drive, Practical Driving Test
