What to do when you fail your LTO driving test in the Philippines?

Not everyone is lucky enough to pass their driver's exam on the first try. There will be times that no matter how prepared we are, anxiety and pressure will get the best of us. This is the most common reason why at times of exam, be it written or practical, we get absent-minded or mind blocked that resulted to failed exams.

Luckily, you can retake the driver’s exam one month after your initial driver’s exam. Philkotse.com will assist you on what to do when you fail the driver’s exam.

1. Identify your mistakes on your previous try

The very first thing to do when you fail the exam is to look back and analyze your mistakes. This way, you’ll be able to correct them on the next try. For example, identify if you think you didn’t perform well on the written or practical driving test. Then do something to excel in it.

The very first thing to do when you fail the exam is to look back and analyze your mistakes.

2. Check for updates

The Land Transportation Office often updates their rules and guidelines, so make sure you read and review the latest version of the LTO rules and guidelines for issuing a driver’s license. You also need to take note of the updated LTO driver license requirements and fees you need to bring and pay.

Prepare everything that is needed before taking the exam to make sure you don’t forget anything.

You need to take note of the updated requirements and fees you need to bring and pay.

3. Review the exam reviewer again

You might think that you can already ace the written exam just because you have previously taken it. However, actual exams change and the next time you take it, you might be surprised to encounter a different set of questions from your previous exam.

Don’t be too confident that you already know everything. Always be ready with new information, updated rules, regulations, and guidelines.

>>> Worth to note: 

• LTO Exam Reviewer with Answers in English
• LTO Exam Reviewer in Tagalog (with answers)

4. More practice driving

Lots of examinees fail in this area – the practical driving test. Sometimes, anxiety and nervousness take over the driving ability that leads us to do things the wrong way.

Other examinees fail because they are not confident with their driving ability, especially under pressure. Which is why more driving practice will make you more comfortable and confident in handling and maneuvering the vehicle.

Getting used to driving and controlling your car

It is also recommended to practice driving at a different time of the day. Ask your mentor to practice you on different night-time and daytime scenarios too, like the following:

• The right time to stop and go especially when driving on downhill or uphill roads
• When changing lanes and merging
• Making U-turns
• Parking on different locations and streets
• Driving on narrow street and alleys
• Reverse parking
• What to do when stuck in a bumper to bumper traffic

Although not all of these will come up during your practical exam, however being prepared is important. You can never tell if the examiner will ask you to do certain any of these, at least you’re ready.

Practice driving will also enhance your driving experience and ability. It will also boost your confidence in driving which is very important during practical exams.

More driving practice will make you more comfortable and confident in handling and maneuvering the vehicle.

Practicing required driving skills

Don’t forget to also practice the driving skills required during the practical exam including:

• Steering
• Use of brakes
• Engine control
• Turning left and right
• Speed control
• Backing out
• Parking

Remember that before the actual LTO driving test begins, you need to show the examiner that you know the following:

• Checking of batteries and tires
• Adjusting the vehicles light, mirrors, and windshield
• Use helmet or seatbelts (also remind the examiner to wear his)
• Check the foot and hand brake
• Disengaging the clutch when starting the engine

Familiarizing with the traffic rules

One more thing, you need to familiarize yourself with the traffic rules because during the practical exam, observance of these traffic rules worth almost half of the total points. Here are the traffic rules you need to observe:

• Right of way
• Stop lights, signals, and others
• Right of way to other cars/vehicles

5. Prepare the necessary requirement

Retaking the exam means you’ll have to undergo the same process. This means you still have to prepare necessary documents and pay all the fees needed when taking a driver’s exam. If you’re applying for a non-professional driver’s license, you need to bring your Student’s Permit and the Official Receipt

(OR). If you forget to bring this, you’ll be in so much hassle. You will need to get an affidavit of loss and it will take two more additional hours plus a documentation and processing fee that ranges for P500+ pesos.

6. Bring your own vehicle for practice

Bring your own vehicle for the practical exam is recommended. There are three important reasons why bringing your car will give you higher chances of passing the practical exam.

• You’re using a car that you’re already comfortable and familiar with.
• There’s no need to rent a vehicle at the LTO office. You don’t have to pay P150.00
• Driving a car your familiar and comfortable with will allow you to perform better during the practical exam.

Bring your own vehicle for the practical exam is recommended.

7. Go to the test center as early as possible

To avoid a long queue, go there as early as possible. You might want to forget that the Land Transportation Office opens at 8:00 AM. Go there two hours before. It's a guarantee that spends more time in the waiting area rather than on the actual written and practical exam.

>>> Related post: How to lessen stress when doing driving test in the Philippines

Going there as early as possible might lessen your waiting time. We’re sure you’re probably aware of the whole process since you’ve been here before. Unless there are major changes in the application process, then you’ll undergo the same process.

It's a guarantee that spends more time in the waiting area rather than on the actual written and practical exam.

Pro tip: When taking exams, like the driver's exam, avoid caffeinated drinks. It is a stimulant that may increase anxiety. Go for a healthy meal that will keep you satiated for the whole process. You can also bring bananas as a snack while waiting as it can help relax the nerves that will help you, especially during the practical exam.

This time, make sure that you answer all the questions on the written exam correctly and perform the practical exam confidently and properly. Once done, wait for the results and when you passed, then you can now have your driver’s license.

8. What happens if you fail again?

If you fail on your second try, you can retake again but you have to wait for a year. And when you fail on the third time, you have to wait for two years to be able to re-apply. Just always check for the updates and new guidelines before going directly on the test center.