On Board Training Intensive Manual & Automatic Driving Courses

16/08/2026

A great article and shows why our policy of several mock tests before your actual driving test gets our learner students the higher 1st time pass rates.
Looking for mock tests and a modern coaching approach?
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Do mock tests really make a difference? 🚗

According to DVSA research, learners who reported taking a realistic mock test covering all parts of the real driving test achieved an average pass rate of 65%.

For learners who reported not having taken a realistic mock test, the average pass rate was 47%.

That’s an 18 percentage-point difference.

But here’s the full picture: this comes from DVSA post-test survey data, which show a strong association between realistic mock tests and higher pass rates. It does not prove that taking a mock test alone causes someone to pass.

A proper mock test should closely reflect the real thing and include the key elements of the practical test. DVSA says realistic mocks work best when they include all parts of the real test and last around 35 minutes.

Mock tests can help you find out whether you can:

Drive independently without prompts ✅
Manage nerves and pressure ✅
Recognise and correct mistakes ✅
Make safe decisions consistently ✅
Meet the standard required on test day ✅

DVSA’s current Ready to Pass? guidance also says learners will usually be ready when they can drive without prompts, avoid serious or dangerous mistakes, pass mock driving tests, manage their nerves, and their instructor agrees they’re ready.

So the message isn’t: take a mock, and you’ll definitely pass.

It’s: use realistic mock tests to find out whether you’re genuinely ready before using your real test as the practice run.

65% vs 47% — preparation matters.

*Source: DVSA Ready to Pass? and DVSA post-test survey research.*

What do you think? Do mock tests matter? Or can you pass your test without relying on one?

16/08/2026

🚗 TRAINEE DRIVING INSTRUCTOR — STUCK AND FEEL YOU'RE NOT GETTING ANYWHERE?

With the option of regular in person or zoom sessions as well as fast-track intensive training sessions, we can provide additional training and support to help get you back on track no matter where you live.

With 25 years’ experience in driver and instructor training, I’m ORDIT registered, IDEA SCQF Level 8 Train the Trainer qualified, and a Bright Coaching – Bright PDI Masterclass Affiliate Trainer.

At Time To Pass, it’s not just about getting you through Part 3 — it’s about helping you develop into a confident, skilled and professional driving instructor with support that continues beyond qualification.

📞 07866 751139
Better Support. Better Training. Better Instructors

15/08/2026

NEED EXTRA SUPPORT TO GET ON THE ROAD — OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES?

Every learner is different. Our modern, coaching-led approach adapts lessons around the individual — reducing pressure, building confidence and making learning easier to understand.

Specialist support for Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Anxiety & Nervous Drivers — helping you become a confident, safe driver.

15/08/2026

🚗 TRAINEE DRIVING INSTRUCTOR — NOT GETTING THE SUPPORT YOU WERE PROMISED?

You can change your sponsor* and continue your journey with us getting the right training, coaching and support behind you.

With 25 years’ experience in driver and instructor training, I’m ORDIT registered, IDEA SCQF Level 8 Train the Trainer qualified, and a Bright Coaching – Bright PDI Masterclass Affiliate Trainer.

At Time To Pass, it’s not just about getting you through Part 3 — it’s about helping you develop into a confident, skilled and professional driving instructor with support that continues beyond qualification.

J. Brian Smith
📞 07866 751139
ON BOARD TRAINING
& TIME TO PASS

Better Support. Better Training. Better Instructors

*subject to your sponsor's terms and conditions

15/08/2026

Great driving lessons this week supporting another two learner driver students with The Honest Truth 'Coaching Conversations' around main topics that new and young drivers can be at more risk from.
Well done to Grace and Alex who graduated by completing The Honest Truth road safety campaign.

Are you looking for driving lessons that engage you more with a modern coaching approach?
Message us to get booked in.

14/08/2026

Great to see Jack Cowie's nice Vauxhall Corsa straight after it got the graphics on today. We think it looks stunning.
Jack is a young trainee driving instructor who has recently started with us.
Jack covers the Livingston and surrounding areas as well as areas of North Lanarkshire.
Jack has a few spaces for new learners for driving lessons so message us direct to get started.

14/08/2026

An excellent 1st time driving test pass at Ayr this afternoon for Dale Martin from Dalry with only 3 faults.
The test was only booked 3 weeks ago.
Well done Dale - safe driving.
Great to see the benefits of high dose omega 3's.
Dale had also completed The Honest Truth road safety campaign with us.
Another great driving test pass for instructor Brian and his Specialist Mind Coaching skills.
Are you looking to prepare for an earlier test date and would like to be better prepared for a short notice cancellation test?
Message us direct to get booked in.

12/08/2026

An excellent driving test pass at Dumfries this afternoon for Daisy Hyslop with only 1 fault.
Well done Daisy - safe driving.
Good to hear and see the benefits of high dose omega 3's.
Another great result for instructor Keith.
Are you looking for driving lessons with a modern coaching approach to help you learn at a better rate and to help you be a safer and more competent driver?
Message us direct to get booked in.

10/08/2026

It is great to use The Honest Truth in training with trainee driving instructors as it helps them
understand the importance of road safety messages and gives them a really good way of introducing coaching conversations into driving lessons with learners.

Part of Russell's training includes sitting in to observe driving lessons and be part of a 'coaching triangle' with the instructor and the student.

This allows Russell to learn first hand how to easily engage the learner driver in meaningful coaching conversations that may help them male better decisions and keep them safer on the road.

Are you a trainee driving instructor or qualified driving instructor looking for more support?
Message us direct to chat about options.

10/08/2026

As an advocate and 'Brand Champion' coach for The Honest Truth road safety campaign, it is also good for me to support and mentor other driving instructors to develop their coaching skills to get the best out of The Honest Truth resources.

Well done to Keith Smith from On Board Training Driving School for embracing the ten Truths and deciding to enrol all his students for The Honest Truth from now on to ensure the important road safety messages get discussed with them during driving lessons.

Are you a driving instructor wanting to bring more road safety coaching conversations into your driving lessons?
Message us direct to help you get set up as a coach for The Honest Truth.