Top 7 mistakes learners make during driving tests in Uganda – and how to avoid them
Introduction
In Uganda, passing your driving test is a major step towards gaining independence and becoming a responsible road user. However, many learners underestimate what the test actually evaluates—not just whether you can move a vehicle, but whether you can operate it safely, confidently, and in line with traffic laws.
At Prestige Driving School, we’ve worked with thousands of students across Uganda. From our experience and collaboration with UNRA, Uganda Police, and driving test centers like IOV (Inspectorate of Vehicles), we’ve identified the most common mistakes that lead to test failures.
This guide will help you understand exactly what to avoid during your practical test and how to prepare effectively.
1. Failure to check mirrors and blind spots
❌ The mistake:
Most learners do not check mirrors regularly, especially before changing lanes, turning, or pulling out from a junction. Some only use mirrors with their eyes and forget to move their heads, which is a key sign to the examiner that you are observing correctly.
Why it’s dangerous:
Not checking mirrors can lead to accidents, especially with boda bodas or fast-moving vehicles—common on Ugandan roads.
How to avoid it:
- Always check rear-view and side mirrors before any change in direction or speed.
- Turn your head slightly when checking blind spots, especially before switching lanes or overtaking.
- Practice a routine: mirror → signal → maneuver.
2. Stalling or poor clutch control
❌ The mistake:
Learners driving manual cars often stall when moving off, especially at traffic lights, hills, or during three-point turns. This shows poor control of the clutch and accelerator.
Why it’s dangerous:
Stalling can cause confusion or even minor collisions, especially in busy areas like Kampala Road, Bwaise Junction, or Kibuye Roundabout.
How to avoid it:
- Understand the bite point of the clutch through practice.
- When on a hill, use the handbrake technique: hold the car with the handbrake, find the bite point, then release the brake gently. Practice hill starts and low-speed control repeatedly before the test.
3. Disregarding traffic signs and road markings
❌ The mistake:
Learners often fail to stop at stop signs, drive in the wrong lanes, or ignore “no entry” signs—especially when nervous.
Why it’s dangerous:
This is a major offense. Ignoring traffic rules during a test shows you’re not ready to drive on public roads.
How to avoid it:
- Study the Uganda Highway Code in detail.
- During practice, identify and respond to every sign you encounter.
- Always come to a complete stop at a STOP sign, even if the road seems clear.
4. Incorrect parking and reversing maneuvers
❌ The mistake:
Most learners struggle with parallel parking, reverse parking, and turning in the road. Common issues include:
- Hitting the curb
- Using too many corrections
- Reversing without proper observation
Why it’s dangerous:
Improper parking can lead to scraping other vehicles or obstructing traffic flow—common in congested areas like Ntinda, Wandegeya, or Jinja town centers.
How to avoid it:
- Use fixed reference points: e.g., when your side mirror aligns with the rear bumper of another car, begin turning.
- Practice reversing into a designated space slowly, while checking mirrors constantly.
- Ask your instructor to show you step-by-step techniques.
5. Anxiety or over-nervousness
❌ The mistake:
Many students freeze up or become too cautious. They hesitate at junctions for too long, stop suddenly without reason, or fail to keep up with traffic flow.
Why it’s dangerous:
Being overly hesitant can confuse other drivers and cause delays or accidents.
How to avoid it:
- Do multiple mock tests with your instructor.
- Visualize the test route if possible—many testing areas are known e.g., Naguru, Jinja Road.
- Learn calming techniques: deep breathing, focusing on the road—not the examiner.
6. Wrong gear usage
❌ The mistake:
Shifting to a higher or lower gear at the wrong time is very common. Learners often:
- Start off in 3rd gear by mistake
- Forget to shift down when slowing down
- Use high gears at low speeds, causing the car to struggle
Why it’s dangerous:
Improper gear use can cause engine strain, loss of control, or stalling—especially in traffic.
How to avoid it:
- Learn the correct speed ranges for each gear e.g., 1st gear: 0–15km/h, 2nd: 15–30km/h.
- Practice listening to the engine and feeling when it needs to shift.
- Don’t rush—focus on smooth and controlled driving, not speed.
7. Poor lane discipline and positioning
❌ The mistake:
Common errors include:
- Drifting between lanes
- Not keeping left unless overtaking as required in Uganda
- Poor turning positions at roundabouts or intersections
Why it’s dangerous:
Bad positioning is one of the common road mistakes that confuses other drivers and increases accident risk, especially on multi-lane roads like Jinja Road or Entebbe Expressway.
How to avoid it:
Always stick to your lane and indicate early.
Practice roundabout entry and exits—know which lane to be in depending on your exit.
Follow road markings and avoid overtaking unless it’s legal and safe.
Final thoughts: Pass with confidence
The Uganda driving test is not just about passing—it is about proving that you are ready to join thousands of drivers on roads that demand discipline, awareness, and responsibility in order to reduce mistakes on the road. Most of the mistakes highlighted above are entirely preventable with the right training and mindset.
At Prestige Driving School, we go beyond basic driving lessons. We offer comprehensive test preparation, mock driving exams, and professional coaching to ensure every learner is well-equipped to pass on the first attempt.
Ready to book your test preparation session?
Contact us today or visit one of our branches across Uganda.
