What to Do If You Stall During Your Test

For many learner drivers, the fear of stalling during the driving test can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: stalling doesn’t mean you’ve failed. In fact, examiners are more interested in how you handle the situation than the mistake itself. At InstructDirect UK, we’re here to guide you through what to do if your car stalls during your test.

1. Stay Calm and Composed

The most important thing to do after stalling is to stay calm. Panicking can lead to further mistakes, so take a deep breath and focus on the steps needed to resolve the situation.

2. Restart Your Engine Safely

Follow these steps to restart your car and move off safely:

Check your handbrake: Ensure the handbrake is engaged to prevent rolling.
Restart the engine: Turn the key or press the start button, depending on your vehicle.
Reassess your gears: Ensure you’re in the correct gear—usually first gear for moving off.
Find the biting point: Slowly lift the clutch pedal to the biting point while gently pressing the accelerator.

Examiners appreciate a methodical approach, so don’t rush through this process.

3. Check Your Surroundings

Before moving off, it’s vital to ensure it’s safe to do so:

Look around: Check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure no vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians are in your path.
Signal if necessary: Use your indicators if other road users need to know your intentions.

Moving off without proper observation can result in a serious fault, so take your time.

4. Focus on Recovery, Not the Mistake

Stalling happens to everyone, even experienced drivers. The key is to demonstrate that you can recover quickly and safely. Dwelling on the mistake could distract you from the rest of the test. Instead, shift your focus back to driving confidently.

5. Understand What the Examiner is Looking For

Examiners are trained to assess your overall driving ability, not just isolated mistakes. They’re looking for:

How safely and efficiently you recover from stalling.
Your awareness of your surroundings.
Your ability to stay calm under pressure.

A stall won’t automatically result in a fail unless it causes danger to others or demonstrates a lack of control.

6. Practise Handling Stalls Before Your Test

One of the best ways to prepare is by practising scenarios where stalling might occur, such as:

Moving off from a standstill.
Navigating uphill starts.
Driving in stop-start traffic.

The more comfortable you are with handling stalls, the more confident you’ll feel during your test.

Final Thoughts

Stalling during your driving test isn’t the end of the world—it’s a chance to show that you can stay calm and recover safely. Remember, examiners are there to assess your overall readiness to drive, not to penalise you for minor mistakes. Book your driving lessons with InstructDirect UK today and take the first step towards confident driving!