How to Score Maximum Points on Corners – Driving Test WA
When it comes to passing your driving test in Western Australia, the way you handle corners can make or break your result. Turning corners may seem like one of the simplest driving tasks, but during your Practical Driving Assessment (PDA), it’s a key area where assessors look for smoothness, control, and anticipation.
In this post, we’ll explore how to approach corners correctly, what assessors are really judging, and how to build habits that make both you and your passengers feel comfortable and confident.
1. Comfort Is Key — Think About Your Passenger
If your turning technique forces your passenger to brace themselves or use their abs just to stay upright, it’s a clear sign that your cornering speed is too high. During your test, the assessor is essentially your passenger — and your job is to make them feel like a VIP.
Smooth cornering shows that you can control the car’s balance, anticipate the turn, and maintain stability throughout. Try imagining you’re picking up a friend from the airport. If they fell asleep and you made a sharp, fast turn, would they stay asleep? Probably not. That’s precisely how your assessor feels when your turns are jerky or rushed.
2. Anticipate Early, Plan Ahead
Most cornering mistakes happen long before the steering wheel even turns. Good drivers plan early. That means checking mirrors, scanning ahead, and adjusting speed before entering the corner — not halfway through it.
If you find yourself braking or tightening your steering mid-turn, it’s often because you didn’t look far enough ahead or slowed down too late. The earlier you plan, the smoother the corner will be. Think of anticipation as the foundation of flow — and flow is what makes your drive feel calm and natural.
3. Control Speed, Then Steering
The order of actions matters. As a rule: slow down first, steer second.
Your brakes are very effective, but they’re not there to fix a poorly judged corner. They’re there to prepare you for it.
On your PDA, the examiner watches how you transition between braking, steering, and accelerating out of the corner. Smooth coordination between these movements demonstrates awareness and control. Even a slight reduction in speed before turning can make a huge difference to how comfortable and safe your corner looks and feels.
4. Don’t Rush the Process – Learn how to score maximum points
Learners often make the mistake of turning too quickly or trying to impress the assessor by showing confidence. But your assessor isn’t measuring enthusiasm — they’re assessing your ability.
If you ever find yourself thinking, “I hope they let me go now,” remember: they won’t give you a verbal approval. It’s your responsibility to assess when it’s safe and proceed only when you’re certain. Rushing increases the risk of wide turns, oversteering, or losing control — all of which can cost you valuable points.
5. Build a Professional Mindset
Treat every drive as if it were a professional task. Picture yourself chauffeuring a VIP — your assessor. Make every corner predictable and pleasant.
Experienced drivers don’t rely on luck or instinct; they rely on early planning and refined observation. Once you start thinking like that, you’ll naturally handle corners with precision and ease. Find out more about Driving School WA.
6. Practice Makes Smooth
Perfect cornering comes from repetition and mindful practice. Try focusing on one element at a time — braking early, keeping both hands on the wheel, or looking further through the turn. Over time, these habits blend into a single, fluid motion that feels effortless.
Remember, even confident drivers can lose points if their turns feel rough or unsettled. Consistency and control are what count most. Go to Driving School WA YouTube Channel for all the visual answers.
Final Thoughts
Scoring maximum points on corners isn’t about perfection — it’s about calm, consistent execution. By planning early, maintaining steady control, and prioritising comfort, you’ll demonstrate the awareness and maturity assessors are looking for.
When you’re ready to see these principles in action, watch the video below. It breaks down real-life examples of what examiners notice and how minor adjustments can lead to significant improvements in your score. Book driving lessons with Steve in Perth, WA.
