The driving test: Easy English Story (Level 3) with Audio

Level 3 Story 14 of 16 · 162 words · intermediate (B1)

Key words

sit a test take a test
roundabout a circular intersection
right of way the right to go first
her heart sank she suddenly felt disappointed
give way let other vehicles go first
relief the feeling when worry ends

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Retell the story in your own words in 4 or 5 sentences. Say it out loud, or write it down. Then read the story again and check what you missed.

The driving test

Graded story, level 3 · englishcoaching.au

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

sit a test: ________________________
roundabout: ________________________
right of way: ________________________
her heart sank: ________________________
give way: ________________________
relief: ________________________

2. Questions

Why did Mei need a driving test?
☐ To get a local Australian licence ☐ She had never driven ☐ For a new job
Where did Mei have trouble?
☐ At the roundabout ☐ Parking ☐ On the highway
At an Australian roundabout, you give way to vehicles…
☐ already on it, coming from your right ☐ on your left ☐ behind you
What was the result?
☐ She passed ☐ She failed ☐ She has to retake part of it

3. Talk or write about it

Retell the story in 4 or 5 sentences.

Transcript

Mei had been driving for fifteen years in China, but in Australia she had to sit a driving test to get a local licence.

"How hard can it be?" she said to her husband the night before.

The next morning, she was more nervous than she wanted to admit. The testing officer was polite but serious, and he wrote notes on a clipboard after every turn.

Everything went smoothly until the roundabout. Mei hesitated, unsure who had right of way, and the car behind her beeped.

Her heart sank. She was sure she'd failed.

Back at the centre, the officer turned to her. "You were a bit unsure at the roundabout. Remember: give way to vehicles already on the roundabout, coming from your right."

"I know," Mei said quietly. "I panicked."

"But your observation and control were excellent," he continued. "You've passed."

Mei laughed out loud with relief. That evening, she drove her family to the beach, and took every roundabout perfectly.

Answers: 1. To get a local Australian licence · 2. At the roundabout · 3. already on it, coming from your right · 4. She passed

Frequently asked questions

What level is the story 'The driving test'?

Level 3, intermediate (B1). It has 162 words, with audio, key words and a quiz.

Can I listen to this English story?

Yes. Press Play and each sentence is read aloud and highlighted, so you can read and listen at the same time. Choose Slow speed if you're a beginner.

Which words will I learn?

sit a test, roundabout, right of way, her heart sank, give way, relief.