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AIBU?

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Original poster

To consider flying to Scotland from London just for a driving test!!

107 replies

Wouldbedriver · 26/10/2024 18:37

I’ve had 40 hours of driving lessons so far and passed the theory.

I don’t want to pay for any more lessons without a practical test in sight.

There are no tests available for any date here in the SE.

My instructor says booking one in a distant location, then swapping it for one that’s cancelled at an SE centre, doesn’t work any more. Because nobody’s cancelling a test around here as they’re so hard to get hold of. And bots are instantly hoovering up any new tests that may be released on a Monday morning.

So AIBU to think I should instead just fly up to Scotland and take a test up there? Obviously I wouldn’t know the roads but driving is driving, right? And there are plenty of tests available up there. Maybe make a holiday of it.

Or does my instructor need to be in the back of the car during the test?

OP posts:
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AvenueY · 26/10/2024 19:07

How will you get to the centre is something to think about, you don’t need an instructor in the back but you do need a qualified driver to be in the car to get there and back. So you either need to take someone with you and hire a dual control car, borrows someone’s car or book in with an instructor for a couple of lessons and use there car for it.

RandomMess · 26/10/2024 19:02

Heysham has a decent pass rate. Finding an instructor would be hard though.

What about one of the those 3-4 day pass in a week courses where you sit your test at the end?

Catza · 26/10/2024 18:57

Book a test in Scotland and then pay for one of the bots to find you a cancellation. Same situation where I live but I moved my test 5 months forward using one of those automatic cancellation companies.

ETA: driving is driving but for an unexperienced driver, unfamiliar roads are just too much for a test. Your instructor doesn't need to be with you unless you want him but it is highly unlikely that a local instructor will let you take a test in their car without at least a couple of sessions to get to know you.

SighTime · 26/10/2024 18:51

Check out the pass rates at wherever it is you plan on doing your test. There are some places with much higher pass rates than others.

One of my kids friends has taken a 4 hour train ride this weekend just to take a driving test. I don't think it's unusual.

DustyAmuseAlien · 26/10/2024 18:47

Sounds good but you should get a driving instructor local to the test and pay them for 2 hours of lesson to familiarise yourself with the local roads and for use of they car.

SettlerOfDivan · 26/10/2024 18:45

Have you tried Newport on the Isle of Wight?

JackGeller · 26/10/2024 18:44

How would you source a car when you were up there? Your instructor doesn’t need to be there but you do need use of a car of your own (or an instructors)

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