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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To have rebooked driving test sooner but in different town?

32 replies

noexcuses26 · 11/02/2026 15:10

Son’s driving test was cancelled last minute this week. The new dates sent was for 6 weeks time. He’s ready for the test now. I called up DVSA & they offered another test next week but in a town a couple of miles away. I thought great! But son has not driven there before & there are a couple of tricky roundabouts. Should I have just held out for the one in our town in 6wks time? My view is, if you can drive, you can drive..? My DH thinks I’ve scuppered his chances..

OP posts:
Imaginingdragonsagain · 11/02/2026 15:31

If you’ve got a week to practice driving around the town, that will be good. No guarantees he’d pass in 6 weeks time in your current town anyway, depends what happens on the day and controlling nerves. Good luck!!

noexcuses26 · 11/02/2026 15:29

We have a week to take him over there pretty much every day (it’s half term)- that should familiarise him. Six weeks feels such a long time to wait & there’s still no guarantees of a pass then is there?

OP posts:
Shallana · 11/02/2026 15:19

He will be at a real disadvantage taking his test in an unfamiliar area. Nearly everyone who fails their driving test is capable of driving, it's generally nerves that get the better of people during a test. My driving instructor took me around test routes for weeks before my test so I knew them like the back of my hand.

Enrichetta · 11/02/2026 15:18

I agree with @MCR24 .

You need to take him to drive in the area around the test centre, including those roundabouts. Several times.

Assuming he is comfortable about doing the test in a different location.

noexcuses26 · 11/02/2026 15:17

He was so psyched up to do test & disappointed this week when cancelled, he’s delighted. We have a week to familiarise the route. I totally agree @FlashingFairyLight

OP posts:
MCR24 · 11/02/2026 15:15

Did you ask your son what he wanted?

Is there any chance of him getting some practice in the other area before the new test?

I think familiarity would be helpful.

FlashingFairyLight · 11/02/2026 15:13

When he's passed is he only going to potter about in the area he learned to drive?

Although I do accept that you want to maximise your chances of passing & familiarity ups the odds.

What does your son think? Can you take him over there to practice.or would his instructor be willing?