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Driving test tomorrow - instructor with me or not?

54 replies

SerenaJoy · 10/01/2011 20:57

I'm taking my driving test tomorrow. I'm strangely calm about it, which is worrying in itself (usually I'd be shitting myself). But I'm putting this down to being pregnant, and my mind being on other things .

My dilemma is whether to have my driving instructor in the car while I take my test. I worry that I might be put off by having him in the back seat - like I'd be outnumbered or something But then I wonder if maybe the risk of being put off is worth taking if I can learn more from any mistakes I make, should I not pass...

Any thoughts? Has anyone regretted having their instructor there (or vice versa)? Any words of wisdom in general for dealing with a driving test?

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SerenaJoy · 13/01/2011 12:34

I know it's quite daunting isn't it - but what my instructor said to me was, even if you do make a mistake, don't assume that all is lost and give up. Fix it if it can be fixed, keep concentrating, and hope for the best. Like everything though, it's easier said than done when you're on the spot!

I'm quite nervous about the independent driving - my sense of direction is terrible, and I'm really bad at giving/following directions. To be honest I'm just hoping I get an easy one, and that it's somewhere I know how to get to!

dropdeadfred - how did you get on with the independent driving bit?

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Dropdeadfred · 13/01/2011 12:34

good luck Kazaam - also I would remember to slow down before making any decisions eg going past a parked vehicle, letting a car go pas you etc...my instructor kept drumming in to me that if you rush you leave yourself with less time to make decisions, and doing everything just a few seconds slower cerainly helped me feel more in control (not 18 mileds an hour down a busy road obviously) but at roundabouts and crossroads just appraoching more slowly and therefore having time to think of positioning, timing etc

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Dropdeadfred · 13/01/2011 12:38

Seena - I was dreading the independent driving - I had visions of approaching roundabouts and not knowing which lane to get in etc - I actually had it easy I think. I was shown a drawing (not a map) of the road ahead and asked to turn left, then righ then the third left...we then puled over. I was shown another road drawin and asked to go all the way down the road to a junction, turn left then take left again then right. That was it...the roads were long so I just concentrated on my driving (don't forget your safety because you're oo busy counting the roads or looking for signs) they cannot fail you even if you miss every direction as long as you have signalled correctly for the turns that you do take iykwim

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Dropdeadfred · 13/01/2011 12:48

sorry - SERENA - my typing is appalling today - on my little netbook!

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SerenaJoy · 13/01/2011 12:48

No debate about motorway driving that I know of mummytime - but it always seemed strange to me that you can pass your test without ever driving on a motorway! The Pass Plus course will cover it, but it's not compulsory. Maybe it should be!

Good point fred, about slowing down - I'm certainly guilty of rushing things. I'm dreading the independent driving - I'm so bad with directions. I think I'd cope better with following road signs, but would struggle with having to memorise directions like that!

Maybe it's not such a bad thing I have to wait till March

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Dropdeadfred · 13/01/2011 12:58

Honestly Serena - it sounds bad but it was, for me, easier than trying to read road signs.
And don't forget, if you did take a wrong tuen it doesn't matter, as long as you indictaed correctly, was in right lane etc

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SerenaJoy · 13/01/2011 13:00

I'm hoping it's going to be one of those things that turns out to be better than you think...

And it's encouraging to know that even if I do bugger it up and go the wrong way, so long as I do it SAFELY then I'll be alright!

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Dropdeadfred · 13/01/2011 13:02

I did ask my instrucor if I'd fai by choosing to turn left at every opportunity regardless of instruction...
I think his answer was 2-3 times you might get away with, after that they may ask you if you have hearing problems

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SerenaJoy · 13/01/2011 13:18

I like your thinking!

'Yes, examiner, I can drive independently - in a giant circle. Will that do?'

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Dropdeadfred · 13/01/2011 13:36

Yes!! I also told him I would NEVER EVER reverse around a corner so could i have that removed from the tes...but he said no sadly...

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SerenaJoy · 13/01/2011 14:59

I feel the same way about 3 point turns...

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Dropdeadfred · 13/01/2011 17:27

Ah Serena - 3 point turns are my favourite !! I hate parallel parking and I'm not in love with reversing around corners either...do people ever really do that??

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SerenaJoy · 13/01/2011 18:53

Oh I hate 3 point turns! I think because there seems to be more chance of you holding someone up and having to do it with an audience... I've had to do a few with a double decker bus sitting there

I find it hard to envisage a situation where you'd need to routinely reverse round corners! Mind you, I suppose reversing out of your drive onto the road is kind of the same principle isn't it?

But I'm sure it all becomes second nature with enough practise [hopeful]

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kazaam · 13/01/2011 20:39

I;ll let uz knw hw it goes tomorrow.
I'm looking forward to it but really nervous.
But dnt forget there are loads of numpties out there who pass, so why cant we?

After all, driving isnt hard, in the test they just want to see you are a safe driver, up to the DSA driving standards of course!

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kazaam · 13/01/2011 20:42

p.s. I agree with Fred, I love 3 point turns, hate parallel parks and am not too fussed about left reverses!

Just dont forget 2 check ur blindspot b turning the steering wheel!

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SerenaJoy · 13/01/2011 22:12

Good luck Kazaam!

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kazaam · 13/01/2011 22:51

Thanks Serena, I want 2 sleep nw but cnt get 2 sleep cos im used to staying up late over the xmas holidays

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kazaam · 13/01/2011 22:51

Thanks Serena, I want 2 sleep nw but cnt get 2 sleep cos im used to staying up late over the xmas holidays

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kazaam · 13/01/2011 22:58

oooooopssss double posted.

Can we not edit or delete posts here?

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kazaam · 14/01/2011 12:05

PASSED!

5 MINORS

so relieved!!

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SerenaJoy · 14/01/2011 13:28

Hurrah! Well done you! How did it go, was it ok?

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kazaam · 14/01/2011 13:37

I thought I'd failed within the first 15 minutes because I went over the line at a really awkward strange daft roundabout, stopped and hesitated then continued.

But I think my examiner decided to take me on a challenging route afterwards because she took me on a route my instructor has told me not to worry about but I had made sure I understood it beforehand. THANKS GOD!

Anyway, I tried harder from there on and was fine.

I didn't have my instructor in the back, I think it wud hav put me off most during my parallel park, it was too wide but I locked the wheel and kinda fixed it.

Anyway, I thought I mighta failed but passed. See when the examiner tells u that u passed, it feels like 10 elephants have been taken off u! (excuse the really daft simile)!

Anyway, try to stay relaxed.
And also make sure u knw hw to work the wipers properly, I only worked them out halfway thru so I was manually doing it every few seconds even on the dual carriageway and my examiner had 2 remind me a few times so I thot shit ive defo failed.

Anyway, let us knw hw u get on Serena nd whether u get a cancellation place!

Best of luck! And I had my banana about 2 hours before, and make sure u take water!!! I was so thirsty but didnt think id need money so didnt bring any or I cuda got a drink from the shop.

Sorry for my chavvy typing! lol

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kazaam · 14/01/2011 13:37

p.s.
thanks for the congrats!!!

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SerenaJoy · 14/01/2011 15:19

Aw, congrats again, it sounds like you did really well! Esp if the nasty examiner made you do a harder route!

And thanks for the tips, it's all those wee things that you don't think about beforehand.

Are you going to go out for a drive on your own now (or have you done it already?!)?

V pleased for you

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Dropdeadfred · 14/01/2011 15:40

Congratulations Kazaam!!! Well done, sounds like you really kept your cool! Have you got a car yet?

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