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What do you wish you'd known before your driving test?

15 replies

ChickenRat · 21/12/2021 12:34

I'm currently learning to drive, I'm not quite ready for my test yet but my instructor says I'm at the point where we can start thinking about it and getting ready to book it.

Is there anything you wish you'd known before the test? I really struggle with nerves during lessons and I feel like being as prepared as possible will really help

OP posts:
GerardWay123 · 21/12/2021 12:37

To check eyesight.

sleighbelleuk · 21/12/2021 12:42

Do lots of practice runs from the test centre out, get used to the junctions/ roundabouts and roads close to it. My brother failed three times because the huge roundabout by the test centre was a tough one and he made nervous mistakes.

Justkeeppedaling · 21/12/2021 13:06

I agree with sleighbelleuk. Go over and over all the test routes. Practice in all weathers and light conditions. Practice coming out of and back into the test centre. Learn the answers to the theory questions they'll ask. Check you can meet the current eyesight test. Check the car you'll take the test in is roadworthy - tyre pressure, wipers etc.
And just drive, drive, drive as much as you can outside of your lessons until the test day. Drive until driving becomes second nature to you, so the test is just like driving a passenger somewhere.

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MinnieJackson · 21/12/2021 13:13

I wish I'd known I'm a genuinely shite driver and not wasted so much money failing 4 tests Xmas Blush
Also when asked to turn left, use the slip road if there is one Blush and don't get into a right hand lane when asked to go straight on, making the examiner have to pull my wheel to get back in the centre lane.

Jabbawasarollingstone · 21/12/2021 13:47

I've never passed my test because I lack concentration. I've always been a bit of a flake, a panicker. I am public transport all the way now. I also regret wasting so much of my parents money. I last took a test aged 19, and I'm now 44. It's better for other road users I don't ever pass.

vinoandbrie · 21/12/2021 13:52

To get propranolol from my GP to help with the struggling with nerves aspect.

MinnieJackson · 21/12/2021 14:05

And make sure your examiner gets your name right! One failed attempt was because I was so confused and trying not to laugh the whole time. 'okay Becky! Take a right!' 'okay Becky! Uphill start' My name is not Becky and nothing like it 😂 he was so enthusiastic about the name he said it in every instruction.

languagelover96 · 21/12/2021 14:09

Breathe in and out
Make notes
Smile
Relax
Drink wine afterwards if you passed or failed

Thewiseoneincognito · 21/12/2021 14:10

How to actually drive.

I passed first time but the examiner was not impressed 😳 He was enormous too and tilted the Mini I was driving like something out of a Chuckle brothers sketch. Even the car was like wtf is this.

amusedbush · 21/12/2021 14:13

Remember that the examiner isn’t expecting you to be absolutely perfect, they just want to make sure you are safe and competent. If something goes wrong, take a breath and don’t panic because they will be watching your reaction. Don’t be afraid to tell them what you are going to do if you need to adapt something, e.g. ‘I’m just going to straighten up’.

I know it’s a cliche but you really do learn to drive after you pass - the test is just that first step to getting there.

DinosApple · 21/12/2021 14:15

What to do at a level crossing!
The first time I drove over one was on my driving test. The lights began to flash on the approach and I was panicking in my head.
Luckily I made the right decision and passed, but I'd have been happier being confident in my decision!

emsmar · 21/12/2021 14:16

@vinoandbrie

To get propranolol from my GP to help with the struggling with nerves aspect.
I passed a month after getting them 😂
TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 21/12/2021 14:16

How to unlock my driving instructor’s car Grin
It was embarrassing…

alfagirl73 · 21/12/2021 14:35

My top tips for the test:

Don't overwhelm yourself thinking too far ahead - focus on the road you are on and getting to the next junction safely. That's it.

Listen to the instructions and don't be afraid of asking the examiner to clarify if you are not sure or haven't heard him/her correctly.

If you go the wrong way, it's fine (except if it's the wrong way up a one way street of course!). As long as you deal with the road correctly you'll be okay. Don't panic - it'll make you do erratic things. If you realise you've gone wrong - say "I'm sorry, I took the wrong road/exit... whatever - would you like me to turn round or continue?". You are being tested on your ability to drive - not to follow directions - it's a driving test, not a taxi driver test. If you are in the wrong lane or whatever it is - go with it in terms of the Highway Code - just keep the focus on safety first. They will be more impressed that you kept calm and drove safely than if you panic and try to correct it unsafely. So if you were told to go straight on and find yourself in a left turn only lane, turn left. Say "I'm sorry - I realise I'm in the wrong lane, I shall turn left here as per the road markings and to maintain safety". That shows maturity and road sense.

Part of the test includes using sat nav these days - practice that so you are used to it and comfortable with it.

If you start a manoeuvre and realise you're going wrong or your starting angle was off, don't keep going knowing it's wrong. Stop. Start again. It's fine to do that - and the examiner will prob be more impressed that you've recognised it and are correcting it safely and sensibly. As long as you keep alert to what is going on around you and manage the situation safely, it's fine. You CAN say to the examiner "I'm sorry, I wasn't quite right on the angle, I'm going to pull forward and start it again" - as long as you don't hit anything, cause a dangerous obstruction, mount the kerb or ignore what is going on around you, then it's fine. You don't want to have to do it repeatedly but they know you're likely to be nervous and a "false start" isn't the end of the world - it's how you manage it that is key.

Do what helps you focus and concentrate. If you have to repeat the examiner's instructions to yourself - verbally or in your head - do it. I always had a bit of a running commentary going on in my head - as though I was my own instructor.

Don't be afraid to talk to the examiner - you have to focus and concentrate of course, and if you need silence then that's what you have, but sometimes a little small talk can help to relax and break the ice. I had an examiner who was miserable as you like and was known for failing people. He tried his best to catch me out on things but it wasn't happening - I drove well and, if I do say so myself, my parallel park was epic! About half way through the test, he started to chat to me - not sure if he was trying to put me off - but he didn't. I relaxed more and it turned out his daughter was trying to get into the same career as I'm in. He suddenly seemed to have more respect for me and by the end of it, while he was still miserable (and didn't even congratulate me!) - his manner had changed a bit, he did pass me and it did help - but that's just me.

In my experience, a massive part of the test is how you manage situations - do you panic or do you think it through? If you stall - do you freak out or do you deal with it calmly and efficiently? Are you aware of your own driving... and of your surroundings? If you go wrong - how do you handle it? Do you calmly recognise it and deal with it, or do you panic and make the situation worse?

Above all - breathe - take your time. Focus on driving safely - that's ultimately what they want - is to see you are in control of the vehicle and can drive safely. Good luck!

Mysterweepinata · 21/12/2021 14:36

How to demist the car windows quickly…. When I was 18, I had a horribly unfriendly test examiner on a cold day in a car I wasn’t that familiar with (this has happened a few times to me - that the test car has been swapped last minute- but that’s another story!) To my horror the windows started misting up obscuring visibility. With an increasing sense of panic I realised I would have to pull over and fix it but had no real idea of what buttons to press. In the end we sat in the car together in awkward silence for about 5 minutes with the windows open before he told me I’d failed for not being familiar with the controls of the vehicle. I still cringe at the memory.

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