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Original poster

Serial driving test failers - what made you pass?

40 replies

Reclining · 29/01/2023 17:31

Failed my driving test a couple of times, got another go approaching. Definitely more capable this time but nervous about being caught out. Also disheartened at the national pass rate being about 50%!
Any tips for finally passing / not having a breakdown at hearing 'Unfortunately.."?

OP posts:

Spotsstripes · 29/01/2023 17:37

Passed on 5th attempt was told I was a good driver but always the nerves got the better of me. On the 5th attempt I was told some upsetting news that morning and I think my brain just thought in the scheme of things this is not that important. I've been driving 20 years now and never had an issue so can't be that bad!

Mimimayhem18 · 29/01/2023 17:37

8 tests booked-only took 6, 2 were cancelled by bad weather. I just kept getting more and more stressed each time and the extra pressure from the cancellation's really knocked my confidence, in the end I went to my GP who very sympathetic and prescribed a very low dose beta blocker. They allowed me to remain calm on the day, I think I started taking them a week before as advised.I passed in 2015 and haven't had any major issues since.

fuckweasel · 29/01/2023 17:40

Beta blockers on test number six.

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Bobbybobbins · 29/01/2023 17:42

Booked it in a different town and passed. So random. Probably not the best plan in general though!!

antipodeancanary · 29/01/2023 17:49

Loads of people fail 3/4/5 times. Not unusual at all I don't think you need attribute it to anything other than luck on the day until you get to 7+ tests. At that point I'd maybe go for automatic. I read an article saying that people who passed 4th time were statistically the safest drivers long-term. They had received enough lessons to learn all the skills thoroughly and not feel too cocky, and not yet reached the multiple failure levels that mean perhaps they have something intrinsic that indicates they may never be a great driver.

Mymblesdaughter · 29/01/2023 17:51

Went to the doctor and asked for something to calm my nerves. I can't remember what he gave me as it was 30 years ago.

Icecreamandapplepie · 29/01/2023 17:53

Passed on 9th time.

Perfectly good at driving, just n9t at the test.

Been driving for 20 years now, no problems.

Don't give up is my tip!

Idontevenknow · 29/01/2023 17:54

Booked it in the next town instead of the one I kept failing at. And didn't tell a soul. Less pressure and passed.

2chocolateoranges · 29/01/2023 17:55

I was a competent driver during lessons but as soon as the examiner got in the car my nerves took over. My instructor was shocked that I failed two tests however test number 3 I tried being more positive and had read that bananas help you stay calm. So I had 2 bananas before my 3rd test and passed.

not sure if they worked or whether it was a coincidence but I passed.

Nat6999 · 29/01/2023 17:59

Passed of 5th test, I bought my own car & my dad took me out every weekend & met me from work so I could drive in rush hour traffic, I got about 7 hours practice a week until I passed.

newtb · 29/01/2023 18:28

Faciles 3 times due to nerves. Had a blazing row with my bf just before the 4th one which I passed.

Elmo230885 · 29/01/2023 18:38

I never felt particularly nervous during tests but kept making daft mistakes each time. Always something different which was annoying. I failed 5 times. I passed on the 6th. It was in a different car to all my lessons and my previous tests. My instructor had his car written off the day before the test.

thentheycameforme · 29/01/2023 20:03

Rescue remedy and a coffee with my instructor before my test (instead of an hour cram lesson)

roughoption · 29/01/2023 20:15

I took more than 10 but less than 15.
I just kept going, I was anxious, 18 and determined. I have no idea how I kept going apart from the reassurance from my driving instructor (who's averages I ruined but she was amazing)
In the end, before the test I passed, I told her I was going to give up because I was never going to pass; she told me if I failed this one, she would pay for them until I passed and when I passed I'd pay her back for one test. Maybe that helped. I also lightly bumped the wall (no damage) and the examiner told me he had seen me drive so many times and spoken to my instructor and knew I was very anxious but a sensible driver when on lessons so was going to pass me.
I sobbed. I am so so glad I kept going, don't give up OP!

middleager · 29/01/2023 20:21

Luck of the day. I passed 5th time. I believe, other than that last test, I was actually closest to passing 1st time.
I don't think I was any better on the 5th, having taken tests at a variety of centres over 3 years, so I think my skillset was the same - it was just the traffic was more forgiving. Maybe the examiner was too.
Been driving nearly 30 years now.

Good luck!

tinytemper66 · 29/01/2023 20:30

Passed on the 7th. Had the chief examiner and thought that's it I have failed. So I drove not caring if I failed or not but I actually passed!

MollieTD · 29/01/2023 20:33

Failed 10 times over 5 years, always silly little things because I was nervous and overthinking. Finally passed after spending a night in the airport after a delayed flight, no sleep, gf already completely written it off so no pressure on myself.

That was almost 20yrs ago and I’ve never had an accident. Still get nervous and overthink with certain passengers though!

slithytoveisascientist · 29/01/2023 20:37

4th time
Didnt tell a soul so no pressure and took
rescue remedy

ShellsOnTheBeach · 29/01/2023 20:40

Betablocker in low dose - start several days, preferably a week before test.

Take test in a different town, during a time when traffic is least busy.

Familiarise yourself with the test route till you know it in your sleep

Keep practicing what you find difficult.

Take the test in your usual car.

Make sure you know the functions of every knob, button, lever etc.

supercatlady · 29/01/2023 20:43

I passed on 5th or 6th attempt. Lovely examiner said I need to pass this time as there was no room for any more dates (at that time they used to write the date of each test on the back of your learners permit. He chatted and put me at ease and I passed with no warnings 😊

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 29/01/2023 20:43

A really heavy cold! Slowed me down a bit.

StampOnTheGround · 29/01/2023 20:46

Passed 3rd time. Didn't tell anybody except DH as I was using my own car, much more comfortable in it than a car with a driving instructor that you only use once a week.

1st I pulled out on a car coming out the test centre (didn't fail me there and then), which completely threw me off and it was just a complete mess really. Also had this old woman who was known to be harsh so that didn't help.

2nd did really well, someone pulled out on me. A retired old guy.

3rd had someone who examines the examiners and he was just more relaxed and we nattered the whole time. It was the last day driving tests were done before they were cancelled before lockdown, relief!

RedHelenB · 29/01/2023 20:58

Reclining · 29/01/2023 17:31

Just think that eventually you will pass.

Northernsoullover · 29/01/2023 21:01

I passed 5th time. I took beta blockers. Miracle pills! I was so nervous on other tests I couldn't even get biting point because of the shaking.

DottyLittleRainbow · 29/01/2023 21:02

Passed the 7th attempt. To pass, I got a new driving instructor!!

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