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Driving Test

15 replies

Childneversleeps · 03/07/2023 20:51

Hi,
I have a driving test at the end of the month and would love some tips to help me prepare/get through it. I'm not nervous, always been fine with exams and stuff like that. I was doing quite good on my lessons but now tend to make a couple of really stupid mistakes and get frustrated and make more. So far I have 3 more lessons I don't know if I'll get any more. Thank you

OP posts:
midgetastic · 03/07/2023 20:58

Is there anyone in the family who will take you out? Loads - hour every day -of extra time behind the wheel really helps

Yoyooo · 03/07/2023 21:13

I found talking everything out loud during the test helped me remember what the instructor wanted to see - for example saying mirror signal manoeuvre as I was doing it or saying the gears I was changing. It helped me to focus too.

Childneversleeps · 03/07/2023 21:39

I can't afford the insurance other wise someone might have.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

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WhamBamThankU · 03/07/2023 21:41

I chatted with my test instructor throughout and it put me right at ease.

Yoyooo · 03/07/2023 22:01

Childneversleeps · 03/07/2023 21:39

I can't afford the insurance other wise someone might have.

My insurance was only £100 to be a named driver as a leaner! Look into it you might be surprised.

Ima90sbaby · 04/07/2023 08:48

My instructor told me that they are mainly looking for safe driving. And part of that is what you do after (if) you make a mistake. And he told me they literally teach you how to pass the test and you actually pick it up much better when your on your own after you've passed.
If you make a mistake while on your test I.e stall, just make sure that you remain calm, recover nicely and carry on and forget about the mistake, they will see that you didn't panic in the moment and that you can remain calm.
I baffled my instructor while on lessons as he said you are a perfectly good driver and have no worries about you passing, but I would have lessons were I would make daft mistakes for no apparent reason 🤷🏼‍♀️ what I did was book an hour lesson before my test to try and ensure that all my silly mistakes where out of my system 🙈 are you able to book a lesson right before your test?
Also I would move your wind mirror ever so slightly on your test so instead of you just moving your eyes you will need to have to move your head ever so slightly to see in the mirror, I did this to ensure that the instructor saw me actually checking my mirror every 20 secs or whatever they expect you to on your test.
Also make sure you practice the show me, tell me questions that they will ask you.

Ima90sbaby · 04/07/2023 08:52

Also my instructors car had a little arrow on the dash that would come on facing up or down, I used this to make sure I was changing gear at the right time and whether I should go up or down a gear. I would look without making it obvious... does your instructors car have this?

MymateDave · 04/07/2023 08:54

constant mirror checks. Just keep looking in those mirrors whilst moving your head and not just your eyes. I passed last November and the examiners know people are nervous, as long as no serious mistakes are made you will be fine. Good luck 🤞🏻

DaisyDonuts · 04/07/2023 09:06

I passed mine in January, and like you, I’m well able for most things unless I know someone is watching - then I look like a baby deer trying to walk.

I chatted with my tester throughout, ended up talking about his kids and having a laugh about general life stuff. I constantly checked my mirrors and before the test, did a run through of the test routes. My BIL took me out the night before and we did a whole overview of my car. What button does what, where’s the oil, etc? He taught me how to parallel park for the FIRST time before my test.

During the test, I just acted like I was driving with my instructor. Pretended it wasn’t a test.
At one point, I wasn’t sure what to do so I said so like I would have in a lesson. The road markings were so faded and cracked, the tester understood my hesitation but obviously couldn’t help me. My instructor had always let me make my own choices, so this didn’t throw me. I trusted my intuition after looking around (no cars coming, but cars behind me waiting to go) and took the turn. After I did, my tester said “good intuition”.

I found being completely honest and being able to laugh at myself made me feel so much better. My tester had a bit of a jokester personality too, so we got along really well and it put me at ease. Whenever I got nervous, I reminded myself that if I failed, nothing would change. I’d still be a learner driver, and would just take the test again.

Even when the test was over, and my tester was joking around with me about the result (he was dragging it out for his own fun), I felt that even if I failed, I’d be upset, but I’d live.

Bit of a ramble but basically, take the pressure off as much as you can. You’ll survive either way

OneLittleFinger · 04/07/2023 09:31

A tip I read here was eat a banana and take a paracetamol just before. It seemed to help.

Piscesmumma1978 · 04/07/2023 09:46

Do they still do the bit at the start where they ask you to show them to check the oil etc? If so, practice that. That's the bit that people blank on!

Also, remember everyone driving has done it.

Good luck X

Childneversleeps · 19/07/2023 20:50

Thank you everyone for your help. But seems I won't be getting my test after all.
The instructor has been messing me around the whole time really so I shouldn't be sad but can't help it.
Start of the lesson today he told me how he is on holiday in 2 weeks....well my test should be in 12 days. Then at the end said how I should cancel it and try another time.

It was him that told me to go for the test months ago saying I only need 5 hours I've had plenty more since then. 😢

OP posts:
Piscesmumma1978 · 20/07/2023 09:39

No way. That's not on.

Can you find someone else and do a couple of lessons with them?

I'd be leaving a very honest review on all socials for the one messing you around x

Gemsty · 13/02/2024 20:33

Hi. So me and my husband, been together since 2011, married since 2015 are at breaking point. We have 2 young kids. I'm scared......can I afford to split? Will it mess my babies up? I feel lost . I have been staying with him for the kids so far. He got aggressive yesterday evening in front of them. Now he doesn't even recognise it and tells me it was because i was punching him. This never happened! Got on the phone to his mum as it was happening telling me to speak with her. Now she's going on about my parenting etc. Feeling so angry😩Advice please x

Catsmere · 14/02/2024 02:51

@Gemsty you need to make your own thread - you've added this message to one about driving tests that was made in July last year.

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