Failed my driving test today

[2fast2upset]

1 major- use of speed, 0 minors.

I am absolutely gutted. I had the most perfect conditions- the most ‘calm’ route, no traffic, no tricky manoeuvres asked of me and I absolutely fucked it. I’m not going to have such an easy ride next time.

I was going 22/23 for too long in a 20 zone before correcting. I didn’t see the sign from the junction I emerged from and by the time I realised it was too late. there were no road markings and as soon as I saw the sign I corrected. The examiner remarked it was disappointing as it was just a moment too long, but he had to give it to me.

I feel like I have failed my DC. They start nursery and the plan was always to go via public transport but I feel so gutted that I have to drag them out of the house extra early in all weathers instead of having the option of the car. I can’t start my toddler swimming in the new year because I can’t get there.

my test is rebooked with the next availability for 5 months time. I’ve had to give notice to my instructor because I can’t afford any more hours and have already got into debt to pay for my lessons.

I’m lucky enough that I have my own insured car and my husband to supervise, I do all the family driving. I don’t ‘need’ lessons any more, but I’m just so upset I couldn’t see it through with my instructor.

I’ve paid for the testi apps and hoping to snap up a cancellation but I’m so scared of next time and failing again. I have so much going on and I just want to close this chapter behind me. All I want to do is drive 8 minutes for the nursery run and 9 minutes to the swimming pool.

why is the wait so long for tests? The stress of it being so long to have another crack is gutting.

I need a serious grip but I am so utterly upset. I’ve been in tears all day.

Where I am it’s in excess of 20 possible routes and they can divert any time due to traffic needs

of course my instructor took me around the main bulk of the test routes 🙄

i live in a big city

i had never emerged from that junction before and didn’t know where I was going for a moment

I unfortunately do not possess your daughters talent of remembering all the test routes possible

Highly recommend rescue remedy if nerves are a factor on it and a banana before lol! I understand the pain, I passed this year finally after 2 attempts and I was doing it for the exact reasons as you. To get the kids to and from nursery/school and swimming lessons. I also felt the pressure and guilt of walking them in the winter months. You will do it! Just keep up with the driving with your husband supervising in the meantime and keep an eye out for cancellations. Don't let this push you back. Goodluck 😘

There's cancellations, book the next available test but check every few days.
DS had test booked for end of Feb but managed to get an earlier one for end of December.
You will pass next time.

Best of luck for the 23rd op I'll have everything crossed for you 🤞🏼

It took me four gos to pass my test. You'll get there. It is upsetting.

I feel for you OP. The town where DCs take their test is the same - lots of changes of speed limits and not always clear. I am constantly asking DCs what the limit is when practicing. My DD was like you, a good driver but failed on a major, she had no minors. She passed 2nd time with only 1 minor. Good luck for the 23rd, fingers crossed it's an early Christmas present!

Took me 7 tests to pass. I know, I know.

So it could be worse!

My DH passed in 2006 on his first attempt. He told me it was on a Wednesday morning and it was the first appointment of the day at 0830 and his instructor picked him up about 0720. He's got an incredible memory.

I passed on my third attempt somewhere in March 2009. I can't remember the day or the time, I was just so happy to have received my test pass certificate and practically blew up with joy when I got my full manual licence.

The first attempt I hesitated at a junction because someone was racing up a highstreet I was trying to turn into, and even though I'd stopped, I was hesitant to move off again - major.

The second attempt I was parallel parking with an impatient motorist right up my arse. I was taught to stay calm and take my time, but the examiner wasn't having any of it - major.

My third attempt I was taken on a completely different route, did all the manoeuvres. No hesitation, no panic because by this time I was much more relaxed.

If you go into any exam, be it a practical driving test or anything else, just assume you're going to screw up and just do everything exactly the way you were taught. You will find the nerves will just evaporate.

My DH told me his friend in school passed his test despite the most awkward of situations - the examiner was accompanied by a member of the board of driving test examiners. So the examiner was being examined by the examiner while examining the learner driver 😳

So how did it go? Hoping it went well!

@2fast2upset hoping you passed

@2fast2upset I hope that you passed on the 23rd?