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Original poster

Disastrous driving test yesterday

127 replies

beezlebubnicky · 07/12/2024 08:56

Took my first driving test yesterday, I've had over 80 hours of tuition, my instructor agreed I was ready and I've been driving really competently and safely and managing my mock tests well. Had an 8am rush hour test and everything went from bad to worse, I didn't feel that nervous initially but it was just a shit show. Did a right turn out of the test centre onto a busy road, took ages to get out and that had me rattled from the start. Then it got worse, traffic got busy and of course that's no excuse, but it was so stressful.

I drove in a way I never do during lessons, and ended up with 1 dangerous, 6 serious and 5 or 6 other driving faults. I even messed up the right reverse which I've never not managed easily; I knew I was too far from the kerb but I just kept going anyway, I'd given up. My dangerous fault was for trying to get out at a busy junction, kept looking left and right and when I went out there was a lollipop person who stepped back, suddenly a car surged forward and me and examiner both hit the brake at the same time. Also tried to hold back for a coach & it didn't have enough room to get past me. Failed for positioning, never normally have problems with that.

It could literally not have gone worse. The examiner was nice though and said he could tell I was nervous and my instructor wouldn't bring a student to test who wasn't ready. I cried all day yesterday and it was just so humiliating. I was prepared to potentially fail my first test, but not to get so many faults. I really just wanted to give up on the whole thing.

I'm not giving up and prepared to work on all the things I got a fault for , but I can hardly stand the thought of having to go through that again. I feel sick at the idea. I did breathing, mindfulness, got a good sleep, Rescue Remedy etc before test but just went to pieces anyway.

Did anyone else have a terrible test and then go on to pass?

OP posts:
Jellycatspyjamas · 07/12/2024 09:22

I had a horrible first test, the examiner called me a “stupid woman” and we had a falling out. I failed. I had the same examiner the second time and failed again. Third time I had a different test centre and different examiner and passed easily.

It sounds like you were rattled to begin with and it went downhill from there. Give yourself some grace, pick yourself up and try again.

Bluevelvetsofa · 07/12/2024 09:23

Yes, I did. Too many years ago to remember exactly, but I know I was too close to parked cars, messed up reversing round a corner and numerous other stuff. I cried. This was a time when there was less traffic on the roads too.

Indulge yourself in a misery fest for a day, then talk it over with your instructor and book another. At least the examiner was sympathetic.

Superhansrantowindsor · 07/12/2024 09:25

Meh I was in tears during my test. Failed several times during to nerves. I got there in the end. I know people who passed first time who are terrible drivers. Chin up. You’ll get there too eventually.

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backaftera2yearbreak · 07/12/2024 09:26

I failed 5 times. Don’t give up!

FknOmniShambles · 07/12/2024 09:26

I feel your pain, OP.
I had a similarly disastrous first test and took five attempts to pass. I just got so nervous. I've been driving for 25 years now and never had even a minor accident, and I drive all over the UK.

Compash · 07/12/2024 09:28

It's okay darling, you've had a bad one, got it out of your system - you'll do better next time! I've been driving 35 years and still hate turning right into bad traffic! It's a lousy start to a test (but now you know what to practice more!)

In fact, that's what it's like with driving - you just keep doing it till it gets better, even after you pass. I had five tests - like you, perfectly able to drive, just nervous. I told a sympathetic GP who gave me beta blockers - really helped! Give it a try (but try the BBs a few times before the test to see how you feel on them).

LOADS of people fail their first test! Maybe watch a few of those 'driving test' programmes on Youtube for a bit of perspective. Hang in there, you'll get it! The fact you care so much probably means you'll be a thoughtful, careful driver in future. Good luck! 🤗

Compash · 07/12/2024 09:29

Hey what is this, the 'Fail Five Times Club'?! 😄

custardpyjamas · 07/12/2024 09:30

Try and book the next test NOT in the rush hour. I know you should be able to cope no matter how busy it is, but it's extra stress on top of the exam stress.

Glovesandscarf · 07/12/2024 09:31

Jellycatspyjamas · 07/12/2024 09:22

I had a horrible first test, the examiner called me a “stupid woman” and we had a falling out. I failed. I had the same examiner the second time and failed again. Third time I had a different test centre and different examiner and passed easily.

It sounds like you were rattled to begin with and it went downhill from there. Give yourself some grace, pick yourself up and try again.

Fuck that’s awful! I nearly crashed in my 2nd test on a tricky junction (wasn’t altogether my fault, other driver speeding), then had another situation later in the test, examiner gave really good feedback & was really constructive I’m sorry you got an arse.

you’ll get there op!

RubyRedBow · 07/12/2024 09:31

Most of us messed up the first time.

UnaOfStormhold · 07/12/2024 09:32

I made a mistake early in my driving test (stalled on a hill start) and was convinced that I'd failed. As a result I relaxed and just treated it as practice for my retest, which meant I drove much better. At the end I was very surprised to find that as I'd only made the one error and it hadn't been considered bad enough for an automatic fail I had still managed to pass!

It's funny how the mind works - since that experience I've often deliberately gone into a situation I was nervous about with the mindset that I was probably going to fail and that was OK because I had a backup plan. And mostly I've succeeded. Not sure if that approach would work for you OP.

Duc · 07/12/2024 09:33

If it’s any consolation op most people don’t pass the first time so it’s more common than not to fail. Let’s be honest, luck plays a role as well. Just get your next one booked and you’ll soon be on here telling us you’ve passed. Good luck 🤞

AgathaMystery · 07/12/2024 09:34

OP I once turned around and drove back to the test center after 12 mins on test. I knew I’d done a major and it was over. The examiner was outraged.

AnonAnonEmouse · 07/12/2024 09:36

UnaOfStormhold · 07/12/2024 09:32

I made a mistake early in my driving test (stalled on a hill start) and was convinced that I'd failed. As a result I relaxed and just treated it as practice for my retest, which meant I drove much better. At the end I was very surprised to find that as I'd only made the one error and it hadn't been considered bad enough for an automatic fail I had still managed to pass!

It's funny how the mind works - since that experience I've often deliberately gone into a situation I was nervous about with the mindset that I was probably going to fail and that was OK because I had a backup plan. And mostly I've succeeded. Not sure if that approach would work for you OP.

Similar happened to me! I bumped the kerb on my reverse round a corner (don't think they make you do this anymore?) and assumed that was it. Thought 'fuck it' and mentally prepared for having to book another test. Absolutely stunned when the examiner told me I'd passed 😂. Was not my first test either!

socks1107 · 07/12/2024 09:37

Don't beat yourself up! Even with 28 years of driving experience I still have bad drives.
My daughter passed this week and then got upset as she stalled on the second time she drove alone - I told her I still stall now!
Have a few days mulling it over and try again. ( I hate the word fail btw, you tried and you didn't pass!)

Original poster
beezlebubnicky · 07/12/2024 09:38

Thank you for all the really lovely replies ❤️ it does make me feel better to know so many of you have been through this.

My instructor was really kind about it, and said things just obviously didn't go my way and we'll continue to work on it all. He also agreed with me that for the next one, we won't book an 8am or 9am test. Can be hard to get a cancellation but I'll see if I can find one for maybe mid or end January and try again.

@Jellycatspyjamas How awful that the examiner said that to you! At least mine was nice.

@UnaOfStormhold You might be on to something there! Perhaps I should approach the next test as "I'll probably fail and this is just experience" and it might work better.

@AgathaMystery Bless you, I can just imagine the examiner's face. My friend's cousin managed to get her test terminated for being a risk to public safety, and she went on to pass - so I supposed it could have been even worse.

I am considering beta blockers, I have 20 bisoprolol left over that I was taking before for my driving lessons until the anxiety got better, so could always go on them again a week or so before the test and see if it helps.

OP posts:
chickenpieandchips · 07/12/2024 09:38

My DS got shouted at in his test. Asked why he did something wrong (was in the wrong lane at the roundabout so went left as it indicated). And then when my DS asked where to go now was told it was his test and he needed to rectify it.
Despite all this, and the examiner saying it wasn't the best test, seemed very upset that he still had to pass him as he didn't do any major faults.
My point is even when you think it's going badly it might not be!
I passed 3 time, knew the last test was better as we turned left out of the centre and not right across the really busy road.

AtomHeartMotherOfGod · 07/12/2024 09:39

Try another Test Centre. Ones that go straight into tricky or busy roads never help nerves much.

You will do it, don't worry.

habgsidldjsbeudbsbsgdjebej · 07/12/2024 09:41

Well you booked the test and you tired that's an achievement in itself.

Book your next test for 11am on a Monday-Thursday

Gives you time to have a lesson before and warm the car engine and yourself up. You miss rush hour traffic's or lunchtime traffic. You have time to have breakfast without rushing and it's early enough in the day for you not to work yourself up with nerves

Go for it again. That's all you can do

PlantDoctor · 07/12/2024 09:41

Yes, I got really worked up and failed miserably 😅 Just give yourself some time and more practice, and try again. I passed perfectly the next time and the examiner couldn't believe I had failed the first one!

Duc · 07/12/2024 09:42

UnaOfStormhold · 07/12/2024 09:32

I made a mistake early in my driving test (stalled on a hill start) and was convinced that I'd failed. As a result I relaxed and just treated it as practice for my retest, which meant I drove much better. At the end I was very surprised to find that as I'd only made the one error and it hadn't been considered bad enough for an automatic fail I had still managed to pass!

It's funny how the mind works - since that experience I've often deliberately gone into a situation I was nervous about with the mindset that I was probably going to fail and that was OK because I had a backup plan. And mostly I've succeeded. Not sure if that approach would work for you OP.

I completely agree with this about mindset. My best friend was desperate to pass for work reasons and she failed 4 times and passed on the 5th attempt.

As most people do fail first time, I thought well I won’t pass, so whilst some would argue I had a negative attitude, it done me a favour really as I was like you - in that I just drove like I was in a driving lesson assuming I’d fail so no point in me stressing…. Lo and behold I passed with 2 minor faults was gobsmacked and asked him about 3 times if he was joking 😂 that was over 20 years ago now but I can still remember thinking is he taking the piss

I also didn’t have a car or any way of buying one so it wasn’t a necessity so I wasn’t overly pressured so I do think that mindset helped me. Easier said than done I guess but there is something to be said about stress and panic.

Original poster
beezlebubnicky · 07/12/2024 09:44

@AtomHeartMotherOfGod There's only one in my town and I know the roads pretty well so I'd rather not make it harder for myself by going for a different one.

@Duc Another vote for expecting to fail! There you go lol.

I have a driving lesson Monday so I'm hoping getting back into the car will help me. As a tiny silver lining, I had no faults for clearance or any issues with any of the roundabouts I did, which is a big thing as I used to struggle with both early on in lessons.

OP posts:
Doggymummar · 07/12/2024 09:45

I failed 4 times before I passed but have now been driving 40 years and never had an accident.

EBearhug · 07/12/2024 09:45

Took me 4 attempts to pass and I was on betablockers for nerves for the last one, so that's a consideration if the nerves aren't helping.

We were advised to avoid Wednesdays (market day in the test town) - I'd avoid rush hour for similar reasons. A driving test is never fun, but it will be a bit easier with less school/ commuter traffic.

Windy1234 · 07/12/2024 09:46

I failed a good few times before I passed, similar to you things I would never normally do but the nerves just got to me, I think the examiner makes all the difference too whether they calm you. It was a long old slog and I hated every minute of the tests, but you will get there. I think I'm a better driver for it, and can say it's a distant memory now.