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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be ashamed I failed a mock theory test.

24 replies

McNewPants2013 · 31/07/2013 21:47

My sister has a theory test app and today I had ago and failed. I have had my licence for 9.5 years.

Surley I shouldn't be on the road if I can't pass a mock theory test.

I am now studying the theory book and also doing more mock test.

Does this make me a terrible driver.

OP posts:
Groovee · 31/07/2013 21:48

When I was sitting my theory test, there was a bloke who'd failed the test 5 times!!!

Original poster
McNewPants2013 · 31/07/2013 21:51

But I have has my full driving licence for 9.5 years.

OP posts:
ManAliveThisThingsFantastic · 31/07/2013 21:58

Perhaps think about doing a few refresher lessons with a driving instructor if you're concerned?

MrsNeilGaiman · 31/07/2013 21:58

Depends what you failed on. Not knowing the exact stopping distances in feet and metres but always keeping your distance - fine. Not knowing basic right of way information - not fine.

greenbananas · 31/07/2013 22:02

At least you can drive!

I took a practice theory test online last year when DH was learning to drive. I passed with flying colours (48 out of 50, I think) but I have dyspraxia and will never be able to trust myself behind the wheel Sad

If you can drive safely, and know the basic rules of the road, that is the main thing, surely? Plenty of safe and competent foreign EU drivers on our roads who would probably fail a British theory test.

Original poster
McNewPants2013 · 31/07/2013 22:10

The main thing was traffic signs.

I think I will book for a few refresher lessons.

I mainly always stick to the same routes, no a very confident driver and never been on the moter way. I don't drive very far.

OP posts:
Original poster
McNewPants2013 · 31/07/2013 22:12

What is dyspraxia? And why does that mean you can't drive ( not a dig I really don't know)

OP posts:
northernlurker · 31/07/2013 22:12

By all means have more lessons if you think you need confidence but don't sweat the theory thing!

MoutardeDeDijon · 31/07/2013 22:17

Knowing what road signs mean is fairly important.
And speed limits - the number of people who think that the national speed limit on a single carriage way is 50 and on a dual carriage way is 60 is astonishing.
I think that we should all be expected to have periodic retests in order to keep our licences.

Original poster
McNewPants2013 · 31/07/2013 22:21

I think it is 60 on a SIngle and 70 on a duel unless other wise stated.

OP posts:
thenightsky · 31/07/2013 22:37

DD has failed her theory test and is massively dyslexic but didn't tell them as she is too proud. She sits it again this coming Saturday. I have everything crossed.

Her brother passed first time.

I did it the other week on line just to see and got 98%. I've been driving 29 years and didn't have to do a theory test back then.

greenbananas · 31/07/2013 22:40

Dyspraxia is many things, but poor physical coordination and being easily distracted are what makes me think it would be unsafe for me to drive. I don't have an official diagnosis (found out in my 30s) but it still frightens me that anybody would let me drive. I have always been successful academically, but I have the grace of a hippopotamus and the organisational skills of a goldfish.

If this theory test thing has knocked your confidence, maybe go and get a couple of lessons. It might make you feel much better.

Original poster
McNewPants2013 · 31/07/2013 22:50

Thank you greenbananas for explaining.

OP posts:
Original poster
McNewPants2013 · 31/07/2013 22:53

www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/services/ad_driving.php

As I said I don't have a clue about dyspraxia but I hope that link helps you if you really want to drive greenbananas

OP posts:
Original poster
McNewPants2013 · 31/07/2013 22:54

www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/services/ad_driving.php

May be a clickable link would help.

OP posts:
CecilyP · 31/07/2013 22:56

The theory test contains several first aid type questions which aren't really relevant to being a safe driver, so I don't suppose you are a terrible driver. There are also some questions that, while more related to driving, are things that just never normally come up in everyday driving, and things to do with caravans which you would specifically look up only if you were planning to tow a caravan.

thenightsky, do you know that your dd can get extra time if she is dyslexic or she could get a voiceover.

greenbananas · 31/07/2013 23:02

Thank you mcnewpants Smile Smile I hadn't seen that link before.

Just recently, I have been thinking more and more about driving. DH reckons I would probably be okay in an automatic. We haven't been able to afford a car until recently but, now that we have one, I would love to be able to take the children on day trips.

Definitely food for thought.... Thanks

TidyDancer · 31/07/2013 23:13

I passed my theory test first time, but it still hugely irks me that there are questions in there that aren't relevant to actual driving, like the first aid ones that CecilyP refers to.

I doubt I'd pass now tbh. I have a terrible memory. I do think I'm a generally safe driver though.

I may try the random questions on the DSA website and see how I get on!

ILikeBirds · 31/07/2013 23:40

Has it changed a lot? When i did my theory the questions were along the lines of

"You are approaching a zebra crossing and there are people waiting to cross"
a) beep your horn and continue driving
b) stop but encourage them to cross quickly by revving your engine
c) stop and wait for them to cross

greenbananas · 01/08/2013 00:08

I like birds, I'm sure I remember a very similar question in the practice test I did online Grin

GibberTheMonkey · 01/08/2013 00:10

Op I think you're not the only one
When I was practising for mine a few people I know tried it and all failed
(I passed mine, just need to pass the damn practical now)

AnneTwacky · 01/08/2013 06:19

The first aid questions aren't really first aid per se, but what to do or what not to do if you're involved in an incident, before help arrives.

I think it's a good idea to include them in the test.

soontobeburns · 01/08/2013 07:25

I have failed mine twice each by one point. Some of the questions arent on the practice and are unrelated to driving so annoying.

Im doing it again on Tuesday and better pass as it has cost me £90 so far!

cricketballs · 01/08/2013 08:42

I was helping DS with the practice tests when a question came up about something to do if you drive a diesel car (can't remember the question) I have never driven a diesel, but DH has had a diesel work van for years....he didn't have a clue about the answer either!

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