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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take driving practical knowing I won't pass?

94 replies

Patapouf · 19/09/2015 00:48

After passing my theory, in a euphoric state I very stupidly booked my practical test for next week (they'd had a cancellation)
I only did this because the next soonest available test at my nearest centre is the end of November.

I'm confident with my general driving but don't have a clue how to park. It gets worse, I'll have to do it in my car too

I had about 40 hours of lessons 6ish years ago and I got back in touch with my old instructor but he has a waiting list Hmm and no one else locally could fit me in for a lesson anytime soon.

Aibu in thinking that taking the test is pretty good prep for the actual test when I'm ready to pass? (Trying to justify wasting £60 here).
I'll know what to expect next time around and maybe it will help with nerves? Gah, what have I done?!

OP posts:
ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 19/09/2015 23:15

Parallel parking is pretty easy if you remember left. Right. Right, left.

So pull up in line with car no further than a metre apart.make sure steering wheel is straight

Put car into reverse

Mirrors, blind spot, start moving back

Look over left shoulder out back passenger window until you know longer see the back of the other car then one turn to the left and a glance to the right out your window

Car will start moving to the right at the front, just before it gets to a 45 degree angle with the other car you turn one turn to the right.

This will straighten you up and you will start moving straight back, just before the wheel meets the kerb it's another one turn to the right which will then bring the front end in to straighten up. As soon as the car is straight its one turn to the left to straighten the wheels. If you need to you can then keep reversing back straight here to give yourself space to pull out when instructed.
Left
Right
Right
Left

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 19/09/2015 23:17

What times your test?

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 19/09/2015 23:18

Infact much less than a metre apart. About half a metre ideally.

ShadowLine · 20/09/2015 06:45

OP, is there anyone who will take you out for more intensive parking practice before your test?

Exasperated has described the technique well but it really is all about practice, and the more you do it, the easier it will get. If you do nothing but parking for a few hours today and tomorrow you may be able to drum it in enough to get the hang of it.

cashewnutty · 20/09/2015 07:34

It sounds like you are going to go for it. I don't know if you are aware of the new portion of the test where you do an unguided part? The examiner tells you to follow signs for, say, the Hospital and you have to do this without them telling you when to turn. Have you also remembered the "show and tell" but where you might have to open the bonnet and point out where the oil goes or whatever. Make sure you are familiar with all this. Good luck.

Grazia1984 · 20/09/2015 08:22

Have a go. It's always worth a punt. My twins will be doing the theory test soon (days after they turn 17 hopefully).

Anniegetyourgun · 20/09/2015 08:42

Yes, do take it for practice; if nothing else it will highlight the areas you need to work on. If you've been driving around for ages it shouldn't be traumatic, just like having an unfamiliar person doing the supervising driver bit. You'll be fine I'm sure.

If by some unexpected turn of events you do pass it this time, you are of course contractually obliged to buy champagne for everyone on this thread.

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 20/09/2015 10:14

Yeah read up on the tell me show me questions. I'm sure you will know them all in your own car anyway if you have been driving around for ages. Also I'm sure you will also know your way for the unguided bit since you have been driving around. If I were you I'd go out today and practice manoeuvres loads. You could totally do it!

sproketmx · 20/09/2015 11:03

It will show you how the test works if nothing else. Just do it

Original poster
Patapouf · 20/09/2015 20:32

I'll be alright with the show me, tell me and the independent driving (although that hadn't been introduced when I was first learning).

I can promise champagne safe in the knowledge that I won't have to follow through Wink

Spent most of today driving around the town where the test is and am now just freaking out at the prospect of having to do a hill start on a brutal crossroad junction thingy. Parking is still very hit and miss but who knows. I tried narrating my driving and that seemed to help a bit.

OP posts:
spoonfulofgoodness · 20/09/2015 20:40

Give it a bash (metaphorically speaking Grin) you might pass! Good luck OP Flowers

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 22/09/2015 09:24

Good luck let me know how you get on, mines at 1.40. I had a lesson yesterday and was fine and did parallel Park and three point turn and he said they were a thing of beauty so just need to pull it off today. Feeling alright, hands are a wee bit tremble but just taking the mindset of if I don't pass I can just resit it and itl be good experience. Still feels a bit surreal that it's happening today.

MissDuke · 22/09/2015 09:32

Good luck to you both Flowers

Original poster
Patapouf · 22/09/2015 10:46

Well done exasperated! I'm gong to be heading to the test centre soonish, shite weather for a test! Wish I could follow wise MN wisdom and eat a banana but I'm LCing

If I'm asked to do a turn in a road I might be alright, otherwise I'll be coming home with my provisional but armed with the knowledge of what I have to work on!

OP posts:
Buttercup27 · 22/09/2015 10:55

Good luck and just go for it. I thought I failed my test after the first 5 min so treated it as a lesson. Was so surprised when the examiner said I'd passed.

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 22/09/2015 10:56

Stay positive!! You Can pass! I'm on a diet but it's out the window today because I need those bananas haha! We have great weather here where are you? I'm just going to jump in shower, tidied up all morning to distract myself. Good luck, I really think you'll pass!!! Can't wait to hear how you got on, we can do this!!

Original poster
Patapouf · 22/09/2015 11:09

Near London, it's wet and miserable here. I forgot to pack my rescue remedy this morning but I don't feel too nervous, just a but on edge. I'm much calmer than I thought I would be because I've taken the pressure off. It would be lovely to pass but I don't mind at all if I don't. The only person who knows I'm taking it is DDad.

OP posts:
minesapintofwine · 22/09/2015 14:00

Place marking.

sadwidow28 · 22/09/2015 14:11

Good luck OP. I am rooting for you.

SurlyValentine · 22/09/2015 14:12

Good luck Patapouf and Exasperated!

sadwidow28 · 22/09/2015 14:13

Oh good luck to ExasperatedAA as well. You'll be half way through you test by now. I'll send positive vibes.

minesapintofwine · 22/09/2015 14:23

Ha ha nor me surly just realized I posted on the wrong thread! Blush

Having now read this thread...good luck op

SurlyValentine · 22/09/2015 14:27

Haha! mine's I assumed you were place marking for the outcomes of the driving tests! I really was place marking for the outcomes

If the thread you meant to place mark on is far more exciting, please show us the way! Grin

minesapintofwine · 22/09/2015 14:30

This is way more exciting!

minesapintofwine · 22/09/2015 14:32

too embarrassed to admit that have also just realised the other thread is a zombie thread double Blush

Tries to get act together....

Swipe left for the next trending thread