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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:
MrsTerryPratchett · 22/09/2015 14:35

What time is she coming back?

SurlyValentine · 22/09/2015 14:40

Exasperated's test was at 1.40, Patapouf didn't say what time hers was at, but she said at quarter to 11 that she would be heading to the test centre "soonish".

Come on people, we need to know how you've done! Grin

SurlyValentine · 22/09/2015 14:42

mine's sounds like it's time to just give it up for today and make your NN a reality Smile Wine

sadwidow28 · 22/09/2015 14:46

Are they back yet?

My F5 key is getting worn out.........

InkleWinkle · 22/09/2015 14:50

I am 100% doing the frowned upon place marking thingy

Theresaflyinmyhouse · 22/09/2015 14:55

What time is the year op?

Original poster
Patapouf · 22/09/2015 15:17

Hi all! I predictably failed Blush but not for the reasons I thought I would Grin I was speeding, 33 in a 30 zone. Otherwise, I had one minor for indicating too early. Manoeuvre went fine.

Mardy cow of an examiner gave me a massive lecture about speeding after the test as well. She stank of cigarettes and I just wanted to get her out of my car!
I really didn't think I cared until we got back, I suppose nobody likes to be told they have failed at something, especially with all the 17year olds pulling in being told they have passed!
On the up side, I met a lovely instructor in the waiting room and all the ADIs waiting said I had the worst examiner possible so hopefully next time I'll have someone different.

OP posts:
Original poster
Patapouf · 22/09/2015 15:18

Hope Exasperated's went better than mine did Smile

OP posts:
SurlyValentine · 22/09/2015 15:23

Gah! Never mind Patapouf - you'll ace the next one. Get it booked now!
Three measly miles per hour though Angry What a pisser.

And yeah, your examiner sounds a right sanctimonious cow. I know she's got a job to do, but there are ways of doing it!

Original poster
Patapouf · 22/09/2015 15:29

I don't want to book another one until I've had some more lessons, but that's just me procrastinating Grin

I was trying not to roll my eyes too visibly in case I do end up with her again, she was really on a roll. I'm well aware of the dangers/consequences of speeding and she obviously feels it's her duty to be condescending and talk to me like a child. It has knocked my confidence a bit and I didn't feel up to driving home afterwards. I should have asked when she next has annual leave booked!

OP posts:
minionwithdms · 22/09/2015 15:31

Shame - but well done on the manoeuvre! Which did you get?

MrsTerryPratchett · 22/09/2015 15:32

I think they aren't allowed to pass you if you break the law. Hence the lecture. Anyway you may have failed the test but the passed the MASSIVELY more important test of updating a thread people are waiting on.

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 22/09/2015 15:34

I failed too I'm gutted!

Got a major because when I was told to pull over then to take off in my own time, I checked mirrors, signalled went to move and stalled. I hadn't pulled out or anything but he said because I signalled and then stalled it could of slowed other drivers.down and potentially been dangerous. One other minor for control at my parallel Park. no idea what that was for. I knew as soon as I stalled that was it.

He said to try rebook asap as he can see I'm a good driver and had nothing else wrong.

I'm so pissed off with myself, I never fucking stall!!!!

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 22/09/2015 15:37

Also I was going slightly over 30 a couple of times and just slowed down and that wasnt mentioned. I didn't think that was a major if you corrected it quickly?

minesapintofwine · 22/09/2015 15:37

Gutted for you both but good luck for next time

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 22/09/2015 15:38

Pastapouf you obviously are ready for your test though when you only had one major! Just go for it. I checked and there's nothing till 2nd November! No cancellations or anything.

sadwidow28 · 22/09/2015 15:42

Sorry to hear that Patapouf. I have been driving for 43 years and I am not a speeder at any time - not even on motorways when your foot can just sort of 'press down'. But even I sometimes shock myself when I see I am doing 33 in a 30 mile zone. My late-DH was a traffic cop and he always worked on a 10% discrepancy so don't beat yourself up about it.

I got the worst examiner when I did my driving test. (A man who had lost his teenage daughter in a RTA with a woman driver at the wheel.) He never passed women drivers after that - it was well known in our area. Anyway, he came to collect me from the waiting room and called my name, announced his name as [surname] and walked off. I mouthed to my DI "Is that [surname]?" My DI tried to get me to 'go on - follow him'. But I mouthed again. Yep! I had the woman-hating-examiner.

So I accepted that I had failed already and enjoyed driving him round for an hour.

He was equally abrupt when he asked for my provisional license to endorse it, and he was nearly choking when he said he could not find any fault. I was so shocked, I couldn't even drive the car back home. I think my DI was shaking equally.

I say this because I am so sorry that you got an evil, self-opiniated, self-serving, agenda-based examiner like I did. You just weren't ready to take that extra level of jumping hoops.

Now, on the positive, the thing that got me through my test the first time with the evil examiner was driving every day for at least 1 hour and 3 hours on a Sunday. Every job my Dad had to do in his car, I drove him. It cost no more petrol, I was just using the petrol to practice. On Sundays, a friend collected me after church and I drove him and my siblings across the moors to Scarborough [4 hours on beach and fish/chips] and drove back again. I had 11 lessons (one a week) but it was the practice that got me through.

keep this thread going, we'll build your confidence as you practice.

SurlyValentine · 22/09/2015 15:46

That's really unlucky Exasperated Sad I'm not sure how it could have been dangerous for other drivers if you hadn't actually moved from the parked position though?! If you weren't blocking half the lane of traffic when you stalled, it seems like a very harsh decision.

Better luck next time Flowers Brew

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 22/09/2015 15:54

Hadn't moved at all from the side of the road as stalled straight away.I questioned him and he said because I put my signal on then stalled the other road user might of thought I was pulling out then slowed down to let me.which is dangerous!! I turned off straight away though and restarted and got myself ready to go. So annoyed.

Instructor said to get another lesson in in a week or two. Does anyone know if I book my test now for 2nd November as it's first available, if I check every day and a cancellation becomes available can I just swap dates?

sadwidow28 · 22/09/2015 15:54

ExasperatedAA

That was such bad luck.

I'm so pissed off with myself, I never fucking stall!!!!

Well I did last week! I couldn't believe I had done it, but I did! I was backing out of my parking space on gravel and I stalled. No excuse, I did it! Fortunately I didn't stall on an open road or at a junction. But if you think you will never stall again even if you pass your test, re-think! You have to know how to get control of your car immediately to keep the situation safe.

I drive a manual-gear car (always have done) and I have probably stalled about 6 times in the last 47 years. (I used to drive 1,000 miles a month for my job as well)

I don't even stall on Sutton Bank, Birk Brow, Loftus Bank or anywhere...... but I stalled on my gravel parking plot. Now how ridiculous was that?

Original poster
Patapouf · 22/09/2015 16:06

Ahhhh we can form a little club exasperated it's shit isn't it?

I was only given reversing around a corner, I know I would have had another serious fault had I been asked to do anything else. I did slow down as soon as I saw an actual road sign but hey ho, laws the law and all that Wink I'm disappointed but also partially relieved that no one can expect me to drive myself anywhere
I haven't even checked yet because I'm not sure I'm going to do it in my car again or it's worth waiting to do it with an instructor. Last week the earliest available was November so god knows what it is now.you should be able to cancel the one far in advance if you no longer need it as long as you give three working days notice, it's just the cancellation slots that can't be cancelled AFAIK.
I don't want this to put me off, I might see if the DI will let me book intensive lessons in a block.

OP posts:
Original poster
Patapouf · 22/09/2015 16:07

I don't know how much sense my last post made Grin

OP posts:
ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 22/09/2015 16:18

I understood you!

Meh, wel pass eventually! I wish I could do it tomoro ha I was so determined to pass before my thirtieth, that was my goal but it's on the 16th October and away on holiday on the 6th so because of the ten day thing I really only have the 5th or the morning of the 6th. But we are home on the 20th then it's only two weeks till the November one so might just book it. My instructors also a fireman so he may be working there on the 5th and not available.

Original poster
Patapouf · 22/09/2015 16:25

My insurance runs out on the 1st and I wish I didn't have to renew it as a learner!
I have just texted the instructor, hopefully they will take me on.
You'll get there, it's not your fault anyway, it's the long wait for an appointment Wink

OP posts:
CookieMonsterIsOnADiet · 22/09/2015 17:08

It's usually cheaper as a learner as you have to have an experience driver in the car. Once you pass, a lot of companies put the premium up to reflect the new risk.