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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Cancel my driving test?

123 replies

tocancelornot · 25/05/2017 21:27

I passed my theory June 2015, since then I've taken well over 35 lessons and I have failed 3 driving tests.

I have a test booked for next Wednesday, and today is the final day I can cancel it. I don't feel ready for it, and I'm feeling so anxious that I'm going to fail again. I'd rather not waste the £100+ and redo the theory test which is only £23 and it will give me another 2 years to pass.

I just don't know what to do...cancel or not?

OP posts:
HundredMilesAnHour · 25/05/2017 21:34

What does your driving instructor think? Does he think you're ready? And why did you fail your previous tests?

Original poster
tocancelornot · 25/05/2017 21:39

HundredMilesAnHour my instructor just said "see what happens", tbh I don't really like the way he teaches but I realised too late and didn't change

First test I failed due to nerves , second I couldn't complete the manoeuvres and third, the route was one I only went to once before with my instructor and completely messed that up
I think my nerves just get the better of me Sad

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khajiit13 · 25/05/2017 21:43

Don't cancel. Sounds like you're last chance before your theory expires so give it your all.

Original poster
tocancelornot · 25/05/2017 21:45

khajiit13 I genuinely don't think I'm ready for it and do not want to fail again.

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CaulkheadUpNorf · 25/05/2017 21:46

You've taken 35 lessons since June 2015 equates to one every ten days roughly? Are you driving in between? Can you have lessons more often? I found that to be the most helpful for me

Imnotaslimjim · 25/05/2017 21:46

If it's anxiety getting in your way, can you get to your GP before the test? Mine gave me beta blockers to take and they made a huge difference.

If you really don't think you're ready I would cancel and get your money back then look for another instructor. I think having to pay out the £23 for the theory test is better than losing the £100+ if you fail.

CaulkheadUpNorf · 25/05/2017 21:46

Sorry, forgot what year it is, it's less often that I claimed.

caffeinestream · 25/05/2017 21:47

35 lessons in two years isn't much at all, really.

Why are you not having more regular lessons?

Original poster
tocancelornot · 25/05/2017 21:48

CaulkheadUpNorf i haven't been taking lessons regularly, taking breaks here and there and I think that's another reason as it's not consistent
I didn't start till about September 2015 and have taken quite a few breaks

OP posts:
Original poster
tocancelornot · 25/05/2017 21:50

Imnotaslimjim That's also my reasoning as the theory is £23 and I will have 2 years to pass.

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Original poster
tocancelornot · 25/05/2017 21:51

caffeinestream I took breaks in between due to exams and studying for that

I also ask my instructor for lessons but always tells me he can only do weekends. I wanted a lesson today just to see how I felt and then I could decide whether to cancel or not..he said he was busy.

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CaulkheadUpNorf · 25/05/2017 21:53

Are you driving in between lessons, and are you living in an area with other instructors?

Original poster
tocancelornot · 25/05/2017 21:54

CaulkheadUpNorf no just driving in lesson times, and i can find other instructors, it was just too late to change at that point

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Cakecrumbsinmybra · 25/05/2017 21:55

You don't sound confident at all about the test, I personally wouldn't give it a go if I didn't feel ready. Why don't you cancel and find another instructor, then do it more intensively. I did 2 hour lessons, twice a week for about 3 months before I passed. I couldn't practice in between so I needed more lessons.

CaulkheadUpNorf · 25/05/2017 21:56

I just asked because it seems like you're not getting much time to actually learn. My friend had two instructors for a while as one could only do limited times and she wanted to focus on it as much as possible.

Can you get a cheap car and find some people to go out with you if a new instructor isn't an option?

EccentricPickle · 25/05/2017 21:57

Change instructors. He doesn't sound like he's any good!

35 lessons isn't that many, especially if you're having breaks in between. Long gaps aren't good - you need practice. When I first started learning to drive I had a couple of lessons and then a gap of about 3 weeks (instructor wasn't free because of tests and illnesses etc - I nearly binned him but he ended up good in the end) I forgot how to start the car! Blush

Original poster
tocancelornot · 25/05/2017 21:58

Cakecrumbsinmybra i really am not confident at all, and i'm getting anxious just thinking about it right now.

if do cancel and redo my theory, i will be getting a new instructor and doing more lessons so i can pass confidently. just feel a bit crap, ive had 2 years to pass and spent so much money on lessons and tests only to start over again

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Original poster
tocancelornot · 25/05/2017 21:59

CaulkheadUpNorf yes i think thats a major factor as if i spent my time in the car driving i would feel more confident

I will look into getting a cheap car, thats another regret i have as that would have meant more practice

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Original poster
tocancelornot · 25/05/2017 22:01

EccentricPickle oh gosh, if i started talking about my instructor, id be here all night! thats one thing for sure, definitely need to change him

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deneedenee · 25/05/2017 22:01

Don't cancel! I was having the exact same thoughts as you at this time of night on the last day I could cancel. Only reason I didn't was because I didn't realise it was the last day until too late at night to reschedule another date with my instructor. I had not a hope in hell of passing after 14 years, 100+ lessons, 4 theory tests, and he hadn't even shown me how to do an emergency stop yet!

But it was too late to cancel, so I sat it and passed! So might you! Go for it and good luck!

Original poster
tocancelornot · 25/05/2017 22:04

deneedenee oh well done! i cant even complete the manouvreres propperly! i just feel so anxious that i wont pass and dont see the point in sitting the test

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deneedenee · 25/05/2017 22:09

Is there anyone who can take you out between now and the test? In the wee dual control hire cars? I bet you can drive, but manoeuvres were my fear too. Never reversed round a corner since, or reverse parked!

cluelessjane · 25/05/2017 22:09

I passed my driving test on the 5th time and like you, kept debating cancelling. It was so crushing being told that I'd failed AGAIN and then having to tell my family too.

What really helped me on my 5th test was taking Bach's Rescue Remedy spray (available from supermarkets/chemists)- it really calmed my nerves and I had a bit of a "fuck it, if I pass great... if I fail, I take the test again"

Believe in yourself- you can do it!!

Original poster
tocancelornot · 25/05/2017 22:12

deneedenee nope, no-one who can, my parents dont drive and my brothers working

i can drive....i just dont feel confident for this test and need more time to practice

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Original poster
tocancelornot · 25/05/2017 22:13

cluelessjane well done for not giving up! i havent told anyone about my tests only my parents and i havent even told them im considering to cancel!

for my next test, i might look into buying that remedy and trying it!

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