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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask how many times you did a driving test before you passed?

91 replies

Herculesfan · 21/08/2017 18:27

Just that. Failed my second one today again and considering just giving the whole thing up as a bad job. This time for hesitation when edging out of a junction causing a car to slow down 😐

OP posts:
PinkHeart5911 · 21/08/2017 18:28

I passed first time but I've a friend and it took him 7 times!

CuppaSarah · 21/08/2017 18:30

Took five attempts. I just sucked at the test. I'm actually a very good driver surprisingly.

RedHelenB · 21/08/2017 18:31

Honestly forget the number of times just know you will pass eventually everyone does.

shushpenfold · 21/08/2017 18:31

First time but it was complete luck! I was so stressed about an exam I was taking that I just wanted to get it over with. Keep going and have faith; you'll get there.

Outnotdown · 21/08/2017 18:31

I passed my third time. Found the whole thing almost overwhelming and horrible, I left a long gap in between the second and third test. Worked very hard for the third one, practicing every day for about six weeks, but I also worked on my anxiety which was just as important. Don't give up! Just take your timeFlowers

comedycentral · 21/08/2017 18:32

Five attempts! Also a good driver now. A relative of mine passed first time, she can't park well at all and she won't drive on the motorway.

HotelEuphoria · 21/08/2017 18:32

Passed second, DD passed third, SIL passed 7th! It is what it is, don't judge your future ability by how many times it takes you to pass

Moanyoldcow · 21/08/2017 18:33

Passed 3rd time. First 2 when I was 21. Had a 14 year break and then passed when I was 34 before having my DC.

CaptainHammer · 21/08/2017 18:33

I passed 2nd, DH passed 4th. A friend of mine passed on his 9th attempt.
You'll get there!

Lweji · 21/08/2017 18:33

First time, but had to attempt parallel parking about 3 times. I still think I was lucky.
In my defense, it wasn't between two cars, which is much harder because you can't see where the kerb is.

DramaAlpaca · 21/08/2017 18:33

I passed third time, as did DH. Don't give up OP, you'll get there & it'll be so worth it when you do.

MorvaanReed · 21/08/2017 18:33

How long between tests? My Driving Instructor told me to book another test immediately after my first fail; I ignored him and drove around everywhere in my own car, with DH or friends, for a few months until I knew that I was as good as I was going to get and passed in my own car on the second go, still very nervous, but much more confident.

WeAllHaveWings · 21/08/2017 18:33

3rd time.

Fluffypinkpyjamas · 21/08/2017 18:33

Three times so definitely third time lucky for me. I know people that have had 9 and 13 tests though! You will be fine OP, don't rush and don't worry.

PutTheBunnyBackInTheBox · 21/08/2017 18:36

I passed 3rd time and had to get beta blockers to do that I was so nervous!

First time, the examiner told me to turn left, I signalled left and turned right! I hated it! Once I passed though I was completely confident.

PickleSarnie · 21/08/2017 18:37

First time. But it helped that they made me do my manoeuvres really early on in the test. They made me reverse round the corner, then turn in the road. Then I knew I wouldn't haven't to reverse park so I relaxed for the rest of it. Now I have a car that reverse parka for me.

I sat my test in rush hour London. Cars barely moved. I hardly went anywhere. Was awesome. Perhaps try a different time of day. Try some relaxation technique. Eat a banana. Definitely eat a banana!

burdog · 21/08/2017 18:40

Four I think. It took me a long time to 'get' it, if you see what I mean. I should have had more practice just driving round.

user997799779977 · 21/08/2017 18:41

Third time's a charm for me. So dont give up OP.

user997799779977 · 21/08/2017 18:43

And yes get some kalm or eat banana. I had been driving for years in 2 other countries including America and found British test difficult!

AyeAyeFishyPie · 21/08/2017 18:43

Passed fourth time. Keep it up, have some more practice but dont give up!

GetOutOfMYGarden · 21/08/2017 18:43

I passed on my fifth. I kept getting really nervous and fucking it up.

PenelopeChipShop · 21/08/2017 18:47

It took four times for me. I never did anything dramatically wrong, just silly little errors and the whole thing is over! So annoying! I think I just needed the practice - of the actual test, not driving. It's actually such an absurd situation, nothing like driving in real life. You definitely will do it in the end. Like all exams/tests/interviews, it's much easier when you can relax a bit but it's easier said than done x

Oogie · 21/08/2017 18:49

Third time lucky for me too.

Janika · 21/08/2017 18:54

4th time- don't give up.

carrotcakecupcake · 21/08/2017 18:57

Fifth time for me! I didn't have access to a car so had to use my lessons as practice behind the wheel bloody expensive. My instructor would take me to the test area about an hour before my test to practice a bit, however on the day of my final test we got stuck in traffic and didn't get a chance to do the route. It definitely helped to channel my nervous energy. I also did a perfect reverse around a corner right off the bat, and had a quiet word with myself to not fuck it up!