Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Cars

Welcome to Cars - check out our Discover page for more

Flip

Original poster

Just booked my 3rd driving test in an unknown area - am I mad?

15 replies

FunFinch · 21/05/2025 11:37

I have been learning to drive since October, found out I was pregnant with my 2nd child in December and due in August so really desperate to pass my test.

I failed my 1st test in April due to being too far right on a country road, the instructor said "if a car came round the corner speeding on the other side of the road it would have been a crash" and gave me a major, I had 3 minors aswell - 1 for bumping the kerb when pulling onto the left, 1 for overtaking on a dual carriageway when the car I overtook ended up then over taking me after, and 1 for speed when coming to a junction. I managed to get a test booked again at the same centre 6 weeks later and got 1 major for being too close to another vehicle on the dual carriageway (was within metres), even though he said himself I couldnt slow down as there was a car behind, and there was a car to my right he said I should have indicated and made it known to the drivers I needed to move across, I then got 2 minors, 1 for not overtaking in that same incident and 1 for not indicating when turning into the test centre

Both tests were at my local test centre, I have been able to book a cancellation for next week at a test centre which is 20 minutes from there, so not massively out of area but enough so that I havent actually driven around it. I have spoken to my instructor who isn't pleased I have done this and says I am mad for taking my test in an unknown area and he won't take me on lessons around there or take me to test. This is fine as I have my own car and my partner will take me, but with my previous results I feel my driving isn't unsafe, I just did 2 really silly mistakes that failed me

Has anyone done a test out of area before and been okay? or should I listen to my instructor and cancel it and wait for a local one to come up, which is currently looking abut 5 months after I give birth. Just felt as I failed twice in an area I know well, whats the worst that could happen in an area I don't know well

OP posts:

MathsMagpie · 21/05/2025 11:40

Well, if you pass and get your license you should be able to drive anywhere and will then be on your own to do so but for a test situation I can see the benefit of being on roads you already know and can pre empt what’s to come further ahead.

Can you go out to the new area to practice in your own car before the test?

Whiteflowerscreed · 21/05/2025 11:41

I would stay and do a local one. If you’re already struggling to pass locally don’t add an extra level of hardness. You don’t want to waste money

ScrewedByFunding · 21/05/2025 11:42

What do you mean you couldn't slow down as there was a car behind you? Of course you can.

Buxusmortus · 21/05/2025 11:47

You don't sound ready to be driving on any roads tbh, tailgating, not indicating, speeding up to junctions, driving too far over in the road, all dangerous. If you're that bad a driver hopefully you wouldn't pass in an unfamiliar area either.

OurManyEnds · 21/05/2025 11:49

I would do it but spend a LOT of time driving about the area this week.

DancingFerret · 21/05/2025 12:04

As a PP said, it doesn't sound as if you're ready to pass the test; a full licence gives you the freedom to drive anywhere, including areas unfamiliar to you.

Based on what you've said, if you do manage to pass I have a feeling you're going to hear an awful lot of horns and see some very angry faces until you gain more confidence and experience.

SENNeeds2 · 21/05/2025 12:14

I think you are allowed to cancel a test and get a refund with 3 days notice? Just google the possible test routes there and practise there on the weekend and make a decision.
Personally, you should be able to drive anywhere safely so I don't see why doing a test in a different area should be an issue. My 18 year old twins did their exam this year so I do have some recent experience.

Blondeshavemorefun · 21/05/2025 12:22

I agree with others. You don’t sound ready. Sorry

driving on wrong side of road - a major fail !!

speeding up to a junction - why didn’t you brake?

driving too close to a car and not braking. That’s 2 faults - doesn’t matter a car is behind. He was obv too close to you. You needed to brake or indicate to move over

always need to indicate - how else do other road users know what you are doing

yes I get you want to pass.

no I wouldn’t do in an unfamiliar area

but if you have money to afford to waste if you fail then go for it

makes no diff that tv area you failed in. You failed on silly stupid dangerous incidents

BitterIwasntfurloughed · 28/05/2025 23:32

Im a driving instructor and ive had loads of my pupils go off and pass in a unfamiliar test centre (I actually have a 100% pass rate for people doing this)

https://readytopass.campaign.gov.uk/ take a look at this link and see if you truly feel ready to take another shot at your test.

So long as you get down early and cover off any weird places and get a bit of a feel of the land its doable (Your going to have to drive in unfamiliar places as a FLH) I always suggest trying to get a one off lesson with a local instructor to show you said areas but don't bother asking to use their car as 99% wont want to risk their pass rate on a unknown.

Ready to Pass?

https://readytopass.campaign.gov.uk

user1476613140 · 22/09/2025 22:45

It's getting to the point now that many are booking tests on the Western Isles to attempt a pass...unfamiliar territory. It may pay off OP, have a practice with your car before test day.

So...did you pass?

MrsAvocet · 22/09/2025 22:57

Getting a driving test anywhere is a nightmare currently. My DS can't get one anywhere in our county. The nearest he could find is in a town 120 miles away and even that's not til February. Obviously he is hoping to get a cancellation nearer home and sooner but right now I think you have to be willing to go almost anywhere if you want to get a driving licence.

Original poster

FunFinch · 23/09/2025 03:32

user1476613140 · 22/09/2025 22:45

It's getting to the point now that many are booking tests on the Western Isles to attempt a pass...unfamiliar territory. It may pay off OP, have a practice with your car before test day.

So...did you pass?

Hi, sorry I totally forgot about this thread!
Yes I did pass with 1 minor! Totally life changing now im able to drive my 2 little ones about. Really glad I went for it in the end

OP posts:

user1476613140 · 23/09/2025 06:13

MrsAvocet · 22/09/2025 22:57

Yep, this seriously isn't an exaggeration. It really has got to this point. My 18yo is booked for a test in a place he isn't familiar but it's very remote and very quiet. Especially coming into autumn and winter season...trying anywhere is better than not attempting it at all. It really is shocking and the Government better get on with fixing the bots issue.

We have no desire to pay for an app to get an earlier date. His test date is very soon anyway. You should only be paying £62 and that's it.

user1476613140 · 23/09/2025 06:15

Congratulations @FunFinch really delighted for you!! You're giving my DS hope now❤️ and many others too who may have to brave the unknown.

Original poster

FunFinch · 23/09/2025 09:18

Thank you! It is so difficult I was very lucky there were so many cancellations last minute by me. Annoyingly I turned up and was the only student, the instructor said they always get cancellations and no shows around the school holidays so he was moaning how quiet he had been all day. I paid for testi, I did pay for a few others but testi was the best for me. Hopefully your DS will find a cancellation soon and get on the road, I understand the frustatrations 🙈

OP posts:

Flip