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Original poster

Driving Test Number 5

27 replies

Gemma871 · 09/12/2020 12:43

Hi guys - so i have test number 5 coming up and i am so nervous! I am at the point in my life now where driving would benefit me so much, I work in a rural town which is two buses each way, I have to get up at 5.30am every morning in order to get my LO to nursery and then get to work for 8.30am so driving would give me a longer lie in.

My problem is i have no self belief, I want it so bad! Any tips? Or anyone been in a similar situation and passed 5,6 or even 7th go?

am sure you realise how draining and deflating it is to fail!

Trying to think positive x

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LemonBreeland · 09/12/2020 12:49

I know two people who passed on their 6th tests. Have you tried a different test centre? This worked for one of my friends, as she kept failing in the same place each time.

What have your previous fails been for? Is it always the saem, or has it been different?

ThirdTimeLuckyIHope · 09/12/2020 12:51

It took me 4 tries to pass my test because I got so nervous before my test

In the end I went to the chemist and got some rescue remedy you can take it if your feeling anxious and it's meant to calm you down

I only took it on my 4th test and that's when I passed I don't know if it really worked or it was psychological but I'm glad I used it

Original poster
Gemma871 · 09/12/2020 12:54

I don't really like the idea of using a different test centre because i know the roads where i am and i think it would make me more nervous. Yes I have tried rescue remedy - I have the pastilles, I was going to get some beta blockers too. It is just so nerve wracking as well.

What time did you have your test @ThirdTimeLuckyIHope?

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Semele5069 · 09/12/2020 13:07

What do you keep failing on? Is there any pattern? My driving instructor got me to book in with a different test centre, as the local one had a roundabout that was always on the test route that I just couldn't get the hang of no matter how much I tried!

Are there any intensive schools near you? I have some friends who passed with those because they keep you so in the zone for the whole week.

ThirdTimeLuckyIHope · 09/12/2020 13:11

@Gemma871 I think it was at 2o'clock it was definitely in the afternoon

Original poster
Gemma871 · 09/12/2020 13:14

Mine is at 1.35pm fingers crossed!

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Original poster
Gemma871 · 09/12/2020 13:15

@Semele5069 I'm not sure is there are any intensive schools nearby to be honest. I mainly fail on mirrors and observation.

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ThirdTimeLuckyIHope · 09/12/2020 13:17

@Gemma871 good luck just remember to breathe and make it obvious you're checking your mirrors 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

Original poster
Gemma871 · 09/12/2020 13:20

Thank you - I will update if i pass.

Just the thought of it makes me nervous!

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rumpusboo · 09/12/2020 13:32

I passed my 6th test. I failed all the previous tests because I used to be extremely nervous and I was desperate to pass as I had young kids. I'm an excellent driver now and haven't had any accident in 7 years. One thing that helped was the fact that I stopped telling family that I had a test booked as it made me less nervous. Good luck x

MrsSchrute · 09/12/2020 13:39

Passed on my 8th test!
Hope it goes well op!

MumOfDiamonds · 09/12/2020 13:40

Good luck OP! I passed 5th go.

Original poster
Gemma871 · 09/12/2020 13:41

Thanks @rumpusboo this gives me hope :-)

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Original poster
Gemma871 · 09/12/2020 13:41

Thankyou @MrsSchrute it must of been hard for you to keep going!!

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BikeRunSki · 09/12/2020 13:42

I passed 5th time. I had a stinky cold and it made my slow down a bit. Good luck!

msssm · 09/12/2020 14:01

Best of luck to you op it will happen.

I passed on my fifth attempt, dosed up with beta blockers and rescue remedy. I sat my 5 over 6 years as I was so nervous each time it put me off for ages. One time I was crying so hard I stopped the car, got out and walked up the road, leaving the poor examiner sat in the passenger seat.

Maybe consider hypnosis? I did a course of that before my 5th. I was definitely more relaxed.

beguilingeyes · 09/12/2020 14:05

I feel for you. It tool me six goes because of nerves. My driving was fine but as soon as the examiner got in the car I fell to bits. The examiners attitude makes a huge difference I think. The last test I took I had a really kind woman who tried to reassure me.

Here's hoping...

Original poster
Gemma871 · 09/12/2020 14:15

@msssm How many beta blockers can you take?

I am doing self hypnosis - listening to a cd every night.

@beguilingeyes Fingers crossed - thankyou!

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Cam2020 · 09/12/2020 14:21

Not tried a test yet, but lessons are taking forever for me because of some personal circumstances then two lockdowns, it's been a constant stop-start since last summer. Every time I start again, I feel useless and demoralised and like I should have done a test and passed by now. Reading about your persistence has made me feel better about picking up again. You can do it and will do it when the time is right.

Original poster
Gemma871 · 09/12/2020 14:55

Thanks @Cam2020. We will both persevere and get there - our time will come :-)

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SunnySideUp2020 · 09/12/2020 15:24

The nervousness doesn't go away unfortunately. I was a mess when i did mine back in February.
Sweating, hearbeat going crazy, face going red etc...
But i found the anxiety kept me focused. Like in my bubble, everything felt like a blur tbh.
I tried to ignore the examiner and really drive the most focused ever... and definitely went crazy with mirrors and checking. As i know how much they like to see you check them constantly. Even for a split second or just a slight head movement especially if you know the roads, it's easy.
Just keep telling yourself you are doing everything you can.

Hope you pass!

msssm · 09/12/2020 15:27

[quote Gemma871]@msssm How many beta blockers can you take?

I am doing self hypnosis - listening to a cd every night.

@beguilingeyes Fingers crossed - thankyou![/quote]
I've no idea it was such a long time ago now I don't recall. The gp that prescribes them will keep you right with that though.

Hope the self hypnosis makes a difference.

ApolloandDaphne · 09/12/2020 16:34

My DD1 passed on her 7th attempt. She was getting more and more despondent but since she passed she hasn't looked back! Good luck for your next ( and hopefully last) try!

Chanel05 · 09/12/2020 16:39

Good luck! I passed 5th time and I had my instructor sat in the back of the car, which really helped to calm my nerves.

FinallyHere · 09/12/2020 16:55

Good luck, holding my thumbs for you.

fail on mirrors and observation

I'm sure you know it already ... a tip i found helpful was to 'look with your chin' rather than just move your eyes when you look in the mirror.
That way the examiner knows unconsciously knows that you have checked the mirror.