Failed my driving test yesterday

[Winky89]

I took my test first attempt two days ago and failed for not getting my speed up enough on a 60mph road where the roads were wet and slippy. Probably was my fault but when we got back, the examiner basically shouted at me, saying I seemed to pick and choose when to use mirrors (I think I missed them 4 times in all) and that I never seemed to know which gear I was in (total bullshit!). However, I have bought a wee car and am going to practice a lot before my resit in May.

I was more upset about the fact I had just paid £80 (test plus instructor's car charge) to fail a test for stupid reasons

[finallypassedtest]

I have finally passed my driving test after failing numerus times. I want to give some tips on passing your driving test to others that keep failing the same as I did. (a) Change your driving instructor if you dont feel happy or are unsure about something in your driving, I did this because I didn't feel like I was getting anywhere with my old driving instructor. (b) Choose an instructor who is easy going, happy and layed back, this is essential for nervous drivers, you dont want a miserable instructor making you more nervous. (c) Have regular lessons, everyweek and two lessons a week leading up to the test, build up your confidence on the road. (d) Learn the test route, keep driving in and out the test centre and around the test area. (e) Practise the manoevures you find difficult, like pararell parking for instance, spend your whole lesson on one manoevure if it helps you. (f) Dont be afraid to tell your instructor if you are still not happy about your manoevure, dont feel embarrassed, tell him you want to keep practising. (g) Dont take your test until you are ready, if the instructor tells you that you are ready, if you dont feel ready in yourself and there is some part of your driving bothering you dont take the test. (h) Make sure you are hundred percent ready for your test, make sure you can perform all the manoevures on your own without instruction of the instructor, make sure you learn your subject. Alot of people feel nervous on their tests because they simply aren't ready, they think they are because they have been told they are by their instuctor. You are the only one who really knows your self. If you truly are ready for your test you wont feel so nervous on the day because you will feel prepared even under the pressure of the examiner. And of course you will still be a bit nervous but because you are so prepared you will still pass. Good luck to those with tests coming up and i hope this helps you. Let me know

[Winky89]

I certainly agree with the majority of that post, but especially with the bit about only taking the test when YOU feel ready and not just when your instructor tells you to take it.

May I add to that that it is helpful to get a car of your own to have a run-around in and get daily practice in - not necessarily of manouvers but just to get used to being on the road.

[blueting]

So I thought this was going to be the day. My instructer picked me up an hour before for a lesson before the test and I was fine My examiner was so nice, I was the problem. He told me to turn right at the roundabout and something in my head didn't register so I put my indicator on and turned left instead . I did that not once, but twice . All my manuvers were spot on. Absolutely nothing wrong. He also felt that I was being a bit too cautious for him so the test didn't quiet have the flow it should have had.
I feel so embarrased. The worse part is that I've had an American licence for over 20 years. I just can't seem to get the English one. America is a lot less strict.

I'll let you know if I get it done the 4th time. Just to think I actually took the day off work for this.

[Winky89]

Aw, you'll be fine eventually. As I say, its been easier for me now that I have a car of my own to practice in. Now whenever mum needs to go to the next town for shopping or whatever at the weekend I drive her through. I am now more comfortable going at higher speeds and knowing how to use two different clutches helps too

[lizabeth]

Im soooo glad i came across this site my 1st driving test is coming up and am cacking it but its nice to know u can fail people do!! even though it is s**t when u do.

[Winky89]

Yeah, there are a lot of people on here who have had bad luck with tests including me. It didnt feel half as bad as I thought it would when I failed. To be honest I was more worried about what Mum would think but she was wonderful - she said she was worried about me as I had just failed some exams and thought this would tip me over the edge or something lol. It was her who encouraged me to get a car - something I had planned to do only if I passed first time.

Good luck with your test

[lizabeth]

I checked out that site mentioned on page 1 i think? 2pass its worth a look if any 1 else is going for a test.

[poppybroughan]

I failed my driving test for the second time last friday...

The first time was because I couldn't reverse around the corner - which to be fair - I couldn't!!!! So accepting that and practiced manouvers for a few weeks and was completely ready to take my next test....

I had a female examiner for the second test and she was lovely until we got into the car! she put on a voice and was very stern... But i was so confident I didnt let her phase me.

3 mins into the test I was instructed later than I expected to turn left. I slowed right down and turned left to find a taxi was infront of me.... the taxi stopped suddenly and I had to emergency stop.

Just as I emergency stopped the examiner also put her foot on the brake. I said - It's ok - i've got control. as I had already braked!!! She told me to pull over and told me to pull away when ready. I said - If I have failed becuase you put your foot on the brake then I dont want to carry on.... she then said lets carry on with the test but you havent passed today - 5 MINS INTO THE TEST!!!!!

I was absolutely furious - I said I put the brake on and had total control - if this wasnt a dual controlled car we would not have crashed into the car as I put the brake on followed by the handbrake.

So I am left again to pay for another test!!!! I was so angry and It is so hard as you get older - I am 23 now and I know I am a very safe driver and I am capable of carrying out the manouvers - just had a VERY bad test last time - enough to put me off!

[Winky89]

I think you could probably appeal against that decision as you had control of the car. Unless the instructor thought there was a chance you could have seen the incident coming and stopped sooner but slower then I see no reason for this being a fail.

I know when I am in the car with my instructor she keeps the breaks covered and sometimes presses on them with me if I have to stop suddenly but the majority of the time it is just a safety precaution and shouldnt have been a fail as it was a judgement call on the part of the instructor.

[lizabeth]

balls, i dont think paying over and over is fair. Lessons r expensive then to pay for theory and test is enough to make ur head spin.
my instructor says the examiner is human dont be put off by them but if they treat u like a tit u cant help but b put off by them.
you should have been praised for being able to stop quickly and safelyto avoid an accident. Situations change very fast to be able to adjust what you are doing should show you understand what u r doing. ITS THE LUCK ON THE DAY (or so im told) not your driving.

[Winky89]

Yeah, sure I've heard someone say

"Do you want to learn how to drive or do you want to learn how to pass the test?"

Two very different things as I've found out having just got my first car and been driving to different places I hadnt been in my lessons.

[lizabeth]

My instructor says pass the test the way i have been showing you then when u pass do what you want.
I should really get a car to just practise in its a good idea.i can drive my partners if i want but its a vw golf and done up lovely, if i even got it dirty id would be in big trouble haha

[Winky89]

Yeah, my car's an old banger but it runs fine and it doesnt matter if I get it dirty since it's me who'll be washing it anyway.

We had a wee joke saying that I'd end up joining the Sunday car wash club that seems to be forming down my street. One person starts and the others feel guilty and come out and do theirs!

[lizabeth]

I think that would be me. I like clean but i do live in the wrong place for that as im surrounded by farms the tractors fling s**t everywhere.
My neighbour uses it as a reason her car is so grubby, not that she cant be arsed haha