Failed Driving Test

catflea

Just to add to this, my little sister (bless her) has now failed her test twice. Her instructor didn't even tell her off for riding the clutch! :eek:

Shes now insured on my brothers car (1.8 turbo diesel escort estate - amazingly substantially cheaper insurance than a fiesta and a metro ) Shes able to drive the escort ten times better than the Aygo she learned in and is getting amazingly confident behind the wheel - I'm certain she will pass her test if she takes it in that rather than finding another instructor.

The big thing with the test, I'm sure, is confidence and being comfortable with the vehicle you are using - If you've had enough lessons to get to two tests you should be absolutly fine. If things dont go to plan, dont worry - drive your OH whenever possible and book a test for a few weeks time and use your car!


And for nerves, Kalms or Rescue Remedy

dieselhead

I was going to suggest practice with someone else, when I was learning to drive it was the sideways park (the proper name escapes me sorry) that I struggled with so for 2 weeks my dad would park up his car in the street, come a sit next to me and we would spend a good hour just parking until it became second nature. Almost 10 years later I have to park like that everyday, and pride myself upon getting into the tinyist spaces.

Practice practice practice! Good Luck!

olly300

dieselhead wrote: »

I was going to suggest practice with someone else, when I was learning to drive it was the sideways park (the proper name escapes me sorry)

Parallel parking?

dieselhead wrote: »

that I struggled with so for 2 weeks my dad would park up his car in the street, come a sit next to me and we would spend a good hour just parking until it became second nature.

Unfortunately some driving instructors don't know how to teach things that one person will find difficult very well.

And if you can't do a particular manoeuvre then the instructor should be making you do it repeatedly until you can do it well before your test.

angelicmary85

Don't really know why I'm posting this as it has nothing to do with the OP's original question but...

When I was 17 I done my test 3 times in a year (passed the theory 1st time though!) but I wasn't ready...I just wanted freedom! I had 4 different instructors (one wasn't actually qualified but he didn't tell me that!) as I kept thinking it was the instructors fault that I couldn't drive but I gave up for about 3years and started again when my dad insured me for his car which a 1.8 TD Focus which I really liked driving so I booked another instructor who had the best reputation but a funny way of teaching..she used to slap and punch my leg if I didn't do things right :eek: :rotfl:

I re-sat the theory, this time with the hazard perception test and passed 1st time again and then booked my test.

When test day came, my instructor put some stuff on my tongue that is meant to calm your nerves and told me to get on with it. All the way around the test route all I could think of was the punches and slaps I'd had off my instructor and how I didn't want to go through it again...When the examiner told me I'd passed, I jumped out of the car and yelled I f***ing done it, I f***ing passed...Now you don't have to hit me anymore!! :rotfl::rotfl:

My advice, get an instructor that hits you!! :rotfl:

DaveMacD

angelicmary85 wrote: »

so I booked another instructor who had the best reputation but a funny way of teaching..she used to slap and punch my leg if I didn't do things right :eek: :rotfl:

Kinky... I know people that would pay a fortune for that sort of stuff

exup

good luck with the second test - and if those people who know you say you are already a good driver - then I wouldnt bother with an intensive course - they are hard work and you risk tiring yourself out before the test - and they can be expensive too.
I had a pupil who had nerve problems which always let her down on her test. She was capable of passing her motorcycle test but would make a forced error and fail (never the same one twice). This didnt help with the pressure of buying her own motorbike which she couldnt ride until she had passed. (It was a 500cc Kawasaki). In between tests she kept her eye in by having 3- 4 hours of lessons a week.

If I remember correctly she passed on her 5th attempt and gave the examiner a big hug - He told her it was about time and it was definately her nerves getting the better of her the other times.
Dont put pressure on yourself of whats going to happen if you fail the test. I wont advise trying to relax, (thats an obvious one and hard to do) but take each instruction the examiner gives you one at a time - and if you make a mistake - let it go and move on - it may not be as serious as you think.

slscarborough

Thanks for your advice - am taking kalms and have rescue remedy on hand too. I know it is nerves but it is so frustrating!!

If I fail again I am not sure what I will do. I dont want to put it on hold as already have a car and have been aiming to pass before I return to work in March. I so really need this. That is why I think I short intensive would be the way to go. A pass for you do a weekend course with the test on the monday morning so this is what I am considering if I fail.

I know I shouldnt be thinking I will fail but I cant help it. I am now such a confident driver when with my OH but even my instructor makes me nervous.

angelicmary85

DaveMacD wrote: »

Kinky... I know people that would pay a fortune for that sort of stuff

I did pay a fortune...she was nearly £20 an hour! :rotfl:

slscarborough

Am gutted as my test tomorrow will now almost certainly be cancelled and will have to wait 7/8 weeks for a new test!!

fluffykins13

When do you find out if it's cancelled? Do you have to phone up first thing tomorrow? Even if it is, please do not give up. I failed my test 5 times before eventually passing. I was a nervous wreck every time that I failed (and I now don't think I had a very good instructor) but the time that I did pass, I just though f**k it, I'm just going to go for it and if I don't pass this time, I'll give up. And that, for some reason, got me throught it! I know it might sounds cheesy but if I can do it, anybody can. If it is cancelled tomorrow, please get another instructor who is personally recommended and go out as much as you possibly can.
Good luck.