Driving tips for driving test

EagerLearner

Hi everyone,

Wondering if anyone has tips - I failed my first driving test last month (roundabout error, only 7 minors)... and have next one in just over a couple of weeks. I am over 30 so it seems harder to recover from the hit of not passing.

My confidence took a knock and I find myself so much more sensitive - I teared up at end of last driving lesson as it was a terrible lesson, so had another lesson 2 days ago which was better.

Then learning with MrEL of course in spare time, generally weekends, but we're both so sensitive about it now, I ended up in tears again today after driving a bit. We took a break, had some lunch, and I went out again. It was better and we tried to do the independent driving style format but I find it hard to take criticism as he does it right there and then, I know he doesn't mean it badly, have asked him to give me a few seconds but maybe that's wrong, I should be able to take it regardless.

I just wondered if anyone has any tips for me, as it's close now and I drive well but my emotions keep getting the better of me even after small errors because I feel by this stage I should be perfect. I don't want it to affect us and want to give myself the best shot at passing, by somehow increasing my confidence in these next few weeks.

Many thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Kev27

Hi, sorry to hear your nerves are getting the better of you, may i suggest you join this site http://www.2pass.co.uk/ there is a forum on there full of learners (on the same boat as you) speaking about everything to do with learning, the test etc, and also Instructors on there to answer any questions that you feel that you cannot ask your own driving instructor, incase you upset him/her etc, thanks to that site forum i met a lovely girl who was having her driving test one day before me and although we never knew eachother personally, it was nice to know that i was not alone, and it really helped my nerves etc, luckily i managed to pass first time and the girl sadly failed but did pass on her 2nd attempt a few weeks later. without that site, nerves would of failed me without a doubt. Good luck on your 2nd attemt. Kev

DaveF327

Give me a little detail about the "knocks" you've been getting and what exactly the criticism was about that made you upset, then perhaps I can advise.

What part of the independent driving do you struggle with?

spiro

Don't use you OH as an instructor because you will feel anything he says is personal. Use a professional instructor and expect to have to take lots of lessons. I was shocked at the weekend when a mate said he was looking at driving lessons for his son and 2 firms had advised it typically takes around 45 lessons. Not believing them he checked with a mate who used to be an instructor and guess what, he got the same answer.

blue_haddock

45 lessons? that sounds way too many

cyclonebri1

45 lessons:eek::eek::eek::eek:?. Cripes, where are some folks starting from.


Maybe if only 20 were allowed and then the driver had to wait 2 years the standard of driving on our roads would improove ;)

Also, are 10 of those 45 specifically for school run mums and dads, to ensure they can drive as inconsiderately as possible, and be certain of how much of the highway code they are ignoring???;);)

squeaky

I failed my first test because I was nervous. Hit the kerb when reversing - and that was the first time I'd ever hit the kerb.

So for the test itself I decided that I would treat the examiner not as somebody who was testing me - but as someone I was giving a lift to and who was giving me directions to where they wanted to go.

It worked

New_Collier

Squeaky - I like your tip.
Once you have got to the point where you can drive, know the rules, understand the car controls and the highway etc - I think for many of us it is about conquering nerves and stress [particularly on tests] I think practice really helps, you need to get to the point where things become instinctive.
EL - do you have a friend who will go out with you and build up your practice hours? I think anyone too familiar [eg husband / parent etc] just adds to the stress involved.
I put my eventual pass down to a trip to the Lake District, all the way on A roads, and up and over the Hardknot [is it really called that?] pass with some female friends. They just let me drive. They passed no comments, gave no 'advice'. 200 plus miles later I was absolutely confident I could do it. Next test I passed.
Good luck EL & keep your pecker up!

LandyAndy

To the OP I would say that if driving reduces you to tears I think you probably aren't ready to drive independently.

If your OH is telling you what's wrong straight away then maybe that is because you don't always get 'a few seconds' when driving to avoid a problem, remember that, unlike an instructor, he has no direct control over the vehicle.

I would also say that the best way to build up confidence is just to go out and drive. Don't try to do any of the tested items, just drive. Get used to the feeling of driving as it is done when you have passed. Plenty of things will crop up in the normal course of driving and dealing with them will add to your confidence.

mum24boys

This is a copy of a post of mine from 2pass.

Hi every one, this may be a long one.
Iv been learning to drive since i was 17 im now nearly 35. I have taken 7 tests altogether. The first 6 were 12 years ago and after failing the 6th time i gave up as i thought its not meant to be.
Im now all grown up and married with 4 children. Iv started driving again since my youngest son (2) has been diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis and needs alot of care, taking to various different appointments and wont be able to walk to school when he is old enough, hence i started driving again. My instructor is really good and he says that im a better driver than i think.
However. I took my test again last week and failed terribly AGAIN. I only had 4 minors but ended up with 3 serious due to silly mistakes. I hit the curb on 3 point turn, (which i knew i would not make but carried on anyway) and going to fast around a sharp bend (the examiner had to brake) and going at a roundabout when i was not sure where the traffic was going. (it did go where i thought it was but not good enough according to examiner) My instructor thought that was a little unfair. I make mistakes on my lessons but not ones like this.
Im ok when doing Show me Tell me but completely go to pieces when i start the engine. The feeling is exactly the same as last time, my legs shake and i cant breathe. Iv tried rescue remedy and kalms, lavender, relaxation techniques. Iv even downloaded a hypnotherapy sessions from the internet but they made me feel more anxious. Its vital that i pass my test and money is becoming an issue now. Iv made an appointment to see my GP tomorrow as my next test is booked for the 10th November.
Any ideas or tips on how i can possibly over come this. Its nerves and its letting me down. I was so upset last week when i failed again i vowed never to put myself into that position again and i have and had the same outcome. I do try and think that this is the 2nd time not the 8th Ekkk. Iv got my own car so get out and practice as much as possible although i have not driven since my test last Wednesday. My next lesson is on Saturday.

Thanks in advance
Kathy

This is a copy from the same forum.

Hi everyone, Its good news iv passed my driving test with 3 minors. Im still in a bit of shock but went to Tesco for the first time today and it was great. Beta blockers, rescue remedy and lavender essential oil did the trick. Plus i has a really nice examiner who chatted all the way through and put me at ease. Thanks to everyone for all your help. Happy driving.

You can do it. I would see your GP and do it soon as you need time to see if beta blockers affect your driving, i truly believe i would have failed again if i had not been on meds but because i was not nervous i drove really well and only got 3 minors. You will pass, you just need to believe it. Try the 2Pass forum they really helped me. Also leave your window open fresh air seemed to help too. We were all freezing but it worked.
I hope this helps and good luck
Kathy

LandyAndy

mum24boys wrote: »

You can do it. I would see your GP and do it soon as you need time to see if beta blockers affect your driving, i truly believe i would have failed again if i had not been on meds but because i was not nervous i drove really well and only got 3 minors. You will pass, you just need to believe it. Try the 2Pass forum they really helped me. Also leave your window open fresh air seemed to help too. We were all freezing but it worked.
I hope this helps and good luck
Kathy

They didn't affect my driving when I started taking them.