Keep failing driving test, NEED to pass, try automatic?

Chickabiddybex

How about going to a test centre in an "easier" location? I don't know where you've been already but if its very busy and has lots of complicated roads try a more remote location with little traffic and simpler roads. I didn't use my nearest test centre for this reason. The pass rate is one of the lowest in the country. (Very very heavy traffic and loads of hills and people parking both sides of the street, loads of schools etc) So I went to a quieter area. Maybe you could too?

(Ironically the only mistake I made was due to being unfamiliar with the area! You might wanna take a few lessons nearby!)

TrickyWicky

I'd recommend an auto to be honest and then go for the manual test at a later date. Autos give you two less things to worry about - the gearstick and the clutch. That means you can concentrate on the other things instead and having driven an auto for the last 4 years, I can honestly say they make you feel more relaxed too.

It's a bit disturbing the first few times you take an automatic up a very steep hill but they seem to cope perfectly well. I've never looked back and despite having a manual licence (passed on the 2nd test) I prefer automatics and would dread going back to a manual.

Also, try playing some music on your next test and just talking to the examiner - telling him what you're doing, pointing out that you're checking your mirrors and blind spots etc. The first test I had I was a nervous wreck. The next time I took a CD and played that while telling the bloke what I was doing. He told me he didn't care and started talking about the weather etc instead I was far calmer and able to concentrate a lot better for it.

Blackpool_Saver

no, stick to manual, you CAN do it

Morganarla

TrickyWicky wrote: »

I'd recommend an auto to be honest and then go for the manual test at a later date. Autos give you two less things to worry about - the gearstick and the clutch. That means you can concentrate on the other things instead and having driven an auto for the last 4 years, I can honestly say they make you feel more relaxed too.

It's a bit disturbing the first few times you take an automatic up a very steep hill but they seem to cope perfectly well. I've never looked back and despite having a manual licence (passed on the 2nd test) I prefer automatics and would dread going back to a manual.

Tricky, thanks. That's the way my Dad was thinking also. I don't have trouble with gears or clutch control but as you say, it takes the element of having to think about them away!

I hear you on the going up a hill thing, my ex DH and I hired an automatic in the US a few years back, it seemed like it would never change gear and was over-revving! We both got very angry with it 'Change gear you bloody American piece of shoite!':o:D

mazza111

Personally, I'd stick with it, rather than restrict yourself to buying automatic cars for the first few years of driving, but at the end of the day, you're the one that's gotta weigh up the expense of it all.

Morganarla

mazza111 wrote: »

Personally, I'd stick with it, rather than restrict yourself to buying automatic cars for the first few years of driving, but at the end of the day, you're the one that's gotta weigh up the expense of it all.

mazza, I do intend on getting my manual licence. I don't doubt that I can do it eventually (regardless of what other posters assume). But as you say, it's the expense of it.

If I can get my automatic licence, there will be no problem getting hold of decent automatics, as Dad is in the car trade. It then gives me driving practice on the road, legal and as I go about my day to day business and solves the immediate problem of not being able to get to my placements in the rural countryside (or out of the ruralness!)

forgotmyname

Find yourself a different instructor for half a dozen lessons or so and see what they say about your driving.

I wouldnt bother with the auto test. It will restrict you. And you dont want to have to take more lessons and another test in the future, Do you?

StrongWork

Morganarla wrote: »

Tricky, thanks. That's the way my Dad was thinking also. I don't have trouble with gears or clutch control but as you say, it takes the element of having to think about them away!

I'm inclined to agree with the posters who suggest that unless the gears/clutch etc is an aspect of the test causing you to fail, going for an auto will not help.

Given that you have been driving for 10 years, I suspect driving a manual is now natural to you. I'd expect that you don't actually have to 'think' about clutches/gear changing, it should come automatically (pun not intended!).

The introduction of an auto will merely add a new element of unfamiliarity for you to worry about.

What happens if you fail in the auto - where do you go from there? You need to concentrate on sorting the nerves rather than trying to change the car imo.

Chickabiddybex wrote: »

How about going to a test centre in an "easier" location?

I'd advise this. What about having your instructor in the car when you do the test - might provide and calming influence?

IMVHO, the type of people who have to pass with an auto (for non medical reasons before anyone gets excited) are the type who by and large aren't that great drivers in the first place and will either not use motorways (or sit at 55mph) because they are 'scary' or sit at 40mph in NSL roads because they 'aren't confident'. [/sweeping (but true) generalisations]

August is still quite a way away. Best of luck.

neas

I failed twice and passed third time. FIrst two times were silly errors.

I've been driving for 8 years no incidents since and around 70,000 miles covered. Drive every day almost so just because you fail once, twice or even many times so long as you pass eventually it will all be good.

Most of driving is about your body learning to control the car subconciously and then rest of it is driving safely (thinking people will behave silly, giving enough space, stopping distances etc etc).

I failed first test as my control of car wasn't good jumpy, second test because I was in lane 2 of 4 at a roundabout when I should've been in lane 3.

After failing on rounabout lanes my instructor had a great suggestion. He would sit in on the test in the back as 'support'. I passed then.

Have you tried having your instructor in the car with you? at least then you know they could argue your case or limit any bias of the tester?

Also agree with passing on manual, if you pass manual you can drive whatever, if you pass automatic only automatic.

arcon5

Stick with it op... If by later in the year your still struggling then consider an auto test - if you genuinely think it will help that is.

Sounds like your putting too much pressure on yourself to be honest. Why not put a test off for a couple of months? In the meantime have some lessons but change your mind set to enjoying the driving and relax.