Any tips on passing a driving test?

LizD_2

Having read some of the replies, I'm quite pleased to say I took 5 attempts before I passed! If I can pass, anyone can!

They will get you on silly things. My friend (27) took her first test a few months ago and failed because supposedly she didn't use her mirrors enough. Even her instructor said the marking was harsh, especially as everything else was fine apart from a few minors.

I think they come up with the shakiest of reasons sometimes, just to keep the pass rate how it should be.

Practise is the key: get your daughter to drive everywhere so it becomes second nature to her. Keep up lessons though, so she doesn't develop bad habits. Well, at least not before she passes, anyway!

LizD_2

naughty_10382 wrote: »

Same happened with me on my third driving test. Had to do a RRC (even now I'm crap at them!) and scraped the kerb just as I was straightening up... drove forwards a bit and reversed... same thing happened. The examiner then told me to drive on.

I really thought I'd failed, and so I relaxed more, knowing I couldn't fail the test twice! Got the shock of my life when the examiner said I'd passed.

Good luck to your daughter, whenever she takes her next test!

therivierakid - I think it's because you could be a danger to pedestrians if they are walking by the car...

Same thing happened to me: I thought I'd failed on the turn in the road, because a van stopped while I was doing it and it was more like a five-point turn, so i just drove from then on. I was so excited when I passed I had to keep calm so the examiner didn't think he'd made a mistake!

Ms_Piggy_2

therivierakid wrote: »

It seems so silly that you can fail for clipping the curb on a reverse round a corner.
I

You see I disagree. I know it's harsh (and when I was learning I would have agreed with you!), but all the test does is set a 'minimum standard' that a driver *must* meet. I do agree that it's frustrating, but the driving test is there for a reason!

I agree with a previous post who said take it slowly when maneuvering.

Also - she needs to keep telling herself she *will* get there. It took me a LONG time to learn, and I kept telling myself that if some dodgy 17-year-old could pass the test, then so could I! :rotfl:

BlondeHeadOn

My mum failed her driving test over 18 times before passing it :eek: - we don't know exactly how many she took in total, because after 18 times she stopped telling anyone she was taking them! And according to her, that's what did the trick - knowing that she didn't have to go back and tell anyone if she failed, she relaxed completely and managed to pass!

Could work for your DD too - it's added pressure if everyone knows she's taking it, so why not see if the 'secret test' method works for her too.

myrnahaz

I took everyone's advice about practice and took DD to Tesco last night (she drove). She had never been on that road before and had several new junctions to negotiate, plus a busy car park and had to find a space to park in (all ok). We went from Tesco to the chinese takeaway (about 8 miles away) and then back home, by which time it was dark, the first time she'd driven at night. Apart from a slight panic at the traffic lights by Tesco, she was really OK (not brilliant). Her brother and SIL said they'd also take turns in helping her, so she should also get used to seeing driving outside the 'one hour lesson and the test' experience she's had to date. Her next test is 16th October so we have lots of time to prepare her. I feel bad that I didn't put the effort in for this week's test.

DD is thinking exactly like Miss Piggy in reverse (no pun intended) - she keeps saying how stupid she must be when there are so many 17 year olds driving. She doesn't seem able to get past the 'I must be stupid' bit.

BlondeHeadOn - I'm really pleased that your Mum passed after so much effort. It's this kind of determination that I'm amazed at with DD - she runs the gamut of emotions after she failed, but then gets right back and tries again.

candygirl

Having taken tests from 1990 until 2006 , -with a big gap in between- I can confirm that the tests have got harder.I simply was nowhere near ready to pass on my first test, and didn't have private practise which helped me to pass on my last one, but the actual test is a lot more stringent now, with the national average pass rate being around 45%:eek: :eek:

candygirl

BlondeHeadOn wrote: »

My mum failed her driving test over 18 times before passing it :eek: - we don't know exactly how many she took in total, because after 18 times she stopped telling anyone she was taking them! And according to her, that's what did the trick - knowing that she didn't have to go back and tell anyone if she failed, she relaxed completely and managed to pass!

Could work for your DD too - it's added pressure if everyone knows she's taking it, so why not see if the 'secret test' method works for her too.

That is fanastic that she didn't let the system beat her.After all nobody has to know how many tests you've taken do they?I bet she's buzzin now:T :T

consultant31

Several years ago when my daughter took her driving test, she was a bag of nerves, and failed it.

On her second attempt, she started to take Bach's Rescue Remedy (from Holland & Barrett) for a few days before the test. She was completely chilled out during the test and passed with flying colours.

It has worked for exam stress for younger daughter and my Mum who was terrified of flying, but calm enough to sleep on the flight.

Minerva69

I can't really add anything to what the others have said, but I would also recommend the 2pass site. I am not a young driver but I passed my test first time in July and that site was really helpful to me, especially the forums. I took the advice about eating bananas and also used the Rescue Remedy spray for nerves, they both seemed to help. I also had Chamomile & Spearmint herbal tea (from Holland & Barrett).

I had terrible problems with reversing round a corner and only really cracked it about a week before my test. If your daughter is having problems with this then she just needs to practice it more - get her to ask her instructor to do a whole lesson on manoeuvres, I did this and it really helped me.

The best advice I can give is don't automatically assume you have failed your test if you think you have made a mistake. I had an altercation with a cyclist on my test and was convinced I had failed, but the examiner put it down as a minor fault because I had reacted quickly to the situation.

The only other thing I could suggest is would your daughter be happier learning in an automatic car? I ended up doing this and found it so much easier than learning in a manual, there is more time to concentrate on what is happening on the road. The only downside is if you take your test in an automatic that is all you are qualified to drive, and it's more expensive to buy an auto car than a manual, but I'm still glad I did it. Anyway hopefully your daughter will pass in October so you won't need to think about that

pixiegirl

I done my test last year, and passed first time after 8 lessons all together but 4 were when i first decided i wanted to do it then i had 4 and the test within a week a year later.

My driving instructer told me to eat a mars bar the morning of my test and i would pass - not 100% sure why but i did it, think its more psychological. my driving instructor gave me a lesson in the morning with all the thing she knew i was comfortable with so i went into the test with a real - i can do it attitute.

Just make sure your daughter is comfortable and RELAXED i think that is the key!:D

Good luck :beer: