The Ultimate "Driving Test" Thread!

[LulaBug]

I wanted to start a thread about my driving test and ask questions, but then I thought why not do a thread that everyone can contribute to and talk about when and how they passed their driving test to maybe give some help to those who are yet to go for their test?

I've got my driving test on the 28th June, so I've a fair few weeks to wait, nervous as hell and trying to keep myself calm. I've got a few more lessons to fit in before then, so lets hope I can get the manouevres sorted.

I've managed to get the 3 point turn more or less nailed, so just need to focus on the others.

So tell us about your driving test, how you passed...i.e...how many minors etc.

 

[Eala]

I passed mine on August 20th, 2009 (first attempt) I had 6 minors, all for daft things Two were picked up on my left reverse (one for positioning, one for control) because I had to correct it. My instructor had taken me on a mock test on the exact route I got on my real test, and I fluffed that corner by going really wide. So on my real test, I panicked and went too tight, so had to ask to correct it

Main things - keep breathing, you've done everything they will ask you to do, many many times before. They won't ask you to do anything new.

- Open a window. Even if it's pouring with rain, open your window just a crack. Two reasons; fresh air is good, it encourages you to breathe properly and I felt it kept my head clearer. Second reason is that it allows you to hear cars before you can see them, which can be really useful when doing maneuvers (sp?).

- Keep in mind that the test is really quite short. By the time you've done the sight test, and the show me/tell me, you've only got about half an hour on the road, if that. And they have to get you away from the test centre and back. So you don't have to concentrate hard for *that* long, just focus on your driving and let the examiner watch the clock

Good luck to everyone who has a test coming up

 

[baby.love]

I passed my test 1st time on March 11 2011 @ 11.11am and yes 11 is now my new lucky number.

I got 4 minors, 1 for control, 1 for approaching a r/about to fast, 1 for my turn in the road and i forget what the other was for

For nerves i took 2 paracetamol and ate a banana an hour before my test, i had read it helps so was prepared to try anything.

The best advice i got was actually from the examiner, he said 'you start your test with a pass, so just drive as you have been taught and relax'

As Eala said, the test goes so fast! I couldnt believe it when i noticed i was approaching the test centre.

Good luck to everyone who has a test coming up

 

[EmziixBo0o]

Arr im still doing my lessons, havnt even pratised my theory! i dont know if a boiok or disk is best, sorry to intrude but any advice on the theory side too?!?! xxx

 

[LulaBug]

I got the Complete Theory Test book from WH Smith and was put together by the AA. I think it was £9.99 and it includes all the theory test questions, has different topics etc.

What I did was instead of marking my answer in the book, I got a notepad and actually wrote the whole answer out. I found that by doing that, I took my time and actually learnt what was in the book. There are about 900 questions, however, you'll find the majority of them are the exact same question, just asked in a different way.

I also got the Hazard Perception on CD-ROM and found that that helped me get used to that particular part of the test. I think the CD-ROM was also £9.99.

Definitely helped me through my theory. xx

 

[Avalanche]

I'm waiting to take my test. Apparently my driving and manoeuvres are test standard, I just freeze at roundabouts I'm too hesitant.

 

[LulaBug]

It's better to be too hesitant than not enough, the last thing you want is to pull out and have some idiot smash into you.

 

[ilvmylbug]

Still waiting to do my Driver's Test. I have taken it twice and failed. So I'm nervous as hell now because if I fail I had to pay for driving school! I drive fine when not being tested, but as soon as my OH leaves and is replaced with an actual driving teacher, I freak out!

 

[Avalanche]

Thanks I think I'm hesitant because I was in a car accident last year, but it is frustrating!

 

[LulaBug]

There is something called Rescue Remedy Spray, which you can pick up from places like the drugstore or homeopathy stores.

It's basically a spray you put on your tongue and it's supposed to ease your anxiety, it's recommended for high pressure things like Driving Test's so I think I'll invest in that to help calm my nerves and focus my concentration.

I'm undecided if I want my driving instructor in the car with me, I'll probably panic if theres more than 1 person there, I'll feel all claustrophobic perhaps. I don't know...but then on the flip side, have someone I'm familiar with might help?

 

[baby.love]

There is something called Rescue Remedy Spray, which you can pick up from places like the drugstore or homeopathy stores.

It's basically a spray you put on your tongue and it's supposed to ease your anxiety, it's recommended for high pressure things like Driving Test's so I think I'll invest in that to help calm my nerves and focus my concentration.

I'm undecided if I want my driving instructor in the car with me, I'll probably panic if theres more than 1 person there, I'll feel all claustrophobic perhaps. I don't know...but then on the flip side, have someone I'm familiar with might help?

I would recommend trying this well before test day, i tried it for a lesson and it made me so tired and drowsy So thinking it might be a 1 off tried it again, and yup yet again i was feeling all dopey

 

[EmziixBo0o]

I got the Complete Theory Test book from WH Smith and was put together by the AA. I think it was £9.99 and it includes all the theory test questions, has different topics etc.

What I did was instead of marking my answer in the book, I got a notepad and actually wrote the whole answer out. I found that by doing that, I took my time and actually learnt what was in the book. There are about 900 questions, however, you'll find the majority of them are the exact same question, just asked in a different way.

I also got the Hazard Perception on CD-ROM and found that that helped me get used to that particular part of the test. I think the CD-ROM was also £9.99.

Definitely helped me through my theory. xx

Thanks i got the disk, but i just find it weird + havnt really been doing it, might go on disk tonight + get a book next week ha .. i changed driving instructors because mine was crap, my other one is so much better, he said he doesnt know why my old one didnt teach me 3 point turn first becuase its easiest to learn+ helps u find other 2 easier because of clutch control ect! she taught the parall park + reverse around a corner and not 3point turn!

ment to have a lesson tomorrow, cant really afford it but need to stick to them! xxx

 

[Bittersweet]

I passed second time 19/02/2010. I had 4 minors. Two fr mirror work, one for slightly late signalling and one for speed.
I failed first time for speed.

On my test I got a three point turn and a reverse around the corner.

 

[LulaBug]

Well done Bittersweet.

I thought they only made you do 1 manoevre? Oh well, I'll swot up on them all just in case

 

[Bittersweet]

Nope here in Scotland it's two.xx

 

[LulaBug]

Ooo, I'll ask my driving instructor on my next lesson how many I'll have to do. I just managed to get the hang of the 3 point turn, woohooo! 1 down, 3 to go!

 

[EmziixBo0o]

the new test its 1 monuver now Xx

 

[LulaBug]

Ohhh yeah, I think they dropped 1 manouevre in favour of the independent driving section. Eeeeekk!! Come back 2nd Manoevre lol, all is forgiven haha!

 

[Bittersweet]

Ahh ok. I sat my test in the Feb and in the oct it changed.x

 

[FayDanielle]

I've not got my test booked yet.
I've had 5 lessons since the beginning of april and my instructor thinks im doing really well for where I'm at, and thinks ill be done in around 15 lessons!
I hope so!

The national average amount of driving lessons before a passed test is 45!!

I have my theory test booked for 27th of this month and i've been proper swotting up!
I use www.theorytestpro.co.uk
Ive paid the £5.99 for a 30 day pass, which allows me to practise by subject and individual question if I wish too.

I do think alot of it is common sense and some of the questions are so repetitive!! x