Driving test tomorrow, advice please!!! - Page 3

Jon M · 21-09-2004, 10:59

Sorry to hear that

.. all the second time passers will jump in now and tell you that "all the best drivers pass second time" .. ( which is total tosh, but might help nonetheless

)

Ramrod · 21-09-2004, 11:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZrByte

Doh!!

punky · 21-09-2004, 11:20

Sorry to hear that mate.... But you've got your chin up by the sounds of it, which is good.

And for you to do that well after only 6 days was amazing, you'll definitely crack it next time.

21-09-2004, 11:33

Sorry to hear you failed, better luck next time, just remember better drivers pass the 2nd time

Nemesis · 21-09-2004, 12:26

... and even better ones pass third time

**Rob** · 21-09-2004, 12:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis

... and even better ones pass third time

practice makes perfect, or so they say

says someone who passed first time but since drives around like he is in a dogem car, judging from the number of minor bumps he's had

andygrif · 21-09-2004, 12:31

Sorry to hear that ZR - hope you pass next time

ZrByte · 23-09-2004, 09:16

Well im all booked to do it again in a few weeks time, not telling anyone the date except my Mum, Dad, and a close friend (Shes good at keeping secrets). It was nice to have everyone rooting for me, but it was just plain depressing having to tell everybody I had failed. I plan to tell as many people as possible once ive passed though

and I will pass this time. I would have allready done my test again if I could but you have to wait at least 10 working days, I had to wait longer than this aswel to avoid getting a rush hour test time (8:40, 11:40, 15:30) I managed to get another 10:44 one

wich apparently is one of the times with the highest pass rate. So that should reduce the likeleyness of an external factor making me fail, ive just got to work on my observations and im golden

Ramrod · 23-09-2004, 09:21

Nugget · 23-09-2004, 09:28

Good luck with the next test ZR - at least with this one, you'll probably have a better idea of what to expect

Just take everyone's advice with your next test and you'll be fine - now you know what your minors were, you've got something to build on (I hit the kerb on my test and still managed to pass

)

**Russ** · 23-09-2004, 10:25

Yeah, I mounted the kerb on my parallel park and I still managed to pass

**Chris** · 23-09-2004, 10:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ D

Yeah, I mounted the kerb on my parallel park and I still managed to pass

Guilty ... my reverse round a coner was the best I had ever done - I was so close to the kerb that when I had to turn left afterwards I mounted the corner of the kerb. I thought that was a guaranteed fail, so I relaxed and decided to just learn from the experience. That's probably why I passed!

Nugget · 23-09-2004, 10:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris T

Guilty ... my reverse round a coner was the best I had ever done - I was so close to the kerb that when I had to turn left afterwards I mounted the corner of the kerb. I thought that was a guaranteed fail, so I relaxed and decided to just learn from the experience. That's probably why I passed!

Yep, that's how I looked at it. The examiner had me driving in a part of Grimsby that I never even knew existed, let alone had ever been to.

I was driving through an S-bend when it started to rain so, in-between putting the wipers on and driving round the bend (yes, I know I drive you lot round the bend

), I just smacked the kerb. After that, I just thought sod it and probably drove better than I ever had before, or since for that matter.

Mind you, my instructor thought I was the luckiest bloke in the world when I didn't have to reverse around a corner - I was rubbish at it during my lessons and have only done it about 3 times in the last 3 years.

Mr_love_monkey · 23-09-2004, 10:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nugget

.....and have only done it about 3 times in the last 3 years.

wow - what a confession to make on a notice board

Seriously, it's a very good point - how many people do actually reverse around corners in day to day life? Parallell park, yes, I can see the point of, you use it all the time, 3 point turn (or turning in the road as they call it now) same thing.... but reverse round the corner? .. no...

ntluser · 23-09-2004, 11:00

The important thing is to stay calm and to do things the way you know they should be done. Don't allow yourself to be bullied by impatient or aggressive drivers, particularly tail-gaters.

Make it obvious that you are using your mirrors and checking and controlling your speed.

Keep up with the traffic so long as the traffic around you isn't speeding and make sure that you observe the 2 second rule i.e. keep a few car lengths behind the car in front.

If you see something ahead that you are not sure of, check your rear mirror and slow down so that you have more time to see what's happening and to decide what action you are going to take.

When doing manoeuvres e.g. 3 point turn, parallel parking etc take your time and make sure that you do the usual mirror checks.

Take particular care when dealing with cyclists i.e. give them a wide berth.

When watching the road ahead, note any road markings or changes in markings.

Be prepared to stop at zebra or pelican crossings i.e slow down as you approach.

When driving behind lorries and buses, stay well back to give yourself maximum viewing space in case you decide to overtake or in case the bus stops abruptly leaving you no room to move out.

Make sure that you know all the signs, road markings etc and respond accordingly when you see them.

When approaching traffic lights,always be prepared to bring your car to a controlled halt i.e. slow down until you're sure they'll still be green when you get there.

Don't be frightened to acknowledge or give traffic courtesies but keep your hands on the wheel.

Most of this is common sense and sensible anticipation, but you'll be surprised how many stupid things you'll see out there on the road.

Hope this helps.

Good luck with the test!!