Successful - post here

her0fire · 12-07-2017 8:06pm

Delighted to say I passed my driving test first time in Tallaght today with only 2 grade 2s! Reading this thread really helped me so hope anyone reading this and going to do their test soon, passes it!

islandlady · 26-07-2017 1:23pm

So thrilled to be posting this! I passed my driving test in Naas this morning and I honestly couldn't be any happier! My tester was the loveliest man and completely put me at ease. I had 4 grade 2s and 2 grade 1s.

Grade 2s were for road position turning right, progress on the straight (should have went into fourth, stayed in 3rd) and lack of observation out the back window on my reverse. Grade 1 was for a funny situation where a pedestrian went almost out in front of me (like to the edge of the car) and kinda looked a me to see if he could go. I wasn't sure what he was doing so I kinda went to let him go. Tester said it was a funny one so just got a Grade 1 for it. Also a Grade 1 for reaction to hazards which I can't remember, it may be for the same situation.

Anyway, I PASSED! Couldn't be happier! The very best of luck to anybody reading this before their test! I managed to cut out at the start of my reverse around a corner and just asked could I go again, took a deep breath and started again. Just stay calm, lots of deep breaths and you'll be fine!

Neon_Lights · 26-07-2017 1:32pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Passed on my second attempt today. I never have to look in my mirrors again! :pac:

Yes you do, unless you want a big cyclists claim on your hands

Extrasupervery · 17-08-2017 11:54pm

Passed in Churchtown today! Failed in Finglas about a month ago and was full sure that I had failed today, didn't quite believe the tester when he gave me a certificate of competency with my name on it. The change of venue was purely down to where a cancellation was available, but I think it helped. I knew Finglas too well, and was almost predicting where the tester would bring me. I had a pre test in Churchtown last week and I drove around the routes a few times myself, but it was still quite fresh and helped me focus up. The relief is mighty lads.

neonsofa · 18-08-2017 12:33pm

Extrasupervery wrote: »

Passed in Churchtown today! Failed in Finglas about a month ago and was full sure that I had failed today, didn't quite believe the tester when he gave me a certificate of competency with my name on it. The change of venue was purely down to where a cancellation was available, but I think it helped. I knew Finglas too well, and was almost predicting where the tester would bring me. I had a pre test in Churchtown last week and I drove around the routes a few times myself, but it was still quite fresh and helped me focus up. The relief is mighty lads.

Well done!! Great feeling!

congrats and safe driving!

alroley · 03-09-2017 2:58pm

Passed first time on Friday in Castlemungret, Limerick. Got 3 grade 2's. So delighted as less than a year ago I thought I would never drive due to nerves. I bought my own car earlier this year as one lesson a week was not really making me progress.

Thought I had failed at one point when someone in a parked car swung open their door as I was driving past - the examiner gasped so I thought I had been too close.

neonsofa · 03-09-2017 3:07pm

alroley wrote: »

Passed first time on Friday in Castlemungret, Limerick. Got 3 grade 2's. So delighted as less than a year ago I thought I would never drive due to nerves. I bought my own car earlier this year as one lesson a week was not really making me progress.

Thought I had failed at one point when someone in a parked car swung open their door as I was driving past - the examiner gasped so I thought I had been too close.

Well done for overcoming your nerves! Congrats

Posy · 04-09-2017 1:09pm

alroley wrote: »

So delighted as less than a year ago I thought I would never drive due to nerves.

That's me at the moment. You're my inspiration now!! :pac:

alroley · 04-09-2017 3:46pm

Posy wrote: »

That's me at the moment. You're my inspiration now!! :pac:

If I could do it, you can!! I was a wreck - the amount of sweating I did during lessons was unbelievable

Grad2015 · 12-09-2017 8:07pm

bigmc23 wrote: »

Passed on my second attempt in churchtown today with 2 * grade 2s. Remembering GOSHO for taking off from stationery and MSMM for making turns is key!

Hi Congrats!

What do these standard for?

CoffeeCrap · 13-09-2017 8:12am

Gear, observation (mirrors), signal, handbrake, observation (blind spot check) - Process for moving off

Mirror, Signal, Mirror, Manouevre - Process for making turns

Stevegpz80 · 15-09-2017 9:37pm

Past in ennis today had 3 minors for position on a left turn and other two were for clutch control.

A difference three months makes took my first test and made complete mess of it in June 14 marks against me.

Vlad Kelly · 28-09-2017 4:29pm

Passed first time in Finglas last week and received my licence today. Surprisingly I actually enjoyed the test and it was satisfying to finally apply all the skills I've been working on in a pressure situation. I watched some of the ISM videos on youtube which I found very helpful as I tend to learn more watching others doing things than by following instructions. There are also good videos on other channels which show you the routes they take in Finglas, which to me were very useful with getting a clear idea on position and progress, as well as getting a vibe of what your driving is expected to look like.

I've actually booked a couple more lessons for next week just to ease into being a fully licenced driver, seems like a good idea to polish up on the skills after you've passed the test to make sure you're at a high enough standard outside a test setting.

spurious · 28-09-2017 4:33pm

Vlad Kelly wrote: »

I've actually booked a couple more lessons for next week just to ease into being a fully licenced driver, seems like a good idea to polish up on the skills after you've passed the test to make sure you're at a high enough standard outside a test setting.

I took a couple of motorway lessons after getting mine. What seems like straightforward stuff now, merging, lane switching etc.. Well worth it, though frightening to see how many folk out there are completely clueless re merging.

Well done on passing.

Mushy · 04-10-2017 12:58pm

Passed today first time in Cork. Just about, thought I had gone over the amount of grade 2s but not to be. Delighted about it. Odd route too, not one I've heard.

liamog · 06-10-2017 11:36am

Passed today driving in Finglas, test was at 8:11AM. Roads were surprisingly clear, a few grade two's for late signals and observation but nothing systemic.
Quick run to Santry to apply for my full, this next week is going to suck.

loughrey2887 · 11-10-2017 4:55pm

liamog wrote: »

Passed today driving in Finglas, test was at 8:11AM. Roads were surprisingly clear, a few grade two's for late signals and observation but nothing systemic.
Quick run to Santry to apply for my full, this next week is going to suck.

why would it suck?

liamog · 11-10-2017 6:55pm

loughrey2887 wrote: »

why would it suck?

It's the week of officially being a learner even though you've passed your test.

lilsparkle69 · 12-10-2017 5:14pm

Passed first time in Tallaght. Absolutely delighted as I was nervous about doing it. One grade 1 and 3 grade 2's, silly little mistakes but overall the tester was very happy with how I drove.

CaoimheSquee · 20-10-2017 11:16am

Finally able to post in this thread!
Successful in Wicklow yesterday in the lashings of rain!

I failed first time round there, weather was even worse and I missed a ghost island when turning right, instant grade 3. I had otherwise done very well up until then. The tester gave me a high five after it all and said job well done, I can't tell you the relief! I took the whole thing so seriously and worked the nerves into a terrible state!

Two things though, I had an incredible teacher - John Butler. I started learning a good few years ago but then my need for a car diminished so i parked the whole thing for about 4 years and started up again about a year ago. In that time I practiced literally every moment I could and built my confidence up. So the combination of a great teacher and hard work paid off and it's a nice feeling.

Don't give up guys - if a nervey lass in her mid thirties can do it - you can too!!

Mike Girkin · 21-10-2017 11:38am

Hi!

Yesterday I passed my driving test in Tallaght in the first attempt! I have russian license, but had no experience at all (put it on the shelf when I passed some years ago).
Got 6 "blue" marks and 14 (sic!) "green ones". The grade 2 marks were in 6 different lines - vehicle controls (clutch, gears, steering) and progress (left, right, traffic lights). Almost all the minors were in the same lines as "blue" ones. The examiner told me that I need to polish my skills a bit, since I didn't to any reasonably bad mistakes, but my driving wasn't perfect at all either.
Surprisingly no marks on observation, positioning and reaction to hazards - those the most frequent ones, as I understood reading this and "failed" threads.

All my thanks go to my teachers - independent instructor Shane (Dublin 8) and Grzegorz Rybicki! Got 35-40 hours of training from them.

Never give up! Practice until you feel confident and relaxed to drive during your learning time.

If anybody interested, here is the route from my memory:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5t0XUR-q4ZKb1RpQVZqVTFoemM/view?usp=sharing

Siobhnk · 21-10-2017 10:44pm

Delighted I get to finally post here!! Second time lucky, failed miserably in my first attempt in June. The odds were stacked against me, my test was cancelled a few minutes before it was due to start on Tuesday, and my own car broke down yesterday. Had a bit of a panic thinking I'd never get used to a strangers car (my driving instructor sourced another driving instructors car that was similar enough to my own.) It drove like a dream! I had a "feck it" attitude going in, like what else could possibly go wrong other than failing, and it did me the world of good. I'm usually a mad panicker with tests/exams. Picked up a few silly marks but sure look it I passed! Delighted

optogirl · 06-11-2017 11:12am

Finally passed after 8, count 'em, EIGHT attempts. Difference this time was getting pre-test lessons including one the morning of the test which made a huge huge difference to my driving & my nerves. Having failed 7 times, i passed with just one fault (observation reversing round the corner). So so happy that at long last I can drive anywhere, anytime. Wahoo.

neonsofa · 06-11-2017 12:21pm

optogirl wrote: »

Finally passed after 8, count 'em, EIGHT attempts. Difference this time was getting pre-test lessons including one the morning of the test which made a huge huge difference to my driving & my nerves. Having failed 7 times, i passed with just one fault (observation reversing round the corner). So so happy that at long last I can drive anywhere, anytime. Wahoo.

Well done! Genuinely, fair play.

yerwanthere123 · 13-11-2017 2:03pm

Thrilled I get to post here, passed in Killarney on my third attempt. Had an awful sourpuss of a man who'd do nothing to put you at ease. Quite daunting waiting for the test, two other people were waiting before me and neither were allowed sit their test. One fella there was something wrong with his car, another girl hadn't responded to an email to confirm her time apparently. So that didn't feel like a great omen!

Was quite nerve-wracking on the test after that, made a few silly mistakes due to nerves that I'd usually never make and headed back to the test centre after barely twenty-five minutes of driving, so I presumed I had failed. Anyways headed into into the room to get my result, no congratulations, no well-done, tapped a couple of things into his iPad and then handed me what I presumed was the feedback form to say I'd failed, only to see it was in fact a certificate of competency. Delighted! He then when through all my seven grade two's in a lot of detail and what I need to do better, it was literally as if I'd failed! Went out the with not even a smile from him... But I didn't care as I was thrilled :pac: So relieved it's over!

purplestar1986 · 15-11-2017 10:47am

I passed yesterday in Navan. It was my 2nd go, I got marked on 2 things, progression on a straight and observation when overtaking. All in all it was 2 grade 2 and 3 grade 1.

Absolutely delighted with myself. I'm still a little shocked, not saying I cant drive but ya know yourself

I had stopped driving for about a year after I failed the first time, I was very nervous but I spoke to an amazing instructor and he really went above and beyond to help me and I just couldn't thank him enough yesterday.

I sent off for my license straight away yesterday, went to Trim and got it done and dusted. No point in hanging around now

CNOT · 18-11-2017 8:12pm

Passed today in Wicklow on the second attempt (first one was years ago, was surprised to see a tablet instead of paper). Never been so glad to see clouds given the amount of low sun at this time of year, and the area was fairly quiet even if wet so I definitely got a lucky break with it. Not even cyclists in the way. Contrast with the same area during the weekdays and there's loads of mammies and children, with a lot more watching to be done. Nerves were at me and I still managed to clock up quite a few grade 2s but the tester was grand.

Sara2002 · 18-11-2017 9:19pm

CNOT wrote: »

Passed today in Wicklow on the second attempt (first one was years ago, was surprised to see a tablet instead of paper). Never been so glad to see clouds given the amount of low sun at this time of year, and the area was fairly quiet even if wet so I definitely got a lucky break with it. Not even cyclists in the way. Contrast with the same area during the weekdays and there's loads of mammies and children, with a lot more watching to be done. Nerves were at me and I still managed to clock up quite a few grade 2s but the tester was grand.

Congratulations! I have my second attempt in Wicklow on Monday, I hope I'll be as lucky!
Fair play anyway for passing this time round, you must be so relieved.

CNOT · 18-11-2017 11:12pm

Sara2002 wrote: »

Congratulations! I have my second attempt in Wicklow on Monday, I hope I'll be as lucky!
Fair play anyway for passing this time round, you must be so relieved.

Yeah it's good to have it out of the way, or at least it will be once I physically have the license. Good luck on your test. Weekday Wicklow isn't nice, though I have mostly been there in the afternoons when the schools are out. The route I did didn't spend long in the town proper.

Dontfadeaway · 22-11-2017 9:06pm

Passed today on my first attempt. I didn't expect to be posting in this thread, but here I am. Delighted

NMC13 · 27-01-2018 9:26pm

Passed on Tuesday in Wilton, Cork. Can't believe it! Second attempt and somehow got the same tester and same route as my first test.

TheQuietBeatle · 02-02-2018 7:58pm

Well done. It really is a great feeling.

Canyon86 · 04-03-2018 7:34pm

Passed in dungarvan a few weeks ago, great feeling, after two failed attempts

What I found that helped me was the following :
Lessons and knowing the routes , just a case of paying for lessons I know it's expensive but just has to be done

Eat something before test , treat it like a normal drive ,

The day before don't drive and rest up, I got stuck into netfix

Good luck all!!!

Agent Smith · 08-03-2018 12:24am

Got it today! Absolutely delighted with myself

Did it in Churchtown. was half expecting it to be canceled!

28577306_1615530921835832_2204701956832585541_n.jpg?oh=8a6c860284add6782f5de2b7fcc9a552&oe=5B432DE1

28577306_1615530921835832_2204701956832585541_n.jpg?oh=8a6c860284add6782f5de2b7fcc9a552&oe=5B432DE1

citygal93 · 21-03-2018 10:42am

I passed yesterday with 8 grade 2s! so barely passed. A few weeks ago I sat a near perfect test with 2 grade 1s and 1 grade 3. After failing the first time my driving seemed to go to sh*te and when I was doing my reverse around the corner in yesterday's test my leg actually shook so hard that I had to put the hand brake on and let it rest. My tester actually thought I had some physical condition when I showed him my leg! Thankfully he was understanding and I never felt judged (unlike the first tester). So happy to never have to do that again in my life and drive confidently and nerve-free now that I'm ot in a test environment.

Kitty6277 · 04-04-2018 6:11pm

Passed today in Tipp town on my second attempt! Absolutely delighted, even when I was doing the test I had no idea how it was going

Senor Chang · 08-04-2018 2:50pm

I'm still learning, and just wanted to see what people's thoughts were on how much practice is needed weekly? For example, did you try to have x number of lessons with an instructor, and x number with your accompanying driver? And how long were you learning for before you took/passed your test?

I know I'm not getting enough practice in as my parents aren't willing to take me out often, so would like to know what I should be doing and hope to convince them!

Agent Smith · 09-04-2018 11:16am

Senor Chang wrote: »

I'm still learning, and just wanted to see what people's thoughts were on how much practice is needed weekly? For example, did you try to have x number of lessons with an instructor, and x number with your accompanying driver? And how long were you learning for before you took/passed your test?

I know I'm not getting enough practice in as my parents aren't willing to take me out often, so would like to know what I should be doing and hope to convince them!

Do you have your own car?

Kitty6277 · 09-04-2018 11:26am

Senor Chang wrote: »

I'm still learning, and just wanted to see what people's thoughts were on how much practice is needed weekly? For example, did you try to have x number of lessons with an instructor, and x number with your accompanying driver? And how long were you learning for before you took/passed your test?

I know I'm not getting enough practice in as my parents aren't willing to take me out often, so would like to know what I should be doing and hope to convince them!

When I started driving, after I did my first lesson or two with my driving instructor, I would drive everywhere with my accompanying driver (my mam). So if we were going getting shopping or going down the town or anything like that, I would drive. So I'd basically suggest try and drive as much as possible, if your parents are going getting the shopping, ask if you can drive instead to get some more experience. I was learning for over a year before I passed my test due to waiting times for tests, one that was not conducted, one that I failed and then the last one that I passed.

citygal93 · 09-04-2018 12:01pm

Senor Chang wrote: »

I'm still learning, and just wanted to see what people's thoughts were on how much practice is needed weekly? For example, did you try to have x number of lessons with an instructor, and x number with your accompanying driver? And how long were you learning for before you took/passed your test?

I know I'm not getting enough practice in as my parents aren't willing to take me out often, so would like to know what I should be doing and hope to convince them!

Hi,

I got my car last August and did lessons rights up until March when I did my test. I was doing lessons with my instructor every 2 weeks, with 1 or 2 lessons with my dad between each. I don't live with my dad so it was harder to get a time that suited both of us than it would be for someone who lives with theirs. Just keep hounding your parents, any time they go out to the shops say "I'll drive!". The more used to the car you are, the more comfortable you'll be on the day of the test

Senor Chang · 09-04-2018 10:39pm

Agent Smith wrote: »

Do you have your own car?

I do! The only other person that can take me out really is my brother who doesn't live with us anymore, so not many options unfortunately

Thank you all for the advice, I will definitely try driving them to and from wherever they're going and get more practice in!

Agent_47 · 18-04-2018 4:54pm

My daughter passed the test first time this week. As she is on the achieve package with Aviva and insured until June she does not want to get the full licence till then. Can she not get the licence now and drive as a novice or what way does it work?

stephenl15 · 25-04-2018 11:09am

Passed this morning in Raheny, 4th time of asking

Was very nervous as I was afraid I'd never pass after failing three times. think the tester allowed for that as I definitely over accelerated a couple of times. It's not an easy test centre though.

RobY · 01-05-2018 7:03pm

Agent_47 wrote: »

My daughter passed the test first time this week. As she is on the achieve package with Aviva and insured until June she does not want to get the full licence till then. Can she not get the licence now and drive as a novice or what way does it work?

Hi. Congrats to her for passing the test. The tester will have given her a Certificate of Competency.

She has up to 2 years to exchange this for a Full License and change her L Plates to N plates.

Until she applies to the NDLS and receives the Full license back from them, she is still technically a learner driver and must be accompanied and display L plates and stay off motorways etc.

So, she can wait till nearer the end of the current insurance to apply. Bear in mind that there is a lead time to get an appointment with the NDLS and then another lead time to receive the full license in the post.

Achasanai · 02-05-2018 6:00pm

Passed in Churchtown a little while back, 3rd time of asking: 4 grade twos. Didn't see much of a difference between this drive and my 2nd attempt (which was a bad fail) but I wasn't complaining.

It feels weird to be driving on my own with no qualified driver beside me!

AnSliabhCorcra · 02-05-2018 7:03pm

Passed today in Mallow Co. Cork. 4th attempt but solid enough pass. 2 x grade two and 1 x grade 1. Really over the moon. The last instructor I used was just fabulous with pretexts etc. This was first time in Mallow (I’d tested in cork before). Over the moon.

Curb Your Enthusiasm · 08-05-2018 8:21pm

Passed my theory test today! Had the eyesight check done a few hours later

Have my learner permit appointment booked for the start of June - only upwards from here!

08-06-2018 4:09pm

Passed today in Finglas, delighted ðŸ˜€ðŸ˜€ðŸ˜€

shmalentine · 23-07-2018 6:36pm

Passed today in Sligo! Absolutely delighted. Had gone into the test already having accepted that there was a slim to no chance of passing. (It was my first time)

I was taking lessons every other day for about ten days before the test and I seemed to be getting worse with each lesson. I started overthinking things and getting flustered, suddenly I started becoming acutely aware of every move I made and driving just became really unnatural. I felt like my lessons were really dragging on and thought the exam would as well but it flew by surprisingly .

Although Im sure he wont admit it, my instructor was definitely worried for me.

I have to say a bit of luck was on my side, the roads wernt too busy, the weather cleared up and my examiner seemed really reasonable. I got 4 grade 2's . If I'm being honest i think i deserved a bit more than that, I screwed up a turn on a roundabout so badly at one point i assumed I had failed right there and then.I was in the wrong gear and the wrong lane. He gave me 2 grade 2's for that.

I thought my nerves would get the better of me , I get can really jittery in high pressure situations like this but besides some awkward conversation at the beginning I stayed pretty calm . I drove a touch slower than I normal would , which helped me to stay calm, and gave me enough time to anticipate and collect my thoughts.

Anyways i had been immersing myself in all things driving for the past few days - on boards and youtube so i thought i'd share. Sorry for the long post , just very happy.

Best of luck to anyone who has their test coming up.

gwalk · 24-07-2018 11:49am

Passed this morning in Tallaght

Had a learner permit for years and had failed the test twice before

Took a break from driving for 3 years while I was living in the UK., returned home in April booked my test

Did some lessons to eradicate the bad habits from when I first started driving (never did proper lessons, my dad thought me in an industrial estate, passed with 4 grade 2's

Successful - post here

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