Reassurance Needed!

PhysiologyRocks

My test is about 5 weeks away (Wilton).

I get 2 lessons a week (where possible, at least one, have had over 20) and practise every day.

From time to time, though, I find myself making mistakes like taking the wrong lane, and the other day I even hit the path turning left! I rarely cut out, but has happened on occasion.

My reverse can end about a metre out as well. Turnabout is fine. Hillstart is grand.

I also have no idea how I'll be once I'm out on my own (not even contemplating breaking the law, just thinking about after I hopefully pass).

Just looking for others who still had faults coming up to test. Any tips? I know people will say to keep practising, but I do! Also, anyone with any info about Wilton tests, please share. I go there as often as possible, but I'm thankful for any extra info.

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

PhysiologyRocks

Believe me, I am not a risk-taker! I am possibly the most over cautious human being many will ever encounter. Driving itself is possibly the biggest gamble I've ever taken and at that, I'm no girl-racer!

I read statistics and try to stay aware of the dangers. I plan to get lessons on a motorway as soon as it's legal for me to drive on one.

The test is my worry because it is the most immediately imminent obstacle, although my instructor seems to be more confident than I am. I'm getting twice weekly lessons (at the very least) until my exam.

Thank you very much for the reply.

EDIT: Does anyone know if I'm driving between Wilton and Bishopstown in the test, and there are two lanes and the tester has not told me whether I'm turning right or left, what do I do?

Max Power1

PhysiologyRocks wrote: »

EDIT: Does anyone know if I'm driving between Wilton and Bishopstown in the test, and there are two lanes and the tester has not told me whether I'm turning right or left, what do I do?

Im not familiar with the route, buut the advice i have been given for a similar situation is always keep left unless told otherwise

DriveSkill

In general you should stay left unless given additional information (such as at the next roundabout please take the 3rd exit).

Going from Wilton to Bishopstown you should def stay in the left lane as the dual carriageway ends and the right lane merges into the left.

There are a few situations where you need to be in the right lanes around the Wilton Test routes :

1. Coming from Bishopstown toward Wilton and heading back to the test center you will be taking the 3rd exit at the Wilton Roundabout so need to be in the right lane on approach. Generally speaking you will be given the instruction for the roundabout early so once you are told you can move into the right lane. Latest this should be would be just after the traffic lights by CUH - it is also possible to be in the right lane before you come through the traffic lights if the instruction has been given by then.

2. Second case is coming from the Wilton Roundabout back towards the Sarsfield Road Roundabout, as you exit the Wilton R/bout you should be in the left lane but after passing Tesco traffic lights you should be looking to move into the right lane as you need to be in this lane on approach to the Sarfield Road Roundabout. Again the instruction will generally be given early to allow you sufficient time.

3. Final one I can think of also involves the Wilton Roundabout! There is a route from the test center up to the roundabout and then taking the 3rd exit down Glasheen Road. As you approach the roundabout you need to be in the right lane - and then there is another small lane further to your right just at the roundabout which you need to get into.

Good luck!

PhysiologyRocks

Thanks everybody!

Is touching the path when reversing a grade 2 or grade 3? It happens to me about one time in thirty but would still like to know.

Also, in my turnabout I find it tough to turn the wheels the other way in the 2nd half of the road (if the road is narrow) and it then becomes a 9 point turn! I know it doesn't need to be 3, but where possible, I like it to be. Will this be likely to pose a big problem?

And how often do people get marked for doing things that they're not doing? For example, in a 50 zone people have commented that it feels like I'm going much slower when I'm doing 50. I even had my speedometer checked! Could I be marked for lack of progress even if I'm on the limit?

I'm working really hard for this and researching like mad but beginning to stress out!

oldyouth

Fair play OP, it restores my faith in the learner driver. We all had to start somewhere but others seem to think they are great drivers once the cheque for the learners permit has been cashed.

You'll be fine, just take a deep breth and realise you can do the task in front of you. If in doubt, take your time, it's all about you controlling the car and not the car controlling you.

Best of luck

Black Swan

With practice you improve, and after awhile you can drive without thinking: "Practice makes perfect." In learning theory this is called procedural knowledge, and with practice and feedback over time it becomes automatic (i.e., automaticity per R.E. Clark of USC). This automaticity allows you to drive, enjoy the scenery, talk with a companion, listen to the CD or radio, and drive to a destination all at the same time without getting into an accident.

DriveSkill

Hi,

I think you should turn your sentence about touching the kerb around to - "29 times out of 30 you dont touch the kerb when reversing" therefore chances of you touching it on the actual test are very slim so dont worry about it! However, to answer the question if you touch the kerb gently it is generally a grade 2, if you hit the kerb hard then it is usually a grade 3 and if you actually put a wheel on the footpath then its almost certainly a grade 3.

For the turnabout the expectation is that you complete in 3 maneouvers but there are exceptions depending on the size of the car and the width of the road but 5 would generally be the maximum allowed (they wont bring you to a really narrow road!). Anything over 5 is almost certainly going to be a grade 2 under 'Competently' for the turnabout.

Dont worry about getting marks for something you didnt do. The vast majority of examiners are highly experienced and in terms of speed most could tell you what speed you are doing without ever looking at the speedometer! You will not be marked for progress if you keep to the speed limit, progress marks are more typical for being slow to move off at junctions, traffic lights, roundabout etc or if you drive significantly under the speed limit in conditions where it would be safe to drive at the speed limit.

Good luck with the test.

PhysiologyRocks

Thanks again.

Beginning to feel like I'm developing a few minor bad habits but it may just be that I'm noticing them more. Also, now that I know my test is coming I'm more aware of these things. I need to keep left more, rev less and keep in when turning left.

Not a habit as such, but also would like to work on making my observation obvious without being too exaggerated about it.

On the bright side, my instructor is absolutely brilliant (Have had a few of them!) and my accompanying driver now has time off work so has more time to help me.

If all does go a little bit wrong I can repeat before I get back to college in August and will hopefully have licence by then (I'll need to be able to drive between counties this year).

My biggest worry is that something ridiculous will happen (like I'll go anticlockwise on a roundabout!).

Still, hoping all will go right.

Shellygoose

Whoever decided to put the Wilton TC where it is was pure evil!! The Sarsfield, Wilton and Bandon Roundabouts are horrible and they put the fear of God into me before i did my test. i took a few refresher lessons before my practical exam (i was on my 2nd provisional when i took my test) and the instructor did as many of the known routes as possible with me.

What I would recommend is that you dont get too stressed over it, you'l work yourself up into blind panic otherwise. Im all for being well prepared but causing urself worry isnt good either.

I was convinced I failed my test because my reserve around the corner was soooo bad.....but I passed 1st time!!

GOOD LUCK

Shellygoose

Oh i just remembered a little tip a friend gave me before I did the test.......

I was useless at looking at my passenger wing mirror so i got a small reflective sticker that caught the sun and your natural reaction is to look

PhysiologyRocks

Thank you!

The countdown continues... My reversing and turnabout are going well. Keeping left just fine. Still revving a little bit at times.

My gear changing is still more audible than I'd like. Sometimes I slip over 50. Beginning to go from 4th to 2nd where convenient, and usually I prefer to go down all three. Must work on these!

Then it's just things like readjusting mirror after reversing - I never forget on a normal day, but must guard against it in the test.

Is the Bandon Road Roundabout used? I'm not a big fan, but planning some serious work on it if necessary!

PhysiologyRocks

Well I did it...

And I PASSED!!!:D:D:D:D:D

Delighted.

Jenna69

PhysiologyRocks wrote: »

Well I did it...

And I PASSED!!!:D:D:D:D:D

Delighted.

Congrats. Well done you.:)

How did you get over your nerves on the day? I won't be doing my test until at least September as i have to wait the six months but i can't imagine doing it this year.:o

DriveSkill

PhysiologyRocks wrote: »

Well I did it...

And I PASSED!!!:D:D:D:D:D

Delighted.

Congrats! Enjoy the freedom of the pink licence , safe driving.

PhysiologyRocks

Jenna69 wrote: »

Congrats. Well done you.:)

How did you get over your nerves on the day? I won't be doing my test until at least September as i have to wait the six months but i can't imagine doing it this year.:o

I looked the tester in the eye, shook his hand and told him it was nice to meet him - he's just a person. I kept reminding myself that the test was not the be all and end all.

My instructor prepared me really well and I worked hard, so I knew I had lots done, which was comforting.

Best of luck with it!

PhysiologyRocks

DriveSkill wrote: »

Congrats! Enjoy the freedom of the pink licence , safe driving.

Thanks, and thanks for all the replies to my threads! Loving my new licence, and other drivers are being much nicer now that my L plates are down.