Driving Test Tips

jessie2

Hi all, I am new to this posting and site but had to join up to see if anyone had any useful tips for doing my dirving test... I am starting lessons again soon as I already failed some years ago and have been lucky enough to have been driven around so far, this will change soon and I need to pass...I live in the country and so need to pass but I am so terrified, imagine that and I am in my 40ties...more afraid of doing this than anything else I have had to do in life so far,any hdlp, my test is in march, the first....awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

slimjimmc

jessie2 wrote: »

Hi all, I am new to this posting and site but had to join up to see if anyone had any useful tips for doing my dirving test... I am starting lessons again soon as I already failed some years ago and have been lucky enough to have been driven around so far, this will change soon and I need to pass...I live in the country and so need to pass but I am so terrified, imagine that and I am in my 40ties...more afraid of doing this than anything else I have had to do in life so far,any hdlp, my test is in march, the first....awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Hi Jessie2 and welcome. There's a whole sub-forum called Learning to Drive which has loads of tips you might find helpful. Don't be terrified, testers are just humans!

tommycahir

Hi

I have moved this from the Carlow Forum to the Learning to drive forum as it is more appropriate to the topic being discussed.

Regards
Tommy

DazMarz

Hi, I'm kinda in the same boat as yourself!

Going for my driving test (first time out) in Wicklow Town on Tuesday. And a lot of people have said that my attitude will help; I'm as calm as a coma over it. I've always been that way about exams/tests/etc. and I've always come out fairly well. I'm not so calm and confident that I'm arrogant. But I'd say that trying to stay calm and not being a bag of nerves is the biggest help! Easier said than done, but try.

Drive like a granny for the test; take it nice and easy, do not drive too fast (but contrarily do not drive too slow either!)...

Over-exaggerate the "looking in the mirrors" movements, the "checking blind-spot" movements, etc. You may be doing these things, but if the examiner cannot see you doing them, he may fail you for not using the mirror enough/failure to check blind spot/etc. My instructor always reprimanded me for not checking my central mirror enough, but I was using it! A lot! but then he told me that you have to be seen to be using it! Move your head and body around when doing observational moves.

Always slow up coming to junctions/roundabouts... amazing how many people don't do this!!!

Look in the direction you want the car to go; if you're turning right, look to the right. If you want to go left, look left. This is essential for observation.

Do not coast! When taking the test, do not coast in the car (slipping car in neutral and letting it still progress forward). Always use clutch control.

Know your car, and know your hand signals.

But the main one I find is: Keep CALM. Once you maintain calmness and so on, you will be much better. Be sure to do this.

jessie2

Hi all, thanks so much for taking the time to reply, as I said I am new to this site and it has taken me ages to find this page again...:)

I know I should be calm, Ive already had a very tough past year that should make a driving test feel like a day out but whatever it is about it I'm very nervous about it and need to pass it so much that I believe that is prob the main thing ...thanks everybody who took time to post, much appreciated

DrivingTestTips: Brian

Hi Jessie

First off let me say.
Please make sure you practice and take lessons with a qualified ADI (Approved Driving Instructor)

SO! with saying that:
On the www.DrivingTestTips.ie website you will find video tutorials which will help you.

magochre

HI Jessie,

First, I wish you the best of luck in your test. I really hope you pass.
I passed mine second attempt in November and I am in my forties too.

I think it's really hard to legislate for nerves. On my first try I was a lot calmer than on my second. I think the main thing is that you just try to manage the nerves rather than trying to eradicate them, we all cope with stress differently and that's just being human.

Also, if you can see your age as a plus in that you are possibly more cautious and attentive then you were 20 years ago it might help (that's not to put down any young learners, I'm simply outlining the positives in your case, young learners have loads of advantages too).

And practice! As much as you can with an instructor and/or a fully licenced driver. Also, if you can manage a few pretests near the date (and on the day too if feasible) they'll stand to you.

Lastly, if, God forbid, you don't get it this time round reapply immediately. I got a cancellation date three weeks after my first attempt which kept me focused and in the 'zone'.

Wishing you all the best:)

SantryRed

How do I book for a cancellation? Can't find it on the site.