Driving Test on Friday, few queries

Crochur

Have my test in Raheny on Friday, and I hear they're absolute sticklers for observation, especially in young drivers. I'm a little unsure about where exactly I should be looking during the reverse and three point turn? I'm perfectly fine with the tricky bits in the procedures, e.g., stopping momentarily during the reverse, handbraking at each point of the turnabout etc., I'm just a little wary of my observation on these because I don't think I'm looking everywhere that I should be.

Some of the routes around the Raheny test centre are very tight, with cars parked on both sides of the road, with barely enough room for two cars to squeeze through to squeeze through, so what would be a safe distance to keep here, that I don't get marked for driving too close to parked cars?

I'm a bit concerned about the whole speed issue as well; I know many people in Raheny who have been failed for lack of progress because they were driving too slow. I'm normally able to stick to just under the speed limit or on it, e.g., 58-60 in a 60 zone, but I did a pretest there last week, and the instructor told me not to worry about going 2 or 3 km/h over as it shows confident driving. Is this true? Also around how slow would you have to be going to get a lack of progress on turns? A friend of mine failed on that.

Thank you very much

**Timbuk2**

Best of luck in your test. I'm not familiar with Raheny but I'll try help!

For the reverse, you are going backwards and therefore you need 360 degree observation. You will reverse back until the point of turn, you will be looking in the mirrors to some degree but what is most important is physically turning around to look behind you - you are thinking are there any small children about, cars coming up etc. Once you get to the point of turn, check your right blindspot before starting to turn as the front of your car will swing outwards. Keep backwards observation going (as well as forward observation) while reversing around (don't spend the whole time staring in the left wing mirror, it's much more important to look out the back window).

For the turnabout it's similar - 360 degree observation. The way I was thought to do it is to observe in a 'clockwise' fashion (this seems daft written down ). Start by looking out the back window, left blindspot, left wing mirror, out the front window and the rear view mirror, then the right wing mirror and just before you move off, your right blindspot. Make sure to move very slowly (slow speed, but quick movement with the steering wheel). As you are moving, you are constantly observing around the car but especially in the direction you are moving. A good habit to get into is to open your window slightly before you do the turnabout (or reverse around the corner) - you might be able to hear hazards like children or runaway footballs before you see them. It isn't necessary to do for the test though, and should only be used in addition to (not instead of) proper observation.

Don't worry too much about being 2km/h above or below the speed limit. If the road is clear, you should make normal progress by driving at the speed limit. I wouldn't militantly try and keep it 2km/h above or anything - it doesn't show confidence. Although, speedometers aren't fully accurate and nearly always read between 5-10% on the high side, so if your speedo says you're 2km/h over the speed limit, chances are you are either at or below the speed limit. But it isn't hugely important.

As for parked car clearance - ideally you would like a doors width. I'm not sure about Raheny, but in Dundalk there is a section of the town centre which is a one-way section with 2 lanes, parked cars either side, and it's impossible to give a doors width without hogging both lanes. In cases like this, slow right down. Constantly assess the hazard of doors opening, people walking out from between cars. There are some tell tale signs, like if a car has just pulled in to park, they may open their door without looking if it's clear.

I failed my first test for lack of progress - I was being too careful because it was my test! Was trying to make it extra obvious to the tester about observation and everything, whereas you really should just drive as if it's your family / instructor in your car. Lack of progress turning left or right can have something to do with not taking a suitable gap in traffic. For example, if you are turning right and there is a gap suitable for one car, but you don't take it, that would be a mark for lack of progress turning right. Again, if you would take the gap if it isn't your test, then take it during your test!

Hope this helps! As for the age thing - don't worry about it. The tester will test everybody the same regardless of age, gender etc. I failed my first test when I was 17, passed my second on my 18th birthday, (I'm 19 now), but I never felt I was being tested any different because of my age, and I look very young for my age!

Best of luck - let us know how you get on!

thesparkyhound

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

Best of luck in your test. I'm not familiar with Raheny but I'll try help!

For the reverse, you are going backwards and therefore you need 360 degree observation. You will reverse back until the point of turn, you will be looking in the mirrors to some degree but what is most important is physically turning around to look behind you - you are thinking are there any small children about, cars coming up etc. Once you get to the point of turn, check your right blindspot before starting to turn as the front of your car will swing outwards. Keep backwards observation going (as well as forward observation) while reversing around (don't spend the whole time staring in the left wing mirror, it's much more important to look out the back window).

For the turnabout it's similar - 360 degree observation. The way I was thought to do it is to observe in a 'clockwise' fashion (this seems daft written down ). Start by looking out the back window, left blindspot, left wing mirror, out the front window and the rear view mirror, then the right wing mirror and just before you move off, your right blindspot. Make sure to move very slowly (slow speed, but quick movement with the steering wheel). As you are moving, you are constantly observing around the car but especially in the direction you are moving. A good habit to get into is to open your window slightly before you do the turnabout (or reverse around the corner) - you might be able to hear hazards like children or runaway footballs before you see them. It isn't necessary to do for the test though, and should only be used in addition to (not instead of) proper observation.

Don't worry too much about being 2km/h above or below the speed limit. If the road is clear, you should make normal progress by driving at the speed limit. I wouldn't militantly try and keep it 2km/h above or anything - it doesn't show confidence. Although, speedometers aren't fully accurate and nearly always read between 5-10% on the high side, so if your speedo says you're 2km/h over the speed limit, chances are you are either at or below the speed limit. But it isn't hugely important.

As for parked car clearance - ideally you would like a doors width. I'm not sure about Raheny, but in Dundalk there is a section of the town centre which is a one-way section with 2 lanes, parked cars either side, and it's impossible to give a doors width without hogging both lanes. In cases like this, slow right down. Constantly assess the hazard of doors opening, people walking out from between cars. There are some tell tale signs, like if a car has just pulled in to park, they may open their door without looking if it's clear.

I failed my first test for lack of progress - I was being too careful because it was my test! Was trying to make it extra obvious to the tester about observation and everything, whereas you really should just drive as if it's your family / instructor in your car. Lack of progress turning left or right can have something to do with not taking a suitable gap in traffic. For example, if you are turning right and there is a gap suitable for one car, but you don't take it, that would be a mark for lack of progress turning right. Again, if you would take the gap if it isn't your test, then take it during your test!

Hope this helps! As for the age thing - don't worry about it. The tester will test everybody the same regardless of age, gender etc. I failed my first test when I was 17, passed my second on my 18th birthday, (I'm 19 now), but I never felt I was being tested any different because of my age, and I look very young for my age!

Best of luck - let us know how you get on!

Well said really. I would agree about the speed thing. Being too conscious of it seems to signal to them that you are not 100% confident maybe. I also failed first time round for lack of progress. The only comment the tester made was to "pretend you are actually driving somewhere" . I guess I was being too hesitant or something.

**Timbuk2**

thesparkyhound wrote: »

Well said really. I would agree about the speed thing. Being too conscious of it seems to signal to them that you are not 100% confident maybe. I also failed first time round for lack of progress. The only comment the tester made was to "pretend you are actually driving somewhere" . I guess I was being too hesitant or something.

It's apparently quite common according to my instructor (note: never had any previous problems with progress despite getting 6 Grade 2's for it on my test, 4 of them on one line). You are aware that it's a test. For example, waiting for a gap to turn right. Normally you'd take one gap, for example, but in the test you worry that it mightn't be cautious enough and opt to take a larger gap, fearing that if you take the one you normally would, you might be a bit close to a car and get a Grade 3 (automatic fail).

The only other faults I had was a Grade 2 for Competency during the Turnabout and a Grade 1 (oddly) for Clutch (have no idea where this came from). The reason I got the Grade 2 for turnabout was that I did it in 5 turns when it could have been done in 3 - again, being too cautious - worried about hitting the kerb and getting a Grade 3

Sexy Girl

hey, i did mine in Raheny 2 weeks ago and failed by 2 marks. I was brought around Clontarf and first taxi man turned right, in front of me as I was driving down Veron Avenue, I covered the brake and slowed but the tester went for my wheel which there was no need for and marked me down. I couldnt jam on the brake as cars up my rear. we then turned onto a small narrow road with road works. got marked down 3 times for being too close to parked cars. Dont know what he thought I could do with cars coming at me from the other side of the road ( I was already over there side a bit).

He then took me to where St Gabrials church is to do my reverse, please note that this is a very bad spot as its on a slope and busy enough juntion as mace is across the road. cut out twice and couldnt complete it as had a car beeping at me. He didnt mark me on it at all as think he knew he took me to the wrong place. Wouldnt mind but had the reverse down to a tee just never done it on a slope before!!!

Each tester has things that annoy them, my instructor told me my progression was bad yet wasnt marked once on it. This tester it seemed to be parked cars. as talking to someone last night in my gym who had the same tester he grabbed their wheel to move her away from park cars and nearly went into an on coming car. Said she didnt complain but I think she should have. Considered it myself as he kept moving his feet as if he had dual control!

If you want any more info PM me otherwise I wish you the best of luck and hope you get the Foxfield / Kilbarrack route as its a nice one

spurious

Sexy Girl wrote: »

Each tester has things that annoy them, my instructor told me my progression was bad yet wasnt marked once on it. This tester it seemed to be parked cars. as talking to someone last night in my gym who had the same tester he grabbed their wheel to move her away from park cars and nearly went into an on coming car. Said she didnt complain but I think she should have. Considered it myself as he kept moving his feet as if he had dual control!

In my long experience of tests in Raheny:D, I've had him once. I know exactly who you mean. Here's hoping I don't get him today. He is so nervous in the car it's very off-putting.

**Timbuk2**

That's bad form for a tester. Both testers I had were relaxed which helped me to relax. I would certainly have panicked if the tester tried to grab the wheel, that's so dangerous! :eek:

threein99

Has anyone any tips on what parts of the book to read ? its 200 pages long so would like to know what areas to concentrate on

thesparkyhound

threein99 wrote: »

Has anyone any tips on what parts of the book to read ? its 200 pages long so would like to know what areas to concentrate on

The road signs at the back, the road markings, and basic questions like
-when you dip your lights
-where would you not park
- When would you not over take
-The meaning of a box junction
-Meaning of continuous white line
-Use of car horn
-What to look out for on your tyres (like bulges etc)
-Sequence of traffic lights

Sorry thats everything I can think of....

**Timbuk2**

And also when you can overtake on the left!

Technically speaking you should know all of them if you're out on the road driving, but if your test is in a few days I'd just concentrate on the above list. The questions they ask aren't difficult - your knowledge from the theory test would probably be enough to get you through it!

If/when you're looking at the signs, most of them will be obvious to you but there'll be a few that aren't immediately obvious, namely the roadworks flagman (a man holding a flag :P ), pedestrian zone and clearway - they ask those often!

threein99

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

And also when you can overtake on the left!

Technically speaking you should know all of them if you're out on the road driving, but if your test is in a few days I'd just concentrate on the above list. The questions they ask aren't difficult - your knowledge from the theory test would probably be enough to get you through it!

If/when you're looking at the signs, most of them will be obvious to you but there'll be a few that aren't immediately obvious, namely the roadworks flagman (a man holding a flag :P ), pedestrian zone and clearway - they ask those often!

My test is in a month just dont want to be wasting time reading stuff they dont ask about

threein99

threein99 wrote: »

My test is in a month just dont want to be wasting time reading stuff they dont ask about

Interesting attitude to this whole driving thing there.

I'd still say spend an hour a day for a week reading the Rules of the Road.

threein99

Dónal wrote: »

Interesting attitude to this whole driving thing there.

I'd still say spend an hour a day for a week reading the Rules of the Road.

Only want to know whats going to be asked in the test, been driving for over 2 years so im fairly clued up on the rules of the road.

threein99

threein99 wrote: »

Only want to know whats going to be asked in the test, been driving for over 2 years so im fairly clued up on the rules of the road.

First of all it doesn't follow that you're "clued up" on ROTR just because you've been driving for 2 years, and secondly if you know them so well you should have no concerns about the test asking them
If your test is in a month you have more than enough time to cover the book. A little every day, as Donal said.

threein99

bluewolf wrote: »

First of all it doesn't follow that you're "clued up" on ROTR just because you've been driving for 2 years, and secondly if you know them so well you should have no concerns about the test asking them
If your test is in a month you have more than enough time to cover the book. A little every day, as Donal said.

I understand all that I just didnt appreciate his "interesting attitude to driving" remark. All I asked was what areas of the book do I need to focus on for the test.

fred252

have a look at this site http://www.drivingtesttips.ie/ it is excellent.

there are tutorial videos for every part of the test. it'll show you where you have too look for reversing and 3-point turn.

also there are about 80 potential test questions on the site. you need to be able to answer all of those.

some good advice i got was to be as calm as possible (difficult when you're nervous i know) and drive according to the conditions e.g. if in a built up area with a few pedestrians and junctions around then reduce your speed accordingly. check your mirrors appropriately (some of the videos go through this) i.e. don't be checking them when you need to be looking straight ahead because that would reduce your ability to react to hazards.

luck plays a part of course. if you get a 20 min stretch with little traffic and not much oncoming traffic etc. to avoid it helps.

Crochur

Sexy Girl wrote: »

Each tester has things that annoy them, my instructor told me my progression was bad yet wasnt marked once on it. This tester it seemed to be parked cars. as talking to someone last night in my gym who had the same tester he grabbed their wheel to move her away from park cars and nearly went into an on coming car. Said she didnt complain but I think she should have. Considered it myself as he kept moving his feet as if he had dual control!

Cheers for the ton of advice everyone, really helpful can anyone describe this fella to me? If he tried to pull at my wheel and steered me into oncoming traffic, I'd definitely put in a complaint! Think I'll be alright on the calmness front, I never stress much about exams, thankfully

Just one more thing, as a general rule for overtaking parked cars, should you always indicate when moving across the white line? Or is it kind of dependent on how far you'll be moving out; normally I only do it when I have to move more than half the width of the car across the line

Moojuice

I am hoping to take my test soon after a few lessons. I had to drive through town unexpectedly and did fine. I am going to apply in goatstown, does anyone have a map of the route(s) or know the route(s)? I would like to drive it a few times before I go for the test.

Moo