Observation..

CorkFenian

Had test last Tuesday and failed, had a number of grade 2s and one grade 3 for observation, I honestly dont what to do to improve it, any suggestions??Have said it to instructors....

On a side note, does anyone know where the industrial estate is around Cabra\Phibsboro, i went there with a previous instructor, current one doesnt know it, I want to go driving there with a friend in the evenings, cheers....

threein99

CorkFenian wrote: »

Had test last Tuesday and failed, had a number of grade 2s and one grade 3 for observation, I honestly dont what to do to improve it, any suggestions??Have said it to instructors....

On a side note, does anyone know where the industrial centre around Cabra\Phibsboro, i went there with a previous instructor, current one doesnt know it, I want to go driving there with a friend in the evenings, cheers....

I did my test Tuesday no marks for observation.

My instructor said every time you turn right check the rearview and right wing mirror and for turning left check the left wing mirror and rearview, anytime you about to slow down check your rearview mirror. When moving moving off from the side of the road check all your mirrors and blind spot, when moving off at traffic lights give all 3 mirrors a glance.

CorkFenian

Thanks for post, will write that down, I got no marks for mirrors observation and reaction to hazards is killing me, would appreciate any other tips people may have

Instructor I have is good and has mentioned the above , rearview , left, indicator, then left when taking bend, but I have a tendency to overthink in the car, I should have made my own notes for it and stuck to that way of looking at it

**Timbuk2**

Another important thing is to remember, is when turning right, make sure you look into the road you are turning into before you actually turn - you are checking to make sure traffic is blocking your progress when you get onto the road - sometimes it's safer to not make the turn until traffic clears as proceeding with the turn might mean you are blocking traffic on the junction if traffic is blocking the way on the road you are turning into!

Also, when going through a green light, make sure to have a look at side roads to make sure that nobody is breaking red lights - you are also on the lookout for emergency vehicles (which do not wait at red lights). While emergency vehicles won't necessarily storm out in front of you if it's not safe, you might cause them to slow down to wait if you enter the junction without looking, even though you have the green light.

Reaction to hazards is a bit of a minefield as it can be anything (which is why it's a frustrating fault to get on your test - where did it come from?). But in general, make sure you are reading the road ahead of you at all times. Not just the 200 metres in front of you, put your eyes onto 'main beam' (as they say!) and read the road as far as you can see - keep looking for situations that will develop, like a car in the distance braking - expect to need to slow down. If you can anticipate situations in advance, then you may be able to avoid using the brakes (e.g. if you know traffic will be slowing down, just hold back a bit). I'm not saying avoid using the brakes, but don't put yourself into a situation where you have to brake when you could have anticipated it and slowed down! I'm not doing a great job of explaining this, but basically practice and experience and constantly reading the road ahead of you will help avoid the reaction to hazards issue!

CorkFenian

Thanks Timbuk2, thats a great post , to be honest (and I know its been discussed to death on this forum) I reckon I didnt get it as hadn't spent enough time out driving on my own.

I decided 3 weeks before exam to go out on my own, nothing major as I live beside Phoneix Park and its ideal for driving like that, Cabra, Finglas, (doing test in Finglas, booked it again last night)

I have fought the idea of doing it for past 2 years but something had to give, I was someweeks only getting 1-2 hrs in (plus instructor) someweeks no friends could make it....I had to accept that its the only way i will pass this exam..For those of you whom will say I'm wrong doing it, believe me its not something I'm doing lightly...

MascotDec85

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

Another important thing is to remember, is when turning right, make sure you look into the road you are turning into before you actually turn - you are checking to make sure traffic is blocking your progress when you get onto the road - sometimes it's safer to not make the turn until traffic clears as proceeding with the turn might mean you are blocking traffic on the junction if traffic is blocking the way on the road you are turning into!

Or left!

Always look into the road you are turning into before you do no matter which direction you re turning

**Timbuk2**

MascotDec85 wrote: »

Or left!

Always look into the road you are turning into before you do no matter which direction you re turning

Ah yes I did mean to say that. I just remember my instructor telling me that it is an often omitted step that learners do on their test while turning right, that's why right was in my head!