Are waiting times going up?

BMRising

Hello - long time lurker, first time poster...have been learning a lot from this forum!

I applied for my test in Raheny six weeks ago today and haven't heard anything from them yet. I did say I wasn't available to take it until 24th September (6 month rule) so I'm not sure if that would have affected matters? I wouldn't have thought so because you're supposed to have four weeks notice once you get the date anyway. It's just that the RSA website says that the average wait in Raheny is only 8 weeks and that seems to be just plain wrong...Has anyone else got a date for Raheny recently and how did it compare time-wise to my own wait? I start work in October and won't have as much free time at all to practice then.

Also, for when I do get the date, I'd appreciate any advice on how to structure the last 7-10 days before the test in terms of practice - obviously as much as possible is best, but is there an amount that could be a bit too much and leave you wrecked by the time the actual test comes around? I was thinking of trying to get in 2/3 hours a day if possible or at least 1 if it isn't. What is the best way to use your last three lessons or so - one just before the test anyway, and 2 hours the evening before that? I really want to get this first time so am trying to pull out all the stops.

marley123

Have you applied for a Cancellation?? If not do asap - I held my licence 6mths last sat, emailed the wk before asking for a cancellation & got one for last monday - 2 days after I could legally take it ( despite an average of a 12 wk wait for Wicklow ).
I did one lesson on the Thursday & an intensive 1.5hours right before my test - seems to have done the job as I Passed

BMRising

Well done, that's amazing!

I didn't know I could apply for a cancellation before I'd done my first test. My six months are up on the 24th September - I might start calling the week before that then.

How much notice did they give you of the actual test?

marley123

Emailed them the wk before my 6mths were up saying my 6mths were up on the third & really needed to do the test asap they emailed back literally within 15 mins! got about 5 days notice

ADIDriving

Contact the RSA sooner rather then later and explain the situation. They can usually sort a suitable date.
As regards the preparation. Get your first pre-test lesson soon. So that you hav time to fix bad habits etc. The amount of practice you do depends on what you are comfortable with. You seem to have a fair idea on that already. Other lessons might cover the various test routes. One on the day of your test is usually a good plan.

BMRising

Thanks for the advice - called the RSA today and they gave me a date over the phone, three weeks away. Nervous now but excited as well! I've only been driving five months or so but I really want to pass first time (and I need to for work.)

One quick question - does anyone know what the correct response is when you're out driving and someone tries to wave you on when they have right of way, either on a mini roundabout or on a straight where there's an obstruction on your side? This happened to me twice this evening and while I accepted the wave on because I was just practicing, I'm not sure what would happen if I did this in the test. Should you just sit there stubbornly and wait for them to drive on? What sort of a mark would you get if you went?
Conversely if you let someone go when you have right of way, what sort of mark would you get for that and under what circumstances should you be doing that?

Mountjoy Mugger

My answer to that would be if it's safe to proceed, do so. You may be marked down for (lack of) progress otherwise.

I'll await the experts' answers now.

BMRising

Same question goes for when you're coming on to a superior road and someone slows down and waves you in or flashes you...do you go instead of sitting there and waiting for a gap?