Failed test in Tallaght

Danniboo

Hey guys,

Failed my test today. Just looking for some advice. My instructor told me I need to be more observant etc, check my mirrors more. So during my test made sure I was checking mirrors, checking blindspots when changing lanes, when turning and cycle lanes were on the left and basically was told I was looking around too much, that I was nearly looking behind me some times. Also that I was sometimes nearly moving off before doing my look around, which is fair enough. Any ideas how to get the balance right, anyone else marked for being too observant? I got a mark for "ignoring a red light". There's a left turn down off a slip road from the Tallaght Bypass road on to the main Tallaght Road, N81 and apparently I ignored the main lights and just paid attention to the lights at the left turn, if that makes sense? He said it catches a lot of people out. Anyone else fail on this?

miller50841

The tester is looking to see if you are confident to drive if you over do anything its not good try and get some more driving experience in and ask someone to go along at times just to see if they could give you a few good tips as to what your doing. You need to be checking your mirrors every 12 seconds or so but the most important is reading whats in front of you.

Because you were looking behind so much you may miss something in front of you and take longer to react.

Now you have the test route go out and do some runs on it and just bump up your experience and try not to let the fail stop you.
Best of luck next time.

Danniboo

miller50841 wrote: »

The tester is looking to see if you are confident to drive if you over do anything its not good try and get some more driving experience in and ask someone to go along at times just to see if they could give you a few good tips as to what your doing. You need to be checking your mirrors every 12 seconds or so but the most important is reading whats in front of you.

Because you were looking behind so much you may miss something in front of you and take longer to react.

Now you have the test route go out and do some runs on it and just bump up your experience and try not to let the fail stop you.
Best of luck next time.

I'm driving 8 years I am a very confident driver and honestly don't feel I was checking my mirrors any more than my instructor suggested. I was checking blindspots before changing lanes which you have to do. I've done 4 lessons prior to this. I've booked for a cancellation so hopefully i'll have it soon.

Thanks

miller50841

Thats one of the main problems is driving for so long before test.
Fair play for taking the leap.
Everyone picks up bad habits especially over that sort of time.
Would recommend doing a pre test and do get a friend or that to go out with you that knows whats needed for the test.

Danniboo

miller50841 wrote: »

Thats one of the main problems is driving for so long before test.
Fair play for taking the leap.
Everyone picks up bad habits especially over that sort of time.
Would recommend doing a pre test and do get a friend or that to go out with you that knows whats needed for the test.

I've been putting loads of practice in and the ironic thing is I didn't fail for anything my instructor said were my weak points or bad habits. This was my third test.

miller50841

It is possible you were just unlucky with the tester but seriously just keep at it and as said try have a friend or that just watch see if they can advice also.

How many marks down were you given or did you get 1 major ?