3rd test on Wednesday, some questions so I can finally PASS :)

jd1594

Hey everyone , hope you're all doing fantastic.

Last summer (2013) I failed two driving tests (I even missed my debs for the second one!), admittedly I deserved to fail both. My first test had at 3 grade 1s, my second test had a grade 1 along with only 5 grade 2s. So progress was made and I was relatively happy despite failing.

I go to college in Dublin and take my tests in Gorey Co. Wexford where my family home is. I decided to leave my driving test for an extended period whilst I was busy with academic studies (Computer Science is really laborious!).

I've been preparing and studying for this test all summer, keen to not fail again, I just have a few grey areas I'm not sure of, so I hope some more experienced drivers can help me .

1. When slowing down and stopping, should I switch all the way down to 1st gear or is stopping in 2nd gear acceptable? My old instructor was a huge advocate of stopping in second gear but anyone I drive with (parents etc.) always think that I stop too "suddenly", whereas if I attempt to not stop too suddenly my engine begins to shudder and cry out for 1st gear.

2. This made me fail my second test. On a narrow urban road where parked cars/rubbish lorries etc. may take up a considerable part of the road when parked, and there is a oncoming car from the other side, who has the right of way if there is space for only one car to pass at a time? If the obstruction is on my side of the road, does the oncoming vehicle have the right of way?

3. In what situations should blind spots generally be checked? I'm aware of looking at them whilst taking off and in the approach to parking on the left. But at roundabouts and junctions do the mirrors suffice? I feel as if moving my head away from the road in these situations may be a bit risky.

4. Any tips/hints/tricks that helped you or any advice you'd give me is very welcome.

Thank you in advance, you'll help put the biggest smile on a fellow human being's Wednesday if I pass

jd1594

I'm aware the "Grade 1" faults I refer to above are actually "Grade 3". Boards won't let me edit it, anyone else's edit feature keep crashing?

spurious

2. This made me fail my second test. On a narrow urban road where parked cars/rubbish lorries etc. may take up a considerable part of the road when parked, and there is a oncoming car from the other side, who has the right of way if there is space for only one car to pass at a time? If the obstruction is on my side of the road, does the oncoming vehicle have the right of way?

If the obstruction is on your side of the road, you give way.

rowanh

Do a pretest.

Stop in 2nd gear, id only go into first while moving if i was crawling in traffic and needed to put in the clutch to stop the car stalling or maybe on a hair pin bend going up a steep hill.

Give right of way to people but if there is room for both of you and they give you space then take it, dont stop when you do not need to. They want to see you are confident.

Id say in general blind spots should be checked when you are moving into a space where something might be in your blind spot. It should be quick glance though.

Do a pretest, go over these things with the instructor.

jd1594

rowanh wrote: »

Do a pretest.

Stop in 2nd gear, id only go into first while moving if i was crawling in traffic and needed to put in the clutch to stop the car stalling or maybe on a hair pin bend going up a steep hill.

Give right of way to people but if there is room for both of you and they give you space then take it, dont stop when you do not need to. They want to see you are confident.

Id say in general blind spots should be checked when you are moving into a space where something might be in your blind spot. It should be quick glance though.

Do a pretest, go over these things with the instructor.

First of all, thank you.

I did a pretest before my previous tests and found that after I completed them it would waver my concentration for the real thing too much. I'd be thinking about the little things my instructor said an hour previously rather than simple things such as giving way when there's an obstruction on the road. Each to their own.

Craftylee

If you're coming to a stop (e.g. a stop line ahead) I would personally change down to 3rd on approach and clutch down when slowing down. Regarding the car shuddering, thats because you're braking and reducing the car speed too slow for the gear that you're in. Either clutch down or go down a gear to stop this.

If the obstruction is on your side then you give way - if it's on the other side then other driver should give way. Just make sure if its your side that you correctly position the car, hang back, keep out (make sure there's room for them) and indicate right. Otherwise the car behind think you're pulling in / parking too

Any time you change lane you should glance to the shoulder and check the blindspot. Also whenever you see bus / cycle lanes it's very important to check blindspots especially if they merge or you're crossing them.

Hope this helps