Driving test Saturday - finglas

_gossip_girl_

Hi there, I have my first driving test in couple of weeks and I don't know how to calm myself down. I am so stressed that I dream about it at night!!
I booked some extra lessons with different instructor as I have to say I have a lot to improve on, so I won't be surprised if I fail but still- all this stress will not help me on the day. I don't know how to deal with it as at some moments I'm almost in panic!! To the point that on my first lesson with new instructor my driving was like it was my 3 lesson from the beginning!!


Also my test is on Saturday and I'm worrying about all kids, cars around.
It's always so confusing all the cars parked around and making sure you get right position on the road...
Is Saturday more difficult in general?

Simple thing like pulling over to the kerb- just can't get the feel of how close front of te cat is and I'm ending up touching it.

Also what are typical questions about signed etc I can be asked?

I know that you all probably think I have no hope for passing (me too) but some tips would help.

And how to calm myself down?!

kknitter

Best one I read here was "Think like the examiner is SatNav". I keep repeating this in my head and it has helped to some extend.

ProudDUB

I'd say Saturday is the best day of the week to do it....less cars on the road, less people going going to and from work, less kids running around outside schools, or parents doing the school runs, parking their cars where ever the heck they feel like.

The greens around Willow Park Crecent, Willow Park Drive and Avenue are popular spots for the tester to have you do the reverse around the corner and 3 pt turn manouvers.

If you feel this stressed out in general, why not postpone the test until you can do some more practice driving in general?

_gossip_girl_

Satnav- that's great idea!! Thank you:-)

Also thank you for the advise on the area!
And don't know why I thought it will be busier at the weekend with all people at home.. But probably less people rushing etc.

I can't explain my stress, it's almost bizarre because I've had loads of important exams in life, interviews that I realy wanted to do my best on and I never felt like this before! (And I studied psychology so I should be able to be more intelligent about my emotions!) I was thinking of changing date but in regards to nerves I don't think it would change anything! Maybe I just have to experience it and see how it is...Loads of people don't pass so Maybe I should just treat it as experience and do better next time..

BeardedBadger

Hi gossip girl, I had my first test yesterday and I was a ball of nerves all the way up to it just like you. I was giving myself that safety net of "I don't expect to pass anyway" and "sure I can always do it again" but once I started the test the nerves were gone.

I don't know if you play any sports but what I did was treat it like a match day and go out with the attitude that you're going to do everything within your power to pass it.

At the end of the day if you don't have confidence in your driving (even if it's fake) you can't expect anyone else to have. At the end of the day it's just a big act because no one really drives like they did in their test ever again I passed with 4 grade 2s.

As for the tester I just thought of him as a taxi fare :P

ProudDUB

'Nowt to be nervous about. Just think of it as going for a wee spin with a new friend.

Have you been over to the Finglas Test Centre yet? If you haven't, do so. It's a horrible, badly run down mini business park with loads of pot holes, missing signs and poor road markings. Try and get a feel for the place before the day of your test. Treat all your time in the business park, as if you are on actual roads, even though they are not "proper" roads...indicate when you are turning, pay attention to Yield signs, white lines across the road etc etc. The test doesn't start when you are driving on proper roads. It starts as soon as you get into the car.

Mixomatosis

_gossip_girl_ wrote: »

Also what are typical questions about signed etc I can be asked?

Remember to fully memorise your hand signals, you'll be asked by the instructor to display them when stopped at some point during the drive.

My test was about 1.5 weeks ago, some of the questions I was asked :

- What is the speed limit on a motorway?
- In what situations would you use dipped headlights?

_gossip_girl_ wrote: »

And how to calm myself down?!

Believe in yourself. You've done the lessons, and the examiner will ask you to 'Drive as you normally would.' Do just that. You'll know either way if there's something you have to change after the test!

Also, get a good nights rest, and do make sure you're fed and watered before starting the test itself.

Best of luck.

monkeysnapper

Mine was a long long long time ago and I was crazy nervous as well .

But as soon as I got in car I thought , just break this down into each instruction .

Take your time, think nice thoughts . The examiner wants you to pass if your a good driver and I'm sure your ready and are a good driver .

Loads of people don't pass driving tests on there 1st time so there's zero pressure on you .

When you do pass be a safe driver and enjoy your freedom :0)

_gossip_girl_

Thank you all for great advises:-)

I was in test centre before and I went again with my instructor on Sat. I was more positive until yesterday.... When I went to drive around finglas again... And couldn't do revers around the corner at my first try!! At the moment my new "thing" is if I'm in right gear at spead I'm going. As well as gear on speed ramps.

Another thing- 3 point turn- one instructor said to turn wheels other way at the very end, this one saying not to...that I'm not helping myself? Is there right or wrong in this situation??

I've noticed that I overthink trying to remember everything that my instructor said to me. Even my partner said that ever since I find out about exam My driving got worse!!

doolox

It is important to turn your head towards the mirrors to demonstrate to the examiner that you are observing the road around you especially when moving off and turning left or right or emerging from a tee junction.

Keep up with the prevailing traffic even if they are marginally faster than the posted speed limit. You will not be thanked for holding up cars behind you unduly and the tester will note this as a "minor" fault on his sheet.

Lack of observation and failure to keep up with the prevailing traffic are catch all faults testers use when they don't have any other fault to catch you out on.

Ask for your results sheet when finished and bring this to your driving instructor in the unlikely event of failure so that you can work on the items noted.

As noted before have plenty of sleep, food and drink and if like me avoid anything that makes you uncomfortable......stick to comfortable casual clothes, comfortable shoes etc.

You will be asked not to make conversation etc with the instructor and the only feedback you may get is the results sheet. Although to sociable people this comes across as cold and impersonal, they are only doing their job and need to concentrate on the technical task of appraising your driving skills.

If noise impedes your hearing of instructions you can ask for a repeat of an instruction or request the instructor to speak louder.

Make sure all seat belts etc are in good order and all tax disks NCT insurance etc are visible and in date. Tests have been cancelled for bald tires, broken lights etc. by examiners. Some people book a driving instructors car for the test if their own car is doubtful but a recent NCT should eliminate any possibility of this happening.

_gossip_girl_

Thank you:-)

It will sounds horrible but I was wondering about talking during the exam and maybe it would help little chat to release the stress but I think I prefer this way so i will no feel the pressure of I have to be chatty because I will be too nervous...:-(