Should I book my driving test?

DA7800

Hi all,

So the time has come when I'm eligible to book my driving test and I'm a bit unsure of what to do, so I was hoping to hear some opinions from other people.

I recently finished my last EDT lesson, but for the foreseeable future, I can't afford insurance to be added to either of my parents' cars. Obviously this means that I had no way of practicing between lessons, and currently have no way of practicing for the test outside of paying for more lessons.

When I finished my EDT the other day my instructor told me that I probably wouldn't pass the test at my current level, purely down to the fact that I only have 12 hours of driving done and make a few silly mistakes when it comes to observation etc. due to a lack of experience which accumulate quickly. He did advise me to book the test if I felt ready and that he would do his best to help me prepare.

My parents also think that I should book the test, but to be honest I think that they underestimate how likely I am to fail, I'm fairly sure they expect me to pass and think that I should be competent enough after EDT alone. The cost of the test is bad enough but the cost of borrowing the instructor's car even more again. If I was paying for myself, I would feel fine booking it, but the fact that they are paying for me means that I would feel guilty for "wasting" their money. The thing is though, I'm not sure how they would react if I said I didn't think I was ready. I do feel that I could take the test, and I'm confident in my driving, I'm just not so confident that I could get less than 8 grade 2s at my current level.

What are your opinions? Should I book my test? Will I have enough time to prepare/improve with only about 3 or so lessons? I'd really appreciate some unbiased advice.

Digital Solitude

I got 17 Grade 2s the day before my driving test, which I passed.

Have you done Pre-Tests with the instructor?

In your shoes, I would try to do a Pre-Test or two with the instructor and seeing how you do.

For the pre-tests, your instructor will likely be more strict than the actual examiner.

DA7800

For the last few EDT lessons my driving instructor was marking me as they do in the test, and we did test routes in the area as well. I'm averaging about 15 or 16 grade 2s. I've had two grade 3s as well, not moving in to a junction was one, and I stalled at traffic lights which result in me missing a cycle.

Any further lessons I imagine would be much the same, just do the test routes and try to work on my faults.

Digital Solitude

To be honest, that's pretty good, I didn't get below 20 until the day before my test, the first time I was told I drove well enough to pass was an hour before the test.

Contact your instructor about it, and do an extra couple of lessons imo.

Are all your faults in certain areas, or are they more dispersed?

I'd book the test, and do another 2-4 lessons in the meantime while you're waiting, as you seem to be doing well. There's about a three month waiting list for the test so you'll still have time to improve.

DA7800

Most of my faults are in observation, things like glancing to the left when turning right at a junction, I might forget to check my wing mirror once or twice leaving roundabouts, I've stalled at least once when I've been under pressure on some test routes. I've been caught for positioning once or twice, too close to the centre line. It's all stuff I can work on, but don't really have the means to outside of more lessons.

You've been really helpful, I think I might book it and delay if I still don't feel ready after more lessons. Thanks!