Test routes cork

Monkeysgomad

I've my driving test coming up soon. I'm not living in the Wilton or city Area so I'm just wondering what are some of the routes I should practice where they might take me. Thanks

Sofaspud

I took my test 5 times in Wilton (Passed my fifth on Tuesday) and took a slightly different route each time.

Every time, we took a left towards the Sarsfield Road Roundabout after leaving the centre, and would take either the 2nd or 3rd exit off this roundabout (either down the Sarsfield Road or onto the N40).

If you go on the N40, take the first exit into Togher, and take the first or third exit for a general wander around the roads and estates.

If you continue along the Sarsfield Road, again take either the first or 3rd exit off the roundabout by the hospital, and again explore the roads and estates.

I found the two roundabouts to be the most difficult parts of the test and racked up most marks on these, so they were what I would mostly practice.

I'd recommend getting a couple of lessons from a local instructor, as they can show you common areas, and common awkward spots.

Monkeysgomad

Sofaspud wrote: »

I took my test 5 times in Wilton (Passed my fifth on Tuesday) and took a slightly different route each time.

Every time, we took a left towards the Sarsfield Road Roundabout after leaving the centre, and would take either the 2nd or 3rd exit off this roundabout (either down the Sarsfield Road or onto the N40).

If you go on the N40, take the first exit into Togher, and take the first or third exit for a general wander around the roads and estates.

If you continue along the Sarsfield Road, again take either the first or 3rd exit off the roundabout by the hospital, and again explore the roads and estates.

I found the two roundabouts to be the most difficult parts of the test and racked up most marks on these, so they were what I would mostly practice.

I'd recommend getting a couple of lessons from a local instructor, as they can show you common areas, and common awkward spots.

Hi. Thank you for all that info. I'm just wondering what did you fail on for them 5 times? My insurance is nearly up so I will only be able to take my test once.

infinitykarma

Took my test once with 3 days left on my insurance and managed to pass - so there's hope for you alright. Pass rate is about 50% and the rest is down to luck. The routes differ constantly. Your best bet would to practice all the roundabouts in Wilton, Togher and Bishopstown. You should have been going over the test area constantly with your driving instructor. If you haven't been doing the test area rigorously, you're probably just wasting your money on the test (and instructor lol)

Monkeysgomad

Sofaspud wrote: »

I took my test 5 times in Wilton (Passed my fifth on Tuesday) and took a slightly different route each time.

Every time, we took a left towards the Sarsfield Road Roundabout after leaving the centre, and would take either the 2nd or 3rd exit off this roundabout (either down the Sarsfield Road or onto the N40).

If you go on the N40, take the first exit into Togher, and take the first or third exit for a general wander around the roads and estates.

If you continue along the Sarsfield Road, again take either the first or 3rd exit off the roundabout by the hospital, and again explore the roads and estates.

I found the two roundabouts to be the most difficult parts of the test and racked up most marks on these, so they were what I would mostly practice.

I'd recommend getting a couple of lessons from a local instructor, as they can show you common areas, and common awkward spots.

Congrats on passing btw

Monkeysgomad

infinitykarma wrote: »

Took my test once with 3 days left on my insurance and managed to pass - so there's hope for you alright. Pass rate is about 50% and the rest is down to luck. The routes differ constantly. Your best bet would to practice all the roundabouts in Wilton, Togher and Bishopstown. You should have been going over the test area constantly with your driving instructor. If you haven't been doing the test area rigorously, you're probably just wasting your money on the test (and instructor lol)

I had 13 lessons and my first one was in dougls and all the rest were in Wilton. Just had lesson 13 few days ago and went over the roundabouts again as well as doing them lesson 10. I guess it's cause I'm not living there or in a built up area so it's so different and that's why I'm nervous about area will be going.

Sofaspud

Monkeysgomad wrote: »

Hi. Thank you for all that info. I'm just wondering what did you fail on for them 5 times? My insurance is nearly up so I will only be able to take my test once.

First time was 14 grade 2's (allowed 8 before failing), mainly for observation and a few for lack of progress and reaction to hazards.

Second was 7 grade 2's and a grade 3, grade 2's for observation and hazards again, grade 3 on observation coming off the roundabout by the hospital.

Third was 2 grade 2's and a grade 3 on steering (steered late into a turn and was a bit wobbly correcting myself, examiner said i seemed to lose control of it)

Fourth was 1 grade 2 and a grade 3 on right of way, I pulled out of a junction when there wasn't enough of a gap, so an oncoming car had to slow down (I thought the examiner was a bit strict here, there was enough space to get out safely but the oncoming car did need to slow down a bit). Examiner said if in doubt about a gap always wait, as the worst you can grt for waiting too long is a grade 2 on progress.

I passed on the 5th attempt with 2 grade 2's, for not looking over my shoulder enough when reversing around the corner, and one for coasting for too long.

The biggest issue for me was observation. My da said I should look like a nodding dog during the test.

confusedeire

I found if you slightly offset your rearview mirror it forces a slight head movement to use it so it makes it more obvious to the tester you were using it. Otherwise you could just flick your eye's to use it and he wouldn't see it.

infinitykarma

Monkeysgomad wrote: »

I had 13 lessons and my first one was in dougls and all the rest were in Wilton. Just had lesson 13 few days ago and went over the roundabouts again as well as doing them lesson 10. I guess it's cause I'm not living there or in a built up area so it's so different and that's why I'm nervous about area will be going.

I live about 30 minutes away from Wilton and had no clue of the area before driving. What I found helpful was that I used to drive up to Wilton in my free evenings and drive around endlessly trying to familiarise myself with the area. Sounds silly but it really helped so much. If it's a possibility for you to head out there a few evenings then definitely do.

Monkeysgomad

infinitykarma wrote: »

I live about 30 minutes away from Wilton and had no clue of the area before driving. What I found helpful was that I used to drive up to Wilton in my free evenings and drive around endlessly trying to familiarise myself with the area. Sounds silly but it really helped so much. If it's a possibility for you to head out there a few evenings then definitely do.

I'm in school in the evenings so I can't. At the weekends is my own time so I'm going to try get out there tomorrow which is why I'm asking where I should go to practice

Monkeysgomad

Sofaspud wrote: »

First time was 14 grade 2's (allowed 8 before failing), mainly for observation and a few for lack of progress and reaction to hazards.

Second was 7 grade 2's and a grade 3, grade 2's for observation and hazards again, grade 3 on observation coming off the roundabout by the hospital.

Third was 2 grade 2's and a grade 3 on steering (steered late into a turn and was a bit wobbly correcting myself, examiner said i seemed to lose control of it)

Fourth was 1 grade 2 and a grade 3 on right of way, I pulled out of a junction when there wasn't enough of a gap, so an oncoming car had to slow down (I thought the examiner was a bit strict here, there was enough space to get out safely but the oncoming car did need to slow down a bit). Examiner said if in doubt about a gap always wait, as the worst you can grt for waiting too long is a grade 2 on progress.

I passed on the 5th attempt with 2 grade 2's, for not looking over my shoulder enough when reversing around the corner, and one for coasting for too long.

The biggest issue for me was observation. My da said I should look like a nodding dog during the test.

Thanks so much for taking the time to tell me. I'm not great with observation eother it's probably what I do least of.