Feel like I'm never going to get my full licence

numnumcake

Hi All,

I am 22 and I have been driving now for around 18 months. I learned to drive in Limerick where I was in college and sat my test there twice. I failed it both times. It was a combination of having little experience as I did not have my own car, being a very nervous driver and my driving instructor was not very good and in hindsight I should have got a new one straightaway.

I then moved to another part of the country for work and found a new instructor in that town and he was fantastic - a brilliant instructor that really focused on what I needed to improve on to pass my test. I went to sit my test for the third time in this town with a lot more confidence as I had my own car, after getting some great lessons and I still managed to fail. I got 5 grade 2's but I got a grade 3 which I had never got before, as I failed to stop at a pedestrian crossing and the pedestrian was just about to cross, other than that my driving was perfect. I was so annoyed at myself that I had made such a stupid mistake and was so close to passing apart from that incident.

I now have to move to another part of the country and I can't face having to pay a fortune to a new instructor to learn routes in a new place so I will try to get down here to do it again. I'm desperate for a cancellation but can't get one.

I'm so scared that every time I sit my test there is going to be something and I will fail. It is so inconvenient for me because I have no family where I live or friends that can accompany me all the time and I have to get to work as there is no public transport.

Is it normal to fail your test more than three times? I just feel like giving up

cantdecide

numnumcake wrote: »

Is it normal to fail your test more than three times? I just feel like giving up

Failing several times is common. Don't give up. You need to stay focused on passing until you pass and then you're done forever. Some people kick it down the road for years so you have to be commended for your persistence in the face of the hassle you had with your first instructor. At least now you know what kind of instructor will be able to help you and the difference between a good and bad one.

numnumcake wrote: »

I now have to move to another part of the country and I can't face having to pay a fortune to a new instructor to learn routes in a new place so I will try to get down here to do it again.

It would always be advisable to get some lessons but I believe that knowing the routes should not be the emphasis of efforts; if you're familiar with the the general terrain and hazards in the locality then you will be able to link combinations of routes without stress. For example, I took my bike lessons in Cork and passed the test in Dungarvan with no prior knowledge of the routes.

I think the important thing is to try and create the circumstances where your can practice even if it's cajoling a friend to visit so you can drive with them over a weekend. It sounds obvious but try to remember to focus on your weak areas rather than rumbling along doing the things that aren't challenging to you- it's a feel good factor trap. Try and create exercises that allow you to focus on weak areas.

Best of luck

Nebaw

numnumcake wrote: »

Hi All,

I am 22 and I have been driving now for around 18 months. I learned to drive in Limerick where I was in college and sat my test there twice. I failed it both times. It was a combination of having little experience as I did not have my own car, being a very nervous driver and my driving instructor was not very good and in hindsight I should have got a new one straightaway.

I then moved to another part of the country for work and found a new instructor in that town and he was fantastic - a brilliant instructor that really focused on what I needed to improve on to pass my test. I went to sit my test for the third time in this town with a lot more confidence as I had my own car, after getting some great lessons and I still managed to fail. I got 5 grade 2's but I got a grade 3 which I had never got before, as I failed to stop at a pedestrian crossing and the pedestrian was just about to cross, other than that my driving was perfect. I was so annoyed at myself that I had made such a stupid mistake and was so close to passing apart from that incident.

I now have to move to another part of the country and I can't face having to pay a fortune to a new instructor to learn routes in a new place so I will try to get down here to do it again. I'm desperate for a cancellation but can't get one.

I'm so scared that every time I sit my test there is going to be something and I will fail. It is so inconvenient for me because I have no family where I live or friends that can accompany me all the time and I have to get to work as there is no public transport.

Is it normal to fail your test more than three times? I just feel like giving up

It took me 4 goes to get it. It is a terrible feeling to fail it and I think the worst thing i did after failing was waiting months to do it again. Just practice and keep retrying.

maggiepip

5 grade 2 faults is a pass, so if you disregard your grade 3 fault which was probably just nerves you'd have passed!! It was bad luck on the day. Many people get 10, 20, 30 faults on their mark sheet. Many, many people fail lots of times before passing so keep going. You'll get there!

The Young Wan

numnumcake wrote: »

Hi All,

I am 22 and I have been driving now for around 18 months. I learned to drive in Limerick where I was in college and sat my test there twice. I failed it both times. It was a combination of having little experience as I did not have my own car, being a very nervous driver and my driving instructor was not very good and in hindsight I should have got a new one straightaway.

I then moved to another part of the country for work and found a new instructor in that town and he was fantastic - a brilliant instructor that really focused on what I needed to improve on to pass my test. I went to sit my test for the third time in this town with a lot more confidence as I had my own car, after getting some great lessons and I still managed to fail. I got 5 grade 2's but I got a grade 3 which I had never got before, as I failed to stop at a pedestrian crossing and the pedestrian was just about to cross, other than that my driving was perfect. I was so annoyed at myself that I had made such a stupid mistake and was so close to passing apart from that incident.

I now have to move to another part of the country and I can't face having to pay a fortune to a new instructor to learn routes in a new place so I will try to get down here to do it again. I'm desperate for a cancellation but can't get one.

I'm so scared that every time I sit my test there is going to be something and I will fail. It is so inconvenient for me because I have no family where I live or friends that can accompany me all the time and I have to get to work as there is no public transport.

Is it normal to fail your test more than three times? I just feel like giving up

Totally normal. I failed my third in January. Pick yourself up, don't let it get to you. Be confident in your driving ability, and get back behind the wheel. You'll have it passed in no time if you have that attitude.