Rush hour test advice

Kirby2k07

Finally got my test date, a Friday rush hour early morning slot when the kids are also back at school. I only failed my first test with 9 grade 2s but that was a complete other end of the spectrum, a late morning Tuesday during the summer in broad daylight. Any particular pointers I should bear in mind for these rush hour driving tests?

Dravokivich

Just focus on what you've got to do, when you've got to do it.

Cash_Q

Just take your time and be patient with traffic. Try not to be stressed by pushy drivers behind you gunning to make it through the lights. The rules of the road are the same no matter how busy or quiet the roads are, so just drive as you've been taught how to.

Wishbone Ash

If it's dark and wet, for maximum visibility, make sure you have the windows/mirrors fully demisted including the passenger side window. (The tester won't be impressed otherwise).

Don't have the vehicle too hot. When I was doing one of the truck tests, the tester shouted "Turn off that feckin' heat" during the route!

Kenno90

Traffic should only do one thing for your test. Its slows everything down. Dont be worrying about trying to get from A to B as fast as possible. If your sitting in traffic it gives you extra time to think about what your going to do next.

Just focus on driving normally. Good Luck.

Kirby2k07

Thanks guys, quick extra question, something that might happen a lot in rush hour traffic. If turning right at a junction with solid green light waiting for oncoming traffic to clear, should I follow the car in front of myself also turning right into the middle of the junction, so long as I don't obstruct any pedestrian crossing? Or is it better to wait until the car in front has competed their turn before rolling forward?

Dravokivich

You should know to wait. If unsure on things, do you have a chance to do a pretest or a catch up with instructor?

Kirby2k07

Currently arranging that Dravokivich! Yeah I have always waited in the past, just vaguely remembering the tester mentioning something about lack of progress at junctions after my last test. Had a look at a video called "Driving Lesson - Position Turning Right and Yellow Box" on Youtube today stating that if the junction is large enough, one should roll forward behind the car in front into the yellow box. Guess it just one of those situational judgments.

Dravokivich

Take heed of where those videos are from. I watched a lot of UK videos purely for observation and critique. But the expectations of an Irish examiner may not align to UK.