Is the driving test really as difficult as it seems?

whatever57219

So, having my lessons done, I booked my driving test, arguably the most stressful part of the whole Learner Experience, with a decent chunk of money on the line.

Having started my lessons in mid-June, and driving my own car for about a week or so, I've seen some massive improvements in my confidence in driving, I'm starting to gain enough confidence that I might pass the test first time. But, it's hardly that easy? I mean compared to most, I don't think I've had all that much driving experience at all, I don't want to instil too much false confidence in myself only to be crushed to find out I'd failed my test.

So my question is, is the test really as difficult as people say or is it just a case of keep the nerves at bay and don't make mistakes, rather than be up to a very high standard?

punisher5112

Do a pre test and see....

Of course it's difficult but it's all down to how you conduct yourself and how well you read the road....

Galwayguy35

I actually found the lessons more stressful with the instructor shouting at me and telling me on the day of the test I wouldn't pass.

Found the actual test ok, tester put me at ease from the start and I passed it first time.

spurious

You need to be safe, first of all. You cannot foresee odd things that might happen on the day of the test, so some of it is down to luck, but safety is the main thing.

Some people pass first time, it doesn't mean they are better drivers than those who don't. Avoid over-confidence in your abilities.

Give it a go anyway and good luck.
My late father's advice on driving was to treat everyone else as if they are a complete idiot, likely to do the most stupid things possible. Too often they are and they do.

raclle

Its mostly down to nerves as with any test. If your confident you'll feel more relaxed but that's easier said than done

A lot of people panic and forget things. I'd do a pre test to give you an idea of what its like

whatever57219

spurious wrote: »

My late father's advice on driving was to treat everyone else as if they are a complete idiot, likely to do the most stupid things possible. Too often they are and they do.

My own late father's advice was exactly the same, and he lived his life treating everyone as a complete idiot haha, not pleasant in day to day life but in a car it's potentially life-saving advice!

raclle wrote: »

Its mostly down to nerves as with any test. If your confident you'll feel more relaxed but that's easier said than done

A lot of people panic and forget things. I'd do a pre test to give you an idea of what its like

I panicked and forgot things in my lessons, but with every bit of advice or criticism I got in a lesson, I made sure to not repeat the same mistakes again and not be told that same advice again!

Cork Trucker

Passed them all on the first go. I just took the instruction, shut up and said nothing, did the job I had to do, it was no problem. The lessons are more nerve racking

dsmythy

On this side of the test looking back it seems so easy and I'd be surprised if I didnt pass should I do it again. But before it definitely seemed harder. Perspective really.

nj27

In my opinion it is outrageously easy. The basic principles of safe driving are largely intuitive, and the few actual tests of coordination and skill that you're presented with are not going to test you if you've been on the road for any length of time. If you are basically competent and don't get nervous there's really no reason to fail the test, although that appears to be quite a high bar for many.

Johner

The hardest part for me was the nerves by far. The actual test itself is not that difficult. I failed the first time and was very nervous before and during the test. Second time I passed and was nervous before but much more relaxed in the actual test.

naasrd

No, is the short answer. The stress I went through about reversing around a corner when it was observation that almost got me. Ultimately, as long as you can drive, it comes down to Observation. ALWAYS look in the left mirror, from time to time, always, no matter what. ALWAYS throw an eye over your right shoulder when pulling out. It was the simple things that almost tripped me up I was so confident.