When is quitting after too many failed practical tests reasonable? Out of funds now.

HobbitRing

Hello,

3rd failed attempt a few days ago. Well over 1,500 euro paid for lessons, and this is not counting the price for the actual tests etc. For the record, not that it matters, but I am 'close' getting the (lack of) points that I need to pass. The usual logic would be "just keep trying, I'm sure at one point you'll get it" but after these expenses I am quite directly out of money on this cause, especially when there is 0% guarantee to pass it next time or even a couple of tests from now. Of course, the kicker is that I am trying to get a license out of complete necessity for family reasons, it's not for fun.

I am just facing ruin either way it seems. To quit now means all this money and effort was literally for nothing, and on top of all I have no license which I desperately need.

But the other option to keep trying to find money to pay for what could be who knows how many more lessons and tests means that I'll have to cut back on medication, basic food, I mean I don't know what else to do. My salary is above minimum wage and above the line for social assistance but unfortunately no matter how much I save I still have other mandatory expenses as well beside the driving.

And no, I have no family or friends able or willing to give me free/cheaper driving lessons etc. If I had any such option I'd take it.

Thanks for reading...thanks for any thoughts...

airy fairy

Perhaps best thing is to take a complete break from it all. 6/8 weeks. Then find someone to do a pretest, someone recommended. A fresh look at it might help considerably.

Dravokivich

Don't put too much weight into the number of failed attempts. I failed a few times before passing and put my effort into understanding why I failed, more so than in counting them.

Did the examiner discuss the failure points with you?

CreadanLady

Examiners don't discuss anything. When asked, they just point out the nature of the errors and advise you to talk to your instructor about it. They are like robots and in my experience, are a shower of jobsworth wánkers.

hoodie6029

What are you failing on? If, as some people find, concentrating on changing gears and not cutting out etc. is distracting you from the rest of the driving, maybe an automatic would be the way to go.

You could try a lesson in one if you haven't already.

Cameron326

I failed on my 5th attempt. Sitting in the test carpark before my 5th test started I was totally out of confidence, but ten minutes or so in I suddenly felt, hang on I can drive just fine - and I passed. What helped me on my final test was a different mentality. I wasn’t thinking about passing quite so much, not trying to somehow “impress” the examiner with what a good driver I am - but rather just really focusing on driving as safely and competently as I could for 30 minutes. IE what you need to do on real life. If there is one thing to focus on above all else it is observation. And that is because that’s probably the most important factor in real life. I honestly don’t think they are out to fail anyone. If you were close to passing previously then keep going for sure. Find a school which will accept you having just one or two lessons between each test. Your driving is might be good enough already, you just need to get over the line.

Cameron326

^ “passed” on 5th attempt! (aged 40+) Still can’t quite believe I finally did it!

SteM

Only thing I can suggest is to take a break and try to save a bit of money for more lesson and tests. Also, if you feel you're close to passing then just pay for a pre-test refresher which might cut down on costs.

Things will get expensive after you pass with insurance, services, NCT, petrol etc.

hoodie6029

Great advice. Your mentality going in is a huge part of it. And a huge part of everyday driving too.

Well done in keeping at it and passing.

whelan2

My son has failed 5 times. We changed instructor, he has learnt so much more and is alot more confident with the new instructor, can't believe we stayed with the other instructor for so long. Hopefully he'll pass this time