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Decobuzz · 19-09-2013 4:52pm

Passed this morning! Second time in Raheny. To say I'm delighted is understatement.

spurious · 21-09-2013 2:01pm

Decobuzz wrote: »

Passed this morning! Second time in Raheny. To say I'm delighted is understatement.

Were you in a small light blue car? If so, I saw you doing your reversing manoeuvre.

dastardly00 · 24-09-2013 5:50pm

Just passed my test in Westside in Galway. It was my first attempt

I made an absolute balls of reversing around a corner and I ended up hitting the kerb. That's the first time that's ever happened to me. I was sure I had failed at that stage.

I've always been a lurker in the forum, but I gained a lot of knowledge from reading threads. Thanks to all the regular contributors for their tips and advice!

25-09-2013 5:14pm

<Snip>

Alanstrainor · 25-09-2013 5:36pm

Deleted User wrote: »

<Snip>

Naming driving instructors is against the forum charter.

25-09-2013 6:12pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Naming driving instructors is against the forum charter.

Didn't realise that. Necessary to cut the whole post, though?

25-09-2013 9:14pm

Here it is again, without reference to any instructors (though I don't see the harm in a favourable comment if it's a genuine one).

Did my test today in Navan. It was my first time doing it. I did a couple of pre-tests (all of which would have resulted in a fail, if they were the actual test, I'd imagine).

This morning, before the test, I had a pre-test (that i was ridiculously late arriving for). My front L plate was never really up, but i put it up the night before. For some reason though, it wouldnt stick to the windscreen at all this morning, so i was a bit panicked about the test not going ahead. At the pre-test, my instructor, my instructor was helpful and took a magnetic L plate out of his car and stuck it onto my bonnet.

I wouldn't say I was two minutes on the road before the L plate went flying off the car onto the road. Back to panicking and worrying that I'd cost my instructor a valuable L plate.

Did the pre-test, and did okay. Don't think I'd pass though, based on it.

Back to the test centre and my instructor took the L Plate off the inside of his windscreen and stuck it to the inside of mine. Fairly sound of him.

So into the test centre we went and we had a chat about life in general until a tester called me. He informed me that their supervisor would also be coming out with me that day (though my instructor warned me this was likely earlier in the morning). Didn't make me any more confident, to be honest.

Went through the questions and signs (what do double yellow lines mean and when would you dip your lights at night are the only two questions I can actually remember him asking me though).

Then off we went to the car, he asked me a couple of under bonnet questions (never asked about tyres). My back window is tinted, making the L plate more difficult to view. He commented on it, but test went ahead (so obviously it wasn't too bad). At this point my stomache was doing somersaults. I was dreading turning the ignition.

All went relatively well. Biggest disappointment was hitting the footpath when reversing during the turnabout. Never happened me before. The one time it would have to happen! :rolleyes:

Out from that I didn't get too many marks, really. He was using the tablet. After the test, he never told me i passed, but instead just handed me the certificate of competence to sign. I didn't actually cop what it was at first, so was still awaiting a "sorry, but you're a crap driver and should be ashamed to be on the road!".

He talked through my faults, which the most obvious one was hitting the path while reversing on the turnabout, but also not looking left into the exit before mine on a roundabout (when turning right), progress on the straight was also an issue (I was hopping between about 40-55 on stretches of 50kp/h).

Ultimately, I'm genuinely shocked. I really wasn't anticipating I'd pass, and it really came out of nowhere for me. Had he failed me after the test I wouldn't have batted an eyelid. I'd have completely accepted it (that's based on my pre-test driving, I think i did actually drive relatively well during the test itself).

All in all, I'm a very happy camper.

livinsane · 28-09-2013 7:52pm

Can't believe Im actually posting here but passed my test in Wilton first time round yesterday. I'm only driving a car since the end of may (have a full motorbike licence but the car was such an alien beast to me). My confidence was rock bottom leading up to the test. Genuinely one of the most anxious weeks I have put down. Im 39 weeks pregnant and my co-ordination and concentration is suffering a bit from that. I couldn't have picked a more difficult time but between waiting for 6 months to be up on licence and due date, there was literally one week in which I could sit the test. Thankfully they were very accommodating giving me a date that suited.

The tester was very formal, no conversation outside of the directions she was giving me. It made me nervous to begin with but as I started driving, I realised that it was actually beneficial to me as her directions were extremely clear and I had sufficient time and concentration to think about my actions.

We went up to Wilton and out to Bishopstown area. Turned off into a quiet residential area to do the reverse around the corner, which went great. Back out onto main Btown road and up Hawks Road. Went into another residential area for the hill start and turnaround. Came back onto main Btown road and back through Wilton roundabout to test centre.

I was feeling confident with my overall driving but still not fully convinced Id passed. Was worried about picking up a grade 3 when I went to change lane and a guy cut in suddenly from shopping centre lane [which was at a standstill] on the other side. I reacted immediately and stopped my manoevre but was terrified that tester had seen it as me changing position without proper observation. Thankfully it wasn't an issue.

I ended up with two grade 1 marks for clutch and hand signal, and 3 grade 2. The grade 2s were for crossing my lane slightly when coming off the Wilton roundabout (knew that one myself), leaving off the handbrake before coming to the clutch biting point on the hill start (annoyed with myself for that one as my hill starts are usually good) and hitting the kerb when reversing during the turnaround (again was annoyed with myself for that one as I never do it and I hit it so gently I barely realised I had done it).

For what its worth, my tips would be:

Don't be put off if the tester has a very formal attitude. Think of it as a good thing. I definitely drove better because of it.

Don't be afraid to clarify things with tester on the route.

At one point I was turning left on to a busy road and a van beside me was turning right completely blocking my view. I knew I could be waiting a while so I said to tester "he is obstructing my view so I'm going to wait until he pulls out". Obviously it would have been a dangerous manoevre to pull out but once I had it said, I felt like I had justified my actions and didn't sit there worried about being marked down for progress.

I also doubled checked some directions by confirming the correct road by name. Better than taking a wrong turn.

Sorry really long post, but I found reading these threads a big help in lead up to test so want to wish anyone else the best of luck.

miss no stars · 30-09-2013 8:02pm

Woop woop. Passed in Raheny today. Did quite a long route all around the Clontarf area and seemed to encounter every primary school's finishing time. Kids (and their stupidly parked tank driving mummies) EVERYWHERE. I had to turn right at a T junction where I literally could not see a thing coming from the left. Just had to wait til I had a good clear gap from the right and crawl out and hope a child didn't decide to run in front of me in the meantime. Eeesh.

Anyway, got through it and passed with flying colours. Absolutely delighted

Have gone for two drives all alone this evening and, rather miraculously, didn't spontaneously lose all ability to drive and actually, I drove like a normal person. YAY. Still, having never driven alone before (rules be the rules is my view) I felt really very naughty to be in the car on my own

Still buzzing

ChainWhip · 08-10-2013 5:40pm

Passed first time in Finglas this morning. Delighted. Now the wallet can have some time to recover.

My tip for what it's worth: Be confident in yourself, and try extra hard to be perfect for the first 5 mins so the instructor will ease off and go through the motions for the rest.

Scorpion Sting · 18-10-2013 7:27pm

Passed this morning in Killarney, first time.

At the start when the tester was asking me the questions I was feeling the nerves a bit and hesitating with most of them. When I got out on the road though I felt a lot more at ease and just focused on the task at hand. Ended up with 4 grade 2s - exceeding the speed limit (was going close to 60 kmph on the way back to the test centre), checking the mirrors when stopping, messing up the hill start (when the tester told me to move off when ready I indicated, checked mirrors and over the shoulder and let the handbrake down but forgot to put the car into gear!) and the final one was the reverse around the corner I think. Funny thing is during my pre test lesson with my instructor I failed to spot a pedestrian walking on the road during the reverse around corner which would have been automatic disqualification. I guess I chose the right time to get disqualified!

Sugar Free · 25-10-2013 6:13pm

Passed first time in Raheny today. Happy more so because it means no further time off work than the actual passing!

There's really no secret other than being prepared and confident.

OttoPilot · 14-11-2013 12:35am

Failed v badly on the 30th (2 grade 3s and 13 grade 2s) but I passed yday (4 grade 2s) with no lessons in between and no practice so it proves just because you failed doesn't mean you're not good enough to pass, you probably just had a bad day! Try again and your "luck" might change

sej22 · 21-11-2013 6:40pm

Passed today in Wicklow!!! Two weeks ago I failed with one grade 3 fault and seven grade 2 faults. Today I passed with one grade 2 fault!! I can't believe it! If I can pass, anyone can! So happy!!

DaNiEl1994 · 21-11-2013 7:54pm

passed in ennis on monday first time was delighted got 3 grade 2s

thesimpsons · 23-11-2013 6:24pm

person I was sponsor for passed first time this week in Limerick. delighted for him as he was mentally all prepared and then his test date was cancelled at last minute cos the tester was sick. got a quick cancellation date and he was a bag of nerves but ended up getting a good result.

Samgiff95 · 28-11-2013 9:59pm

Passed today in Rathgar with 5 grade 2's. To say I am relieved is an understatement.
Had previously failed in Tallaght so the confidence had taken a knock. Thanks to all who post here as your advice is invaluable

pastorbarrett · 01-12-2013 8:42pm

Erm, forth time lucky for me. Really needed to pass for work so really couldn't of came sooner.

Passed on Thursday in Dublin. For me, my nerves rather than my driving ability were my nemesis. I'd just make silly mistakes on the test, and not react to hazards like I would when driving normally. On my third test attempt, my left foot was hoping up and down so much on the clutch with nerves that the tester stopped me and rightly afforded me some time to gather myself (!)

For me, the practice of mindfulness helped on my successful attempt. For those unfamiliar and perhaps nervous like myself, I'd say at least warrants some investigation. Lots of info on web.

So, I reckon I'm about as nervous as they come, and I managed it eventually. I'd encourage others in similar predicaments not to give up hope, and practice, practice, practice. Assume a calm frame of mind, and drive like you know you can. Good luck all!

02-12-2013 6:10pm

Passed in Raheny today 1st time with 2 grade 2's and 1 grade 1! I had a woman tester who was lovely. The unbelievable part was I only started lessons on the 6th of November this year, did about 12 lessons and I don't have my own car!

My tips, be calm and confident in yourself. The second you start doubting yourself is when you're gonna start messing up. Be positive and don't get yourself in a knot as it will do nothing but hold you back.

Really couldn't have done it without the driving school I was with they were excellent, if anyone wants the name just PM me.

Zheiko · 07-12-2013 2:22am

eniarah: Gratz to your Passing, safe journeys:)

I have passed today, 3rd attempt, failed 2 previously, even tho I spent hundreds of euro on learning with instructor, it actually ended up with my last instructor(different school) unlearning me mistakes that previous instructors taught me

Anyways, Someone passes the first time without having a car, I have cars two, and have over 10k miles driven already, still had to go there three times:D

This confirms one thing, if you drive on your own, without instructor, you are only hurting yourself, because unlearning bad habbits is worse than learning brand new thing the right way:)

08-12-2013 9:47pm

Congrats dude delighted for you

The_B_Man · 18-12-2013 6:03pm

Passed today first time with 5 marks against me. Was expecting to fail and even looked into cancelling last week.

Was pleasantly surprised when she told me I passed. Will enjoy relaxing over Xmas now!!!

DMW22 · 23-12-2013 3:42am

Passed my C test on Wednesday (18th) first time around. The weather was shocking but it made things slightly easier as you could take a little bit more time through the town etc. Also passed my CPC Practical afterwards also. Happy days.
I think I might do my artic test in the months to come.

Nidgeweasel · 06-01-2014 6:05pm

Failed on Friday, got a cancellation today and passed. Delighted!!

Lucan Bohs · 09-01-2014 12:38am

Passed at the 3rd attempt in Athlone today, did my previous 2 in Tallaght. Felt I'd passed it but didn't think my overall driving performance was better then my other 2 attempts but not complaining! :-)

noeld932 · 23-01-2014 11:38pm

Passed my test in Finglas today!
I'm only learners permit 6 months and it was my first time doing the test!
Got 7 blues but nonetheless, a pass is a pass!

I am effing chuffed! The tester I got was pretty sound as well!

CurtisBoylan · 24-01-2014 12:24am

noeld932 wrote: »

Passed my test in Finglas today!
I'm only learners permit 6 months and it was my first time doing the test!
Got 7 blues but nonetheless, a pass is a pass!
I am effing chuffed! The tester I got was pretty sound as well!

Congrats! I'm going in the morning.. Any advice? ;D

nd · 24-01-2014 5:28pm

passed mine today in Newcastle west first time. It is such a relief. Hardly slept the last week!
It was close but that doesn't matter!

zetalambda · 28-01-2014 1:28am

SoWatchaWant wrote: »

Whew! Passed today in Rathgar with seven blue faults. It was my first time, I'm delighted!

Got marked blues for observation turning left, position on a bend, signals turning right, and clutch controls.

My tester was an odd fellow though, he said "okay, you passed your test today, blah blah blah" like he was reading out obituaries in the paper!

Sounds like the same guy that I had a few weeks ago. Got 7 blue faults as well. Seemed to me like he was just going through the motions and taking very little notice of my driving. When I asked him if I had passed, he just looked at me and said "just". I'd say it takes him about an hour to defrost in the morning before work.

willietherock · 29-01-2014 4:45pm

Just after passing in Mallow, 1st attempt. Thanks to all on here who answered every inane question I've asked over the last few weeks. Feels good!

PurpleSt4in · 29-01-2014 5:33pm

Passed about a month ago now, ran upto the NDLS almost straight away yet still no sign of this pink license? Any idea what the usual waiting time is? I realise the place is a bit of a mess

whatlliwear · 29-01-2014 11:04pm

PurpleSt4in wrote: »

Passed about a month ago now, ran upto the NDLS almost straight away yet still no sign of this pink license? Any idea what the usual waiting time is? I realise the place is a bit of a mess

I was told 6 weeks!!!

DMW22 · 30-01-2014 5:09am

I applied for my full C licence on the 3rd Jan and got it in the post yesterday, so 3 and a half weeks it took mine.

juice1304 · 30-01-2014 5:40pm

Passed today in Raheny 1st attempt, Not too shabby. The test was alot easier than i thought it would be.

Mugatuu · 04-02-2014 8:30pm

Passed my test in Sligo on my first go!

delighted! I was so surprised I passed! Woo!

Musefan · 05-02-2014 8:00am

Passed in cavan on the first go. Really windy, rainy day and there was an accident in the middle of town during it!

darrenp363 · 05-02-2014 7:44pm

Passed today in Kilkenny first time

Just wondering if I can drive on my own now or do I have to wait till the licence arrives in the post(this could take an age by all accounts). if anyone could help that would be great

idayang · 13-02-2014 9:41pm

i passed the test today，4 grade2 (3 in vehicle controls, 1 in react/anticipate).very happy.4th time lucky.

pre test is so important and helpful as the storm was very strong yesterday. Roads around test center are totally different now.some roads closed, some roads are full of workers and big long vehicles,i could find 'dead bodies' of trees or walls all the way. My instructor helped me a lot on the new circumstance;)

2 of my errors have relation with the storm：the road was filled with puddles from the rain，i forgot to brake when i passed one.After that i suddenly realized it,i was upset so i brake unnecessarily ......

i practiced driving everyday in the last 2 weeks.i viewed the roads from google maps to make sure every details.i even draw some maps about our town and marked all the specials spots!

when i heard i passed the test, i burst into tears immediately.i cried all the way from the tester's office to the instructor's arm. they were shocked,lol.my instructor asked, 'you really passed it?' ;-)

CurtisBoylan · 20-02-2014 3:54pm

Passed today in Finglas, such an amazing feeling and the tester made me feel so confident in the way he spoke. I saw he wasn't typing into his iPad for mostly the entire test and thought I had a grade 3, got back to the centre and heard everyone around me failing then he took out the book for me to sign and told me I passed ;D only a few grade 2's for late signals. Happy isn't a word to describe it ;D

Rainbow Kitty · 28-03-2014 10:21am

I passed my test yesterday in Finglas and i'm over the moon, can't believe it. Thought i failed when doing the hill start, there was a car parked opposite and when i went to take off a bus came towards me, i decided to wait until the bus went but he flashed so i panicked a bit and waited, he flashed again and we both took off together. The tester said the only thing i did wrong was i didn't check over my shoulder again when i finally took off but this was a grade 2. I can finally get rid of the L Plates, so happy.

Claiomh · 29-03-2014 1:35pm

Passed my test on first attempt in Rathgar on 14th March. Delighted, as I was really nervous about it the week before. Definitely recommend a pre-test and taking a lesson the morning of the test if possible. I had one which was a disaster,but got rid of all the nervousness, and I was lucky to have a really great instructor and tester. Couldn't complain about a thing, went to Naas the next day to get the licence and it arrived yesterday in the post! Theres nothing like that feeling of taking the L plates down!

rizzla · 03-04-2014 6:05pm

Passed my test, 3rd time, in Tallaght. 1 Grade 2. I thought it was going well but didn't want to get over confident. So happy now though. Need to get my licence now before the 1st of August, do not want them N plates.

james142 · 18-04-2014 8:47pm

Passed my first driving test last week, convinced I failed because of so many errors I made. Do they send you out a report on how you did? (like what grades you got etc..) cause i never got anything

Pretty.Odd. · 23-04-2014 4:21pm

Passed today in Clonmel, first time! Four Grade 2's.. absolutely thrilled, was so convinced it'd be a disaster! Tester was lovely and put me at total ease.

kitten_k · 25-04-2014 1:56pm

Third time lucky!!

TimeToShine · 06-05-2014 4:19pm

Passed in Navan with one grade 1 on the clutch. Can't complain!

yourpics · 12-05-2014 6:09pm

Passed Category C today first time round. Just one fault missed a mirror at a roundabout

Bobby42 · 16-05-2014 7:34am

Passed my test yesterday in Raheny!!!! Absolutely delighted.

This was my second test. First one I had 15 grade two's and 1 grade 3. Yesterday I 5 grade two's and one grade one.

The tester was so sound it really put my nerves at ease straight away. I was fairly confident I was doing well as he barely went near the ipad.

Feels great!

The_Morrigan · 16-05-2014 1:19pm

Passed in Tallaght today..one grade two.

Not too shabby for someone only driving since March. :-D

Eurovisionmad · 20-05-2014 4:34pm

Passed this evening in Wilton

4 grade 2's and 1 grade 1 which I was delighted with seeing as I had never passed any of my pre-tests!!! The tester was really lovely really made me feel comfortable!

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