The "Freeola Customer Forum" forum, which includes Retro Game Reviews, has been archived and is now read-only. You cannot post here or create a new thread or review on this forum.
So, after having waited 2-whole-months since the day it was booked to take my Practical driving test at the next available oppurtunity, I finally got around to taking it today...
And, after some impressive showings in recent lessons and my confidence a lot higher than it usually is for something like this, it still doesn't go right for me - again!
I wasn't sure quite what to expect, exactly, having not done a single "Mock" test for several months now. But to me, I feel it went very well.
Not once did I shoot over a single speed-limit, or come close to coliding with another car or something; or do anything else which has really given my instructor concerns, over the months (except for a little hesitation). My 2 manouveres (parallel-parking and reversing round a corner) were near-perfect (...although, I did initially go around that corner too wide!), and it all seemed... "comfortable", you know?
But then, after a surprisingly-quick 35-to-40-minute test, I'm told that I have failed for to "Serious" faults (I only had 8 "minor" ones for not checking the mirror enough, or applying the handbrake AFTER changing gear).
The first one was for taking a left-turn like "boy-racer", and almost doing it on only "2-wheels", according to the examiner.
Coming down a hill, stopping at the traffic lights, and then realising I'd be pulling onto a 50-zone... It felt great getting ready to do some real speed after so-many 30's and narrow lanes.
So, when the lights go green, I accelerate (a little too much for a slope) and begin to turn. By then, the engine's roaring, and I decide I'd better try and shift upto 2nd gear before the turn is done - and that's when it all went wrong! I tried to do the turn with only my one, free hand as my left one grabbed the gear-stick, but I couldn't get around sharply enough, and only JUST crossed into the other lane (which, luckily, was completely clear).
Personally, I think it's harsh to call that a "Serious" fault, given the conditions and my "inexperience" as a Learner.
And, no matter how much better you do throughout the rest of the test, as soon as they mark you down with only ONE "Serious" or "Dangerous" fault, you FAIL!
Surely, it just shows a bad use of Speed, though (only a "Minor")?
But there was a second one - and this is one even my instructor agreed I did not deserve, given the situation and my inexperience.
Right outside the test-centre, at the very-end of the test, I turn left into a 2-lane road - with cars parked on either side - and there's some bloody Binmen's lorry smack-bang in the middle of it all, and right in my way.
They could've pulled-up only a car-lenght further and over to the left... - But no, they HAVE to park in the most REDICULOUS of places for a good 2 minutes, just because it makes THEIR job slightly easier!!
There were 2 cars infront of me; the first one being "parked" and vacant - hence why me and the second one were waiting. But I was CERTAIN the other car was empty also... I couldn't see anyone inside...! So, once that truck had finally moved, I decided to overtake and go - and she gave me a second "Serious" fault for that!
I'll accept the fact that my first "Serious" offence could've been very dangerous had the roads been busier, so I can let that one go.
But as for the second one... There was hardly anything I could do but wait. And if the car infront isn't even showing any intent of moving-off, how can I be blamed for taking my chance, with so-little driving experience!?
If I believed it would actually get me anywhere, I would seriously consider appealing. But then, they look at the test "as a whole" and how the examiner has judged your "overall" driving - and not just one-or-two incidents.
Time to book another test then. I only hope that, this time, I don't even have to wait half-as-long as I did for this one!
So much hope... So many expectations and dreams....
I just KNEW it was gonna go wrong somewhere though, from the moment I temporarily "lost" my photocard as we walked into the test-centre!
I know I CAN do it, though - and I so-nearly did...!!
It's not so-much "that" I failed as it is "how" I failed that really gets me down.
And, after some impressive showings in recent lessons and my confidence a lot higher than it usually is for something like this, it still doesn't go right for me - again!
I wasn't sure quite what to expect, exactly, having not done a single "Mock" test for several months now. But to me, I feel it went very well.
Not once did I shoot over a single speed-limit, or come close to coliding with another car or something; or do anything else which has really given my instructor concerns, over the months (except for a little hesitation). My 2 manouveres (parallel-parking and reversing round a corner) were near-perfect (...although, I did initially go around that corner too wide!), and it all seemed... "comfortable", you know?
But then, after a surprisingly-quick 35-to-40-minute test, I'm told that I have failed for to "Serious" faults (I only had 8 "minor" ones for not checking the mirror enough, or applying the handbrake AFTER changing gear).
The first one was for taking a left-turn like "boy-racer", and almost doing it on only "2-wheels", according to the examiner.
Coming down a hill, stopping at the traffic lights, and then realising I'd be pulling onto a 50-zone... It felt great getting ready to do some real speed after so-many 30's and narrow lanes.
So, when the lights go green, I accelerate (a little too much for a slope) and begin to turn. By then, the engine's roaring, and I decide I'd better try and shift upto 2nd gear before the turn is done - and that's when it all went wrong! I tried to do the turn with only my one, free hand as my left one grabbed the gear-stick, but I couldn't get around sharply enough, and only JUST crossed into the other lane (which, luckily, was completely clear).
Personally, I think it's harsh to call that a "Serious" fault, given the conditions and my "inexperience" as a Learner.
And, no matter how much better you do throughout the rest of the test, as soon as they mark you down with only ONE "Serious" or "Dangerous" fault, you FAIL!
Surely, it just shows a bad use of Speed, though (only a "Minor")?
But there was a second one - and this is one even my instructor agreed I did not deserve, given the situation and my inexperience.
Right outside the test-centre, at the very-end of the test, I turn left into a 2-lane road - with cars parked on either side - and there's some bloody Binmen's lorry smack-bang in the middle of it all, and right in my way.
They could've pulled-up only a car-lenght further and over to the left... - But no, they HAVE to park in the most REDICULOUS of places for a good 2 minutes, just because it makes THEIR job slightly easier!!
There were 2 cars infront of me; the first one being "parked" and vacant - hence why me and the second one were waiting. But I was CERTAIN the other car was empty also... I couldn't see anyone inside...! So, once that truck had finally moved, I decided to overtake and go - and she gave me a second "Serious" fault for that!
I'll accept the fact that my first "Serious" offence could've been very dangerous had the roads been busier, so I can let that one go.
But as for the second one... There was hardly anything I could do but wait. And if the car infront isn't even showing any intent of moving-off, how can I be blamed for taking my chance, with so-little driving experience!?
If I believed it would actually get me anywhere, I would seriously consider appealing. But then, they look at the test "as a whole" and how the examiner has judged your "overall" driving - and not just one-or-two incidents.
Time to book another test then. I only hope that, this time, I don't even have to wait half-as-long as I did for this one!
So much hope... So many expectations and dreams....
I just KNEW it was gonna go wrong somewhere though, from the moment I temporarily "lost" my photocard as we walked into the test-centre!
I know I CAN do it, though - and I so-nearly did...!!
It's not so-much "that" I failed as it is "how" I failed that really gets me down.
Page:
I've never had one single driving lesson...so I can't comment although I will anyway...um...
My Comment:All too confussing for me!
My Comment:All too confussing for me!
Jive wrote:
> Solskjær wrote:
> or applying the handbrake AFTER changing gear).
>
> Just that one section of your sentence worries me immensely! Since
> when do you apply the handbrake after changing gear?
i thought that too..
i assume he meant putting the car into neutral when at a stop. you take the car out of gear first incase you slip off the clutch or something and bolt forward.
> Solskjær wrote:
> or applying the handbrake AFTER changing gear).
>
> Just that one section of your sentence worries me immensely! Since
> when do you apply the handbrake after changing gear?
i thought that too..
i assume he meant putting the car into neutral when at a stop. you take the car out of gear first incase you slip off the clutch or something and bolt forward.
Timmargh wrote:
>
> It's like everything in life: nothing's black and white.
...except Michael Jackson :)
>
> It's like everything in life: nothing's black and white.
...except Michael Jackson :)
Solskjær wrote:
> or applying the handbrake AFTER changing gear).
Just that one section of your sentence worries me immensely! Since when do you apply the handbrake after changing gear?
To be honest, after reading your whole post, I've got to say I'm glad you failed. The roads are a safer place without you on them.
Take some more lessons and then retake your test.
Oh and before you come back with "how the hell would you know about driving blah blah blah" I've been driving since 1988 without any claims or convictions so I'd say I know what I'm talking about.
> or applying the handbrake AFTER changing gear).
Just that one section of your sentence worries me immensely! Since when do you apply the handbrake after changing gear?
To be honest, after reading your whole post, I've got to say I'm glad you failed. The roads are a safer place without you on them.
Take some more lessons and then retake your test.
Oh and before you come back with "how the hell would you know about driving blah blah blah" I've been driving since 1988 without any claims or convictions so I'd say I know what I'm talking about.
Sorry dude but for a bit of postive information from the ginge!
They say your a better driver if you have taken the test twice :)
*duh*
I have a lesson today, this has worried me actually. It's learning. You have to do everything so right when everyone around you is driving so wrong GRRRR!
They say your a better driver if you have taken the test twice :)
*duh*
I have a lesson today, this has worried me actually. It's learning. You have to do everything so right when everyone around you is driving so wrong GRRRR!
Solskjær wrote:
By then, the engine's roaring, and I decide
> I'd better try and shift upto 2nd gear before the turn is done - and
> that's when it all went wrong! I tried to do the turn with only my
> one, free hand as my left one grabbed the gear-stick, but I couldn't
> get around sharply enough, and only JUST crossed into the other lane
> (which, luckily, was completely clear).
>
> Personally, I think it's harsh to call that a "Serious"
> fault, given the conditions and my "inexperience" as a
> Learner.
I don't get this bit. Thats not really inexperience just dangerous driving as you aren't in full control of the vehicle.
What if the lane hadn't been clear?
Still don't think it was serious?
Sure you need to gain experience to improve but at the same time in order to pass your test you have to prove that you can be in control of the vehicle without being a danger to other or yourself and show that you can abide by the law and drive at a standard level.
It was probably just bad luck and nerves that caused you to make these mistakes. Next time you'll probably breeze through things.
By then, the engine's roaring, and I decide
> I'd better try and shift upto 2nd gear before the turn is done - and
> that's when it all went wrong! I tried to do the turn with only my
> one, free hand as my left one grabbed the gear-stick, but I couldn't
> get around sharply enough, and only JUST crossed into the other lane
> (which, luckily, was completely clear).
>
> Personally, I think it's harsh to call that a "Serious"
> fault, given the conditions and my "inexperience" as a
> Learner.
I don't get this bit. Thats not really inexperience just dangerous driving as you aren't in full control of the vehicle.
What if the lane hadn't been clear?
Still don't think it was serious?
Sure you need to gain experience to improve but at the same time in order to pass your test you have to prove that you can be in control of the vehicle without being a danger to other or yourself and show that you can abide by the law and drive at a standard level.
It was probably just bad luck and nerves that caused you to make these mistakes. Next time you'll probably breeze through things.
I failed first time with 1 serious and 5 minors.
A bread lorry had parked right on the corner of a junction whilst making a delivery to the corner shop. I missed seeing a red nova driven by some boy racers up the street and may have hit them when i pulled out (i cant be sure the tester stopped the car with the dual controls). I already knew i'd failed after she intervened.
So i rebooked the test, felt totally cool and had the best drive of my life, i notched up 2 minors, and the first one was totally trivial.
You will get it next time solskjaer. Dont dwell on it, it drives you mad.
A bread lorry had parked right on the corner of a junction whilst making a delivery to the corner shop. I missed seeing a red nova driven by some boy racers up the street and may have hit them when i pulled out (i cant be sure the tester stopped the car with the dual controls). I already knew i'd failed after she intervened.
So i rebooked the test, felt totally cool and had the best drive of my life, i notched up 2 minors, and the first one was totally trivial.
You will get it next time solskjaer. Dont dwell on it, it drives you mad.
I think you can sometimes be too good a driver to pass first time. Anyone with supreme control over their vehicle, like me, pays scant regard for speed limits and mirrors, which are there for the lesser drivers to obey. Thus many great drivers will fail their tests on "the highway code" rather than the manoeuvres.
Anyway all driving tests are subject to luck, how many previous people the inspector has passed that day/week and chaos theory.
Anyway all driving tests are subject to luck, how many previous people the inspector has passed that day/week and chaos theory.
Solskjær wrote:
> The point is, I SHOULD've passed. And WOULD've, had it not been for
> the 2 afore-mentioned mistakes.
"... and if it had gone between the posts it would've been a goal."
> The point is, I SHOULD've passed. And WOULD've, had it not been for
> the 2 afore-mentioned mistakes.
"... and if it had gone between the posts it would've been a goal."
Goatboy wrote:
> If you pass 1st time, you are not a good driver.
> If you fail, and maybe pass 2nd time, you are a good driver
>
> How does that work?
> I'd say, at a wild guess, these are the bitter ruminations of people
> that didn't pass and are justifying it to themselves?
I *was* only kidding when I said what I said.
Yes: I failed the first time and saying "all the best drivers pass 2nd time" is the same as saying something like "size doesn't matter" - it's a joke meant to cheer someone up.
It's like everything in life: nothing's black and white.
> If you pass 1st time, you are not a good driver.
> If you fail, and maybe pass 2nd time, you are a good driver
>
> How does that work?
> I'd say, at a wild guess, these are the bitter ruminations of people
> that didn't pass and are justifying it to themselves?
I *was* only kidding when I said what I said.
Yes: I failed the first time and saying "all the best drivers pass 2nd time" is the same as saying something like "size doesn't matter" - it's a joke meant to cheer someone up.
It's like everything in life: nothing's black and white.
Page: