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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.
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I passed on my second test, I got one minor fault.
I did badly on my first test partly because I was nervous and I didn't know what to expect.
I don't think that makes me a worse driver because I didn't pass first time. (aimed at Goatboy)
As for implying the tester should go easier on you because your inexperianced, I think that would defeat the entire object of having to pass a test. The point is that you should be able to prove you are experienced enough to get through those kind of obsticals... If your blaming your inexperiance maybe you shouldn't be taking your test yet, or maybe you should be blaming your instructer instead of your tester
I did badly on my first test partly because I was nervous and I didn't know what to expect.
I don't think that makes me a worse driver because I didn't pass first time. (aimed at Goatboy)
As for implying the tester should go easier on you because your inexperianced, I think that would defeat the entire object of having to pass a test. The point is that you should be able to prove you are experienced enough to get through those kind of obsticals... If your blaming your inexperiance maybe you shouldn't be taking your test yet, or maybe you should be blaming your instructer instead of your tester
I didn't pass first time (it was over 5 years ago). But, like the Murphy's, I'm not bitter.
So let me get this straight, just so I understand.
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?
And of course not everyone that passes 1st time is a good driver, but that holds true for anyone that passes after however many attempts.
What a pointless argument.
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?
And of course not everyone that passes 1st time is a good driver, but that holds true for anyone that passes after however many attempts.
What a pointless argument.
I just read your tagline - I think that says it all...! :P
But seriously, NOBODY who passes at the age of 17 or 18 can be called a "good driver"!
It's not just about getting all the right boxes ticked and the right number of marks - a lot of Driving comes from years of experience; something we do not have, since we've only been driving for months, with another person in the passenger seat.
The point is, I SHOULD've passed. And WOULD've, had it not been for the 2 afore-mentioned mistakes. I go the whole lesson doing it well-enough to meet the criteria, only to be let-down for 2 individual moments.
But seriously, NOBODY who passes at the age of 17 or 18 can be called a "good driver"!
It's not just about getting all the right boxes ticked and the right number of marks - a lot of Driving comes from years of experience; something we do not have, since we've only been driving for months, with another person in the passenger seat.
The point is, I SHOULD've passed. And WOULD've, had it not been for the 2 afore-mentioned mistakes. I go the whole lesson doing it well-enough to meet the criteria, only to be let-down for 2 individual moments.
Goatboy wrote:
> If you fail, that means you're not a good driver.
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THAT is utter balls. I've seen complete morons pass first time and very capable drivers failed on pathetic little things. Goatboy, you passed sometime in the last DECADE. Things change, old man.
> If you fail, that means you're not a good driver.
-------
THAT is utter balls. I've seen complete morons pass first time and very capable drivers failed on pathetic little things. Goatboy, you passed sometime in the last DECADE. Things change, old man.
Yeah, but when you passed the practical test was easier. That's a fact.
Now it's a bit longer and there are new maneouvres to do.
Now it's a bit longer and there are new maneouvres to do.
What utter balls.
If you fail, that means you're not a good driver.
I passed 1st time. It's easy.
Stop making excuses and blaming other people. You failed.
Deal with it.
If you fail, that means you're not a good driver.
I passed 1st time. It's easy.
Stop making excuses and blaming other people. You failed.
Deal with it.
Hard luck, mate. All the best drivers pass 2nd time!
MoJoJoJo wrote:
"Anyway, they seem to enjoy failing people. Only one of my mates passed first time."
Well, why wouldn't they, at £30 for each booking?!
Just think of how much money they must make, WEEKLY (especially in the Summer)...!
And they don't just do cars, either; there's bikes, taxi's and all-sorts of Learners for them to make "easy-money" out of!
"Anyway, they seem to enjoy failing people. Only one of my mates passed first time."
Well, why wouldn't they, at £30 for each booking?!
Just think of how much money they must make, WEEKLY (especially in the Summer)...!
And they don't just do cars, either; there's bikes, taxi's and all-sorts of Learners for them to make "easy-money" out of!
"Personally, I think it's harsh to call that a "Serious" fault, given the conditions and my "inexperience" as a Learner."
I'd say that was a very serious fault. One of the most serious. My mate couldn't understand why he was failed for hitting the curb. People told him that curb could have been a wall.
Anyway, they seem to enjoy failing people. Only one of my mates passed first time.
I'd say that was a very serious fault. One of the most serious. My mate couldn't understand why he was failed for hitting the curb. People told him that curb could have been a wall.
Anyway, they seem to enjoy failing people. Only one of my mates passed first time.
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