The "Freeola Customer Forum" forum, which includes Retro Game Reviews, has been archived and is now read-only.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 failed a driving test for being courteous. I stopped to let someone who was reversing onto the main road (which is illegal?) out of the parking space and into the flow of traffic. Several people who were "stuck behing that learner driver going really slow" i.e the speed limit, drove round me and thus I was failed for being "hesitant and impeding the flow of traffic".
Never, have I or shall I, show any courtesy to another road user again.
Never, have I or shall I, show any courtesy to another road user again.
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: