The Practical Driving Test...Did you Pass First Time?

[Dobby84]

Well I managed to pass my test first time twice! Yes twice.
After I passed my first test I managed to get 2 speeding fines in the first 2 years when you only have 6 points aloud on your licence. Dam 205 GTi, its not my fault its so fun to drive. I then had to re-take my test a second time but still managed to pass it although I had twice as many minnors than before so obveously picked up some bad habbits.

Think I drove my first car when I was only 12 around my friends farm so think that helped a lot.

My advice is to try remain relaxed whatever happens, mistakes occure when your flustered.
Im sure you will be fine but good luck anyway.

[s2carlo]

Well, I passed my motorcycle exams first, a long time ago.
Then after 2 years I passed my car exam, first time

A few years ago I passed for the "trailer exam" also first time.

All exams had a theoretical and practical part.

In Holland you need an extra license to drive with a heavy trailer.
When I had my lessons & exam for that the instructor said he found it striking that, after more then 20 years of driving, I was still driving so "correct".
Two remarks; maybe a little less speed and keep the indicator out on an exit until it bends off.....

I found this a compliment, looking at the average dutch driver these days

[Tap Towers]

Passed first time, been riding a motorbike for a year first tho, which instructor said he wished everyone would do as it helped with clutch control/ road sense etc..

Best thing I can think of is to try and relax, dont worry about it if you can, and like PRJ says, dont rush.

Anyway, best of luck.

[Jas11n]

1st time 25 years ago.... gulp....!.

I'm a year behind you Darren. Hell, makes you feel old don't it?

Passed first time. Examiner was the biggest, fattest, sweatiest bloke I'd ever seen.
Also stunk of stale BO Whenever I get that whiff now from someone, I think of my driving test.

Also passed bike test first time too. Back when you could learn on lawnmower engined bike, then jump on a sportsbike and kill yourself immediately.............like I nearly did.
(RXS100 Yamaha - GSXR1100wp)
I actually really enjoyed my bike test over my car test. The examiner was a nice bloke.

[david]

first time for me.
it was over like a flash,to my amazement

[DJones]

1st time 25 years ago.... gulp....!

A friend of mine made a mistake when he was taking his test and whilst feeling really bad about his mistake he lost his temper with the examiner for pointing out what he already knew..., pulled over and kicked him out and drove off home.... he tells me he didn't fail he just didn't finish it......

[bigdan]

passed first time, but i didnt learn to drive untill i bought my s2, 4 years later!

[gripper]

So I would do anything to emphasize your head movement to show observation as just moving your eyes is not sufficient

This will help you the most My instructor even suggested I put my rear view mirror slightly askew in order to physically move my head when using it !

I passed 1st time, but then again I had been driving illegally due to insurance in my late teens (sd1 V8's and tuned Rs2000's)

Good luck and try to relax

[andy10v]

Passed second time, I was failed the first time because my examiner did not see me look I got told to re book my test as soon as I could and come back, which I did and proceeded to wag my head like a nodding dog every time I looked anywhere and passed. So I would do anything to emphasize your head movement to show observation as just moving your eyes is not sufficient

Good luck anyway!

[prj]

The fact that you made a forum thread about it means that you are going to be nervous as hell with your foot shaking etc. It's normal.

Whatever you do, don't start chatting with the instructor. Just concentrate on your driving and put much less emphasis on shifting exactly at right RPM etc, than watching pedestrians and street signs.

The problem with any new driver is the ability to predict things due to lack of experience.
Try to compensate for that by looking ahead, rather than spending all the thinking time to get your driving perfect.

Also, don't rush. Usually there is a fixed time that you have to get the thing done in. If you are stuck in stop and go traffic for the entire duration, then all the better to you.

Good luck Laura

[s2_wot]

Attempt #1: I drove over to the test centre in the snow to be greeted by the tester who reckoned it was too dangerous to carry out the test and I drove home.

Attempt #2: I was failed for turning right when there were cars approaching from the other side. Apparently I should have waited for the whole line of traffic to pass rather than nipping across in front of them as I did.

Attempt #3: All good

[Laurel]

I'm feeling pretty confident, not sure what to expect though so that's a bit unnerving. Someone told me to wear my hear up in a ponytail so it swishes around when I check the mirrors. Thought that was a good idea!

Should I let my instructor be in the car too? I think it might emphasise the "test enviroment" and make me more nervous....whereas if there's just one other person in the car I can pretend I'm just going for a drive...

[Rikki Kitto]

Safe,confident driving sticking to the Highway Code, make the safety checks obvious, good all round awareness of what's happening around you at all times. Watch out for speed limit changes, road signs road markings etc. People often fail for just not picking up on the obvious, relax don't panic it's not that difficult Good luck

[K Simmonds]

Passed third time, 15 years ago now. I had to use a Metro.

[Jamo]

^ i remember observation being a big one, instructor used to always says that, look in your mirrors blah blah blah. They obviously hand'nt grasped the concept of peripheral vision. And reversing around a corner using your mirrors, seriously who does that anyway?

I like to see anyone reverse using RS2 mirrors