i need your advice, should i put in for my driving test?

Question

i have been doing my lessons sooo long now, since jan 2006. (i know, pathetic) i told my driving instructor not to let me apply for my test untill he thought i was 100% ready. but now he is only picking on the tiniest little faults. a few friends have told me he might be trying to get as much money out of me as he can now before i have my test, as he tells me i am a perfect driver apart from these very minor faults which are just that i sometimes change gear a bit late or sometimes park too far away from the kerb. should i just put in for my test or should i carry on having more lessons? i do feel i am ready.

**u.s.a fight back, buy american's**
why do i need a spelling test. that is not what i was asking was it? god, don't it really irritate you when ppl say that!!!

Answer 1

If you can afford the £48.50 fee for the practical test then I would say definately put in for it, so if nothing else you can get some experience of what to expect and what these guys are looking for.

There is a lot of skill involved, but there is also a great deal of luck. Examiners are only human, and if you catch one on a bad day then you will fail no matter what. I passed on my second test, and this examiner let a lot more things slide than my first examiner did, who spent most of the test coughing her guts up with flu or something and clearly didn't want to pass me at all. It happens unfortunately, no matter how well you drive, and since you are allowed up to fifteen "minor" faults in any event, it is wisest simply to put in for it and hope for the best. As long as you don't do anything drastic you will pass eventually. Most fails are given on observations or lack thereof, and not pulling away correctly. I have known some driving instructors hold back from putting their pupils in for a test and insist on extra lessons, but there are others who don't and tell their pupils to put in for the test almost immediately, though it does depend on your road skills. I had already passed my motorbike test and driven three wheel Reliant Robins before going in for my car lessons, so already had most of the road sense and know-how. My instructor gave me the phone number to book my test immediately and as good as told me that apart from familiarising myself with his car and going on a few test routes there was little point in me paying for more than five lessons and if I failed, just keep putting in for it. It all depends on your existing level of skill. Maybe you would benefit from changing driving schools. Choose someone that your friends and family have passed with and would recommend.

Answer 2

I think you should apply for your test. You have had a lot of practice and all these lessons are probably just making you nervous now. How about having a few lessons with a different instructor then going for your test? This might be helpful because it sounds like your current instructor isn't really helping you any more. Good luck!

Answer 3

I see no fault in your instructor's part........... he's doing what you've been asking him to do ! ! !
i told my driving instructor not to let me apply for my test until he thought i was 100% ready. but now he is only picking on the tiniest little faults.
what is your definition of 100%?
if you feel confident you'll pass, than book your test.
good luck!
if you park too far away from the kerb, a spelling test might be helpful, despite of other ppl 's ( or mine) opinion.

Answer 4

SOunds like you should go find another instructor ( on the quiet ) and ask him for a two lesson assessment of your driving. Basicaly, get a second opinion.

It does sound like your regular instructor is taking money from you for no reason. It took me 4 months to learn to drive, and in the middle of that I had 2nd degree burns to my arms... I still passed the test.

Answer 5

Just ask during your next lesson that you concentrate on parking along and gear changing. The DVLA aer making it harder and harder for individuals to pass their test. If you were to park to far away from the kerb then you would get a point for it. But as you say they are minor so I suggest that you take my first suggestiona and ask to be put forward for a test. GoodLuck!

Answer 6

Put in for the test! Everybody makes mistakes and if the worst mistakes your making is shifting late or parking a little far from the curb then your doing great! Relax, enjoy yourself when your on the road, and dump the instructor...

Answer 7

i was the same. i took a year to learn. my instructor however did a mock test with me and i failed but cause it was only silly mistakes he encouraged me to book test. i failed. silly mistakes. but.. he told me a few more lessons and then rebook. i passed. anyway my advice to you is hire a car from arnold clark as they have dual control cars for learners and get a parent or good friend to go out with u. this is alot cheaper and believe me helps more than the instructor does. when u go for ur test u also need confidence cause it is really nerveracking. so go hire that car for a few hours and book ur test. most people fail first time. dont get down. it gives u even more confidence. good luck on ur test!!!

Answer 8

When I booked my driving test, even I wasn't completely ready (in my opinion) but my instructor encouraged me, he said I had nothing (apart from money) to lose if I don't pass. So I went for it and passed!!
I suggest, if you feel you are ready - go for it! At least you'll know what to expect in an unlikely case you fail, for the next time!

good luck!!

Answer 9

i think your friends might be right with the instructor making more money for no good reason i drive for a living and its all down to
practice so if you think you are ready good for it and then you will
know or change instructor's

Answer 10

I'd agree, you're ready by the sounds of it.

And there's nothing wrong with your spelling, I wish those yanks would refrain from coming on a UK & Ireland site & trying to make snide remarks because we don't use their peculiar spelling methods.