Driving Test

[Mrs Smalman]

I have failed my test in London 3 times now. I am a good driver with lots of driving experience and drive perfectly and confidently when on a lesson or with my husband. As soon as the test comes along I go to pieces and drive like a novice. The last test was the worst so far with 1 dangerous, 2 serious and 4 minor faults. Generally speaking I am a calm and confident person. I am now taking my test again in January out of London. Any other advice as I am desperate to pass my test. I have tried rescue remedy, Kalms, Bananas, Hypnosis CD and meditation.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

you just need to relax,my daughter was a bit like you,she failed twice,she started to do a bit of yoga and it worked a treat,it might help you,you never know

[Paul22118]

My first reaction is to say simply and clearly what most readers here will be thinking. It would not make pleasant reading for you so instead Mrs Smalman do have a Happy Christmas.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

paul,dont be a prat

[Mrs Smalman]

thanks for the advice although i'm not sure what paul was getting at

[The Trog]

Mrs Smalman,

I am an ex - London Driving Test Examiner - not an instructor. If you are coming back from a driving test with 1 dangerous and 2 serious faults - there is something badly wrong. Are you SURE you are actually up to driving test standard? Have you taken professional advice from a QUALIFIED driving instructor? What your husband and your goodself consider to be driving test "standard" may be very different from the reality of the situation. I suspect, from having conducted many thousands of driving tests, that if you are failing so badly with dangerous, let alone serious faults, you are not up to test standard. It's not that you are no good - just not ready for test.

[Mrs Smalman]

Thanks Trog but yes I have had professional lessons for 6 months sometimes going out every day with a very good instuctor. She is very happy with my standard of driving and said she would not put me in for my test if she didn't think I was of a high standard. My first test I had only 3 minors and 1 serious for lane positioning. After that I think it has been the thought of failing again that has afffected me. With respect, I wouldn't have ever taken a driving test without having professional lessons first.

[nikki11]

Hi, It took me 6 attempts to pass my test, however looking back at it now i do not think i was ready for it at first. Try the suggestion of a qualified driving instructor. It wont hurt! But never give up. Good look!!

[Mrs Smalman]

I'VE HAD A QUALIFIED INSTRUCTOR FOR 6 MONTHS! In September and October I had lessons most days and had already had 20 lessons in January.

Why is everyone assuming I haven't had any proper lessons? I have spent a small fortune on lessons and tests.

[wilsarnie]

Mrs Smalman I think yours and Nicky11's posts crossed, take a deep breath now ;)....

I don't know if it helps but my friend was so nervous that she went to her doctors and he prescribed her one-off beta blockers for the occasion! I've no idea what they do, how they affect you or how they help (apart from steady the nerves obviously) and am in no way recommending them but if it helped her pass?...

Whatever you do, good luck

[wilsarnie]

And I think Paul getting at women drivers and their presence & safety on the road....

One word for you Paul - Statisitcs!

[mackab24]

ok lets not argue about this your just not good enough. to be a good driver you have to learn from your mistakes and if your test results are getting worse then your obviously trying to hard. but seriously dont let it bother you be calm and focused but in charge dont let anyone else except you take charge of a situation that may arise. mistakes happen all the time its how you correct them that is important

[Mrs Smalman]

Thank you for all of your help and suggestions. I am hoping that January proves to be the month that I succeed.

[nikki11]

Sorry about the last answer your reply was not there when i posted it! No offence ment. Keep trying though you will do it. Best of luck .

[The Trog]

Mrs Smalman,

Go to my web site - TheExExaminer.co.uk and you can contact me. I am willing to give anyone free advice - even if it's just a friendly chat to try and help.

Kind regards,

The Trog