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Post by dla389 on Jan 3, 2011 16:55:51 GMT
Got my practical test on Wednesday this week. I've been learning with AA driving school (the guys with the big Focus) since summer last year and my instructor reckons I'm ready for my test, and should pass if I keep my wits about me. Well that's the thing, I'm absolutely bricking it. The main reason is because in my mock test earlier today, I was awful, and I mean AWFUL. I did fine yesterday, but today, I got four minors and a "serious", the only things I got right were the manoeuvres and surprisingly the 'show me tell me' part at the beginning. I missed a 'give way' sign (still shaken up by this silly mistake), hesitant and was generally a bag of nerves. Also went over the 40mph speed limit along Croydon Road in Mitcham slightly by 5mph.  So, for those on the forum who have taken their practical today, yesterday, recently, in the past few years or so, are there any last minute tips you guys can give me that might help me get through this test, because I need to find a way of keeping calm. Today was a nightmare and I don't want that to happen on my test, even though I don't doubt my ability - I just keep thinking I will mess up somewhere and probably be on something stupid! All in all, wish me luck. Panthro. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2011 18:13:25 GMT
Got my practical test on Wednesday this week. I've been learning with AA driving school (the guys with the big Focus) since summer last year and my instructor reckons I'm ready for my test, and should pass if I keep my wits about me. Well that's the thing, I'm absolutely bricking it. The main reason is because in my mock test earlier today, I was awful, and I mean AWFUL. I did fine yesterday, but today, I got four minors and a "serious", the only things I got right were the manoeuvres and surprisingly the 'show me tell me' part at the beginning. I missed a 'give way' sign (still shaken up by this silly mistake), hesitant and was generally a bag of nerves. Also went over the 40mph speed limit along Croydon Road in Mitcham slightly by 5mph. So, for those on the forum who have taken their practical today, yesterday, recently, in the past few years or so, are there any last minute tips you guys can give me that might help me get through this test, because I need to find a way of keeping calm. Today was a nightmare and I don't want that to happen on my test, even though I don't doubt my ability - I just keep thinking I will mess up somewhere and probably be on something stupid! All in all, wish me luck. Panthro. So I guess i'm the not only one here.. ;D How about drinking some Red Bull before the lessons/test, works for me  ... I had a three week gap in some of my lessons and me instructor was impressed... so that should do the trick. I also get nerves at Roundabouts especially the ones without traffic lights but I currently enjoy the one at Gants Hill via Route 123, 366 then down the dual carriage way to Stratford (A12). Its hard to keep looking at the speed gauge when your doing at least 40mph/50mph. |
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Post by john on Jan 3, 2011 18:25:30 GMT
I passed my test back in 2005 and had at least a years worth of lessons. I passed my theory first time so had that confidence boost already handed to me ;D When it came up to the test, my instructor gave me a 1 hour lesson DIRECTLY BEFORE the test. I guess it was a way to try and make sure that I was in the right frame of mind, and have to admit, it worked!! The only real tip I can give you is just concentrate. I spoke to my examiner about two or three times for a total of 2 minutes  I also tried to treat it like a lesson. The thing is, it's just like a school/college/uni exam, everyone is different. One thing I do before my exams is actually listen to music that really pumps me up for a fight, so to speak. Maybe you can try doing something like this, just to get your mind ready. Nerves can be a good thing if you use them in the right way Oh, forgot to mention, I passed first time with 7 minors ;D |
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Post by M1199 on Jan 3, 2011 19:10:23 GMT
Got my practical test on Wednesday this week. I've been learning with AA driving school (the guys with the big Focus) since summer last year and my instructor reckons I'm ready for my test, and should pass if I keep my wits about me. Well that's the thing, I'm absolutely bricking it. The main reason is because in my mock test earlier today, I was awful, and I mean AWFUL. I did fine yesterday, but today, I got four minors and a "serious", the only things I got right were the manoeuvres and surprisingly the 'show me tell me' part at the beginning. I missed a 'give way' sign (still shaken up by this silly mistake), hesitant and was generally a bag of nerves. Also went over the 40mph speed limit along Croydon Road in Mitcham slightly by 5mph. So, for those on the forum who have taken their practical today, yesterday, recently, in the past few years or so, are there any last minute tips you guys can give me that might help me get through this test, because I need to find a way of keeping calm. Today was a nightmare and I don't want that to happen on my test, even though I don't doubt my ability - I just keep thinking I will mess up somewhere and probably be on something stupid! All in all, wish me luck. Panthro. Good luck! If I can pass then anyone can! ;D I did my lessons with BSM and like you a had a mock test, which I failed miserably! Clipped the kerb, missed a turning, stopped over driveways. It didn't help that my instructor had changed his car from a Corsa to a Fiat 500 the day before either. All the driving time I had in it was from my house to the test centre. After the shambles of my mock test, my instructor said I was still ready for my test. The day of my test come and I was a bag of nerves again. Luckily for me, I was gazing out my window and I saw a DD in service on the U1(which at the time I had never seen a DD down my road) with seeing that, I got my things together and headed out to catch it on its return journey. Doing this totally took my mind off my upcoming test. By the time I got back, it was almost time for me to leave for my lesson before the test. I took a bottle of drink with me too, to stop me getting dry. Once on my test, all my nerves disappeared, didn't talk much to the examiner. The only thing I didn't like was my parallel park so I asked to do it again. Which I was allowed to do. I actually thought I had failed because I wasn't asked to do an emergency stop. But the relief I got when we pulled into the car park and he told me I'd passed was something I can't describe! I couldn't have been that bad only 4 minors. 2 less than my sister so I was over the moon with that! |
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Post by jay38a on Jan 3, 2011 19:41:00 GMT
Oh, forgot to mention, I passed first time with 7 minors ;D Same as me John, i passed 1st time with 7 minors ;D . But seriously Panthro dont get some nervous about it, as long as you relax and taking it at your own pace your be ok (thats what i did). The hardest thing i had to negotiate was Crittals Corner which anyone of the BX boys will know it can be a right pain to go round as near enough every car will do it wrong. On one lesson i did forgot to drop my speed from 70mph to 50mph along the A20 by Crittals Corner where it changes but on my driving test the examinor took me down that road again and i remembered to lower my speed that time  . Good Luck, hope you pass 1st time  |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2011 20:08:13 GMT
Oh, forgot to mention, I passed first time with 7 minors ;D Same as me John, i passed 1st time with 7 minors ;D . But seriously Panthro dont get some nervous about it, as long as you relax and taking it at your own pace your be ok (thats what i did). On one lesson i did forgot to drop my speed from 70mph to 50mph along the A20 by Good Luck, hope you pass 1st time and cause road rage in the cars behinds you.. ;D 70mph to 50? what car was you driving? |
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Post by jay38a on Jan 3, 2011 20:20:05 GMT
Same as me John, i passed 1st time with 7 minors ;D . But seriously Panthro dont get some nervous about it, as long as you relax and taking it at your own pace your be ok (thats what i did). On one lesson i did forgot to drop my speed from 70mph to 50mph along the A20 by Good Luck, hope you pass 1st time and cause road rage in the cars behinds you.. ;D 70mph to 50? what car was you driving? Before Crittals Corner coming from Swanley the A20 is a National Speed Limit road (aka 70mph) but as you get onto the flyover at Crittals Corner it changes down to a 50mph and i forgot to slow down . The Car i was driving was a 1.6L Peugeot 207 Diesel. |
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Post by dla389 on Jan 3, 2011 20:31:04 GMT
Thanks for the advice guys, keep them coming! I'm just trying to think as positively as I can. My mock test was the second of the day (15:20pm to be precise) and the roads were pretty busy which I think worked to my disadvantage, less time to cover everything due to traffic and buses that cause queues. On the plus side, my instructor said that I drive quite decently and sensibly in general, so was just an unlucky day I guess. I'm looking really forward to the real thing though, and although I may be a bit nervous beforehand, I think after 5 minutes or so I will chill out a bit and get into some good driving. Like you John, I also have an hour lesson before the test (lesson starts at 9:00, test at 10.15). I'll definitely drink something before as well, sounds like a really good idea. Thanks on that 18205. I find the manoeuvres well easy, especially the turn in the road so I'm pretty much confident with those. If I mess any of them up, particularly the parallel park, I just look around and move forward to correct myself. And if that ever happens during the test, I was told to explain to the examiner what I've done wrong and then correct it - I may just get a minor and not a fail. I was advised by my brilliant instructor to drive like I would on any lesson, constantly check my mirrors and take no notice of anything the examiner writes. We'll see how it will work out though, and hopefully I'll post on Wednesday saying I have passed! |
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Post by beaver14uk on Jan 3, 2011 20:48:54 GMT
Well its a long time ago that I took my car test so I am must admit I can hardly remember it. Although for the benefit of Steve09 it was Belvedere test centre and I remember stalling the car outside the test centre (thinking this is a good start). I did end up passing first time. Anyway it looks as if the guys on here who have taken their test more recently have given some very good advice. All I would say is that at least you have made the mistakes you have on the mock test. Now just remember where you went wrong before on the day of your test concerntrate and just take your time and keep calm (easier said than done I know). Remember the examiner is human and he/she will understand that you are nervious and take that into account - providing you don't make a serious error. Good luck and I am sure you will be OK. Just remember all you have learnt and keep calm - and think in the back of your mind how great it will be to have that bit of paper in your hand to say YOU HAVE PASSED. Let you know how you get on - and the beers are on you ;D Got my practical test on Wednesday this week. I've been learning with AA driving school (the guys with the big Focus) since summer last year and my instructor reckons I'm ready for my test, and should pass if I keep my wits about me. Well that's the thing, I'm absolutely bricking it. The main reason is because in my mock test earlier today, I was awful, and I mean AWFUL. I did fine yesterday, but today, I got four minors and a "serious", the only things I got right were the manoeuvres and surprisingly the 'show me tell me' part at the beginning. I missed a 'give way' sign (still shaken up by this silly mistake), hesitant and was generally a bag of nerves. Also went over the 40mph speed limit along Croydon Road in Mitcham slightly by 5mph. So, for those on the forum who have taken their practical today, yesterday, recently, in the past few years or so, are there any last minute tips you guys can give me that might help me get through this test, because I need to find a way of keeping calm. Today was a nightmare and I don't want that to happen on my test, even though I don't doubt my ability - I just keep thinking I will mess up somewhere and probably be on something stupid! All in all, wish me luck. Panthro. |
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Post by Steve09 on Jan 3, 2011 22:10:57 GMT
Well its a long time ago that I took my car test so I am must admit I can hardly remember it. Although for the benefit of Steve09 it was Belvedere test centre and I remember stalling the car outside the test centre (thinking this is a good start). I did end up passing first time. Anyway it looks as if the guys on here who have taken their test more recently have given some very good advice. All I would say is that at least you have made the mistakes you have on the mock test. Now just remember where you went wrong before on the day of your test concerntrate and just take your time and keep calm (easier said than done I know). Remember the examiner is human and he/she will understand that you are nervious and take that into account - providing you don't make a serious error. Good luck and I am sure you will be OK. Just remember all you have learnt and keep calm - and think in the back of your mind how great it will be to have that bit of paper in your hand to say YOU HAVE PASSED. Let you know how you get on - and the beers are on you ;D Got my practical test on Wednesday this week. I've been learning with AA driving school (the guys with the big Focus) since summer last year and my instructor reckons I'm ready for my test, and should pass if I keep my wits about me. Well that's the thing, I'm absolutely bricking it. The main reason is because in my mock test earlier today, I was awful, and I mean AWFUL. I did fine yesterday, but today, I got four minors and a "serious", the only things I got right were the manoeuvres and surprisingly the 'show me tell me' part at the beginning. I missed a 'give way' sign (still shaken up by this silly mistake), hesitant and was generally a bag of nerves. Also went over the 40mph speed limit along Croydon Road in Mitcham slightly by 5mph. So, for those on the forum who have taken their practical today, yesterday, recently, in the past few years or so, are there any last minute tips you guys can give me that might help me get through this test, because I need to find a way of keeping calm. Today was a nightmare and I don't want that to happen on my test, even though I don't doubt my ability - I just keep thinking I will mess up somewhere and probably be on something stupid! All in all, wish me luck. Panthro. Always think its a small world when I hear how many people use Belvedere Test Centre, many friends of mine have and they've said they're okay there. I'll probably get my test done there done (whenever I decide to get on with it :  My Mum passed first time too in 1989 and since then has happily mothered one of the first four generations of Ford Fiesta ;D Good luck Panthro, I for one will be interested to hear how you get on |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2011 22:37:37 GMT
Good luck panthro, all I can say is keep a cool head and just use common sense!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2011 23:02:46 GMT
and cause road rage in the cars behinds you.. ;D 70mph to 50? what car was you driving? The Car i was driving was a 1.6L Peugeot 207 Diesel. Hmm decent car I must say.. I my self is driving BMW Series 1 (E87) as a learner vehicle of course... Who says learners can't drive flashy cars... ;D |
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Post by greeny253 on Jan 4, 2011 0:21:44 GMT
Got my practical test on Wednesday this week. I've been learning with AA driving school (the guys with the big Focus) since summer last year and my instructor reckons I'm ready for my test, and should pass if I keep my wits about me. Well that's the thing, I'm absolutely bricking it. The main reason is because in my mock test earlier today, I was awful, and I mean AWFUL. I did fine yesterday, but today, I got four minors and a "serious", the only things I got right were the manoeuvres and surprisingly the 'show me tell me' part at the beginning. I missed a 'give way' sign (still shaken up by this silly mistake), hesitant and was generally a bag of nerves. Also went over the 40mph speed limit along Croydon Road in Mitcham slightly by 5mph. So, for those on the forum who have taken their practical today, yesterday, recently, in the past few years or so, are there any last minute tips you guys can give me that might help me get through this test, because I need to find a way of keeping calm. Today was a nightmare and I don't want that to happen on my test, even though I don't doubt my ability - I just keep thinking I will mess up somewhere and probably be on something stupid! All in all, wish me luck. Panthro. It's actually a good thing you made those mistakes on a mock test - better that than doing it in on the real one and failing. At least now they're out of your system so to speak. Also a strong word of advice - try not to think about it to much. Don't think of the examiner as an examiner. Think of him as someone you're just driving about but just happens to be telling you which way to go and you'll be fine. Best of luck!! Let us know how it goes |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2011 9:52:26 GMT
I did my test for the first time in November 2009. I sat down in the car and within a minute was talking to the instructor about brass band music....
Needless to say we didn't stop talking until we had bay parked in the test centre and he had given me the good news. It was a good laugh, I quite enjoyed it!
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Post by greeny253 on Jan 4, 2011 12:53:18 GMT
I did my test for the first time in November 2009. I sat down in the car and within a minute was talking to the instructor about brass band music.... Needless to say we didn't stop talking until we had bay parked in the test centre and he had given me the good news. It was a good laugh, I quite enjoyed it! I've found examiners will talk to you when you're doing well |
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... I had a three week gap in some of my lessons and me instructor was impressed... so that should do the trick. 
I also tried to treat it like a lesson.
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