passing my full driving test?

[princess2009]

hello to everyone who reads this!
im planning to take my full driving test in about 4-5 weeks time, ill be taking it in a new area to me as ive just moved here!
anyone that has passed this can u please tell me what to expect?
and i also have been driving for about a year, so im not the worst of a driving, so how many lessons u rekon ill be needing?
cheers to all who help....
im a neverous reck about this as i really want to pass it!!
o ya and in case i forget does any one know if once i pass my full can i drive on my own without a full driver having to be with me???????????
im really tired of having to take my dad every where!!!

[Pigletion]

Test is very similar to what you do in your lessons, like the manouvres, negotiating roundabouts, traffic lights etc. Usually have to do 2 out of 3 of reverse round corner, parallel park and turn in the road (3 point turn). They'll be an emergency stop somewhere in there. Often keep asking you to stop at the side of the road and then to pull away when you think it's safe. Might also have a little drive on a dual carriageway now too. Oh and they should make you read a car number plate a certain distance away before you're allowed to begin the test (if you wear glasses, make sure you have them on!). You also need to know how to use auxillary controls,so be aware of where lights are (and turnthem on if necesary), as well as wind screen wipers and screen wash.

Just emphasise looking in all mirrors, take notice of old ladies on bikes and just do everything calmly and you'll be fine. If you don't hear the examiner, or forget instantly what they say, just ask them to repeat. Also, wear sensible shoes.

Usually takes between 20 - 40 hours of lessons/practice to pass. If you have a car to practice regularly, this is usually nearer the short end.

As soon as you've passed, you can drive any car you're insured on. You get given a piece of paper that acts as your licence whilst you're waiting for your full one to arrive. This is assuming you're in the UK.

[princess2009]

thank u sooooo much for your replie!!! sooo helpful..
can i just say that im from ireland originally, and back in ireland u can drive on a provisional license so i have been driving for the pass year,,, so do u still rekon ill need that many hours? just that its like 22pound per hour!!

also i heard from someone that u cannot drive on a full without being accompanied by a full driver for the fist year or so.. is this not tru?

[mccfluff]

you can drive on your own once you have passed your test. i would reccomend you pass plus lessons once you have passed though, check with you local council as they may offer to pay part as an incentive and it can reduce your insurance premium.

good luck on your test and have as many lessons as you can afford, just because you have been driving for the past year doesn't mean you are of a standard to pass the driving test. On your first lesson the intracutor shoul dbe able to assess your ability and advise you.

[Pigletion]

You definitely can start driving alone as soon as you've passed (as long as you're insured on the car).

I have a friend from Ireland and she only had five hours of lessons and was allowed to drive, though she can't reverse!

If you can already drive (as in have the skill), you'll need the lessons to get you into the correct habits to pass the test. If you drive for a long time, you may no longer drive like a learner and probably wouldn't pass a test! I know I wouldn't, although I am a careful driver, I do not maintain my hands in the 2 and 10 position at all times!

If you book one lesson, they'll usually assess you if you can already drive and give you an idea of how many you'll need, it shouldn't be many. Also tests often need to be booked quite far in advance as the waiting list is quite long.

If you have access to a car and a friendly Dad, you csn always practice what you have learned in your lessons, so the amount of paid for lessons will be greatly reduced. It's worthmaking sure you pass, as the tests aren't cheap either, so if you skimp on the lessons the first time, you may fail, then have to take more lessons and pay for another test. I'm sure your Dad will advise you as well. If he's not hanging on for dear life, you're probably ok!


Good luk

[princess2009]

thank u all soooo much for being so helpfull

[sigma]

If during the test you muck up one of the manouvers ie parallel park, three point turn, reversing round corner, ask to do the manouver again. One tip, offset the rear view mirror slightly so you have to move your head rather than just glance up to use it, that way the examiner can see you are using your mirror.
Good luck

[lesblue]

If you get the chance (and some kind soul to drive you) follow a couple of cars from the Driving Test centre. They only have a handful of routes they use, and you will get an idea of which roads they use for manouevers.

[princess2009]

thanks everyone keep all the advice and tips coming

[denis567]

As a retired driving instructor I can endorse much of the advice given (except for off-setting the mirror - the examiner will know whether you are using them (all three) correctly).
When I was an active driving instructor, I attended a seminar at which a Chief Driving Examiner was giving a talk. He said he was often asked how many lessons were needed, and he said he always replied that you needed twice as many as what you thought you needed.
Best of luck!!

[chazza]

Please don't follow cars from the test centre round their test route, the poor learners will be nervous enough doing their tests without some car tailing them and watching their every move!

[princess2009]

thank everyone.
my therory is 2moro!!!!!!!
im so nervouse!!!!!!!!

[princess2009]

ooooooooooooo my god!!!!!!!!!
my test is on monday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!