Today I failed my driving test for the 8th time. When I was 17-18, I learnt to drive, but I was always really nervous and my instructor taught me quite out-dated methods like changing gear sequentially rather than block changing etc. I failed six times with her in the space of two years.
I left it a while and my theory ran out, took it again last year, and then met my new instructor. With him, I took a test a few months ago, and I failed with 4 minors because I ended up in the wrong place. All my other tests were taken before the change of format, so this was the first time I took a test with independent driving.
Today I took it again, when we got to the test centre they changed my test time, which wound me up because they told me they sent me a letter (but I hadn't received one). Luckily they changed it to a later time rather than date so I went ahead with it. They decided to have a second examiner in the car with us observing the whole test. Already upset with the situation and then having two sets of eyes on me really threw me, so I failed with 2 minors.
I'm really depressed about this, and I think I should give up. I feel like a massive failure, my entire family, all my friends, everyone I know drives. I don't know anyone that's taken their test more than 3 times, let alone 8!
Sorry for the long read, but I was wondering if anyone has experienced anything like this? And if so, how did they cope? It's really upsetting me now.
I can understand how this must be frustrating for you. Do you enjoy driving?
If it's something you enjoy and do want to do then I would suggest that you don't give up. It sounds to me like it might be a confidence issue for you, and that your nerves just get the better of you when you're being tested.
Maybe try to work on your confidence and try to get as much driving experience as possible before sitting your test again.
You're definitely not alone in this, two of my close friends took 9 and 6 tries before they passed their tests and now they're both very confident and competent behind the wheel so try not to stress out about it too much.
If money isn't an issue and you can afford it, and have the time, I would definitely just practice and try not to be in any rush to pass your test. I understand that you may already be a good enough driver, but more practice and experience should help to improve your confidence so that you'll be able to perform better on your next test.
My cousin took 7 attempts, some people just need longer. It sounds like there was a lot of factors that made your performance more difficult, but practice and more confidence will likely help.
Try not to be too disheartened, lots of people fail many times before they pass, but that doesn't make them a bad driver. I'd keep going. Maybe you could practice with someone who has a full liscence and can take a provisional out if money is tight.
If you had failed time after time then I would say that could be indicitive. However, you have only taken your test since being with your new instructor twice and as a result I would say don't despair just yet!
xox
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You're definitely not alone in this, two of my close friends took 9 and 6 tries before they passed their tests and now they're both very confident and competent behind the wheel so try not to stress out about it too much.
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Originally Posted by MissAnonymous
My cousin took 7 attempts, some people just need longer.
This is so much of a relief, thank you so much.... I thought I was the only one! I really do enjoy driving, and my boyfriend lives in London, I live about 250 miles away, it would make such a difference to our relationship if I were able to drive so I do really want this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by random.swirls
If you had failed time after time then I would say that could be indicitive. However, you have only taken your test since being with your new instructor twice and as a result I would say don't despair just yet
Sometimes I think I may never pass, like it's the Universe's way of telling me I'm not meant to be on the road. But then I drive my sister around in her car just fine, and the examiner said had I not failed (which was as soon as I left the test centre) it was the best test he'd seen all week.
I just don't know why I get so nervous and I have no idea how to control them. Ten mins into the test I'm fine, but it's just at the beginning, and that's where they always fail me.
Have you thought about driving an automatic? They can be easier to manoeuver, they're impossible to stall, and you don't have to change gear - they're generally easier because you have much less to think about so you can relax into the driving more.
Also - just in case it happens again; apparently if there are two examiners in the car, the one in the back is actually assessing how well the 'front' examiner conducts the test and isn't concentrating on you or your driving at all - he's judging your examiner and not you!
I'm sure you'll get there with your driving - you seem to be doing better with every test
I just don't know why I get so nervous and I have no idea how to control them. Ten mins into the test I'm fine, but it's just as the beginning, and that's where they always fail me.
Maybe, whenever you get round to taking your test again it would be good to practice some relaxation techniques right before you start. Hopefully you'll be feeling much more confident by then anyway, but try taking a few really slow, deep breaths and clearing your head before your start. Might make you feel just a little bit more in control. Best of luck with your continued efforts!
Also - just in case it happens again; apparently if there are two examiners in the car, the one in the back is actually assessing how well the 'front' examiner conducts the test and isn't concentrating on you or your driving at all - he's judging your examiner and not you!
I'm sure you'll get there with your driving - you seem to be doing better with every test
Why didn't they tell me that? He just said this guy will be observing and that was it. I thought he was sat at the back watching me! Oh my gosh! I thought, maybe because I'd failed so many times, they got someone in to check my driving lol. cheers for that!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Infatuated
Maybe, whenever you get round to taking your test again it would be good to practice some relaxation techniques right before you start. Hopefully you'll be feeling much more confident by then anyway, but try taking a few really slow, deep breaths and clearing your head before your start. Might make you feel just a little bit more in control. Best of luck with your continued efforts!
This had really shattered what little confidence I had. But I'm going to google some relaxation techniques now, thanks!
Ive failed twice so far, even though my instructor keeps telling me im one of the people whos most certain to pass hes got. The first time i did an almost flawless test then screwed up parking in the test centre car park. Then last time i was a lot more nervous, and ended up in the wrong lane three times in the first 15 minutes. I havent actually told anyone, i keep pretending i havent taken it even though they keep asking why my instructor hasnt asked me to do it yet after over a year. Its really annoying because normally i drive fine, i think nerves are a huge problem in the driving test,mdefinitely work on relaxing a bt
He was no longer jean valjean but no. 24601 -les miserable
Some of life's mysteries will never be solved, such as why, after spending an entire evening listenong to Bach, do I find myself humming "the birdie song".......
I am reaching, but i fall, and the stars are black and cold, as i stare into the void of a world that cannot hold- les miserables
I passed very recently on my 6th attempt. I sound similar to you, I took 5 when I was 17/18 and then moved away and took a break. My theory ran out and I became really nervous about the whole thing.
Then I found a new instructor, who was ace. I basically used him as a personal taxi service to get from work to home on a Monday night. He was really patient with me, and said that it was clear that I could drive and drive pretty well, but I just freaked out during the test. What he did was to take me to the test centre nearly every lesson. Like, once I was good enough in my general driving we'd drive past it, then we started driving in and just driving around the car park and then we started practicing maneouvers in the car park (although I realise this might not be possible for everyone). It really helped, kinda like aversion therapy.
This also might sound really stupid, but I was so worried I was willing to try anything, but I also had some sessions of hypnotherapy before hand, a lady at work had done some training and in reality it was just really intense relaxation. I don't know how much it helped, but I firmly believe it did. It gave me a positive to anchor to my driving test instead of a negative.
Lastly, I really sympathise about the moving the test thing. On the morning I was supposed to take my last test I was already in the car with my instructor and they emailed and rang me to cancel. I couldn't get in that day and I was devastated, I'd been all psyched up for it and it made it so tough. I'm sorry you had to go through the same.
Lastly, I'm sure you will pass. If you couldn't drive your instructor would have told you by now. Really. When I finally passed I got two minors, both for taking a wrong turn at a roundabout, in the independent driving section. My examiner just corrected me, and they shouldn't fail you for directional faults.
Anyways, point is passing has been amazing for me. It made me so much more independent and is better for work/my MA/life. Don't give up because it will be equally amazing for you. You will get there!
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Make us all feel wonderful. We'll never forget."
Yes! Keep trying don't give up :) Some of the members on this forum are 12, 13,14, 15. My mom talked me out of getting a temps at 15, and I had panic as well, but it was not because I of my panic its because like paranoid of me leaving. And it seems allot of older adults seem to not like the idea of any one under 18 years old driving. Now I did not leave the house often enough in the past due to my mom being over protective and panic attacks here and there. I catch every bug that goes around. If I would have pushed for my l's my dad was more cool about me getting them young which was good, I would have probably had better health and been more happy..I say no matter what age you are how many times you guys failed the test keep motivated and get it at soon as you can and stay calm motivated and focused :). lol I would have loved to be going to the libary, the store, the mall, the lounge with out her on my tail.
Last edited by ForgottonAngel : 22-09-2012 at 06:11 PM.
Im a girl from the USA. I usually have a skinny body and a big head with puffy cheeks, my heads shaped like ball. :P:P:P:P Sometimes I wear no make and other times I put on to much and prance around with flashy boots. Self described Butthead.♥
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o30wacwdoc"]Denis Leary - I'm An Asshole - YouTube[/ame]
This is one funny video and I listen to it while practing driving. Because they play it on the radio. Hahahahahaha but don;t actually drive like this I tottally don't! But this is funny!
Im a girl from the USA. I usually have a skinny body and a big head with puffy cheeks, my heads shaped like ball. :P:P:P:P Sometimes I wear no make and other times I put on to much and prance around with flashy boots. Self described Butthead.♥
The first time i did an almost flawless test then screwed up parking in the test centre car park. Then last time i was a lot more nervous, and ended up in the wrong lane three times in the first 15 minutes. Its really annoying because normally i drive fine, i think nerves are a huge problem in the driving test,mdefinitely work on relaxing a bt
That's exactly like me, it's always right at the beginning of my test that they fail me, it's so frustrating, because the rest of the test goes really well!
To be fair, I think you're better off not telling anyone. Once you do, and if you fail the pressure increases after every test. Just tell them you'll take it when you're ready.
I'm trying to work on my nerves, but I can't ask anyone for help, they all think it's a petty excuse I'm using for not passing because normally I don't get nervous about anything.
Quote:
Originally Posted by what_the?
This also might sound really stupid, but I was so worried I was willing to try anything, but I also had some sessions of hypnotherapy before hand, a lady at work had done some training and in reality it was just really intense relaxation. I don't know how much it helped, but I firmly believe it did. It gave me a positive to anchor to my driving test instead of a negative.
Lastly, I really sympathise about the moving the test thing. On the morning I was supposed to take my last test I was already in the car with my instructor and they emailed and rang me to cancel. I couldn't get in that day and I was devastated, I'd been all psyched up for it and it made it so tough. I'm sorry you had to go through the same.
Thank you so much for understanding. No-one gets it, everyone was telling me how having my test moved an hour later (because examiners were on strike) was a good thing because I got an extra hour of practice, but for me, there was a short window of time where I was confident and not too nervous, and if I had taken it at the original time, the second examiner wouldn't have sat in, and I really think I would have passed.
I wouldn't know how to go about hypnotherapy, but my instructor has been known to use something called Neuro linguistic programming, not quite sure what that is, but people that have passed with him says it helps train you into thinking of it in a certain way so you don't get nervous.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ForgottonAngel
If I would have pushed for my l's my dad was more cool about me getting them young which was good, I would have probably had better health and been more happy..I say no matter what age you are how many times you guys failed the test keep motivated and get it at soon as you can and stay calm motivated and focused :). lol I would have loved to be going to the libary, the store, the mall, the lounge with out her on my tail.
I know people learn to drive at any age, but I feel like I've been trying for so long, so many times, it's just really disheartening especially when I see people younger than me passing! My best friend's 17yr old sister passed a few months ago, but wrote her car off in an accident two weeks ago! Lol @ the video, but we don't play the radio in our lessons/test.
My instructor wants me to re-book straight away, but I think I'm going to work on my nerves a little, find which relaxation technique suits me. Might also go to the test centre on a few lessons and get used to it a bit more (thanks what the?).
Cheers for the advice everyone, if I do pass one day, credit goes to all of you! <3
I see that other people have managed to encourage you not to give up, but I want to reiterate that! I haven't actually passed my test, but do know someone who passed on their 7th attempt so you're certainly not alone. It must be disheartening, but it is down to chance what happens on the day as well as your driving ability. The fact that you enjoy it and have a real motivation to pass your test is a great reason to keep going - please don't give up!
I see that other people have managed to encourage you not to give up, but I want to reiterate that! I haven't actually passed my test, but do know someone who passed on their 7th attempt so you're certainly not alone. It must be disheartening, but it is down to chance what happens on the day as well as your driving ability. The fact that you enjoy it and have a real motivation to pass your test is a great reason to keep going - please don't give up!
Aww thanks, I'm on my ninth attempt, I've gotten to a point where I can only laugh about it, I can't waste any more time being upset (don't want to fall into depression again) besides no amount of crying is going to change the fact that I've failed 8 times lol.
Just waiting till I get paid and then might re-book, in the meantime I've found some relaxation techniques to help calm my nerves, time will tell if they work
I'd say stay strong and keep pushing forward, you WILL pass, don't give up on yourself. Think how sweet it will be when you do pass, you will be so proud that you kept going, use that to keep you motivated. Sure it might be tough for you and maybe easy for a select few but hey ho don't let that get you down there are sooooooo many people around the world in the same boat as you for sure. You will do it, you will pass with flying colours and you will be ecstatic.
I passed my motorbike test when I was 17 and rode bikes constantly for 9 years, I recently sold my bike in order to learn to drive and pass my test! I have my test on October 31st.. I was doing really well with my lessons but feel I am made for two wheels not four as I can't describe how uncomfortable I am in a car, my anxiety is on a whole new level and I'm not sure why.. Could be that the person teaching me and testing me is in the car with me unlike on a motorbike where they follow you on their own bike.
Aaaaaaaaaaaanyway I had a mock test last week as my test was meant to of been two days ago but got cancelled because of strikes.. Lucky it did because the mock test went TERRIBLE! Its like I forgot EVERYTHING, after that I felt very disheartened. Anxiety is my biggest problem so I totally understand how nerves can throw everything off track, I'm going to have work on trying to control it before my test as learning to drive is not cheap is it lol.
Sorry for rambling, I wasn't meant to go on so much.
"I may be in the gutter but I can still see the stars"
Sorry for rambling, I wasn't meant to go on so much.
Not at all it's good to hear that other people have problems with nerves, it's nice to know I'm not the only one.
I know exactly what you mean by having someone sat next to you, I had someone sat behind me aswell, it was kind of terrifying. But like you say, I'll be over the moon when I pass and hopefully next time, I'll only have one pair of eyes on me.
I wouldn't have thought riding a bike is too different from driving? I mean the rules of the road are the same (giving way, when to pull out etc), and you've had nine years of experience on the road, I'm certain you will be just fine!
And you've booked it on halloween aswell! So EVERYONE will be out celebrating with you after you pass! Lots of luck.<3
Awwww thanks but I'm not feeling confident about it at all, guess we shall see how my next couple of lessons go and hopefully I can build my confidence.
I have been on the road for 9 years, that is very true and you would think once I have the controls of the car down I would be fine... Sadly that is not the case as I have severe social anxiety and severe anxiety in general and having someone sitting there makes my brain go into shut down mode or my heart races so much I am borderline having a panic attack. Its sooooooo hard, I know what I should be doing, what lane I should be in, when to stop, when to give way etc but I just seem to forget everything as soon as I sit in that car. I'm not going to lie there have been times I have wanted to just give up and cut my losses and buy another motorbike but I'm hanging in there.
I'm sure you will pass! If you can work on controlling those nerves I think you would totally smash it. On the off chance they say a second person will be in the car with you again could you not say no? Surely they can't just force that kind of thing on you.
"I may be in the gutter but I can still see the stars"
I'm sure you will pass! If you can work on controlling those nerves I think you would totally smash it. On the off chance they say a second person will be in the car with you again could you not say no? Surely they can't just force that kind of thing on you.
Well they didn't really give me a choice in the matter, they didn't tell me about it before the test, I just did my show me tell me questions and got in the car, and then the second examiner walked up to the car and jumped in the back and I was like "Who the hell is that??" They didn't give me the option, the examiner was like "This is Richard, he'll be sat in the back observing, but he's not permitted to speak and any directions will come from me"... I was all: But I'm not going to do that again, even if they don't ask but they want someone to watch I'm just going to point blank say no and tell them to get on. I paid for this and if I didn't have my own instructor with me, what makes them think I'd want theirs? My instructor said in four years he's only seen that happen once before me.
I think you'll be fine, when you're thinking about it, it's a lot worse than it actually is. You've survived a riding test on your own, which in my eyes, seems a lot more difficult, you had two people watching you and you ride by yourself. At least in a car you're safe in the knowledge that someone's with you and they have dual controls should anything go wrong.
As for nerves and anxiety, take a bottle water with you, take a sip before starting the test. Take really deep breaths if you feel your heart racing, and hold them for a few secs and this should help to reduce your heart rate. Don't pay any attention to the examiner, whatsoever, just because he's moving his hand doesn't mean he's writing anything bad, he has to tick off which manoeuvre you do. Don't think about him at all, and if you feel like you got in the car and forgot everything then constantly ask yourself questions in your head, related to driving, throughout your test, i.e. What's that pedestrian going to do? Do I have to give way to this car? etc. This should help you focus on driving and executing everything you were taught.
I presume you've been told about how the test will go and what to expect? If not I don't mind explaining, Lord knows I've had enough experience LOL.
Indeed you're the one paying, if it happened to me and they said "This is Richard, he will be sitting in the back observing" I'd be like..... Not in this car he isn't.. Buh bye lol.
I have started listening to motivational videos on youtube to try and get that fire burning and the feeling of I can do anything, sometimes it works and sometimes I think yeah right... Lol. I think the fact they have control makes me much more anxious, I feel better when I know I am in full control, I feel it really helps my concentration but when the instructor slams the breaks on when I already have it covered it kinda beats the confidence out of me.
I like the idea of asking myself questions at least then my brain is engaged and I'm not slipping into pure darkness which is what tends to happen when my anxiety kicks in. When I have my next lesson I will try and put it into effect, I kinda have an understanding of what to expect but we had to cut my mock test short as I had two panic attacks and he deemed me unfit to continue. I'm dreading the independent driving part, bah I'm dreading all of it! Lol.
"I may be in the gutter but I can still see the stars"
They didn't give me the option, the examiner was like "This is Richard, he'll be sat in the back observing, but he's not permitted to speak and any directions will come from me"... I was all: 
