For me, my driving instructor told me I am not ready and refused to give me the car for the test. I took my own car to the test and passed 1st time with 0 faults. All and all it took me a mix of lessons and practicing for about one year. So my advice is if you feel ready and are confident just go for the test.
@@davidmarjason4222 yup and that's likely to be worse if a less-capable instructor can avoid a check-test by blagging you (see my long comment elsewhere ^ ^ v v ;o)
On contrary, I knew someone passed her test with 15 minor fails that noone expected she could pass even herself because her instructor still need to interfere eg control her steering occasionally. What I am trying to say is the standard of passing cannot be kept at similar level as before
My biggest gripe with taking the driving test, investing so much time and money into taking lessons and not being able to do so because the instructor won't let you have the car. Its why I left my previous instructor, he said to me "You're no where near pass standard" after like 6/7 months. Then if you try and do it in another instructor's car they probably won't let you because they don't know how good you are at driving. Piss take
I think that if we're honest, a lot of drivers make "silly" mistakes of the type that would fall a test relatively regularly. It's about not making dangerous mistakes, how you handle the mistakes and learning from them that matters. Everyone can easily misjudge a turn or pull out in front of someone by accident every once in a while.
Let’s understand the significance of pulling out in front of someone by accident, it can be deadly. Learners, or recent test pass students need to take an extra moment to “make sure”. I ride bicycles and motorbikes, and I’m a driving instructor. People are trying to kill me every day. Two of my regular mantras: “Take your time”, and, “it’s not a race”.
@Ian Morrison perhaps I wasn't clear, I'm not downplaying the importance of such mistakes, nor the need to try and eliminate them from our driving. It's part of why I still watch these kind of videos 3 years after passing my test... Just recognising that the reality is that nobody is perfect, and people make mistakes from time to time. The issue I have is with those who don't care that they make mistakes, or do them on purpose. I do also think that many drivers, judging by dashcam videos are pretty unforgiving of genuine mistakes and unwilling, at least in the heat of the moment anyway to understand that even the best drivers make errors from time to time
@@Chadgigington I've been driving for almost 20 years now, and I STILL drive defensively! Way too many bad drivers on the roads these days! So in order to avoid accidents, the good drivers unfortunately have to compensate!
The problem I can't push my test back by a month or two, the backlog is such that the nearest date is in 6 months, so I actually feel more pressure to go and take the test instead of just pushing it back.
@Sicko Pierce driving Test Now , click the dates , :) it's pretty fun, the dates you set they will automatically book it without your answer haha. But any dates outside the dated you choose. It will let me decide. :) so remember any dates you highlight, you will be automatically set to it :)
Firstly: Good luck to everyone who's got a test coming up soon you're gonna smash it. :) I think you're spot on with the DVSA hours of lessons it takes to pass, I've always loved cars, always had a passion since I was proper small, when I was a baby my parents would stick on top gear and get a hour of bliss 🤣 I passed 1st time (without a mock test) with no driver faults at all after around 8 hours of practice with my parents in their cars and 5, 1 hour lessons with my instructor. my knowledge and interest of cars helped me massively, I already understood how everything worked, had a good understanding of road signs too which helped in my theory. My sister is the opposite of me, hates cars (even now she's passed she hates driving and only does about 1,500 miles a year) she took 30 hours of private lessons with my parents and 60+ hours of lessons with instructors, she had to put her test back 3 times and took her just over two years to pass. Also to anyone with an upcoming test that's feeling the anxiety, I suffer with anxiety really bad. Obviously if you know any of your triggers make sure you avoid those at least 3 days before your test (caffeine for example can sometimes trigger people) I'd also advise you to tell as little people as possible you're doing your test, that way you'll feel less pressure, if you fail well it is what it is, at least you don't have to feel embarrassed by telling all your mates you failed. I'd also recommend taking Kalms if they help you (though I'm not sure if they make you drowsy so read the label first), once you're going you'll be fine honestly, just try make general conversation If you feel you can to get rid of the tension and then just focus on your driving. :)
This video did more than talk about driver tests. There are some very good messages in this video about life in general. Being present in the moment is very vital and for me, it has hit home. Thank you very much :) wish everyone the best in whatever you are doing in life.
Another point to consider is age ,the older you get the the longer it may take to learn to drive. Another point is its not always easy to take private practice as family and friends can sometimes be reluctant to help as they don't have dual controls and the supervisor is more nervous than the learner
I agree. I don't think it's easy to teach someone who is new to driving without dual control as high risk is involved. You pay for driving lessons which is expensive or you pay for car damages (which often happens in learning with a family car) which is not cheap either. Which one is better or cheaper? Decision is yours. 😅
Thanks to your videos (and my instructor of course) I passed first time last Wednesday! Glad to hear DVLA are doing something about the backlog cause I was so stressed about having to book another test.
I just passed my Australian driving test (Vehicle On Road Test) last Saturday, and your advice has been golden! You're easily UK's best driving instructor, and one of my all time favourite driving instructors, period. Keep it up champ! Subscribed and all notifications on! 🎉🏆
I wish the DVSA could change some things about the test that makes it random. 1) The manouvers. These are the worst, since you're selected a random manouvre on the test and not even tested on the others. What could for example be done instead is to have a mandatory front bay park and a mandatory parallel park and say that the stopping on the opposite side of the road and reverse bay parking is something you can learn once you get your license and become more competent. Out of all the manouvers, the only one I've ever used after passing the test is the front bay parking, but I could learn the others again if I would need to. 2) Road situations. Having a mandatory list of things you will encounter on the tests would help, for example city driving, simple roundabouts, etc. For example on my test I never went on a slip road, didn't go on Motorway, didn't go on a spiral roundabout. This makes the route you get very important and you can be allowed to pass with skill gaps. 3) A lot of new (and older) drivers makes small mistakes all the time that would have failed them during the test, but because they happened to drive well enough once during 45 minutes sometime in the past, they now have the license for life. Having the drivers instructora more involved, maybe with mandatory lessons and check-ins, would make it less random.
I failed my first test and it was totally down to nerves. I know know why my instructor put me under so much pressure, so thanks for that. I then failed my second, due to instructor stress, changed my instructor and passed my test. I personally think failing a few tests has made me a better driver. Good luck to anyone taking their test.
Thought I would my insight after recently passing my driving test. I’m a 43m who had convinced himself that I wouldn’t be clever enough or be able to retain the information to learn to drive, this is the result of childhood of abuse and lack of positive reinforcement, driving scared me too, those negative thoughts and emotions meant I missed out near 3 decades of being able to drive, now that’s my fault, I believed those emotions and thoughts so there is no blame anywhere else. Skip forward, one of my 2 children will be starting secondary school soon (I’m a single father) and because she is on the spectrum, I have to decide which school would be best, some of these schools are out of reach and sadly because my Daughter isn’t great with public transport or strangers I needed to learn. Both for them and for me, so that’s my motivation. So I book my first block of 5 lessons, great, we’re off! I book my theory test and download a quite well known app, btw that app is amazing, I still use it to keep up with the theory side, anyway, the theory comes around and although I’m killing the mock theories I’m convinced myself into indifference that I will fail. I didn’t fail, in fact I did very well, getting near the top score you can get ( no shade to scrapers, you’re all amazing) Ok so I’ve passed that, I feel great, well for awhile. I’m on my 3rd lesson and because I’d been very active on the roads, spending hours on the roads going to places I’d always wanted to see (all with a legal licence owner) my instructor tells me that I don’t really need 5 more lessons after this set, maybe 1 or 2. I say great but didn’t believe him so I booked another 5 (I missed 1 lesson due to timing constraints) all the whole my instructor is telling me I’m ready (I don’t believe him) btw I’d booked my driving test at this point and it was quickly approaching though months away! Skipping to the day, you guessed it, I didn’t believe in myself at all but I had probably over 100 hours on the roads, all roads, A,B, carriageways and sadly a motorway due to taking to wrong exit although I got off very quickly, through rain, fog, sleet and snow and yet I had zero confidence in myself. I passed my driving test with 7 minors/driving faults, this was 2 weeks ago today and I still can’t believe it. What’s my lesson here, I’m not sure, perhaps, the mind is very powerful and you probably shouldn’t listen to it all the time. I went into my test with the attitude of “ah well, I’ll just rebook another test” already resigning myself to failure. Sorry for the long comment, I hope it has some value for someone! ❤️
I'm glad to hear your passed after all your practise. Our minds are very powerful, it's important to believe in yourself, listen to criticism but believe you can do it.
Third time lucky passer here. I struggled hugely with anxiety during lessons and tests. I found chewing gum helped a lot, strange I know but I’ve seen online I’m not the only one, so thought it was worth mentioning here! Plus the examiner will appreciate the fresh breath 😂
I found the (what seemed like constant) emails in the run up to my driving test from the DVLA nerve wrecking. The negative wording suggesting I delay my test and questioning my abilities did not help in the slightest.
I found these emails awful. They were so negative, like they were making an assumption that most people who have a test booked aren't ready. I don't think that's true at all.
I’ve got my third test on Wednesday & I’m feeling the pressure - especially after getting these DVSA emails. I’m a really competent driver & I know I can do it, I just get really nervous as I keep getting the same examiner each time, who’s not the friendliest person ever. I feel so bad for my instructor cos he knows I can drive, I know I can drive, but being made to second guess everything by the DVSA is making me feel worse. 😞
I've got my third next week, also keep failing because of nerves when I know I can drive perfectly well + not the nicest examiner. I know how it is but hang in there, we'll get there eventually 👊
@@sman0272 Thank you so much ✨ best of luck to you too - we’ve got this! You’ll have to reply to this comment and let me know how you got on, keeping my fingers crossed for us both ☺️
Im an extremely nervous person I passed my test 2nd time, when I was letting my nerves get to me I would take a deep breathe and tell myself to just focus on my driving, doing this really helped me, I already knew I could drive but had to control my nerves to pass. So on Wednesday when you feel the pressure or when your mind wonders take a deep breathe and focus, do this and you’ll absolutely smash it, I hope you all the best.
I had same problem I got very nervous but somehow I passed even tho examiner was kinda rude to me but I probably had luck because I come from smaller city and I was driving 8 in the morning ( I was first one for the test that day ) and quiet literally as far as you can see on any road at any given time there were at most like literally 2 or 3 vehicles, this means that I was kinda very lucky My advice is to not think about examiner and to imagine yourself driving a lesson with instructor and you do not want his help because you know you can do it I even stalled once and almost second time and parked wrong on the first try but I did not give up I just kept going trough the whole test like every second is the last second of my life and basically until he told me to stop and gave me a pass I was still firm on a steering wheel ready to drive on Just remember to not count and think on your mistakes, just drive and if you make some mistake try to fix it not as quick as you can but as quick as you think you will be able to fix it without causing more problems and just keep driving to the end, there is no giving up, remember that
I conquered my test about a week ago with not a single minor fault and i’d credit a big chunk of that achievement to conquer driving. Thanks so much!!!
@@ramsundarsubramanian2691 They used a clip-on SatNav which they brought to my car themselves for a decent amount of the test and some of it was verbal directions. If you're taking the test in your own car you might have the same. Nothing to worry about though, just drive confidently and trust in your knowledge! In my experience the test was no longer a terrifying thing once I had started.
I failed mocks tests in the build up to my test, done them every week for about 5 weeks before my test as the waiting list was long and only passed 1. After passing the actual test first time with 3 minors I realised my instructor was being overly harsh when failing my mocks to make sure I was near perfect on my test. I never controlled my nerves, god knows how it went so well 😂
Glad you also found the DVSA's Learning Record a bit pants! I remember when I first downloaded it at the start of my part 3 training and just thinking "how on Earth am I even meant to use this?" In the end, I just made my own version with my own topic subheadings which I can use alongside the lesson logbook my school supplies as standard. I get the impression that the person who wrote that Learning Record hasn't ever actually given a driving lesson, much less tried to deliver lessons _using it._
Them asking you to be able to control your nerves is quite cheeky. Having someone essentially staring at my every move is personally always going to make me nervous regardless of my skill. Also I get bad ibs when I’m nervous so even if I can keep myself somewhat calm, my stomach is in agony entire time. The mindfulness thing they mentioned to control your nerves would be useful if I knew I wasn’t going to be £100+ down due to failing. I feel it only works when making a mistake isn’t harmful to you
Absolutely agree and exactly the same with nervous sore tummy 😬 got my test tomorrow and I'm sat here with palpitations and a knot in my stomach just breathing, it's not as easy as just controlling your nerves, I wish it was!
I was nervous as all hell, slept only one hour the night before my test. Still passed. Its just important to keep them under control and focus during the test itself - its 40 minutes, so do whatever it is you need to do.
What a fantastic description of mindfulness, especially given you say you're not familiar with it! You've really made it clear why it's applicable to these pressures around driving tests. Thanks so much for all your excellent videos, this is my favourite driving channel and I use all the techniques you suggest while learning to drive at the moment!
Hi, just want to say, I just passed my test, first time, with 2 minors! I am just over the moon! I can’t believe it! Thank you so so so much for all your videos you do, they REALLY HELPED ME! TOP JOB 😄👍 I will be still watching every video you do, no doubt about it.
Great video as always 👏 failed test last Friday, first time. Was told it was very close. Felt ready, did so much practice, mock tests & lessons. The whole test process is so nerve racking & I work in the holistic field, being mindful, calm etc.. Examiner was direct, frosty & slightly impatient. The test should be based on progress not on one exam in my opinion as I made some silly grade 1 mistakes that I wouldn’t make like not indicating on mini roundabout & getting 2 signs wrong that I knew but felt under pressure to answer them quick! Testing in Ireland is known to be challenging, will keep watching these videos & practice, practice, practice 🚙 💚
I passed exactly a month ago and a week before my test, I remember getting a text (and email I think) saying if I’m not ready I should rearrange which… really didn’t instil confidence in me, quite the opposite actually, it put a lot of self doubt in my head. Watching this video actually makes that text message make a lot of sense. 😞
This guys the MPV passed my driving test first time on 16th with 16hrs of classes and 4hrs of private practice (in another country... where there aren't really rules so all I learnt from that is driving through narrow gaps and clutch control... though Ig thats the hard part.... It was with a instructor there but Ima count it as private practice cos he was on his phone watching videos on facebook the whole time until his alarm went to that he had to pick up the next student.) Your videos really helped with polishing up my driving and especially how to remain in the center of the lane
Failed my test today because I didn’t notice green light straight away. Other than that I had no mistakes. The examiner even mentioned that I drive really good. Why fail than? Of course they will have a long waiting list if they don’t want people to pass
Damn, I did the same thing but I passed mine 😅 I dunno, I think one of the lights weren't working or something - only noticed the green when i looked at another light
@@ConquerDriving I passed just last month. My Instructor didn't do any mock tests with me and only started going on test area around a month before hand. He tried to get me to put my test back cuz he said I'd fail. I continued to leave my test as is because I couldn't afford anymore lessons. Ended up having to go with another instructor cuz my instructors car broke down. He said he was glad it at least wasn't on his license (knob head). I passed. The pressure shouldn't be to put tests back, it should be to make sure that instructors are instructing properly.
@@joshstean7346 My instructor is a good guy, very expensive though, he only put me on one area for the test (Sevenoaks) and told me I was ready to pass about half a year a go. I just said, I don't feel like I'm ready and would like to continue my lessons (I'm a bit of a perfectionist and my un-straight bay parks pissed me off.) Little things like that go to me and he understood and just agreed to doing more lessons with me. Been driving with him for nearly 2 years now and my test is on the 1st of December this month. I'm still uncertain of whether I will pass or not but my confidence has improved, I'm around 70% sure of myself.
@@cqnzr-clipsgameplay5706 I understand how you feel about your driving skill. I have noticed some people who just passed their test but still don't drive well on roads. Maybe they just passed their test by good luck on the day of their test.😄
I just wanted to say thank you!! I passed my test today. It was the second time for me and I got six minors but I’m happy because I was really nervous doing it. I have watching your videos constantly for ages and they have been a huge help! ❤🎉
@@TheSniper9752 Just remember to keep calm, and as odd as it sounds, don't think about the instructors prencense, just focus on what you're doing, and don't dwell on any mistakes you make during the test
Love your total honesty again :) I agree (good) regular progress checks is a good idea. I also think there’s a lot more pressure on students to pass and the exams are harder (including the theory). I hope people that actually are fully capable of passing the test get the pass they deserve.
Hi Richard, I passed today by watching your videos and with only 4 hours of driving lessons in the UK(+ overseas driving experience). Thanks alot for building up the confidence to pass, Cheers 🎉
Hello! I am from a far away viewer of your channel. But your videos really helped me a lot! Thanks to you I was able to pass my driver licence exam. I just wanted to tell my appreciate!
I had a mock test and passed fine and then failed 3 times in real tests. Once drove close to the parked cars,once stopped at red lights when I was meant to go because it wasn't for me but got scared because people were waiting to pass, and once due to driving slowly. Didn't know at the time there was a lower speed limit or there should be a safe acceptable distance between cars,it wasn't until I watched your videos I learnt certain driving things to watch out for that could potentially fail you. Thank you. I've learnt a lot
Just passed my test today, I want to thank you as I’m watched most of your videos and learned a lot, I love the way you explain everything and the way you showed me it’s not that difficult. THANK YOU !
'If you're making silly mistakes, you're not ready' is something that especially bugs me as everyone makes silly mistakes, and as you learn to drive, you will see them anytime you're not in the driving seat; whilst it's not optimal, it's how you react and remain in control that should matter. I think nerves are my main issue as I can drive fine with my instructor and other people but the pressure switches on with the examiner that I don't see any other time. The guilt trip is a very poor choice as there's no guarantee that the person who takes your test will be a carer or someone who desperately needs their license. With the current standards on the road and city standards, it seems very luck of the draw whether you'll have a smooth test or some muppet.
If you're making silly mistakes, you're not ready' 100% guaranteed them also still do that whether them have passed or not, if them went back to do the test again the, them would probably failed at 50/50 chance. Them are Keyboard warrior, just because them passed with luck them think them are better. Dvsa designed the test to be 50/50 to scam people, those really good just have better chance pass with fewer attempts, you can find many examples people, failed with two three minor or even zero minors. DVSa are keeping pass rate at certain percentage, it’s daylight robbery.
I have my test on Thursday and also keep getting these messages/emails from the DVsa. To get a test is almost a myth now so honestly it’s so sad and everyone feels the pressure to book and not cancel because rebooking a test means waiting another 6-9 months. Better to try your best and take a chance then wait around in my opinion
Keep failing is also waste of money and time.. false economy too. So it's wise to take a test when feels confident enough rather than just taking a chance.
I got my provisional license at 17 and had my first lesson at that age too, didn't pass my test until 39 lol, god knows how many lessons I had in that time. I think I must hold a Guinness world record or something. Nerves are a very real problem for a lot of people, I know it was for me. I really didn't enjoy driving and I tried to avoid it a lot. I'm so glad I passed before Covid-19 happened that would have been a nightmare.
Well done, I got my provisional at 24, as I had no desire to drive, had lessons for a year then my instructor retired and handed me over to the instructor from hell, who literally screamed at me for the whole lesson. I stopped, and didn't go back to it until 2016, and will be taking test no 17 in Feb 23 (aged 55 and a half!)
Nothing wrong with that , I started at 19 ,had manny lessons in manual , struggled with gears and other things failed 5 tests then in 2019 I was diagnosed with autism and dyspraxia at 26 , it all made sense 2 years later got with automatic driving instructor , he helped me manage my add and on the second attempt I passed ,( first time I failed due to slight being in a box junction on the top of a hill , in busy traffic ) passed at 29 , the way I see all lessons all the mistakes and the fact I had someone crashed into me when I was 20 on driving test , they bombed it out a blind corner as we were going up hill , the instructor could not do anything to stop the impact , it's better to have a accident before you get your license , it's made me even more aware and alert since that day ).The way I see it's extra experience
I got an email from DVSA almost every week for about 2 months before my test. I passed first time and I was confident I was ready but the way the emails were written really didn't help with that confidence, it felt like were trying to bully me into pushing my test back. Oh and I only did 1 mock test, I failed it. Making a prescriptive way to drive makes learning to drive inaccessible.
Anybody who hasn't sat a driving test before is going to be anxious and nervous. That's the nature of important tests. Anyone who goes into it without those feelings are superhuman. At least once you fail it, with nerves you know next time will be easier because you know what to expect, it's a a lot easier.
Really helpful video as I have my test booked next month. If my instructor thinks I'm not ready, I will likely reschedule. Also I think the mindfulness training is basically mediation.
@@pault3705 sorry what do you mean by that? I am not a driving instructor and besides I didn’t say it was the driving instructor’s fault to charge these exorbitant fees. If you find them cheap, good for you but some of us find them expensive.
My instructor told me that I can take my test as soon as I feel like I'm ready, but she'll tell me when she thinks I'm ready. She told me I'm ready in July and my test is booked for mid-January. Such a shame that there's such a hefty backlog.
DVSA should include links to your channel you have been an excellent resource during my learn to drive journey x I successfully passed after 2nd attempt
As an ADI the main thing I tell my student's when they ask how long, It depends on a multitude of factor's. Previous road experience such as cycle's, mopeds etc, Manual or automatic. The area they live (Sheffield being a difficult area) What are they doing to learn outside of lesson's such as private practice, Disabilities such as ASD, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, dyspraxia etc...All of these plus a million more, so saying 45 hours is wrong. Even if they are test ready in lets say 30 hour's....Can they still improve? I would say yes they usually can. A better question to ask is would you feel confident driving this route on your own without me here? Keep up the amazing work Richard
I passed second time around and was definitely a better driver by then. I could still have managed had I passed first time, but did come across some tricky situations in those 3 months or so that I was glad I still had my instructor next to me to pick their brains
I agree, there are many factors which affect passing a driving test, especially past driving experience, knowledge about cars and road conditions for a test. Surely more experience and knowledge, more awareness of road conditions in the test area would lead to success. However it's advised that 45 hours of lessons/22 hours of private lessons are needed to pass at the 1st attempt, according to the statistics. Of course, every individual is different but if you follow the advice, your sussess rate will be higher. It's not wise to rely on luck. As long as having sufficient practice, higher chance to pass.
I have ASD and I passed theory and practical first time this year both attempts at the age of 27 because of my instructor Tim Gudgion who gave me all the tools and knowledge to be a very competent driver. I'll be forever thankful to him for working with me and giving me his time. He was also an ADI.
@@reecemesser He must be a fully qualified ADI and also has a good teaching skill. You are lucky, not all ADIs are good at teaching. I think the most of ADIs on youtube are top quality as you can see the difference here.
The best they can do is to make practical dates available, I fail to understand why is such a problem that they can't solve. They can assign the task to private agencies, ask for more money etc. But not doing anything to make practical dates available is complete failure which can't really hide.
Honestly this campaign worsened my driving anxiety so so much. I kept feeling like it was telling me I wasn't ready to pass, and it fed my anxiety - guilt tripped is the perfect description. The language used in the communications is very poorly done - my instructor would tell me how some people who think they can pass will find a way to take their test regardless, and won't change their minds until an examiner tells them they have failed. I was more than ready to take the test but the campaign made me doubt myself and second guess. Luckily my instructor kept believing in me and I passed first time. It took me over 100+ hours of lessons before I took my test and seeing those average figures made me feel like I would never pass, even though I was overprepared and it was my anxiety holding me back. In my opinion and experience as a student, this campaign does not help students learn to control nerves and makes it even worse for those who have driving anxiety. I'm glad that they are recognising the impact of nerves but doing some meditation before a test doesn't make anxiety magically disappear, and not every instructor knows about (or believes in!) mindfulness.
Excellent video. Can’t fault it. I do like your style, do please keep it up. I’m not faulting it, but, while the conversation is difficult trying to get students to put a test back, being honest is always the best policy. I tell the student that I can’t force them to test and they can’t force me to test. It has to work for both of us. The student can always go elsewhere, but I hope they won’t. Usually, but not always, my students trust me, the ones that are prepared to listen that is.
The thing about 'taking a test when you are not ready' is a chicken and egg scenario. It undoubtedly contributes to the failure rate thus backlog but people do it because it's so hard to get a test date. If you feel you might not be ready but you can't get a test for another 6 months if you delay it you are heavily incentivized to just 'have a go' because the reward outweighs the risk.
I think it goes to the same principal I had with exams in school, if you need to revise before the exam, you haven't learned any of it. At school, people who failed their exams were told it was because they didn't revise enough beforehand, I strongly disagreed with that as if they had been taught adequately in the first place, the knowledge would be there.
I passed just the other day, on my 7th go. My test centre has one of the lowest pass rates in the area, and I certainly didn't help matters. But, I did it in the end!
I probably didn't need any prompts from my driving instructor, but she did love to talk! I often made one or two silly mistakes, including stalling on two hill starts on my penultimate lesson. I had only completed one mock driving test, and failed with 4 serious faults. I had no idea if I would be able to control my nerves. My driving instructor said I was ready. After 27.5 hours of lessons, and in my first ever driving test, I passed with just three minors.
Everyone has to spend so much of their time refreshing the test booking website to compete with all the bots that when they finally get lucky with a date (or give up and pay extra money to booking apps/scalpers) of course they will take the test regardless of if they are ready or not. The booking system is a joke and people are being taken advantage of, this needs to be fixed first before trying to guilt trip people in to cancelling dates.
I failed two tests that were entirely due to nerves and nothing to do with ability. I've had this conversation dozens of times in the last year and I mostly hear similar stories. The second i got an instructor who worked on nullifying my nerves, I passed. The stories I hear once again are basically all the same. If you focus on nerves I 100% think pass rates would increase! Nervous people make more mistakes when doing anything in life, it just makes sense.
I can drive properly and safely, my main problem is that DVSA needs to fix the Theory Test questions and make the more understanding for people with disabilities, some of there questions don't make sense or sound clear to me, the driving test isn't my problem its the Theory test they need to sort that out more.
Good point. When I took the theory test one of the questions confused me. There was a video of a motorway with signs of 40 mph limit and the question was something like "what's the speed limit on this motorway?" My line of thought was, "well, all motorways speed limit is 70, which includes this. But in this context (video) the limit is 40. If they intend to evaluate my knowledge of national speed limit, the answer is 70. If they are evaluating my knowledge regarding obeying signs the answer would be 40." I first answered 70 but when checking the test I changed it to 40, which was the right answer.
Before I had my test, the DVSA were sending the "ready to pass" stuff in my inbox quite regularly. I think it works and does get people to reflect on their own performance. As for the driving record, I ended up just creating a spreadsheet with most of the categories on there and recording it that way, it was definitely helpful during the initial stages of learning.
I've pushed my driving test back three times now. on the first time I did an intense course ( I do not recommend this) and I got pneumonia half way through my lessons and lost driving time and money. on the second time I thought i'd only need ten more lessons, which was a gross underestimate, and I've recently just changed my test date again, which wouldn't be that bad but what upsets me is that my next test date isn't until February now, and I only need a few more lessons!
Sorry you've had to go through this it was bad enough when lockdown caused my cancellations. I went from confident manual driver to a nervous wreck auto driver. I'm now going to try in my own car to see if that makes a difference,mines in march so I know how you feel
Hi Charlotte. Thank you for your comment, my new test is in mid Feb, I’m not test ready yet, My driving instructor says have some polishing up to do yet. But at two lessons per week and then a couple more on that before test I should be ready. Then I just have to manage those first time nerves 😬 Good luck with your test in March!
Very interesting. I really like. I think the DVSA try to blame driving instructor for bring pupils to driving test even in the DVSA opinion, they are not ready for the test.
Nice one Richard.. Really dissapointing to read some comments suggesting driving instructors putting off pupils booing tests, for more cash for more lessons, ... I've never met an instructor yet who wants a learner longer than needed, quite the opposite especially now with instructors having long waiting lists.
Less than a month before my test, I had to change instructor to one that almost put me off driving completely because he spent 45 minutes of my last lesson, the week before the date I’d booked, telling me that I’d be a waste of time and an inconvenience to guilt trip me into changing dates - it’s all well and good to get people to push back if they’re not ready, but it should never be done through guilt trips or methods that make learners feel like they shouldn’t be driving at all.
I agree, I prefer to just be honest. If a pupil is very likely to pass I will allow use of my car. If they're not very likely then it's my responsibility not to allow use of my car.
I passed with 3 minors in Belgium without going via driving school (family teachers). Feel like you are one of the main reasons why since I was able to notice and correct any wrong habits I might get from someone who took their test 4 decades ago. Due to COVID there have been massive waiting queues for tests here of multiple months so I can’t be more thankful to you. Getting my first car on Monday 🎉
The Swedish system works on a priority system, the first time you do the test your are prio 1, if you fail prio 2, 4 and so on. This means that if you are a serial failer you will have to wait LONGER for each time you have failed your test. Queue times used to be really bad like in the UK, but they have drastically improved the pass rates as a consequence of this change.
I passed in August had to do it 5 times. Its crazy, but in all honesty just as any education system it doesn't prepare you fully for the real world. Parallel parking, what is the point of teaching me how to parallel park not between cars but behind one car. Never happens, sorry for those that are waiting behind me until I manage to get in but I'm getting better, done it in 1 go last week so proud:)) Not teaching what to do in case of an accident, not physically teaching what to do when the car skids, changing a wheel etc. I just feel there's so many more important things they could be teaching instead of being so picky on tinny thighs. A tip to those trying to get tests, I was booking a test at whatever date than from time to time go on the dvla web and look to change the date pick all test centres and keep refreshing the page, if an early one comes be realllllly fast to click.That way you can move booking to earlier date. It worked for me, I did it in diff. centres maybe that's why I had to redo so many times but if you need it asap might be worth it.
You're absolutely right. But there are limits on how far we can go. Finding two cars the correct distance to park between is not very achievable on lessons and especially tests. If you can park close behind one, doing it between two cars is the same as long as you don't choose a space that's too small. Also, skid control would be great but very expensive, it's something I practise myself and it costs me a lot of money: ruclips.net/video/VXkFkYWhK8o/видео.html
I’m an ADI and a part of an ADI’s pass rate is the test centre used. My local test centre has the lowest pass mark in the county (a shade under 40%) so ADI’s who take most of their tests at that test centre will probably look worse than an ADI who uses a test centre with a higher pass rate even though their not necessarily a worse instructor so taking the pass rate as an indicator of instructional ability is a bit silly
I’ve got my test this Thursday on the 1st of December and I’m absolutely terrified for it. I hope that I do pass first time regardless of how many minors I get 🤞
How many lessons? I think it depends on their background, such as past driving experience and knowledge, awareness of the test routes etc. As long as you feel confident driving alone, even in difficult situations, it's time to take a test! 😊
The whole "Making Silly Mistakes" and "Controlling your Nerves" is kinda dumb. People make "Silly Mistakes" all the time on the road and there are people who suffer from Anxiety that drive better than others.
Agreed, if they took the licence off someone for making silly mistakes, no one, myself included would have one haha Of course the key is to learn from those mistakes and try to eliminate them
Nerves. They existed when you could fail a test a book a new one a week or two later. Now if you fail you have to wait three months! The pressure to pass is now higher than ever!
Failed my test 4 times 15 years ago and then gave up and didn't drive a car till last year when I decided to try again. Didn't rush and took lessons till I knew I could pass. Took my test last week. Had my worse drive in months, was a bag of nerves but still passed.
I don't think anything has changed, but the most problematic is not the test but the availability of practical test. Wafting for minimum 6 months for practical test is insane, and proves their system has failed
In 1965 the normal delay was 6 months, Nothing much has changed. I used the time to learn to drive to a high standard, such that I could NOT be failed and of course passed first time.
@@solentbum Are you saying u are proud of such delay? I still can't understand how's is this a matter of pride. Imagine ur landed on an eirport and waiting 24 hrs to collect ur baggage. its nice to be proud of high standard but not of delay. please correct urserlf. And its silly go give old example, So as per you if something was wrong in past its ok to still do that?
@@solentbum How does it make sense to you to wait for 6 months just to appear in a test? Can you apply same rule in everything. please accept its the fault in the system. its not a matter of pride
@@arjunpandav7077 I am simply pointing out that little has changed in 50 years. Make of it what you will. No pride in the matter other than passing the test first go, therefore not blocking others by taking a test before being ready. A family member recently took her driving test 6 times , therefore by failing 5 times she blocked five others from a potential pass. Her 'professional ' driving instructor kept insisting she was read, the reality was the opposite.
@@solentbum you are taking pride when mentioning something bad has not changed for decades. In fact its still a shameful thing for a system not to improve after so many decades. Second wrong thing ur assesment to blame back the people, So literally you say its the fault of the people to fail test? right?
It sounds like you don't have a hard requirement in the UK for hours of driving practise before you can take the test. In the US, you have to have proof of a minimum of 50 hours of driving practice to be able to take the test. That said, our test is much easier to pass, at least from what I've heard anecdotally. I was only able to get numbers for some parts of California regarding road test pass rates, and the average is around 60%.
Since i booked my test, DVSA spam my emails saying : ''are you ready yet?'' ''have you done a mock test?'' ''you should know everything now, and not be learning ANYTHING new?'' ........OKay.......not scared at all!! :(
They're trying to get people to move their test back if they're not ready. If you're ready then it should be fine. Listen to your instructor and trust yourself when you're driving.
Failing then having to wait such a long time for another test was my big source of stress and anxiety. Glad i passed first try almost failing at the end with parking Good luck to everyone taking tests
It’s too much these driving. Money, time , nerves etc! They are trying to make this driving like a bar exam !! And mindfulness training?! Lol 😝 what’s next ? Culinary training lol 😝 well done sir thank you for all the update.
Lesson prices now are making people want to get it over with as soon as possible. It certainly has for me.
40 a leson and ten minute going to your destination and ten coming back
@@ja9pwnw119 £40 a lesson? Mine are £60 mate
@@Aaron-ld1lu for 2 hours ? i payed 64 for 2 hours
I drive 20 minutes and back for my lessons 😩
@@Aaron-ld1lu what're you learning in? a Lamborghini? lol i pay 30 quid for an hour lesson
For me, my driving instructor told me I am not ready and refused to give me the car for the test. I took my own car to the test and passed 1st time with 0 faults. All and all it took me a mix of lessons and practicing for about one year. So my advice is if you feel ready and are confident just go for the test.
Your driver instructor want to milk you for your money hands down, pass with 0 minors is like top 1 percent of people who did pass.
@@davidmarjason4222 yup and that's likely to be worse if a less-capable instructor can avoid a check-test by blagging you (see my long comment elsewhere ^ ^ v v ;o)
On contrary, I knew someone passed her test with 15 minor fails that noone expected she could pass even herself because her instructor still need to interfere eg control her steering occasionally. What I am trying to say is the standard of passing cannot be kept at similar level as before
My biggest gripe with taking the driving test, investing so much time and money into taking lessons and not being able to do so because the instructor won't let you have the car. Its why I left my previous instructor, he said to me "You're no where near pass standard" after like 6/7 months.
Then if you try and do it in another instructor's car they probably won't let you because they don't know how good you are at driving. Piss take
@@handsomesquidward5160 a professional and responsible instructor should know in one lesson.
I think that if we're honest, a lot of drivers make "silly" mistakes of the type that would fall a test relatively regularly. It's about not making dangerous mistakes, how you handle the mistakes and learning from them that matters. Everyone can easily misjudge a turn or pull out in front of someone by accident every once in a while.
The real learning begins after passing. Just drive defensively until you have a few years under your belt
@@Chadgigington up three years and counting now for me
Let’s understand the significance of pulling out in front of someone by accident, it can be deadly. Learners, or recent test pass students need to take an extra moment to “make sure”. I ride bicycles and motorbikes, and I’m a driving instructor. People are trying to kill me every day. Two of my regular mantras: “Take your time”, and, “it’s not a race”.
@Ian Morrison perhaps I wasn't clear, I'm not downplaying the importance of such mistakes, nor the need to try and eliminate them from our driving. It's part of why I still watch these kind of videos 3 years after passing my test...
Just recognising that the reality is that nobody is perfect, and people make mistakes from time to time. The issue I have is with those who don't care that they make mistakes, or do them on purpose.
I do also think that many drivers, judging by dashcam videos are pretty unforgiving of genuine mistakes and unwilling, at least in the heat of the moment anyway to understand that even the best drivers make errors from time to time
@@Chadgigington I've been driving for almost 20 years now, and I STILL drive defensively! Way too many bad drivers on the roads these days! So in order to avoid accidents, the good drivers unfortunately have to compensate!
The problem I can't push my test back by a month or two, the backlog is such that the nearest date is in 6 months, so I actually feel more pressure to go and take the test instead of just pushing it back.
I found the main reason I failed my most recent test is just the nerves and the pressure, not much I could have done with anxiety
And that is because there are no practical dates available, causing people very anxious
@@Tom-ed-w what app is that mate?
@@sickopierce testi was great for me
@@jamiemcintosh5197 excellent, thank you 🤝
@Sicko Pierce driving Test Now , click the dates , :) it's pretty fun, the dates you set they will automatically book it without your answer haha. But any dates outside the dated you choose. It will let me decide. :) so remember any dates you highlight, you will be automatically set to it :)
Firstly: Good luck to everyone who's got a test coming up soon you're gonna smash it. :)
I think you're spot on with the DVSA hours of lessons it takes to pass, I've always loved cars, always had a passion since I was proper small, when I was a baby my parents would stick on top gear and get a hour of bliss 🤣 I passed 1st time (without a mock test) with no driver faults at all after around 8 hours of practice with my parents in their cars and 5, 1 hour lessons with my instructor. my knowledge and interest of cars helped me massively, I already understood how everything worked, had a good understanding of road signs too which helped in my theory.
My sister is the opposite of me, hates cars (even now she's passed she hates driving and only does about 1,500 miles a year) she took 30 hours of private lessons with my parents and 60+ hours of lessons with instructors, she had to put her test back 3 times and took her just over two years to pass.
Also to anyone with an upcoming test that's feeling the anxiety, I suffer with anxiety really bad.
Obviously if you know any of your triggers make sure you avoid those at least 3 days before your test (caffeine for example can sometimes trigger people)
I'd also advise you to tell as little people as possible you're doing your test, that way you'll feel less pressure, if you fail well it is what it is, at least you don't have to feel embarrassed by telling all your mates you failed. I'd also recommend taking Kalms if they help you (though I'm not sure if they make you drowsy so read the label first), once you're going you'll be fine honestly, just try make general conversation If you feel you can to get rid of the tension and then just focus on your driving. :)
"Smash it" poor choice of words there haha, but yeah!
This video did more than talk about driver tests. There are some very good messages in this video about life in general. Being present in the moment is very vital and for me, it has hit home. Thank you very much :) wish everyone the best in whatever you are doing in life.
Another point to consider is age ,the older you get the the longer it may take to learn to drive. Another point is its not always easy to take private practice as family and friends can sometimes be reluctant to help as they don't have dual controls and the supervisor is more nervous than the learner
I agree. I don't think it's easy to teach someone who is new to driving without dual control as high risk is involved. You pay for driving lessons which is expensive or you pay for car damages (which often happens in learning with a family car) which is not cheap either. Which one is better or cheaper? Decision is yours. 😅
Thanks to your videos (and my instructor of course) I passed first time last Wednesday! Glad to hear DVLA are doing something about the backlog cause I was so stressed about having to book another test.
That's great news! Congratulations on passing!
I just passed my Australian driving test (Vehicle On Road Test) last Saturday, and your advice has been golden! You're easily UK's best driving instructor, and one of my all time favourite driving instructors, period. Keep it up champ! Subscribed and all notifications on! 🎉🏆
That's really great to hear, thank you watching and congratulations on passing!
How do u know he's the UK's best? What a loser fanboy
I wish the DVSA could change some things about the test that makes it random.
1) The manouvers. These are the worst, since you're selected a random manouvre on the test and not even tested on the others. What could for example be done instead is to have a mandatory front bay park and a mandatory parallel park and say that the stopping on the opposite side of the road and reverse bay parking is something you can learn once you get your license and become more competent. Out of all the manouvers, the only one I've ever used after passing the test is the front bay parking, but I could learn the others again if I would need to.
2) Road situations. Having a mandatory list of things you will encounter on the tests would help, for example city driving, simple roundabouts, etc. For example on my test I never went on a slip road, didn't go on Motorway, didn't go on a spiral roundabout. This makes the route you get very important and you can be allowed to pass with skill gaps.
3) A lot of new (and older) drivers makes small mistakes all the time that would have failed them during the test, but because they happened to drive well enough once during 45 minutes sometime in the past, they now have the license for life. Having the drivers instructora more involved, maybe with mandatory lessons and check-ins, would make it less random.
I failed my first test and it was totally down to nerves. I know know why my instructor put me under so much pressure, so thanks for that. I then failed my second, due to instructor stress, changed my instructor and passed my test. I personally think failing a few tests has made me a better driver. Good luck to anyone taking their test.
True was he a cheaper instructor or normal price
@Thawne how
Thought I would my insight after recently passing my driving test.
I’m a 43m who had convinced himself that I wouldn’t be clever enough or be able to retain the information to learn to drive, this is the result of childhood of abuse and lack of positive reinforcement, driving scared me too, those negative thoughts and emotions meant I missed out near 3 decades of being able to drive, now that’s my fault, I believed those emotions and thoughts so there is no blame anywhere else.
Skip forward, one of my 2 children will be starting secondary school soon (I’m a single father) and because she is on the spectrum, I have to decide which school would be best, some of these schools are out of reach and sadly because my Daughter isn’t great with public transport or strangers I needed to learn. Both for them and for me, so that’s my motivation.
So I book my first block of 5 lessons, great, we’re off!
I book my theory test and download a quite well known app, btw that app is amazing, I still use it to keep up with the theory side, anyway, the theory comes around and although I’m killing the mock theories I’m convinced myself into indifference that I will fail.
I didn’t fail, in fact I did very well, getting near the top score you can get ( no shade to scrapers, you’re all amazing)
Ok so I’ve passed that, I feel great, well for awhile. I’m on my 3rd lesson and because I’d been very active on the roads, spending hours on the roads going to places I’d always wanted to see (all with a legal licence owner) my instructor tells me that I don’t really need 5 more lessons after this set, maybe 1 or 2. I say great but didn’t believe him so I booked another 5 (I missed 1 lesson due to timing constraints) all the whole my instructor is telling me I’m ready (I don’t believe him) btw I’d booked my driving test at this point and it was quickly approaching though months away!
Skipping to the day, you guessed it, I didn’t believe in myself at all but I had probably over 100 hours on the roads, all roads, A,B, carriageways and sadly a motorway due to taking to wrong exit although I got off very quickly, through rain, fog, sleet and snow and yet I had zero confidence in myself.
I passed my driving test with 7 minors/driving faults, this was 2 weeks ago today and I still can’t believe it.
What’s my lesson here, I’m not sure, perhaps, the mind is very powerful and you probably shouldn’t listen to it all the time. I went into my test with the attitude of “ah well, I’ll just rebook another test” already resigning myself to failure.
Sorry for the long comment, I hope it has some value for someone! ❤️
I'm glad to hear your passed after all your practise. Our minds are very powerful, it's important to believe in yourself, listen to criticism but believe you can do it.
Third time lucky passer here. I struggled hugely with anxiety during lessons and tests. I found chewing gum helped a lot, strange I know but I’ve seen online I’m not the only one, so thought it was worth mentioning here! Plus the examiner will appreciate the fresh breath 😂
😂
Omg I need to do this! I do it when I’m Anxious but never thought to do it when taking my test!
I found the (what seemed like constant) emails in the run up to my driving test from the DVLA nerve wrecking. The negative wording suggesting I delay my test and questioning my abilities did not help in the slightest.
I felt exactly the same. I had to do my test 4 times, and for the 4th i was absolutely battered by their texts and emails
now there's even more incentive for the DSVA or your instructor, to keep you out of the test centre (see my long comment elsewhere ^ ^ v v ;o)
I found these emails awful. They were so negative, like they were making an assumption that most people who have a test booked aren't ready. I don't think that's true at all.
I’ve got my third test on Wednesday & I’m feeling the pressure - especially after getting these DVSA emails. I’m a really competent driver & I know I can do it, I just get really nervous as I keep getting the same examiner each time, who’s not the friendliest person ever. I feel so bad for my instructor cos he knows I can drive, I know I can drive, but being made to second guess everything by the DVSA is making me feel worse. 😞
I've got my third next week, also keep failing because of nerves when I know I can drive perfectly well + not the nicest examiner. I know how it is but hang in there, we'll get there eventually 👊
Rip
@@sman0272 Thank you so much ✨ best of luck to you too - we’ve got this! You’ll have to reply to this comment and let me know how you got on, keeping my fingers crossed for us both ☺️
Im an extremely nervous person I passed my test 2nd time, when I was letting my nerves get to me I would take a deep breathe and tell myself to just focus on my driving, doing this really helped me, I already knew I could drive but had to control my nerves to pass. So on Wednesday when you feel the pressure or when your mind wonders take a deep breathe and focus, do this and you’ll absolutely smash it, I hope you all the best.
I had same problem I got very nervous but somehow I passed even tho examiner was kinda rude to me but I probably had luck because I come from smaller city and I was driving 8 in the morning ( I was first one for the test that day ) and quiet literally as far as you can see on any road at any given time there were at most like literally 2 or 3 vehicles, this means that I was kinda very lucky
My advice is to not think about examiner and to imagine yourself driving a lesson with instructor and you do not want his help because you know you can do it
I even stalled once and almost second time and parked wrong on the first try but I did not give up I just kept going trough the whole test like every second is the last second of my life and basically until he told me to stop and gave me a pass I was still firm on a steering wheel ready to drive on
Just remember to not count and think on your mistakes, just drive and if you make some mistake try to fix it not as quick as you can but as quick as you think you will be able to fix it without causing more problems and just keep driving to the end, there is no giving up, remember that
I just passed half an hour ago thanks to you! Huge thank you for all your videos
That's fantastic news! Congratulations on passing!
I conquered my test about a week ago with not a single minor fault and i’d credit a big chunk of that achievement to conquer driving. Thanks so much!!!
That's fantastic to hear! Congratulations on passing!
How did the testing officer guided you ? Is it through maps ?
@@ramsundarsubramanian2691 They used a clip-on SatNav which they brought to my car themselves for a decent amount of the test and some of it was verbal directions. If you're taking the test in your own car you might have the same. Nothing to worry about though, just drive confidently and trust in your knowledge! In my experience the test was no longer a terrifying thing once I had started.
I failed mocks tests in the build up to my test, done them every week for about 5 weeks before my test as the waiting list was long and only passed 1. After passing the actual test first time with 3 minors I realised my instructor was being overly harsh when failing my mocks to make sure I was near perfect on my test.
I never controlled my nerves, god knows how it went so well 😂
It's good to be a bit harsh on mock tests to try and make sure the pupil is ready.
Glad you also found the DVSA's Learning Record a bit pants! I remember when I first downloaded it at the start of my part 3 training and just thinking "how on Earth am I even meant to use this?"
In the end, I just made my own version with my own topic subheadings which I can use alongside the lesson logbook my school supplies as standard. I get the impression that the person who wrote that Learning Record hasn't ever actually given a driving lesson, much less tried to deliver lessons _using it._
I agree.
Them asking you to be able to control your nerves is quite cheeky. Having someone essentially staring at my every move is personally always going to make me nervous regardless of my skill.
Also I get bad ibs when I’m nervous so even if I can keep myself somewhat calm, my stomach is in agony entire time.
The mindfulness thing they mentioned to control your nerves would be useful if I knew I wasn’t going to be £100+ down due to failing. I feel it only works when making a mistake isn’t harmful to you
Absolutely agree and exactly the same with nervous sore tummy 😬 got my test tomorrow and I'm sat here with palpitations and a knot in my stomach just breathing, it's not as easy as just controlling your nerves, I wish it was!
Facts!
I was nervous as all hell, slept only one hour the night before my test. Still passed. Its just important to keep them under control and focus during the test itself - its 40 minutes, so do whatever it is you need to do.
What a fantastic description of mindfulness, especially given you say you're not familiar with it! You've really made it clear why it's applicable to these pressures around driving tests. Thanks so much for all your excellent videos, this is my favourite driving channel and I use all the techniques you suggest while learning to drive at the moment!
Hi, just want to say, I just passed my test, first time, with 2 minors! I am just over the moon! I can’t believe it! Thank you so so so much for all your videos you do, they REALLY HELPED ME! TOP JOB 😄👍
I will be still watching every video you do, no doubt about it.
That's really great to hear! Congratulations on passing!
@@ConquerDriving thank you!
I wouldn't expect a government agency to use an informal expressions as "silly mistakes"
They are quoting what people say to them.
Great video as always 👏 failed test last Friday, first time. Was told it was very close. Felt ready, did so much practice, mock tests & lessons. The whole test process is so nerve racking & I work in the holistic field, being mindful, calm etc.. Examiner was direct, frosty & slightly impatient. The test should be based on progress not on one exam in my opinion as I made some silly grade 1 mistakes that I wouldn’t make like not indicating on mini roundabout & getting 2 signs wrong that I knew but felt under pressure to answer them quick!
Testing in Ireland is known to be challenging, will keep watching these videos & practice, practice, practice 🚙 💚
Completely agree I did the same
I passed exactly a month ago and a week before my test, I remember getting a text (and email I think) saying if I’m not ready I should rearrange which… really didn’t instil confidence in me, quite the opposite actually, it put a lot of self doubt in my head.
Watching this video actually makes that text message make a lot of sense. 😞
I passed my driving test today first attempt and thank you so much.Your videos were really helpful.Wish you all the very best
That's fantastic to hear! Congratulations on passing!
I didn't do any mock driving tests which I was a little surprised when I passed first time
This guys the MPV passed my driving test first time on 16th with 16hrs of classes and 4hrs of private practice (in another country... where there aren't really rules so all I learnt from that is driving through narrow gaps and clutch control... though Ig thats the hard part.... It was with a instructor there but Ima count it as private practice cos he was on his phone watching videos on facebook the whole time until his alarm went to that he had to pick up the next student.)
Your videos really helped with polishing up my driving and especially how to remain in the center of the lane
Failed my test today because I didn’t notice green light straight away. Other than that I had no mistakes. The examiner even mentioned that I drive really good. Why fail than? Of course they will have a long waiting list if they don’t want people to pass
Damn, I did the same thing but I passed mine 😅 I dunno, I think one of the lights weren't working or something - only noticed the green when i looked at another light
Nowadays, most Instructor don't want to put you for the test .
Only if the pupil is very likely to pass, that's always been the case but now there is even more pressure.
@@ConquerDriving I passed just last month. My Instructor didn't do any mock tests with me and only started going on test area around a month before hand. He tried to get me to put my test back cuz he said I'd fail. I continued to leave my test as is because I couldn't afford anymore lessons. Ended up having to go with another instructor cuz my instructors car broke down. He said he was glad it at least wasn't on his license (knob head). I passed. The pressure shouldn't be to put tests back, it should be to make sure that instructors are instructing properly.
@@joshstean7346 My instructor is a good guy, very expensive though, he only put me on one area for the test (Sevenoaks) and told me I was ready to pass about half a year a go.
I just said, I don't feel like I'm ready and would like to continue my lessons (I'm a bit of a perfectionist and my un-straight bay parks pissed me off.) Little things like that go to me and he understood and just agreed to doing more lessons with me.
Been driving with him for nearly 2 years now and my test is on the 1st of December this month.
I'm still uncertain of whether I will pass or not but my confidence has improved, I'm around 70% sure of myself.
@@ConquerDriving yup, with not entirely ethical results (check my long Incentivisation comment ^ ^ v v ;o)
@@cqnzr-clipsgameplay5706 I understand how you feel about your driving skill. I have noticed some people who just passed their test but still don't drive well on roads. Maybe they just passed their test by good luck on the day of their test.😄
I just wanted to say thank you!! I passed my test today. It was the second time for me and I got six minors but I’m happy because I was really nervous doing it. I have watching your videos constantly for ages and they have been a huge help! ❤🎉
That's fantastic news! Congratulations on passing!
i don’t usually comment but i passed today and just want to say thanks for all the videos !! they’ve helped and will continue to help a lot :)
Congrats! Got mine on Monday next week, hopefully I'll join the club!
That's great news! Congratulations on passing!
@@ConquerDriving Thanks so much!
@@TheSniper9752 Thanks! i’m sure you’ll be fine. you got this :)
@@TheSniper9752 Just remember to keep calm, and as odd as it sounds, don't think about the instructors prencense, just focus on what you're doing, and don't dwell on any mistakes you make during the test
Love your total honesty again :)
I agree (good) regular progress checks is a good idea. I also think there’s a lot more pressure on students to pass and the exams are harder (including the theory). I hope people that actually are fully capable of passing the test get the pass they deserve.
Hi Richard, I passed today by watching your videos and with only 4 hours of driving lessons in the UK(+ overseas driving experience). Thanks alot for building up the confidence to pass, Cheers 🎉
That's fantastic news! Congratulations on passing!
Bro you are a star ⭐️
Hello! I am from a far away viewer of your channel. But your videos really helped me a lot! Thanks to you I was able to pass my driver licence exam. I just wanted to tell my appreciate!
That's really great to hear! Congratulations on passing!
I had a mock test and passed fine and then failed 3 times in real tests. Once drove close to the parked cars,once stopped at red lights when I was meant to go because it wasn't for me but got scared because people were waiting to pass, and once due to driving slowly. Didn't know at the time there was a lower speed limit or there should be a safe acceptable distance between cars,it wasn't until I watched your videos I learnt certain driving things to watch out for that could potentially fail you. Thank you. I've learnt a lot
Just passed my test today, I want to thank you as I’m watched most of your videos and learned a lot, I love the way you explain everything and the way you showed me it’s not that difficult. THANK YOU !
That's great news! Congratulations on passing!
'If you're making silly mistakes, you're not ready' is something that especially bugs me as everyone makes silly mistakes, and as you learn to drive, you will see them anytime you're not in the driving seat; whilst it's not optimal, it's how you react and remain in control that should matter.
I think nerves are my main issue as I can drive fine with my instructor and other people but the pressure switches on with the examiner that I don't see any other time. The guilt trip is a very poor choice as there's no guarantee that the person who takes your test will be a carer or someone who desperately needs their license. With the current standards on the road and city standards, it seems very luck of the draw whether you'll have a smooth test or some muppet.
If you're making silly mistakes, you're not ready' 100% guaranteed them also still do that whether them have passed or not, if them went back to do the test again the, them would probably failed at 50/50 chance. Them are Keyboard warrior, just because them passed with luck them think them are better. Dvsa designed the test to be 50/50 to scam people, those really good just have better chance pass with fewer attempts, you can find many examples people, failed with two three minor or even zero minors. DVSa are keeping pass rate at certain percentage, it’s daylight robbery.
past my test with only 18 hours of actual driving and just watching videos like these, keep up the great work.
That's very quick. Congratulations on passing!
I have my test on Thursday and also keep getting these messages/emails from the DVsa. To get a test is almost a myth now so honestly it’s so sad and everyone feels the pressure to book and not cancel because rebooking a test means waiting another 6-9 months. Better to try your best and take a chance then wait around in my opinion
Keep failing is also waste of money and time.. false economy too. So it's wise to take a test when feels confident enough rather than just taking a chance.
All that said and done! I passed…I took a chance, tried my best and passed!!
@@arli6118 Congratulations!
I got my provisional license at 17 and had my first lesson at that age too, didn't pass my test until 39 lol, god knows how many lessons I had in that time. I think I must hold a Guinness world record or something. Nerves are a very real problem for a lot of people, I know it was for me. I really didn't enjoy driving and I tried to avoid it a lot. I'm so glad I passed before Covid-19 happened that would have been a nightmare.
I'm happy to hear you passed after all your time. Good effort!
Congrats ,at least yiu never gave up
Well done, I got my provisional at 24, as I had no desire to drive, had lessons for a year then my instructor retired and handed me over to the instructor from hell, who literally screamed at me for the whole lesson. I stopped, and didn't go back to it until 2016, and will be taking test no 17 in Feb 23 (aged 55 and a half!)
Nothing wrong with that , I started at 19 ,had manny lessons in manual , struggled with gears and other things failed 5 tests then in 2019 I was diagnosed with autism and dyspraxia at 26 , it all made sense 2 years later got with automatic driving instructor , he helped me manage my add and on the second attempt I passed ,( first time I failed due to slight being in a box junction on the top of a hill , in busy traffic ) passed at 29 , the way I see all lessons all the mistakes and the fact I had someone crashed into me when I was 20 on driving test , they bombed it out a blind corner as we were going up hill , the instructor could not do anything to stop the impact , it's better to have a accident before you get your license , it's made me even more aware and alert since that day ).The way I see it's extra experience
I got an email from DVSA almost every week for about 2 months before my test. I passed first time and I was confident I was ready but the way the emails were written really didn't help with that confidence, it felt like were trying to bully me into pushing my test back.
Oh and I only did 1 mock test, I failed it. Making a prescriptive way to drive makes learning to drive inaccessible.
I passed 4th time recently and i honestly think the reason i failed all the other times was due to nerves/panic of having some stranger sat next to me
Anybody who hasn't sat a driving test before is going to be anxious and nervous. That's the nature of important tests. Anyone who goes into it without those feelings are superhuman. At least once you fail it, with nerves you know next time will be easier because you know what to expect, it's a a lot easier.
I failed my driving test today, and your word helped me alot,I was so sad😔 but thanks for the comforting words💚
I'm sorry to hear that. It sounds like you have a positive attitude, I wish you the best of luck for next time!
Really helpful video as I have my test booked next month. If my instructor thinks I'm not ready, I will likely reschedule. Also I think the mindfulness training is basically mediation.
I think it's like meditation too, but as I've never meditated I'm not sure.
If driving lessons weren’t very expensive, I think the pass rate would be higher than this.
Perhaps you can work out the operating costs for an instructor and deduct it from the hourly fee...please feel free to provide a detailed breakdown
@@pault3705 sorry what do you mean by that? I am not a driving instructor and besides I didn’t say it was the driving instructor’s fault to charge these exorbitant fees. If you find them cheap, good for you but some of us find them expensive.
My instructor told me that I can take my test as soon as I feel like I'm ready, but she'll tell me when she thinks I'm ready. She told me I'm ready in July and my test is booked for mid-January. Such a shame that there's such a hefty backlog.
Many thanks for your videos. Yesterday I passed my practice test on the first try. God bless you
That's great news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Learnt a lot from your regular videos. I am new to UK driving and just passed, thanks in part to your videos.
Congratulations on passing!
DVSA should include links to your channel you have been an excellent resource during my learn to drive journey x I successfully passed after 2nd attempt
That's really nice to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
As an ADI the main thing I tell my student's when they ask how long, It depends on a multitude of factor's. Previous road experience such as cycle's, mopeds etc, Manual or automatic. The area they live (Sheffield being a difficult area) What are they doing to learn outside of lesson's such as private practice, Disabilities such as ASD, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, dyspraxia etc...All of these plus a million more, so saying 45 hours is wrong. Even if they are test ready in lets say 30 hour's....Can they still improve? I would say yes they usually can. A better question to ask is would you feel confident driving this route on your own without me here?
Keep up the amazing work Richard
I passed second time around and was definitely a better driver by then. I could still have managed had I passed first time, but did come across some tricky situations in those 3 months or so that I was glad I still had my instructor next to me to pick their brains
I agree, there are many factors which affect passing a driving test, especially past driving experience, knowledge about cars and road conditions for a test. Surely more experience and knowledge, more awareness of road conditions in the test area would lead to success. However it's advised that 45 hours of lessons/22 hours of private lessons are needed to pass at the 1st attempt, according to the statistics. Of course, every individual is different but if you follow the advice, your sussess rate will be higher. It's not wise to rely on luck. As long as having sufficient practice, higher chance to pass.
I have ASD and I passed theory and practical first time this year both attempts at the age of 27 because of my instructor Tim Gudgion who gave me all the tools and knowledge to be a very competent driver. I'll be forever thankful to him for working with me and giving me his time. He was also an ADI.
@@reecemesser He must be a fully qualified ADI and also has a good teaching skill. You are lucky, not all ADIs are good at teaching. I think the most of ADIs on youtube are top quality as you can see the difference here.
The best they can do is to make practical dates available, I fail to understand why is such a problem that they can't solve. They can assign the task to private agencies, ask for more money etc. But not doing anything to make practical dates available is complete failure which can't really hide.
Honestly this campaign worsened my driving anxiety so so much. I kept feeling like it was telling me I wasn't ready to pass, and it fed my anxiety - guilt tripped is the perfect description. The language used in the communications is very poorly done - my instructor would tell me how some people who think they can pass will find a way to take their test regardless, and won't change their minds until an examiner tells them they have failed. I was more than ready to take the test but the campaign made me doubt myself and second guess. Luckily my instructor kept believing in me and I passed first time. It took me over 100+ hours of lessons before I took my test and seeing those average figures made me feel like I would never pass, even though I was overprepared and it was my anxiety holding me back. In my opinion and experience as a student, this campaign does not help students learn to control nerves and makes it even worse for those who have driving anxiety. I'm glad that they are recognising the impact of nerves but doing some meditation before a test doesn't make anxiety magically disappear, and not every instructor knows about (or believes in!) mindfulness.
Passed today first time 0 minors / faults. A lot ties down to family practice + watching your videos 24/7 which was the main help.
Wow, zero minors! Congratulations on passing!
Excellent video. Can’t fault it. I do like your style, do please keep it up. I’m not faulting it, but, while the conversation is difficult trying to get students to put a test back, being honest is always the best policy. I tell the student that I can’t force them to test and they can’t force me to test. It has to work for both of us. The student can always go elsewhere, but I hope they won’t. Usually, but not always, my students trust me, the ones that are prepared to listen that is.
The thing about 'taking a test when you are not ready' is a chicken and egg scenario. It undoubtedly contributes to the failure rate thus backlog but people do it because it's so hard to get a test date. If you feel you might not be ready but you can't get a test for another 6 months if you delay it you are heavily incentivized to just 'have a go' because the reward outweighs the risk.
I think it goes to the same principal I had with exams in school, if you need to revise before the exam, you haven't learned any of it.
At school, people who failed their exams were told it was because they didn't revise enough beforehand, I strongly disagreed with that as if they had been taught adequately in the first place, the knowledge would be there.
What? Are you serious? That is not how the vast majority of people work or learn.
Got my test next week, I got this
Yes you do!
You will do good!
you got this bro keep ya head up
Mines tmr
Good luck!
Hey just wanted to say your videos have been a lot of help to me
I passed this week
Thank you
That's fantastic news, congratulations on passing!
I passed just the other day, on my 7th go. My test centre has one of the lowest pass rates in the area, and I certainly didn't help matters. But, I did it in the end!
Congratulations on passing and well done for your perseverance.
@@ConquerDriving thank you!
I probably didn't need any prompts from my driving instructor, but she did love to talk! I often made one or two silly mistakes, including stalling on two hill starts on my penultimate lesson. I had only completed one mock driving test, and failed with 4 serious faults. I had no idea if I would be able to control my nerves. My driving instructor said I was ready.
After 27.5 hours of lessons, and in my first ever driving test, I passed with just three minors.
Congratulations on passing!
Can't say DVSA without saying devious I guess...
Everyone has to spend so much of their time refreshing the test booking website to compete with all the bots that when they finally get lucky with a date (or give up and pay extra money to booking apps/scalpers) of course they will take the test regardless of if they are ready or not.
The booking system is a joke and people are being taken advantage of, this needs to be fixed first before trying to guilt trip people in to cancelling dates.
They're trying to get rid of the bots. I think recently they may have had some success, but I don't know too much. Only what I'm told.
Dvsa should take into account also people that sit tests without driving instructors.
Thank you mate your videos helped me a lot to pass the practical test. Keep on posting and help learners to pass their test
Love you
That's great to hear, congratulations on passing!
Youre right ive been pushing to take my test because i reached the average number of hours, but i realized i wasnt anywhere near ready!!
I failed two tests that were entirely due to nerves and nothing to do with ability. I've had this conversation dozens of times in the last year and I mostly hear similar stories.
The second i got an instructor who worked on nullifying my nerves, I passed. The stories I hear once again are basically all the same. If you focus on nerves I 100% think pass rates would increase! Nervous people make more mistakes when doing anything in life, it just makes sense.
Damn im glad i passed on second go back in october but i still dont have a car :( hoping i wont forget how to drive…
Passed yesterday on my second test , your videos got me through thank you
That's great news! Congratulations on passing!
I can drive properly and safely, my main problem is that DVSA needs to fix the Theory Test questions and make the more understanding for people with disabilities, some of there questions don't make sense or sound clear to me, the driving test isn't my problem its the Theory test they need to sort that out more.
Good point. When I took the theory test one of the questions confused me. There was a video of a motorway with signs of 40 mph limit and the question was something like "what's the speed limit on this motorway?" My line of thought was, "well, all motorways speed limit is 70, which includes this. But in this context (video) the limit is 40. If they intend to evaluate my knowledge of national speed limit, the answer is 70. If they are evaluating my knowledge regarding obeying signs the answer would be 40." I first answered 70 but when checking the test I changed it to 40, which was the right answer.
@@alexismayorgamin there is only 1 correct answer, 40mph. Breaking the speed limit is against the law. The clue would have been in the road signs.
Luckily I passed my test for the first time in few months ago by watching your videos✌🏻
Before I had my test, the DVSA were sending the "ready to pass" stuff in my inbox quite regularly. I think it works and does get people to reflect on their own performance.
As for the driving record, I ended up just creating a spreadsheet with most of the categories on there and recording it that way, it was definitely helpful during the initial stages of learning.
I've pushed my driving test back three times now. on the first time I did an intense course ( I do not recommend this) and I got pneumonia half way through my lessons and lost driving time and money. on the second time I thought i'd only need ten more lessons, which was a gross underestimate, and I've recently just changed my test date again, which wouldn't be that bad but what upsets me is that my next test date isn't until February now, and I only need a few more lessons!
Sorry you've had to go through this it was bad enough when lockdown caused my cancellations. I went from confident manual driver to a nervous wreck auto driver. I'm now going to try in my own car to see if that makes a difference,mines in march so I know how you feel
Hi Charlotte. Thank you for your comment, my new test is in mid Feb, I’m not test ready yet, My driving instructor says have some polishing up to do yet. But at two lessons per week and then a couple more on that before test I should be ready. Then I just have to manage those first time nerves 😬 Good luck with your test in March!
Did you pass, how many hours of lessons did it take you?
Very interesting. I really like. I think the DVSA try to blame driving instructor for bring pupils to driving test even in the DVSA opinion, they are not ready for the test.
Nice one Richard.. Really dissapointing to read some comments suggesting driving instructors putting off pupils booing tests, for more cash for more lessons, ... I've never met an instructor yet who wants a learner longer than needed, quite the opposite especially now with instructors having long waiting lists.
I don't know any instructors who do that, it's not a good idea. We want pupils to pass quickly to move onto the next. That's better for our record.
Less than a month before my test, I had to change instructor to one that almost put me off driving completely because he spent 45 minutes of my last lesson, the week before the date I’d booked, telling me that I’d be a waste of time and an inconvenience to guilt trip me into changing dates - it’s all well and good to get people to push back if they’re not ready, but it should never be done through guilt trips or methods that make learners feel like they shouldn’t be driving at all.
I agree, I prefer to just be honest. If a pupil is very likely to pass I will allow use of my car. If they're not very likely then it's my responsibility not to allow use of my car.
yup, check my long Incentivisation comment ^ ^ v v somewhere ;o)
Really good video. I couldn’t stop looking at the belt in the rear. It annoyed me that it wasn’t clipped in… What is my life?
I passed with 3 minors in Belgium without going via driving school (family teachers). Feel like you are one of the main reasons why since I was able to notice and correct any wrong habits I might get from someone who took their test 4 decades ago. Due to COVID there have been massive waiting queues for tests here of multiple months so I can’t be more thankful to you. Getting my first car on Monday 🎉
That's great news, congratulations on passing!
The Swedish system works on a priority system, the first time you do the test your are prio 1, if you fail prio 2, 4 and so on.
This means that if you are a serial failer you will have to wait LONGER for each time you have failed your test.
Queue times used to be really bad like in the UK, but they have drastically improved the pass rates as a consequence of this change.
That's interesting, thank you for letting me know.
I passed in August had to do it 5 times. Its crazy, but in all honesty just as any education system it doesn't prepare you fully for the real world. Parallel parking, what is the point of teaching me how to parallel park not between cars but behind one car. Never happens, sorry for those that are waiting behind me until I manage to get in but I'm getting better, done it in 1 go last week so proud:))
Not teaching what to do in case of an accident, not physically teaching what to do when the car skids, changing a wheel etc. I just feel there's so many more important things they could be teaching instead of being so picky on tinny thighs.
A tip to those trying to get tests, I was booking a test at whatever date than from time to time go on the dvla web and look to change the date pick all test centres and keep refreshing the page, if an early one comes be realllllly fast to click.That way you can move booking to earlier date. It worked for me, I did it in diff. centres maybe that's why I had to redo so many times but if you need it asap might be worth it.
You're absolutely right. But there are limits on how far we can go. Finding two cars the correct distance to park between is not very achievable on lessons and especially tests. If you can park close behind one, doing it between two cars is the same as long as you don't choose a space that's too small. Also, skid control would be great but very expensive, it's something I practise myself and it costs me a lot of money: ruclips.net/video/VXkFkYWhK8o/видео.html
I’m an ADI and a part of an ADI’s pass rate is the test centre used. My local test centre has the lowest pass mark in the county (a shade under 40%) so ADI’s who take most of their tests at that test centre will probably look worse than an ADI who uses a test centre with a higher pass rate even though their not necessarily a worse instructor so taking the pass rate as an indicator of instructional ability is a bit silly
That's quite a good point.
Got my first test on Thursday and weirdly excited for it. Good luck everyone else in the same scenario. 😊😊
Good luck!
@@ConquerDriving I passed with 4 minors. 😊
I’ve got my test this Thursday on the 1st of December and I’m absolutely terrified for it. I hope that I do pass first time regardless of how many minors I get 🤞
Got mine same day. First one as well. Good luck brother 👏👏
@@jordanf7781likewise, good luck mate 🤞👍. :)
@@jordanf7781I’ll also be sure to update the comments whether I do pass or not. 🤞👏👏
Good luck!
@@ConquerDrivingI passed my driving on my first attempt with 7 minors. I’m super chuffed 🙂🥳
How many lessons? I think it depends on their background, such as past driving experience and knowledge, awareness of the test routes etc. As long as you feel confident driving alone, even in difficult situations, it's time to take a test! 😊
The whole "Making Silly Mistakes" and "Controlling your Nerves" is kinda dumb.
People make "Silly Mistakes" all the time on the road and there are people who suffer from Anxiety that drive better than others.
Agreed, if they took the licence off someone for making silly mistakes, no one, myself included would have one haha
Of course the key is to learn from those mistakes and try to eliminate them
Nerves. They existed when you could fail a test a book a new one a week or two later. Now if you fail you have to wait three months! The pressure to pass is now higher than ever!
what a cracking video! almost like a therapy session with you.
To move the test back when you're not ready, then the only option is to cancel and wait for a new a date that shows up 3 month's later
I like the names on the learning records, and the comments box on the dvsa one :P
😄
Failed my test 4 times 15 years ago and then gave up and didn't drive a car till last year when I decided to try again. Didn't rush and took lessons till I knew I could pass. Took my test last week. Had my worse drive in months, was a bag of nerves but still passed.
Congratulations on passing!
I don't think anything has changed, but the most problematic is not the test but the availability of practical test. Wafting for minimum 6 months for practical test is insane, and proves their system has failed
In 1965 the normal delay was 6 months, Nothing much has changed. I used the time to learn to drive to a high standard, such that I could NOT be failed and of course passed first time.
@@solentbum Are you saying u are proud of such delay?
I still can't understand how's is this a matter of pride. Imagine ur landed on an eirport and waiting 24 hrs to collect ur baggage.
its nice to be proud of high standard but not of delay. please correct urserlf. And its silly go give old example, So as per you if something was wrong in past its ok to still do that?
@@solentbum How does it make sense to you to wait for 6 months just to appear in a test? Can you apply same rule in everything.
please accept its the fault in the system. its not a matter of pride
@@arjunpandav7077 I am simply pointing out that little has changed in 50 years. Make of it what you will. No pride in the matter other than passing the test first go, therefore not blocking others by taking a test before being ready.
A family member recently took her driving test 6 times , therefore by failing 5 times she blocked five others from a potential pass. Her 'professional ' driving instructor kept insisting she was read, the reality was the opposite.
@@solentbum you are taking pride when mentioning something bad has not changed for decades. In fact its still a shameful thing for a system not to improve after so many decades.
Second wrong thing ur assesment to blame back the people, So literally you say its the fault of the people to fail test? right?
It sounds like you don't have a hard requirement in the UK for hours of driving practise before you can take the test. In the US, you have to have proof of a minimum of 50 hours of driving practice to be able to take the test. That said, our test is much easier to pass, at least from what I've heard anecdotally. I was only able to get numbers for some parts of California regarding road test pass rates, and the average is around 60%.
Gorgeous Kawasaki in the background!
Since i booked my test, DVSA spam my emails saying : ''are you ready yet?'' ''have you done a mock test?'' ''you should know everything now, and not be learning ANYTHING new?'' ........OKay.......not scared at all!! :(
They're trying to get people to move their test back if they're not ready. If you're ready then it should be fine. Listen to your instructor and trust yourself when you're driving.
Government not giving 100% truth. Would have never thought
Failing then having to wait such a long time for another test was my big source of stress and anxiety. Glad i passed first try almost failing at the end with parking Good luck to everyone taking tests
Congratulations on passing!
They should change up the rules and pass people who get 1 serious or dangerous fault it’s way better and it make it easier
It’s too much these driving. Money, time , nerves etc! They are trying to make this driving like a bar exam !! And mindfulness training?! Lol 😝 what’s next ? Culinary training lol 😝 well done sir thank you for all the update.