Tips for the practical driver's license test needed

It would be interesting to know what the examiner would do if you took the test in such a vehicle.    It would seem rather ridiculous to expect you to keep applying the brake and then reaching down under the dash to release it every few seconds in traffic.   

Yeah, I mean, can't efficiently do that AND keep my eyes on all three mirrors! 

Actually, mine has a foot release. Easier to use than the hand release...thank God!

It's funny because my family and friends here think I'm rather obsessive about using the emergency brake and I only use it when parking. But, I always use it when parking...hills or flatland!

Well, I failed as expected and now I'm trying to figure out what to do next. I don't want to let my U.S. license expire, and as I said, if I go back and get it renewed in South Carolina instead of Georgia, I could actually exchange it with no problem for a German one if I can find a job in Germany next year...or if I can't work in Germany yet, possibly get a French license while I'm waiting to get out of the UK (they also accept S.C. licenses- I'd just have to convince them that I'm living with my parents in France).  Either way it would probably wise to avoid having my U.S. license expire, so I always have that to fall back on.

I have always made sure I have a valid US licence.  Last time I was home for xmas I renewed.  I use it as ID, to rent cars in Australia, etc.  Although, many US states have rules that say you can renew for up to XX years after your licence has been expired w/o having to retake the test.

It's funny because my family and friends here think I'm rather obsessive about using the emergency brake and I only use it when parking. But, I always use it when parking...hills or flatland!

I only ever use it when parking too, but I always set the brake rather than just relying on the "Park" position to lock the transmission as many people do.   If you park on a slight grade, shift to "Park," and then just release the foot brake so that vehicle rolls a few inches until the transmission locks, on some designs it can then make shifting out of park quite tough, as well as putting extra strain on the locking mechanism.    The park-lock on automatic transmissions was really only ever intended to be an extra safeguard, not a substitute for the parking brake.

Of course, to a DSA examiner over here, failure to use the parking brake at a red light is a serious crime.   Failure to use it when parking is practically a hanging offense!   

Well, I failed as expected and now I'm trying to figure out what to do next. I don't want to let my U.S. license expire, and as I said, if I go back and get it renewed in South Carolina instead of Georgia,

Bad luck.    Do either GA or SC offer renewal by mail? 

I was just going to suggest renewing by mail or online. Many states offer online renewal if you have an address in GA or SC where you can have the license mailed. That's what I plan to do while I'm living in the UK because NC has online renewal...I think.

Hi Paula,

That's a great idea, thanks. Do you think I'd run into any problems since I have a Georgia license but aim to renew in South Carolina? The truth is I'll never live in either place (or the U.S. in general), but the good thing is that I have an address I can have the South Carolina license mailed to (my aunt lives there).

Cheers

SunKing, if you have a GA license you can't renew in SC. Licenses are issued by the state, not the feds so you can onlu RENEW in the issuing state. You would have to renew in GA. To obtain a SC license, you would have to apply in person as it would be a new license. Sorry!

Darn- I thought that might be the case. Well.....I've been having this odd craving for months for some good ole southern barbecue cookin'....Mmmm hmmm..shurrrr enuff.......

Well, add me to the list of those that failed the first time...one tip I can give you is to allow PLENTY of space before turning onto a road.  I thought I had enough time to pull out- the instructor did not think so-and viola, a serious violation!  Of course, do you think he would have let me know since it was in the first minute of the test?  Nope-I  did the whole darn test.
So much for my 20+ years of driving.   

Yeah, my instructor failed me for wearing the wrong colour shirt or something and not glancing in the rear view mirror exactly when the English want me to etc. etc. 

This kind of idiocy could go on forever, potentially costing me a half vacation day every time I take the test- As you said, so much for 17 years' worth of safe driving in the U.S., France, and Switzerland. I am going to do everything I can to avoid wasting further time on this, and will only resort to pursuing a UK license if I can't escape to Germany fast enough.

And when you lose control, you'll reap the harvest that you've sown
And as the annoyance grows, the bad blood slows and turns to stone
And it's too late to use the license you used to have around
So have a good drown, as you go down, alone
Dragged down by the DVLA stone.
            -Pink Floyd, "DVLA"

Sounds like our situations are a bit different.  We will be staying here indefinitely so I need to pass the test.  At least I can still drive legally on my US license until 6/06.  I've  gone ahead and booked my 2nd test for January.  And yes, coughed up the additional money. And made arrangements since we only have one car (FIL to take hubby to train station, MIL to watch our youngest, etc).  No more driving lessons though. 
To be 16 again-I would not have to worry about the colour of my shirt, just something a bit low cut!   

hants- you might consider having one final lesson the day before you test. just to refresh it all... otherwise going out and practicing with an experienced driver.

You're right-I just did not want to spend any more money on lessons!  But a lesson is cheaper than having the pay the test fee again....
When I go out with hubby we just usually yell at one another.  He makes a lousy instructor and I make  a lousy student. 
Thanks for the advice!