Driving Test

For my part it was way more difficult because of all the cyclists.  But that is a Cambridge issue.   

I don't think the UK driving test can really be compared with the US test in any state. It's a completely different animal, not to mention the additional challenge (as people have mentioned) of driving on the other side of the road. I'm sure some people have taken and passed the test without any lessons, but I don't know them. And it's not something I'd have risked myself. I had quite a few lessons and passed on my first try.

l think it's fair to say that UK driving instructors are fairly well regarded, there may be the odd cowboy around but most,l would suggest,are pretty reputable and knowledgeable. They'll point out small things which are important in the test,such as making sure you actually move your head to look in the rear view and side mirrors,rather than just glancing and only moving your eyes. The examiner will be looking for that. Also putting the car in neutral, and handbrake on, when stopped at traffic lights,so l think it'll definitely pay you to invest in 2 or 3 lessons. Good luck !

I'm sorry but I think this is nonsense. I think the examiners or their bosses need some help. I've driven probably a million miles in my life and have many safety awards for driving and I don't care what country you are in, some of this is ridiculous.
I would flunk anyone who put their car in neutral at a light and put their hand brake on unless they had a good reason like they wanted to take a smoke break or put on their mascara.


It was the part about putting the hand/parking brake on that got me. Putting it in neutral is OK but I would probably put it in gear and have the clutch in. What do I know?

I would flunk anyone who put their car in neutral at a light unless they had a good reason like they wanted to take a smoke break or put on their mascara.

heheheee.. I want you to give me the test!

I would flunk anyone who put their car in neutral at a light unless they had a good reason like they wanted to take a smoke break or put on their mascara.

Well, it's a good thing you're not going to be taking a UK driving test then!

I remember when I had lessons and my test, I was told to put the car (automatic) in park at a red light. I did that and passed. I no longer do it, but I see no problem with doing what's required to pass the test.

I was told not to put it in park and only put the brake on if I was first in line and only if I wanted to.

I didn't want to and didn't and passed. I think there are a lot of things that certain instructors like to do, but aren't always needed.

I never went back to my first instructor after he told me not to look into my blind spot when merging on an A road, to use the entire merge lane even if I didn't need to, lectured me on "eco" safe driving for 30 mins (of my two hour lesson) with the engine running and the air-con on with the windows open. and finally told me I needed at least 20 lessons.  Also, he grabbed the wheel while I was going 60 and moved the car into fast lane after I had determined the guy coming up was going too quickly for me to merge safely.

I went with the only other place in my area with automatics.  I never heard about eco-safe driving and I passed with 8 lessons (including the lesson on the day).

Here is the thing.......are these people God? Do they believe their way is the only right way?
Lets make this an elected position and if we don't like their testing methods then they can move on.

Do they believe their way is the only right way?

If you want to pass your test, you'd better believe that their way is the only right way.

Lets make this an elected position and if we don't like their testing methods then they can move on.

"Let's"? I thought you were in the US, Jim? Are you going to be moving over here and taking your driving test?

I was told not to put it in park and only put the brake on if I was first in line and only if I wanted to.

I didn't want to and didn't and passed. I think there are a lot of things that certain instructors like to do, but aren't always needed.

I never went back to my first instructor after he told me not to look into my blind spot when merging on an A road, to use the entire merge lane even if I didn't need to, lectured me on "eco" safe driving for 30 mins (of my two hour lesson) with the engine running and the air-con on with the windows open. and finally told me I needed at least 20 lessons.  Also, he grabbed the wheel while I was going 60 and moved the car into fast lane after I had determined the guy coming up was going too quickly for me to merge safely.

I went with the only other place in my area with automatics.  I never heard about eco-safe driving and I passed with 8 lessons (including the lesson on the day).

Holy smokes! I'd be scared to death if an instructor did that to me.

I was so mad about him grabbing the wheel.  I have been driving almost half my life (17 and was 32) and I know when to merge into the fast lane.  THANKS.

I have noticed since driving here though that people do tend to get into the fast lane even if someone is moving down it at a fairly fast clip.  Still, I don't and I doubt it would have caused me to fail my test.

Here is the thing.......are these people God? Do they believe their way is the only right way?

No, they are not God, and yes, they believe their way is the only right way.  Do you want to argue with the person who is testing you, who decides whether or not you get to have a driving license, or would you rather just drive the way they want you to drive for the 30 minutes of the test so you can pass?

I picked the second option, passed the test, and moved on with my life secure in the knowledge that a) I wouldn't have to pay another £62 to take the test again after failing on principle, and b) I wouldn't ever have to use the handbrake at a red light again.

While I fully understand the "The system should be changed!" argument, having now observed the bureaucratic ways of the UK when it comes to motoring, and more importantly, interacted with the type of older English gentlemen who make it their mission in life to espouse with pedantic glee the intricate details of motoring laws and regulations, fighting against the system would be a pointless and frustrating exercise.

If you want to pass your test, you'd better believe that their way is the only right way.

"Let's"? I thought you were in the US, Jim? Are you going to be moving over here and taking your driving test?

I'm sayin' What if?

Question Authority

Question Authority

I just don't think it's really helpful advice to the OP who just wants to pass her test. There's a time and a place for questioning authority - in the middle of your driving test is not it.

I just don't think it's really helpful advice to the OP who just wants to pass her test. There's a time and a place for questioning authority - in the middle of your driving test is not it.

Well, not if you want to pass your test. 

It isn't as if a license is a human right. 

I just don't think it's really helpful advice to the OP who just wants to pass her test. There's a time and a place for questioning authority - in the middle of your driving test is not it.

I'm cool with it. Like every student, I have an automatic "Will it be on the test?" filter and can easily tell the difference. :-)