driving test

Hi everyone,

For anyone who has taken the test, did you mention that you had driven previously in the US and did this help you to pass at all?

I've had 2 teachers and one said to tell them that I've driven 16 years previously, that they would be more leniant, but the other said it wouldn't make any difference at all and that I will be graded exactly the same as a complete UK beginner.

What have been your experiences with this on the test?

tevian

I chatted the whole time with the person per in the car... they knew I had been driving 20 years and he was chatty.
I still went thru all the motions of shaking dog head to check mirrors even though I can glance faster...
Its like a game - you have to play it to pass.

I chatted with my examiner too, all about places he'd been in the US, etc. It doesn't hurt to let them know you've driven for years before ... but, at the same time, you're still going to be tested the same way any new driver would be. They use the same form for you (with minor & major faults) as they do for anyone else taking the test. It's all pretty standardised.

That's interesting that they use a standard form for everybody. I'll approach the test as a complete beginner then, just to be on the safe side. Thanks for the tips

 

I do think they have some discretion.  I chatted the whole way through my test.  I also mentioned to him that I had been driving for 15 years.  I passed first time with 15.5 points (16 is/was a fail)!  At the end of the test my examiner told me that he could see I was an experienced driver, but he also warned me that I had lots of bad habits, and that was what he marked me down for.  I think if I had been less confident, he might have added that extra minor to fail me.  Of course he didn't say that, but my wife (who was allowed to ride in the car) and I both felt that was what was implied.

I would advise you to take at least a 2 hour lesson with a local driving instructor prior to the test.  They know the routes the testers use and will take you down them.  You'll feel more familiar on the day and they can point out common areas where people get marked down.  My guy was invaluable there.  We drove 5 common test routes and my test was a mix of a couple of them.

good luck!