Being driven round the bend in my quest to get a UK license!

Yikes. 8.10a on Christmas Eve would be risky - you'd either get someone who has the Christmas spirit and is an easy pass or someone who's in a terrible mood because they have to work Christmas Eve and would fail anyone who schedules a test on Christmas Eve. Mid December sounds much better.

Good luck! 

LOL - My instructor wasn't overly thrilled about that time slot either - with justification.  I would have been under even more pressure to pass just so I didn't ruin her Christmas! 

Just in case I'm giving a bleak impression of my driving instructor, I absolutely love her sense of humor.  During one lesson I ended up owing her about $15 (yes, US dollars) for failing to check my mirrors before signaling.  She thought the dollars would be more real to me at that point.  I've never paid on that debt, but I am pretty consistent about checking my mirrors now! 

I posted on another thread (inappropriately - I should have made the post here) that I lucked into an early cancellation and had my second driving test today.  Although I was very happy not to have to wait until Dec. 18th, and the test was scheduled at a convenient time of day, I still failed to pass.   

This is getting me down and I'm rather tired of having it take so much of my mental energy (not to mention cash!), so I've decided to take a break from lessons and test scheduling until after the holidays and, hopefully, relax and enjoy them.  In the meantime, I'll continue to practice and increase my familiarity with the area, along with my confidence - with any luck.  As my US driver's license hasn't been valid since Oct. 1st, nothing has really been lost.... except a bit of my pride.   

Sooooo, retreat, regroup, and re-plan for 2016....

.... after all, they do say third time's the charm! 

Sorry to hear that Becca.  I think you are right to now kick back and try to relax over the Christmas and New Year holiday, then renew your attack on this most irritating of problems in 2016.

Good luck.

Sorry Becca!

You'll get it. It takes most people a few tries, so you're not alone.

Thanks Durhamlad and TravelingFrog, I really appreciate the encouragement.   

It really is a very irritating situation but, I also realize it isn't that dire either.  I'm rather annoyed with the importance this has been given (by myself of course) in my life lately, and really hope I can take a mental break from it and get my perspective back. 

On the other hand, it is very important to get this part of my independence back - I don't want to be dependent on others to drive me around!  I'll get there eventually. 

Bummers!  Big hugs!

I think your plan sounds fabulous.  Enjoy yourself and take the pressure off a bit.

Thanks KF, I really appreciate your support. 

Just noticed this thread because of the Christmas Eve driving test.  I passed my test and I was the last slot on Christmas Eve.  Not sure if I got any Christmas good will.

As already said, it's perfectly normal to flunk that test even after driving for years.  Happened to an American work mate as well.  Don't feel bad.


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Uhhg.

Try getting a motorcycle license! Four tests! FOUR!!! (you just have to take a short course in Washington).

And then I had to go back and restart with the theory again to get my car license. Ten hours with some chap in his AA car, two faults and £££ later I finally feel like I have my life back. What a waste of time. The only thing I don't have here that I had in the states was my conceal carry permit... not likely to find one of those around here. 

I feel for you though. Don't wind yourself up... And stop telling people when you are testing. Not even your family. Maybe change the test center to somewhere you KNOW is going to be cake and hit those streets with the push bike until you know them like the back of your hand.

I don't know. Just don't quit. So many people I know just give up. 30+ yr olds without licenses because they could not bother. 

Good luck!

Uhhg.
 The only thing I don't have here that I had in the states was my conceal carry permit... not likely to find one of those around here. 

Thank God....uh...thank Thor......uh.....thank common sense.

After moving here from the Evergreen State......the missing constant shooting of things is much appreciated.

Uhhg.

Try getting a motorcycle license! Four tests! FOUR!!! (you just have to take a short course in Washington).

And then I had to go back and restart with the theory again to get my car license. Ten hours with some chap in his AA car, two faults and £££ later I finally feel like I have my life back. What a waste of time. The only thing I don't have here that I had in the states was my conceal carry permit... not likely to find one of those around here. 

I feel for you though. Don't wind yourself up... And stop telling people when you are testing. Not even your family. Maybe change the test center to somewhere you KNOW is going to be cake and hit those streets with the push bike until you know them like the back of your hand.

I don't know. Just don't quit. So many people I know just give up. 30+ yr olds without licenses because they could not bother. 

Good luck!

Thanks!  No, I won't give up (no matter how tempting that is!).  I can't see ever feeling like this is my home rather than somewhere I'm visiting unless I have a license to drive.  Just color me determined! 

I also don't plan to announce the next test, this is just getting embarrassing...   

jimbocz,  thanks for your support too - I appreciate your kind words. 

I finally did it! I passed my driver's test yesterday - finally!!!  What a relief! 

As I've already posted on another thread, I'll keep it short here (do my best to resist posting this everywhere  ), suffice it to say, I'm sporting an enormous, and extremely goofy grin. 

I finally did it! I passed my driver's test yesterday - finally!!!  What a relief! 

As I've already posted on another thread, I'll keep it short here (do my best to resist posting this everywhere  ), suffice it to say, I'm sporting an enormous, and extremely goofy grin. 

Woohoo! Big congrats, Becca!

Now how will you be celebrating?

I finally did it! I passed my driver's test yesterday - finally!!!  What a relief! 

As I've already posted on another thread, I'll keep it short here (do my best to resist posting this everywhere  ), suffice it to say, I'm sporting an enormous, and extremely goofy grin. 

That is such a big deal. So happy for you. Well done!

Woohoo! Big congrats, Becca!

Now how will you be celebrating?

Thank you! 

LOL - I'm so darn exhausted (more emotional than physical I think) I haven't given it much thought.  My 60th birthday is this coming Friday, and whenever I've been asked what I want the only answer has been, "my driver's license!".  I'll have to give it some thought....   

That is such a big deal. So happy for you. Well done!

Thank you!   

Yes, it feels pretty momentous to me too.  A few years ago I would have scoffed at the idea of even driving over here, let alone getting a license - just amazing!