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Topic: Driving test on 30 January - good thoughts please!  (Read 1075 times)

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Driving test on 30 January - good thoughts please!
« on: January 17, 2016, 02:18:42 PM »
I signed up for a test on the 30th because it gives me a month to retake in case I fail (positive thinking, eh?!). And I signed up in Nuneaton because it has the highest pass rate in the Midlands (that was available). I drove with my instructor up there and we drove around the test center a bit, and practiced on the little roads. He doesn't seem to think that they will have me reverse into a bay because they don't have their own parking lot. I reversed around a corner for the first time ever last week...he says it's really an exercise in paying attention and seeing that you can control the car going really slowly. And I can finally parallel park. Oh my god, he made it seem so easy, once he explained it clearly. I've done 6 hours with him, and he thinks I don't need a lesson next week although maybe I should do just one more hour to go over maneuvers? I mean it's expensive, 23 per hour, but if another hour keeps me from having to pay 75 quid to test again, it's worth it? 

Anyway, wish me luck! I think I'll be ok, as long as no one does anything stupid while I'm on the test! My instructor did say that there's such a back up of people testing right now, that it's in the tester's best interest to pass me. They know I can drive, they just want to see I understand the UK laws and stuff ok.

Any helpful tips or tricks for on the day would be welcome! He told me I have to get L plates and a 2nd rearview mirror, and I may get some of those small round blind spot mirrors he had too.
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Re: Driving test on 30 January - good thoughts please!
« Reply #1 on: January 17, 2016, 02:21:14 PM »
Sorry for the triple post! UKY totally glitched on me...idk how to remove the dupes, I hit remove and it says I can't delete my own posts!
Met at Disneyland Paris: spring 1995
Dated long distance: off & on 2008-2014
Our twin boys were born: Sep 2009
Engaged: Oct 10 2014
Married: December 5 2014
Online Application & paid PRIORITY Submitted: Dec 22 2014
Visa Received: Jan 14 2015
Arrived in the UK: Feb 28 2015
FLR(M) application mailed: Sep 12 2017
FLR(M) approved: Oct 27
SET(M) application submitted: Feb 4 2020 (super priority)
SET(M) appointment: Mar 9
SET(M) approved: Mar 10
Naturalisation app submitted: Jun 19
No biometrics needed email: July 23


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Re: Driving test on 30 January - good thoughts please!
« Reply #2 on: January 17, 2016, 04:31:02 PM »
Good luck!

I would recommend a lesson straight before the test and that you then test in the instructors car.


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Re: Driving test on 30 January - good thoughts please!
« Reply #3 on: January 17, 2016, 06:49:35 PM »
Good luck.....my test is 5 Feb. I took one "lesson".....paid for an instructor to sit in the car and drive around for an hour. Needed to work on looking before signalling.....and backing up/parallel parking a bit slower/looking out the back window more was all he thought I needed to work on. We will see.
Fred


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Re: Driving test on 30 January - good thoughts please!
« Reply #4 on: January 17, 2016, 07:47:29 PM »
Good luck both of you!

Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre  ;D


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Re: Driving test on 30 January - good thoughts please!
« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2016, 07:56:58 PM »
I'm doing the entire course with an instructor. There are ALL sorts of rules I am working on making habits.
When you are supposed to signal (i always did as soon as possible as a courtesy, but you can get marked for doing it too soon). Where you stop at the roundabouts (side mirror on the line). Not actually having to stop at junctions unless a car is coming or a stop sign/light. Setting up the car correctly when you get it in.  Checking your seat belt to make sure it works). Always checking the rear view mirror before the side mirror. Checking my center and right mirrors every time I am on a new road. Using the clutch as the engine break. Using the hand break whenever you stop, then using 'the bite point' to start moving. Gosh is it complicated!
The usual. American girl meets British guy. They fall into like, then into love. Then there was the big decision. The American traveled across the pond to join the Brit. And life was never the same again.


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Re: Driving test on 30 January - good thoughts please!
« Reply #6 on: January 18, 2016, 09:57:04 PM »
I'm just going to say this, I haven't a clue how Americans actually get into car accidents when lanes are generally two vehicles wide and side roads are wide enough for a freaking dual
carriage way!  No roundabouts and completely clear signals on when you can and can't go.  I considered myself a great driver and I'm absolutely terrified of driving here.  My nearest town is referred as "donut city" due to all the roundabouts (Basingstoke).  I don't want the "L" on my car so I need to muster up the courage to get behind the wheel.  You all are my heroes for making the attempt. Godspeed to you!


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American married to British Citizen, living in Colorado.  Moving to Hampshire/Berkshire area.


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