As above I never told you guys but I have my class c test today.
I am really bricking it.
The routes are like rabbit runs and I know I am going to fluff it up.
My instructor says that if I drive like I have been then I will be fine but the nerves have really hit me.
Ive tried thinking it will be fine and treat it as a lesson and also try to impress the examiner but all I see is myself failing.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
To do this means so much to me as I want to get my C + E and then do something that I want to do rather than do something to survive which is draining and unfulfilling.
Thanks in advance Thomas
Did mine yesterday and I was bricking it…however I found my nerves settled once I was actually doing the driving, I purposely drove extra cautiously to start with to prevent making any silly mistakes, I found the examiner to be a nice friendly bloke who chatted away and put me at ease… … keep concentrating all the way through the test, don’t worry about what the examiner is doing and good luck!
It’s very hard to give someone the right advice that is going to work for them, as I’m sure you know…
However, you simply cannot go into the test thinking you are going to make a mess of it otherwise you are just willing yourself to that end result.
Really try to think that you are going to do just another drive, and OK, yes it’s test, but take a deep breath and tell yourself that you are going to try your very best - and whatever happens at the end, happens.
Also, take heart from what your instructor has said!
And finally, maybe try not to think about how much you want this. Many a person on this forum has been through the self-imposed pressure of, ‘I have to do this because I’ve paid a lot for it, or I need to do it now so that I can start working towards that better life, or whatever.’
Really just try to go and ‘drive’ and think of it as more experience irrespective of what happens.
If you really do have a case of the nerves, and that’s something you are prone to, do consider a quick trip to the chemist/supermarket and pick up some Resolve I think it is, or Kalms. I believe it’s best to use them a few days leading up to the big day, but I know a few lads who it really helped out.
It is hard to tell someone not to worry too much, as no matter how much someone says it there will always be doubts… (I found)
On the day of my test I never slept the night before and I was tempted to throw it in and not even bother turning up I was that nervous… and I had paid for all my training out of my own pocket…
However… The way I looked at it is…
Treat it as another lesson with another person… all they will tell you is where to go… (like your instructor did)
It lasts for an hour and a half (if that) including the reverse and questions… so it’s going to be over soon
keep it at a steady pace, try and keep calm on the road, I found once I was in the test my nerves started to dwindle away… by the end of it I felt a lot better!.
Also you can ask the examiner to repeat himself, I even asked him to repeat himself during the independent drive
Have your window open slightly even if it’s raining a bit just open it about an inch or so give you some fresh air this helped me ALOT as I get very hot and bothered in situations like that…
Not saying you will as I was in the same situation as yourself and I passed (with 3 minors as my nerves where making me so cautious (so the examiner said)) but if you do fail, then construct on that… look at it as experience rather than I can’t do it etc…
All anyone can say is Good Luck and Give it your best shot!!
But do not view it as a failure and waste of time, as it gave you valuable experience! And that experience will stand you in good stead next time, as you now know what to expect and can work on what went wrong this time.
Chin up, get back on the horse and better luck next time!
Roads that busy now it’s getting harder and harder to get the ‘opening’ to go cleanly onto one. I’m sure examiners know this but I’d suspect they’re as frustrated as learner is trying to keep it perfect to pass.
This undue hesitation is a load of BS imo,if you as the sole person in control of the vehicle doesn’t think the gap presented is adequate enough for you you enter the roundabout then that’s up to you,how does an examiner who has never driven the vehicle your driving (the exact one I mean,not as in make/model ect)have the ability to fail you for not pulling off.
montytom:
Thankyou people I appreciate your replies.
I thought I was going to be more annoyed about it but I think hey ho just get back in again.
Ill have to wait till I get paid again but thats only a couple of weeks.
To be honest I thought the drive went very well upto that point and after knowing I failed even more so.
Thanks again and I hope I can put this all behind me and get this done then its on the way to the c+e
Thomas
See that part above?
You know this, but I will re-iterate it.
Once the (self-imposed) pressure was off - your drive was good.
If you can find a way to go into the Test with that state of mind, number 1 you will pass easily and number 2, you will make a fortune selling the technique to others
My C took two goes (I tried to beat some traffic lights to avoid the need for a hill start!). The 2nd time was considerably easier as you know exactly what you have to do. Staying calm is at least 50% of it.
All the best for your re-test.
I was nervous before my bike and car tests. Mostly because I was working for minimum wage and part time so the costs seemed huge! I made little mistakes in the first few minutes of both and assumed I had failed. After that I was calm and relaxed and in a way enjoyed the experience! Passed both first time. I guess my tip for next time is to assume you’ve failed! Anything after that is a plus!
I’m hoping that if I do go for my LGV test I wont feel the pressure as much now that I’ve got a half decent job and some savings.
ckm1981:
This undue hesitation is a load of BS imo,if you as the sole person in control of the vehicle doesn’t think the gap presented is adequate enough for you you enter the roundabout then that’s up to you,how does an examiner who has never driven the vehicle your driving (the exact one I mean,not as in make/model ect)have the ability to fail you for not pulling off.
Totally agree with that,some roundabouts are a nightmare. The ones with trees in the middle wtf that all about you cant see what’s coming then some clown comes flying round when your half way out.
Roundabouts do cause problems for many candidates but why?
A lot of the secret lies in getting the approach speed just right. There are only 2 possible options. You will either stop or go. The problem is you can’t make this final decision until approx 10 yards from the give way line. You therefore have to be going slowly enough to stop but also in the correct gear to go.
If you have to stop the next problem is what gap to take. The answer is simple and basic. Wait until you can see no other vehicle on the roundabout is the safest bet. The examiner will mark you on what you could see at the moment you actually move out.
If the roundabout is clogged up with very slow moving traffic we teach to edge out as this won’t cause any serious problems for the slow moving traffic.
If cars are flying about at speed become patient and await the moment described above. If you feel uneasy about the length of time discuss the problem with the examiner and tell him why you are still waiting.
A right turn is the most difficult as you are nearer the cars coming round. If going straight ahead look for a possible blocker on your right that you may be able to use as protection.
This is the short version of what takes several hours to perfect.
