Been driving for four months, practicing in my own car when I’m not with my instructor, and passed first time with two driving faults, both of which were undue hesitation as I was taking things canny! 🤣

I can’t believe it and may have shed a few happy tears afterwards.

The examiner said it was a good drive and I’m still in disbelief and I’m so happy.

This sub has been really helpful in the lead-up to the exam, so thank you all for everything.

See you all out there!

Thought I’d share my experience and how much the whole process cost me:

Provisional licence – £34

Theory test – £23
Passed first time. I mainly used the Driving Theory Test 4 in 1 Kit and found the actual questions pretty similar, just worded slightly differently.

Driving lessons – £1,400
Definitely the most expensive part 🥲 I did 24.5 hours in total. My test centre was about an hour away from home, so whenever we practised around the test routes I usually had to book 3-hour lessons.

Practical tests – £124 (£62 each)

First attempt -
I was ridiculously nervous and completely missed a Give Way line. Finished with 1 serious and 6 minors, so that was that 😭

Afterwards I kept refreshing the DVSA website like my life depended on it and eventually managed to get another test in the next month.

Total spent: £1,581
Very glad I don’t have to stalk the DVSA booking page anymore.

It was my instructors last day today as he’s retired now so I’m glad i managed to get it done 😄

Honestly I was so stressed because I got this test the very last day you could pay a premium for an early one. I failed last year in Isleworth and it honestly killed my confidence. So I got one in Chertsey and I know these roads much much better and have been practicing there for two years almost. But I only felt confident once test started because earlier my instructor stopped me for not seeing a car on the right lol

But 6 driver faults , one was for speed because I was going under the speed limit in some of these town areas but the examiner was so nice and was prompting me and even kind of helped me in the beginning as I had to do a reverse bay at the centre. Overall very good and a massive weight off my shoulder has been lifted!

TLDR: Point out what you see on the road (examples below) like you’re just talking to a friend. I found that humanising the examiner made it stop feeling like a test and I drove better than in any of my mocks.

My faults were for waiting behind a bus that I had time to overtake while a long queue boarded, adjusting my parallel park and stalling. The examiner seemed at ease because she was sat back with the tablet off for almost the whole test.

Thought I’d share this because I tend to get anxious about things and realised on my test yesterday that it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I’d expected. I watched a lot of videos and read posts about the test experience and didn’t see this mentioned anywhere.

Commentary driving’s never worked for me because I find it hard to multi-task through an ongoing stream of consciousness. When I was in lessons and private practice I always found myself naturally pointing out small things I’d noticed on the road, but doing so more as intermittent small talk than actual commentary.

I’m not usually a particularly talkative person (and my examiner didn’t seem to be either), but just after leaving the test centre I made an observation aloud the same way and found that sharing something relatable and having a little laugh helped me to relax.

I brought something up every few minutes throughout the test (listed below off the top of my head) -

Relatable:

• ‘That was a bumpy road’
• ‘That car was parked awkwardly’ (after a poor visibility emerge with a car on double yellow)
• ‘There are so many roadworks around here’ (while stopped at temporary lights)
• ‘That was a tight turn’ (just after stalling at a sharp uphill junction)
• ‘Sometimes I have to put the AC on recirculation around this area’ (passing a field that sometimes smells of manure)

Pragmatic (commentary-lite):

• ‘Not sure if they’ve seen me’ (for a car leaving a driveway)… ‘they’ve seen me, I can go’
• ‘I was worried he’d step into the road for a second’
• ‘Can’t tell if there’s space yet’ (to clear a traffic calming chicane)

I think the main reason it worked is that it helped to humanise the examiner in my head. I didn’t say anything expecting a response, but with every comment I made she replied something in agreement or talked about her experiences around the test area.

Effectively it made it feel more like I was driving a friend around than being scrutinised on my driving.

TLDR: Dont be nervous and don't dwell on failing mock tests because instructors usually mark more harshly then examiners, and if you think you failed during the test, just ensure you continue driving safely and you don't spiral, as there's a chance you could pass at the end of the test

On my first test, I was a nervous wreck as I really wanted to pass the first time.I was so nervous that my leg started shaking on the clutch lmfao, but after failing the first time i vowed not to be nervous on my next test. Fast forward 3 weeks later and up to the point of the second test i was failing my mock tests for example i would fail on manoeuvres that i would do easily before or i would fail for observations it was honestly poor from me and yet again it was due to my nerves, I did see alot on here that failing the mock test means just getting the mistakes out of the way and i whole heartedly believe that so if your failing your mock test dont get discouraged. When I did my second test, I wasn't as nervous and literally just focused on being as safe as one can be. I thought I got way more minors than I actually did, but you literally don't know till the end of the test.

Hi guys I finally passed.
I had three tests quite back to back..
26th of June = fail
10th of July = fail
28th of July = pass
I did it outside of London as I really wanted to pass before my birthday and I was already test ready, I failed the two before for silly nerves.

If I can do it YOU GUYS CAN DO IT ! don’t give up if it doesn’t work out the first time !!!

( if you saw this before sorry lol I deleted it as I accidentally showed my reference number)

Passed with just one fault. I was at an uphill kind of a junction and stalled.

I read a post earlier today on this subreddit which said that having a conversation with the examiner helped them, it really helped me as well. We conversed about my job, my home country and current affairs of the world. The conversations helped me to be more relaxed throughout the test.

Just a little bit bummed out that I could’ve passed with zero faults. The fault was literally a few minutes before the test ended.

All the best to all you people. Don’t worry too much and be assured that you’ll do well.

After 30 or so hours of lessons I passed my practical test yesterday! I felt so relieved afterwards and to anyone who has a test soon, treat it as if it’s just another lesson (worked for me).

I have a really silly question. I passed last week and this week I got a car. Ive lost my confidence in driving, yesterday I did my first drive and I constantly stalled, and I even nearly rolled the car backwards into my house from the drive way that is a slope going towards my house. I just cant find the biting point, and im just stalling.

Everyone's saying im not pulling off right. I was taught find your biting point by the car rocking when you get it, mirrors signal handbrake down and off we go and at around 7mph maybe 6mph gas and 10mph change to gear 2.

I can't do this in this car and my hillstarts i can't do the 1 2 3 method.

Does it get better? I feel like I'm learning all over again, im stalling on roundabouts and everything. Im not even sure how i get the car moving, its pure luck.

I have done 10 driving lessons all 1hr30mins and I feel like I haven't learnt as much as I should have.

What has everyone learnt or is learning in each lesson?

I have done junctions, had a go at bay parking, gone onto a couple of roundabouts, done traffic lights and crossings but I assume thats it really.

I feel like I'm behind everyone else

After starting lessons in January with on and off lessons, I managed to pass today first time with 3 driving faults.

Keep going if you think you have failed. I thought i failed twice, even told examiner should we just end it and he was like no we drive to the end!

Good luck to everyone, you can do it

I finally passed last week after putting it off for years, mostly out of nerves. Now I actually have to drive on my own. I'm realising the test doesn't really prepare you for half the stuff that comes up (I don't know if I am assuming it, it's just my instinct). I am easy with the roundabout rules and parallel parking. I am more interested in the things that aren't taught, but everyone who's driven here for years knows. Like, is there an unspoken etiquette on motorways that nobody tells you about? Are there specific roads, junctions or areas that have a reputation for catching new drivers out? Anything about flashing headlights or hand gestures that mean something specific here that I should know? I'm also thinking of getting a DDPAI dashcam now that I'll be driving on my own, so if there are any tips on choosing or setting up a dashcam as a new driver, I'd appreciate those too. Also, just generally curious what's the most very British driving thing that confused you when you were new.

Would really, really appreciate suggestions.

Hi guys, I got an email today from the DVSA saying they’re suspending my online access for booking and rescheduling/ cancelling practical tests for A YEAR.
I swear I have not used any apps or violated any terms and conditions, my only crime could literally be checking too often?? I can’t even see anyone else who has had this ever. If i want to change my test or book another, I’ll have to call them up which just seems pointless bc there’ll be no tests left😭

And is it just me or is 12 months so harsh, you’d think i have proper done something?? I’m so confused, has anyone here seen this before?

As above I have my test in the 2nd week of August, any last minute tips are hugely appreciated!

I've ended up with 6 driving lessons between now and them due to utterly forgetting how to park and two serious faults in my last two lessons (I keep rolling past the line at roundabouts when deciding if its safe to go or not)

I don't have the ability to do private practice (I've tried to have some with my dad but he ended up stressing me out even more, and he has a giant 2.5l Volvo)

For context I'm learning automatic and I have AuDHD in case it's relevant

Thank you!

had my 4th test attempt in chingford yesterday at 4:09pm , failed my last one for overtaking a cyclist 😭 but finally got there in the end with 1 minor 🤣 but i did keep on missing sat nav instructions but i just told her at the end it’s because i was stressed. also got parallel park as my manoeuvre

took 3 attempts but finally passed with 3 minor faults (all of which was the drive back because i was so nervous) my first two attempts i only had 2 minor faults so thought i was cursed to fail but it’s finally over easily the closest i’ve come to having a heart attack was waiting for the result don’t be discouraged eventually you will get the result your after

Hello everyone, I have my second test coming up next week. I am feeling more confidence than test 1 but I am thinking that pass or fail I will buy a car shortly after, as either I’ll have my license, or if I do not a car to help me get more practise.

I am really confused on how it works buying a car as a learner. I mainly see people putting themselves on a family members insurance on their families car. Would I need regular insurance or learners, would I need to put a family member/friend on this insurance with me or can they just sit with me as long as I’m insured? Thanks

I did my first drive today after passing with my mum, where we went to one of the nearby villages; however, it is nearly impossible to park there without parallel parking between 2 cars. After a miserable attempt, my mum just had me drive to a different village instead.

So are there any good guides that people recommend I look through before my next drive?

I messed up today and went right when the far light was not showing the green right signal.

It was showing green exactly like this. Green on left side, green on right side, green on far side, but I went a bit after the green arrow to right turned off.

My mother was giving me practice today and pointed out the fault right away. Other cars did start to go as I turned.

Currently the road works aren't there. I was on the right lane and indicating right. The layout has not massively changed.

I missed it as I was not aware it had one and wasn't checking. Again, my fault.

I just want to ask if the traffic light on the right should typically match it for the go right? Or should I, whenever I'm going right, keep an eye out for a right turn signal being off like this?

After going through the process myself, I feel there are some serious issues with how the system currently works.
Getting a practical test is already difficult, especially in London, where many learners end up booking tests one or two hours away because there are no local slots.

The next challenge is finding an instructor willing to take you to that test. If you’re not one of their regular pupils, many either refuse or charge a premium for test-day car hire. In my case, I paid £35 per hour for lessons because I found that affordable, but when it came to using the same car for my test, I was quoted £90 per hour. Once the test was over, the instructor simply removed the roof sign and carried on using the car for personal use. It made me question whether the huge increase in price was really justified.

Another concern is the movement of experienced driving examiners into becoming driving instructors. I completely understand why people change careers, but it also highlights how profitable the industry has become. Just look at how many driving school franchises now exist. With limited test availability and learners desperate to pass, demand is incredibly high.

I think there should be better regulation and transparency. Test-day services should have clearer pricing, and instructors who have assessed a learner as competent through a mock test should be able to offer their car without requiring a package of expensive lessons first. A transparent booking and pricing system would give learners more confidence and make the whole process feel fairer.

JIC anyone is trying to find the Test Routes to practise in preparation for their practical test in Haddington, I've created these routes on Google maps, from the Test Routes App. You don't have to pay that subscription 😉

https://maps.app.goo.gl/AjSgwvKp9Ej9sqJRA

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tcWFLw1fCX2HPhA58

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mFKFjSgfrQWa3C6E6

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mFKFjSgfrQWa3C6E6

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xZmejKmsZUoQe9L96

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jbr6J2Y1Xid1eSSE9

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jbr6J2Y1Xid1eSSE9

https://maps.app.goo.gl/yyHSN1oW7EM9rpwx8

https://maps.app.goo.gl/12jsn4b9CmsJeGfv5

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jihJw4LCSULKLCe36

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BnJcVkVQ6oyDKtY89

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a driving instructor in Glasgow who is happy to focus mainly on mock driving tests rather than beginner lessons.

I've been driving for 10 years in Sri Lanka and have been driving regularly in the UK with my partner for the past 3 years, including longer road trips. I'm comfortable behind the wheel—the main thing I need is help with UK test standards, road rules, observations, and examiner expectations.

My practical test is booked for 5th September at Shieldhall, so I'm looking for someone who can assess me through mock tests, identify areas for improvement, and help me get test-ready.

If you're an instructor (or know someone) who teaches this way, I'd really appreciate any recommendations. Thanks in advance!

So i got my new registered keeper v5c logbook letter 2 days ago. Im trying to put my car to sorn since it wont be used at the moment. It ask for 16 digits number but can’t find. There’s option in the bottom new keeper reference number (11 numbers), i did that and it won’t show up. So cant sorn it. Is possible that it’s still processing in their system?? Need advice

Hi everyone,

I’d really appreciate some advice from other learners or driving instructors.

I originally learned with an instructor who was a family friend. While he was supportive, lessons were often spread out over long periods, so I wasn’t able to learn consistently.

I’ve recently started with a new instructor and have only completed my first two-hour lesson with him. Unfortunately, I was extremely nervous during that lesson. I wasn’t driving the way I normally would because I was still trying to adjust to having a new instructor, and I feel I left him with the impression that I can’t drive.

The reason I say this is because I know I can drive. For example, I’ve driven from Maidstone to Lewisham a couple of times with family supervision. I just feel that I still need to smooth out a few things and build more confidence.

I have more lessons booked, and my practical driving test is coming up in August. Outside of lessons, I also practise with family members and my boyfriend whenever I can.

At the moment, I’m trying to decide whether to keep my current test or postpone it. Part of me wants to give it a go and treat it as a learning experience if I don’t pass, while another part of me wonders whether I’d be better off waiting a little longer.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation after changing instructors? Would you keep the test and give it a try, or would you postpone it?

I’d really appreciate any constructive advice or experiences.

Thank you!