Instructor booking me in for test

CliffyBiro · 18 Feb 2009 at 18:46

Getting out of the car today after a lesson, my instructor asks me to bring 42 quid with me next time so I can book a test for March.

Now, I don't think I'm ready for a test as I'm still making mistakes and I'm not using the mirrors enough just because I haven't got into the habit.

Should I go ahead with it anyway or ask that I leave it for now until I feel confident enough to take it?

rypt · 18 Feb 2009 at 18:48

Ask if you feel like you are not ready, alternatively ask him to do a mock test with you and see how well you do on that before deciding.

I know some instructors like to get the "pupils" to do a real test just to make them realise what it's like and let them get one under their belt, but it is a bit of a waste of money really.

Solari · 18 Feb 2009 at 18:48

Has been doing mock tests with you yet? How are you doing with those?

CliffyBiro · 18 Feb 2009 at 18:52

Haven't done a mock test yet. Have been driving my own car under learners insurance but not in busy areas like where my test will take place.

Solari · 18 Feb 2009 at 18:55

Driving on quiet roads won't help you at all... you need to learn to deal with "meeting" scenarios

Zogger · 18 Feb 2009 at 18:55

why would he ask for £42 when the test costs £56.50?
and how many hours have you done?

CliffyBiro · 18 Feb 2009 at 18:57

Zogger said:
why would he ask for £42 when the test costs £56.50?
and how many hours have you done?

Dunno.

Erm, next Wednesday will be my 14th 1hr lesson.

It took me 6 to get clutch control perfected.

rick827 · 18 Feb 2009 at 19:00

Yeah you're not going to be ready unless you've done most of the test routes.. and it seems odd you're not asked to book your own test? How is your instructor supposed to know when you're available? lol..I gues you've passed your theory?

Craig321 · 18 Feb 2009 at 19:01

skippi90 said:
Getting out of the car today after a lesson, my instructor asks me to bring 42 quid with me next time so I can book a test for March.

Now, I don't think I'm ready for a test as I'm still making mistakes and I'm not using the mirrors enough just because I haven't got into the habit.

Should I go ahead with it anyway or ask that I leave it for now until I feel confident enough to take it?

No, don't take it if you're not 100% confident.

Never heard of an instructor booking the test for you either :confused:

- however, I have only asked 3 or 4 people, so it might be different for some people.

Also, it's £56.50 as mentioned above, not £42. All sounds a bit strange if you ask me :confused:

IMO if you're not even used to constantly looking in the mirrors yet as the require on they test then you've still got quite a few lessons until you're ready

CliffyBiro · 18 Feb 2009 at 19:02

rick827 said:
Yeah you're not going to be ready unless you've done most of the test routes.. and it seems odd you're not asked to book your own test? How is your instructor supposed to know when you're available? lol..I gues you've passed your theory?

I was a but suprised that I haven't done any test routes but I asked my cousin who took his lessons with the same instructor and he wasn't taken on any test routes either but passed first time with no minors.

I passed my theory first time.

IronLung420 · 18 Feb 2009 at 19:04

Your instructor obviously thinks you will be at test standard by March so i'd just go ahead and book it if i was you. Dunno why he asked you to bring £42 with you though, i passed my test last August and remember it costing almost £60 for the test!?

Trifid · 18 Feb 2009 at 19:04

skippi90 said:
I'm not using the mirrors enough just because I haven't got into the habit.

Go out at night. The glare in your rear view mirror will make you look behind. Once you have done that you will want to be checking the appropriate door mirror on your own.

Trifid · 18 Feb 2009 at 19:06

skippi90 said:
I was a but suprised that I haven't done any test routes but I asked my cousin who took his lessons with the same instructor and he wasn't taken on any test routes either but passed first time with no minors.

Test routes are not really needed. Your instructor will take you through most of the interesting areas where his students usually face problems. After that it is mainly driving on straight roads.

Craig321 · 18 Feb 2009 at 19:06

skippi90 said:
I was a but suprised that I haven't done any test routes but I asked my cousin who took his lessons with the same instructor and he wasn't taken on any test routes either but passed first time with no minors.

I passed my theory first time.

You really need to get him to take you on the test routes. The very first day I did driving lessons my instructor took me on the Kenilworth route (I had already perfected the clutch driving up and down our drive & I had been driving with a provisional for a couple of months prior to lessons

)

CliffyBiro · 18 Feb 2009 at 19:06

http://www.dvtani.gov.uk/practicaldrivingtest/fees.asp

Motor car £42.00

Craig321 · 18 Feb 2009 at 19:09

skippi90 said:
http://www.dvtani.gov.uk/practicaldrivingtest/fees.asp

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/LearningToDriveOrRide/DG_4022530

IronLung420 · 18 Feb 2009 at 19:11

skippi90 said:
http://www.dvtani.gov.uk/practicaldrivingtest/fees.asp

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/LearningToDriveOrRide/DG_4022530

Practical test type
Weekday price £56.50
Weekday evening and weekend price £67.00

edit: beaten

moss · 18 Feb 2009 at 19:13

He lives in N Ireland, looks like its £42 there.

Zogger · 18 Feb 2009 at 19:14

those pesky northern irish

my instructor never specifically did any test routes with me, and we only did one mock test, but I knew every road in my real test anyway so I don't think test routes are that important... You only have 10 test routes there though whereas Guildford has 20

CliffyBiro · 18 Feb 2009 at 19:16

Craig321 said:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motorin...ucket.com/albums/gg116/skippi90/fee.png[/IMG]