I’m sure many of us can relate to feeling like we’re ready for something, only for it not to go as planned. That was my experience when I took my practical driving tests. Despite feeling as if I was ready to cruise the roads of Hertfordshire and around the UK once I was more confident, I failed the first time due to a grumpy examiner and then again due to a friendly examiner (perhaps a friendly silence is just what I needed). I’ll take another practical test towards the end of January, hoping it will be the last.
I was a bundle of nerves when I went in for my practical driving test. Despite having practised in my own car nearly every night, I felt like the pressure of taking this test was really getting to me. All I could think about was every little mistake that might lead to a failed result. In the end, though, despite not being 100% confident in my ability, I felt ready for the challenge.
I failed the first time because of a grumpy examiner
I was so disappointed when I failed my practical driving test the first time. The examiner seemed grumpy and rude, which didn’t help with my nerves at all. When I said rude, she didn’t introduce herself and refused to provide me with feedback and only demanded to speak to my driving instructor after she told me I had failed. She told my instructor that I didn’t know what I was doing, which was super insulting, but safe to say that she returned to the practical test centre in one piece with me as a driver.
I failed the second time because of a friendly examiner
I failed my practical driving test the second time, but this time, it was because of a friendly examiner (which I felt better about failing). He was really nice and chatty throughout the whole process, but I guess that didn’t help me as much as I thought it would! He talked about his dog and shared his life stories with me, and I didn’t want to be rude, so I continued the conversation. As someone who struggles to multi-task, this has caused me to lose focus.
It’s been a tough journey, but I know I can do this. The first two tests didn’t end how I wanted them to, but with the determination to try again and a little luck, I believe my third time could be the charm! Wish me luck with my next attempt!
