Did you pass your driving test 1st time?

Yes I did. It was on Christmas Eve - what Scrooge could fail someone on their driving test on Christmas Eve!

Also, it worked for me that the test was first thing in the morning, so less time to hang around and get nervous. I just tried to pretend it was just like a driving lesson or practice, no big deal, and to concentrate!

Yes, I passed first time. Listen carefully to the instructions you're given and be aware they may try to trip you up (mine asked me to stop at the side of the road at a point where, if I had done so immediately, I'd have been opposite a junction!)

No, i didn't. I had only 4 minors when my last manouver (sp?) came up and i failed on that.. i blame my instructor who had only shown me how to do it two days before my test. After that my confidence was shot and i pased on my..... 7th attempt!!! I wasn't going to give up and I am so glad i didn't, or I would never have gotten together with H who lived 350 miles away when we met.

Buttons x

I passed first time. I had 15 lessons for my 17th birthday, I just wasn't confident on the road so stopped taking them. When when I was 20, I had a further 10 lessons and passed first time. It was more nerve wracking when I had to drive my car for the first time than sitting the driving test, but that was due to not driving for 7 years after passing my test.

Just take your time and listen to the examiner. I memorised the highway code because there was no way I was failing my driving test by not knowing it.

Yes, I passed first time but I'd had a lot of lessons before it. I thought I'd failed at one point because I scraped the curb slightly when I was driving (don't know how) and I totally mucked up pulling in on a hill - so unless you make a major mistake, don't presume the worst. I was a nervous wreck - especially as I knew I'd got one of the questions wrong out of the two that they ask you about the workings of the car (again, that just counts as a minor fault).

I passed first time but I had 48 lessons!!

I had 5 minors, 3 of which were for parking too far from the curb. My instructor had told me that parking too far away incurred a minor, but hitting it incurred a major fault, so I was terrified of hitting the curb. I think it's changed now though.

My advice would be to make it really obvious that you're checking your rear view mirror. Don't just move your eyes, move your head slightly too, so they can see you doing it. I know so many people who've failed for not checking the mirrors enough. And it's such an easy thing to do every few seconds.

Keep breathing steadily to stay relaxed and every so often make sure your shoulders are relaxed, so you don't get too tense. And make sure that you're perfectly happy with your seat position and mirrors before you set off.

Good luck!

No, I passed 2nd time.

I was a nervous wreck the first time. I had my test at 8.30 on a Monday morning which was sh1t as it meant my whole week was ruined ?? I was so so nervous, my leg was shaking on the clutch pedal when I was trying to do my 3 point turn ?

2nd time, I actually wasn't all that much less nervous ? but whereas first time, I had thought it's not that embarrassing to fail your test once as loads of people do, but to fail 2nd time will be a bit of a beamer because most people have passed by then. Also I was fed up paying for lessons so I think that spurred me on!

Good luck, look forward to reading your post telling us all you've passed!

Nope. I failed miserably first time and passed 2nd time.

Can remember a thing about my tests, I'm afraid, they were 16 years ago!

I passed first time. I had too as my sister had!

I was really, really nervous, but the thing that got me through that was thinking of all the idiots I saw on the roads when I was learning. Assuming they all had driving licenses, I figured if they could pass then I really shouldn't have anything to worry about.

Third time for me. First test was appalling, second test, I was "unlucky" (missed an unmarked junction, slowed for it, but didn't stop) and the third time, I thought I'd failed, but was complimented on my reflexes when we got out ?

Yeah I did, at 17 years old.

My advice would be to exagerate what you do, like to really let the examiner see you look in the mirror. Don't just have a quick glance in it, the examiner may not notice you doing that. Also just remember everything you were told and do it to the letter, you can find your own comfortable way of driving once you pass!

Yes I passed first time, aged 17 (nearly 18 years ago now) 5 days before Christmas in a huge thunderstorm! I also pased my advanced test first time too with 1 minor fault. Driving tests 18 years ago were nothing like they are today though!

Yes 4 months after my 17th birthday.

The only reason why is that I drove my Mum's car to college and back every day so got loads of practice in those 4 months (plus 1 lesson a week). I thought I had failed though as my instructor never told me you only had to do 2 of the 3 manouvers during your test!!

Yup. I was 25 and bloody amazed. As, it seems, were my parents, who sent me an enormous bunch of flowers to signify their utter surprise ?

I passed my test first time but that was after three instructors and who knows how many driving lessons!

Are you me??? I have my test booked too and I'm also not telling...I'm so scared!!!!! I feel completely inexperienced!

I also bought myself a second hand car yesterday and H2B tried to take me out on it.... but he has the patience of a gnat and I ended up stopping the car and making him drive home!

I feel very inexperianced on the road as im still waiting for my driving instructor to tell me what to do(i really need to get out of the habbit) but i do drive my dads car which is good just to be able to get on with it. Im taking my car out for a drive today(the only downside of having a car and a provisional licence that you need someone with you)

Im quite looking forward to it though as it will give me more "hours" on the road, I do really hope i pass first time but id rather be a safe driver as i have two children (one a baby) that i will be driving about with.

My family and a few friends know when my test is but it is no means public knowledge.

I hope you pass and it all goes well

that's really good that you already have experience on driving two cars and now you'll have a third!!! ( assuming your lessons are in your instructor's car!). I've only ever driven my instructor's car and now my own car but it's so different! My car is quite old, whilst my instructor's in brand new!

It sounds like you've had lot of of road hours! I've had about 40+ hours of lessons now and I'm hoping to get another 10+ of private driving hours before my test..but I don't know if driving my own car will do more harm than good and make me forget everything I've learnt in my lessons!!

Good luck - can't offer you any advice but hopefully it might make you feel better that there's lots of people in the same boat!

xxxx

In a way its nice to know its not just me out there leaning to drive..

My car is quite old and dosent have power steering like my dads/instructors so this should take some getting used to,plus some lovely person has parked right up behind me so its going to be fun getting out the parking space without power steering!! but i want to go as i need to pop into town to pick something up(i will do some bay parking when im there? ) and then going for a drive up near the test center and routes do do some prasticing.

I dont know how many hours i can fit in with driving my car till my test date(again the pain of not being able to hop in the car and go on my own) also i have a few hours booked with my instructor and as mt test is not that far away now! its only been that last month or so since booking my test ive had regualr lessons as they were a hour here and there since last september.

I really want to be able to drive and just take my children out (it will make life eaiser)

I also have my test booked soon, and i am $hitting my self to the point i am now starting to feel really ill about it, I have had a car given to me, but i have only drove it 3 times since i had it 12 months ago, this will be my 3rd test, i do great on my lessons but when it comes to tests i completely crack,

its the silence i dont like

?

I did. I was incredibly nervous. Almost the first thing I was asked to do was the 3 point turn and I touched the kerb lightly. I was so annoyed with myself, convinced myself I had failed the test because of it and so I relaxed completely for the rest of the test.

Of course, this meant I drove perfectly and the examiner told me that was the only mistake I had made.

I was only 17 and so overjoyed.

I know exactly how you feel! My Ka doesn't have power steering either and it feels so heavy in comparison to the Corsa I drive in my lessons!! But I'm sure I'll get used to it!

I must say, you sound a lot more comfortable and confident with your driving than I feel about mine! I'm absolutely terrified and I wouldn't dare drive into town at the moment in my car - in my instructors car yes, but i need more practise in empty car parks in my own car before adventuring further!!

similar to Michpuss, I was SO nervous and went over the kerb on my way out of the test centre I think, which convinced me I wasn't going to pass but it relaxed me so proved to be a huge help as I drove brilliantly.

Good luck when the time comes. You'll be fine, I'm sure, but it's natural to be nervous.

I get nervous going on my lessons so I think I'm going to be an absolute state on my test!!

Im not that confident with my driving? i too drive the new corsa!! it is a lovely car to drive isnt it, although i think it has far too many gadgets on the steering wheel that when i look for the window wipers i get a bit lost!!

I was quite nervous when driving my dads car first time, we stayed in the town and just went where it was quite, ive just resigned myself to think i might as well get on and do it as i wont want to drive when i do pass my test.

I didn’t pass the first time either — nerves totally threw me off during a roundabout. But honestly, it gave me a chance to slow down and really focus on getting confident, not just ticking boxes.

What helped most was practising near the test centre and understanding how examiners think. It’s also worth getting tips specific to your local area — that made a big difference for me.

If you’re still learning or preparing for your test, this driving school has some really helpful info and tips. Small changes can make a big difference on the day.

Good luck to everyone getting ready — keep at it!

Yes—but not without nerves! Staying focused and calm was key. Just like preparing for a test, making mindful daily choices can lead to better outcomes. One simple switch? Opting for sugar free boba tea instead of sugary drinks. It satisfies cravings without the crash. Sky Boba’s keto boba pearls let you enjoy your favorite treat guilt-free. Whether it's passing your test or making smarter choices, a little preparation—and a lot of flavor—goes a long way!

That’s so exciting — congratulations on getting your own car! 🚗 I’m currently taking lessons at a driving school in Glasgow , and hearing stories like yours really keeps me motivated. Everyone’s test experience is different, but practice and confidence make all the difference. Any specific tips for staying calm on test day?