Failure in the Driving Test

I am a bit rusty as I start to write this post since I haven’t really written any post after “Trusting Others”

Today, I took a driving test for the second time in my life. The first one was in India and that was a success. The driving conditions here are very different from that of India and drivers should be professionals to use the road safely. I am the holder of a Full Indian Driving License as well as an International Driving Permit. Unfortunately, the validity of my International Driving Permit would expire soon and by Law, am required to have a full Irish Driving License to drive.

First time failures are very common in an Irish driving test. The pass rate for Cork is around 61.1% where as it is as low as 42.5% in another county. The national average pass rate stands at 57.2% (Source RSA - data as on 23rd Sep 09).

I almost had it, but didn't. I was directed to do a right turn and because of the presence of so many markings within a limited area, I was unable to judge the situation properly and ended up doing the manoeuvre in the wrong lane. :( there, I was marked for a grade 3 fault. Whom am I to blame? Just myself. Had I been a bit more observant, I might have got a grade 2 fault for progression on turning right, but at the end of the day, I would have had my Full Irish Driving License. I had a couple of grade 2 faults, but unless I make 9 of them, my test results are not affected. It's good to have failed this test. I didn't make even a grade 1 fault in areas where I was afraid I might fault and fail. That's the best thing.

Am I disappointed ? - yes, partly I am. But I am also determined to get it right from now on. Taking the test has put the fear of failure behind me. I know where I went wrong - the only place I went wrong, and that's all I need to correct. Am not a perfect driver. But, if someone would have rated me 30 /100, they would rate me 85+ now. I could feel the difference. I am more confident and vigilant.

I owe special thanks to my instructor Stephen Norton (Alert School of Motoring) without whose training and support, I would have ended up making umpteen grade 2 and many more grade 3 faults. Thank you Stephen, if I am a much better and confident driver, its only because of you. Rather put, when I judge my earlier driving with the scoring sheet, had it not been for Stephen's training, the tester would have thrown me out of the car within few minutes of moving off.

Just a few words (/sentences) of advice for those who might have failed the test like me : Driving is a skill, like riding a bike, some people fall off more whilst learning. If you keep getting back on you will manage it in the end. Just learn from the experience and know that its making you a better driver than the people that passed first time, that are missing out on the extra hints and tips you get. (Stephen, I am counting on you for those extra hints and tips :) )

For those who are about to take the test : Don’t go expecting to pass, it usually leads to disappointment, treat it as a normal lesson with your instructor. If you do make any mistakes, don’t panic. You can correct the mistakes, take your own time, don't worry about other drivers on the road having to wait, they had to go through the same experience.

There is only one way to pass the test. Practice, Practice, Practice and Practice. Make errors when you are with your instructor, as he can correct you then and there.

Mistakes do happen. We all are humans. Those who are wise learns from past mistakes. Failure is the stepping stone to success.