UK driving test examiners please advice?

Question

I have been living in the UK for more than a year and drive almost everyday.I have been driving abroad more than 15 years & hold licences for India, US&Canada but don't have a full British licence.I have failed twice.I wud like to know:

1) I was penalized for errors in gearing down (i.e. when slowing or stopping I go from gears 4-3-2-1 in order - this is not allowed apparently.You have to go directly to the desired gear)

2) Driving too slow or too fast especially on approaching roundabouts is an offence.One examiner said I was too fast, the other too slow!

3) In performing the manouvres, before each change in direction u have to pull the handbrake and then start the next movement! Who does that?It's all usually done with clutch control!

Does this mean that experienced drivers can't hope to get a UK licence(as they have too many 'bad' habits & not necessarily bad drivers)?Or have the examiners shoved their brains down the toilet and are assessing drivers from their rear end?

Answer 1

Although I had a drivers license for 10years but when I went to U.K. to study I took 2 tests and I failed. I finally convinced myself to change the driving test centre in U.K. and went to a driving instructor to teach me the tricks and after 4 lessons I passed the test without any hustle. So my advice to you get a british driving instructor and ask him to teach you the tricks and I wish you all the best.

Answer 2

It means that they are testing everyone to the same level of competence, that level being a learner with no experience of driving alone and they need to see that the driver can deal with the situations presented without causing danger to themselves or other road users.

If you hold a full Canadian licence you can get a form D1 from any post office and exchange your full Canadian licence for a full British licence without taking a test.

Answer 3

Your last para says it all.

Answer 4

Pretty much. No-one drives like a learner - if you already know how to drive and do so in a relaxed manner, you're far too sloppy to pass the test.

I know it sounds stupid to someone who knows how to drive, but have you taken a few lessons just as test practice? I'm sure instructors would be happy to accomodate that.

Answer 5

1) i believe you can go 4-2-1. you can't go directly to the desired gear if it's more than 2 lower down or lower than 3rd (i.e. 3 - 1). This is what you can do:

5-3-2-1

4-2-1

3-2-1

2) Well, I guess I can't say much about this one, as you had 2 opposing comments. I'd keep it slow rather than fast, and start breaking with plenty of time so that it's smooth and not too harsh.

3) I believe it's only in certain manoeuvres you have to pull the handbrake... I remember my driving instructor telling me off during a lesson for not using the handbrake at a stop sign and said that it would be an instant fail if it was my test.

I passed my test 4 years ago and I think you need to know exactly what they expect from you so I agree with the person above me who said you should take driving lessons as the UK is notoriously strict with the driving test. My mum has done this as her international driving licence expired after 1 year, so even though she knew how to drive, she still took lessons in the UK.

The examiners have not "shoved their brains down the toilet and are assessing drivers from their rear end", they're just doing their job and keeping to UK rules and regulations. Just be a bit humble and think that it can only enhance your driving and that we all can always learn something new even when we're experienced at something.