: navigate using the bars above :
W E L C O M E
Gone within the first 10 minutes
Wednesday, 25 March 2009 - 21:21
I hope I'm not being too over superstitious, but I had an inclination of failure this morning when I woke up and looked out of my window. The sky was grey and it was raining.... the saying 'the sky is crying' immediately ran to my head and I thought it surely can't be... and believe it or not, what I described in one of my earlier posts actually happened to me today. My examiner had a bad day... either that or he just really hated me. He was moody and stressful, and his attitude was dreadful! I had obviously made a wrong decision while approaching a junction for a left turn, and he instantly jumped onto the steering wheel... by then I knew I had thrown my test away. I cannot express with words my current mood, but I am definitely not happy. It goes back to what I stated in the post for my previous test, I don't mind failing, but I've got to be happy with how I fail. I'm beginning to lose faith and the fact that my examiner had to intervene makes me think that I am incapable. It was a totally bad experience and I wish I could have escaped the moody man and his intimidation earlier than I did.
Driving Lesson #55
Tuesday, 24 March 2009 - 21:48
(Hours 107 & 108)
Yesterday's lesson got cancelled and moved to today which I am happy about because I get to practice one day before the exam.. but I suppose this goes back to my psychological thinking again! The drive today was better than last week and I am feeling more confident. Nothing majorly stood out, but I've just got to watch out not to stop too short at a junction, but at the same token, not sticking my nose out to obstruct others! So, just right!
Towards the end of the lesson, my pulse rate started speeding up which indicates my nerves are kicking in for tomorrow. I hope that this doesn't occur during the test as it might sway my concentration and it's the last thing I want! I'm still feeling nervous now but I'm ready to go out and give it my best shot again!
Yesterday's lesson got cancelled and moved to today which I am happy about because I get to practice one day before the exam.. but I suppose this goes back to my psychological thinking again! The drive today was better than last week and I am feeling more confident. Nothing majorly stood out, but I've just got to watch out not to stop too short at a junction, but at the same token, not sticking my nose out to obstruct others! So, just right!
Towards the end of the lesson, my pulse rate started speeding up which indicates my nerves are kicking in for tomorrow. I hope that this doesn't occur during the test as it might sway my concentration and it's the last thing I want! I'm still feeling nervous now but I'm ready to go out and give it my best shot again!
Driving Lesson #54
Thursday, 19 March 2009 - 13:53
(Hours 105 & 106)
The test is approaching and I'm really not looking forward to it. I thought today was going to be my last lesson before the test, but I've managed to book in another 2 hours for the extra practice on the same week as the test. I don't know how much difference it's going to make, but I will feel mentally better than what I would without it. I don't doubt my driving skills but a better performance in the car this week would have helped build my confidence.. However, without the mistakes, my instructor told me I would feel the same since I have already tried the test once and it's affect has reversed on me. For some people, they find it helps as they know what is expected, but for others, it's the opposite. I don't think it's a good thing for me to know that the UK driving test is one of the hardest in the world, and the fact that I know you must be almost perfect in order to get your full license makes me think it's even more harder to achieve. At the end of the day, it's my word against the examiner's, and I find it hard to accept their decision if they were just having a bad day.
As for my performance, it wasn't too bad but I am still making errors. Obviously no driver is perfect even if they have passed their test, but just knowing that I am making these mistakes makes me feel less confident when I know you must be almost perfect for the test. I tried the new techniques for the dual carriageways and roundabouts and they seem to work better for me. I'm going to use Monday's lesson to spend more time and work on these techniques so that I get out of my old habits and into the new.
The test is approaching and I'm really not looking forward to it. I thought today was going to be my last lesson before the test, but I've managed to book in another 2 hours for the extra practice on the same week as the test. I don't know how much difference it's going to make, but I will feel mentally better than what I would without it. I don't doubt my driving skills but a better performance in the car this week would have helped build my confidence.. However, without the mistakes, my instructor told me I would feel the same since I have already tried the test once and it's affect has reversed on me. For some people, they find it helps as they know what is expected, but for others, it's the opposite. I don't think it's a good thing for me to know that the UK driving test is one of the hardest in the world, and the fact that I know you must be almost perfect in order to get your full license makes me think it's even more harder to achieve. At the end of the day, it's my word against the examiner's, and I find it hard to accept their decision if they were just having a bad day.
As for my performance, it wasn't too bad but I am still making errors. Obviously no driver is perfect even if they have passed their test, but just knowing that I am making these mistakes makes me feel less confident when I know you must be almost perfect for the test. I tried the new techniques for the dual carriageways and roundabouts and they seem to work better for me. I'm going to use Monday's lesson to spend more time and work on these techniques so that I get out of my old habits and into the new.
Driving Lesson #53
Wednesday, 18 March 2009 - 23:00
(Hours 103 & 104)
It's just less than a week now before my next test and time has past so quickly! I feel a little let down with my own driving today as I feel I could have done better. If I took the test today, I would have failed as I was a little wobbly at coming onto the dual carriageway. This caused me to drive between 2 lanes and would be counted as a serious fault. The reason behind this is the fact that I am looking too far over my shoulder for the blind spot check whilst on the slip road. As I discussed the issue with my instructor, we established that this is the main reason why dual carriageways are still the weakest point within my driving. I have been told to glance over the shoulder, trying to keep the body as still as possible. This will hopefully stop my hands following the movement of my body, which should aid the wobble.
Another major point expressed to me today is the observations on approach to a roundabout. Since I have been looking from the 1 o'clock point to the 4 o'clock, it is taking me far too long to anticipate all the actions on the roundabout including what might happen. Instead, I have been told to focus on my 3 o'clock point, which directly identifies the exit immediately to my right. It might seem like a problem that should have been solved earlier, but I never knew it was a problem until my instructor used the dual controls to stop me from hitting the bright orange TNT lorry that joined from the exit before. Immediately, I knew that it was a problem since the size and colour of the vehicle should have dominated everything else. It is also difficult for my instructor to see what it is I am exactly looking at.
Now I have new suggestions at hand, I will try them tomorrow and see if it helps towards my driving. I hope that the drive will be better and that the new suggestions will bring me more confidence considering it will be the last lesson before my test.
It's just less than a week now before my next test and time has past so quickly! I feel a little let down with my own driving today as I feel I could have done better. If I took the test today, I would have failed as I was a little wobbly at coming onto the dual carriageway. This caused me to drive between 2 lanes and would be counted as a serious fault. The reason behind this is the fact that I am looking too far over my shoulder for the blind spot check whilst on the slip road. As I discussed the issue with my instructor, we established that this is the main reason why dual carriageways are still the weakest point within my driving. I have been told to glance over the shoulder, trying to keep the body as still as possible. This will hopefully stop my hands following the movement of my body, which should aid the wobble.
Another major point expressed to me today is the observations on approach to a roundabout. Since I have been looking from the 1 o'clock point to the 4 o'clock, it is taking me far too long to anticipate all the actions on the roundabout including what might happen. Instead, I have been told to focus on my 3 o'clock point, which directly identifies the exit immediately to my right. It might seem like a problem that should have been solved earlier, but I never knew it was a problem until my instructor used the dual controls to stop me from hitting the bright orange TNT lorry that joined from the exit before. Immediately, I knew that it was a problem since the size and colour of the vehicle should have dominated everything else. It is also difficult for my instructor to see what it is I am exactly looking at.
Now I have new suggestions at hand, I will try them tomorrow and see if it helps towards my driving. I hope that the drive will be better and that the new suggestions will bring me more confidence considering it will be the last lesson before my test.
Driving Lesson #52
Thursday, 12 March 2009 - 20:30
(Hours 101 & 102)
The hours are creeping up! It's scary to think I have put in triple hours of lesson time already, which is equivalent to more than 4 days! I don't dare count how much all these hours are worth!
Today was another lesson on the roundabouts, except in reverse order! Some worked out OK, but some were disastrous.... the first disaster involved a stall on the roundabout! I was a temporary obstruction to a car that was approaching my exit, but because I started to come onto the roundabout from the exit before, the car managed to get round me. Luckily the stall didn't do much harm and everything was safe, but I was astonished at how something so serious could happen to me!
One of the last roundabouts was crazy! People cutting in on me from my left! Obviously they are supposed to give way to what is on the right, and most importantly, what is already ON the roundabout! I stopped behind a bus on the roundabout while the lights were on red, and an old man in a blue car tried to cut in between me and the bus without a signal.. I let him in as there was no other option, but as the lights turned green a crazy woman in a white car appeared from nowhere... forcing her way in between me and the blue car! My instructor had to slam his brakes down to stop the collision, but we both admitted there was nothing in the left wing mirror. My instructor had told me he had only seen her from the corner of his eye since he was sat at the side closest to her.
Besides the dangerous factors, there were some funny parts in today's lesson. I've said before, concentration is the main element needed for driving, and as I stopped at a red light, I let it slip! I readjusted my centre mirror to correct my view, and got extremely distracted by the aqua blue bike! As the lights changed to green, I shouted "Oh look there's a Suzuki!" and stalled! ...It just shows how much concentration can affect your driving!
The hours are creeping up! It's scary to think I have put in triple hours of lesson time already, which is equivalent to more than 4 days! I don't dare count how much all these hours are worth!
Today was another lesson on the roundabouts, except in reverse order! Some worked out OK, but some were disastrous.... the first disaster involved a stall on the roundabout! I was a temporary obstruction to a car that was approaching my exit, but because I started to come onto the roundabout from the exit before, the car managed to get round me. Luckily the stall didn't do much harm and everything was safe, but I was astonished at how something so serious could happen to me!
One of the last roundabouts was crazy! People cutting in on me from my left! Obviously they are supposed to give way to what is on the right, and most importantly, what is already ON the roundabout! I stopped behind a bus on the roundabout while the lights were on red, and an old man in a blue car tried to cut in between me and the bus without a signal.. I let him in as there was no other option, but as the lights turned green a crazy woman in a white car appeared from nowhere... forcing her way in between me and the blue car! My instructor had to slam his brakes down to stop the collision, but we both admitted there was nothing in the left wing mirror. My instructor had told me he had only seen her from the corner of his eye since he was sat at the side closest to her.
Besides the dangerous factors, there were some funny parts in today's lesson. I've said before, concentration is the main element needed for driving, and as I stopped at a red light, I let it slip! I readjusted my centre mirror to correct my view, and got extremely distracted by the aqua blue bike! As the lights changed to green, I shouted "Oh look there's a Suzuki!" and stalled! ...It just shows how much concentration can affect your driving!
Driving Lesson #51
Wednesday, 11 March 2009 - 23:24
(Hours 99 & 100)
I'm feeling quite strange to have my 2 hour dose of driving now... it's been quite a long wait and I feel that 2 hours a week is not enough for me considering I did 4 before the test. I fear that I will lose what I have already, and because I'm so far into the game, I don't want to lose now. Hopefully it's just a psychological issue, but I've booked in an extra 4 hours before the test just to squeeze in the extra hours of practice.
The whole lesson focused on roundabouts today, and I'm quite surprised I wasn't dizzy during the exercise! It was good to see I am able to plan my actions better than what I did last year.. so I can definitely say I'm more confident and I've improved!
After the lesson, I was reassured that my fear was definitely a psychological matter! I'm happy to know this since it puts less pressure on me as I know I won't be able to have a lesson at any time on the week of my test. I was quite shocked to see the high demand for lessons on my instructor's timetable within the next few weeks... it's a busy time for lessons and tests.
I'm feeling quite strange to have my 2 hour dose of driving now... it's been quite a long wait and I feel that 2 hours a week is not enough for me considering I did 4 before the test. I fear that I will lose what I have already, and because I'm so far into the game, I don't want to lose now. Hopefully it's just a psychological issue, but I've booked in an extra 4 hours before the test just to squeeze in the extra hours of practice.
The whole lesson focused on roundabouts today, and I'm quite surprised I wasn't dizzy during the exercise! It was good to see I am able to plan my actions better than what I did last year.. so I can definitely say I'm more confident and I've improved!
After the lesson, I was reassured that my fear was definitely a psychological matter! I'm happy to know this since it puts less pressure on me as I know I won't be able to have a lesson at any time on the week of my test. I was quite shocked to see the high demand for lessons on my instructor's timetable within the next few weeks... it's a busy time for lessons and tests.
Driving Lesson #50
Tuesday, 3 March 2009 - 23:49
(Hours 97 & 98)
So it's back to the driving lessons and I was determined to go back to the primary school to locate this sign that I missed.. my wish was granted and we incorporated it as part of my route today. I was shocked and completely devastated at how I managed to miss the 2 huge 20 signs on either side of me, and the coloured road that marked a gigantic 20 in a circle! 3 clear hints and I somehow managed to miss them all.. or obviously just didn't pay any attention to them if I did see them, but it's not something I recall.
We planned a particular exercise today where everytime a new speed limit took place, I would have to call out the speed to show I have spotted and registered the sign. I saw them this time round, and hopefully this exercise will be useful to me for the next test and the future.
Now that there is another month to go before my next test, I fear I will lose something else after I've noticed all the speed signs. Hopefully this won't be the case as I'm continuing my practice for the next few weeks.
So it's back to the driving lessons and I was determined to go back to the primary school to locate this sign that I missed.. my wish was granted and we incorporated it as part of my route today. I was shocked and completely devastated at how I managed to miss the 2 huge 20 signs on either side of me, and the coloured road that marked a gigantic 20 in a circle! 3 clear hints and I somehow managed to miss them all.. or obviously just didn't pay any attention to them if I did see them, but it's not something I recall.
We planned a particular exercise today where everytime a new speed limit took place, I would have to call out the speed to show I have spotted and registered the sign. I saw them this time round, and hopefully this exercise will be useful to me for the next test and the future.
Now that there is another month to go before my next test, I fear I will lose something else after I've noticed all the speed signs. Hopefully this won't be the case as I'm continuing my practice for the next few weeks.
