I have recently failed my first driving test, which is devastating for a few reasons. Firstly because Irish public transport is the worst, and secondly, lessons, applying for the test, and use of the instructors car on the day of the test all costs a fortune once added together.
I am not the first person to fail my test first time, nor will I be the last! Here are 5 things to make you feel better if like me, you fail your driving test.
1. Make a deal with your friends/family. For example, my housemates told me if I passed, we would order Domino’s pizza, garlic bread and cookies (I LOVE the cookies) to celebrate. They also said if I failed we would order Domino’s pizza, garlic bread and cookies to make me feel better. Either way I had something to look forward to.
2. A little outdated but according to the Central Statistics Office, a total of 426,219 motorists failed their driving test in the period 2001 to 2006, and the failure rate for first-time applicants increased from 42.5% in 1999 to 49.5% in 2006.
3. At least we have a little bit more time to gather enough money for a car and insurance…Yay.
4. Also at least we don’t live in Japan! Along with the theory and practical test, they must also take an aptitude test, which tests vision, colour blindness, hearing and physical fitness. They may also to be asked to reverse around an S-curve.
5. Hopefully we will be a bit more relaxed when we re-take the test. We’ll know exactly what to expect and we won’t be as nervous. We shall be more successful next time! (And if not there’s always the time after that, and the time after that, and the time after that and we shall keep trying until we succeed no matter what anyone says!)