Im scared!

[Stacie_and_Jed]

After having my first towing lesson on Saturday im scared to death that i will not pass my test and blow nearly £400 when i book the course.

I was going to book it today ready for the end of the month but now im having second thoughts. I have picked up so many bad habbits and im not sure i can get out of them. Resting one hand is the worse and its a instant fail if i do. Also coasting (leaving clutch down) is another one. Ive really been trying hard to stop doing these things but i just dont know im doing it most of the time!!!

Is it really that hard and are the examiners really that strict?

Ive been waiting my whole life to be able to go where i want when i want and how i want and now im petrified its going to all be taken away from me.

Any words of advice will be gratefully received.

 

[jinxy]

I haven't done it, but have practised towing in my friends car with their trailer. Are you having lessons with an instructor? If not it may be worth having a one off lesson and they will be able to tell you if you are ready for it. Wait until you are more than ready and then book it then you won't be under pressure to be up to scratch.

 

[stencilface]

I think you just need more practise. Can you go anywhere and practise where you're not on a road so don't have pressure. Can you remember how it first felt when you first sat behind the wheel of a car?

 

[KautoStar1]

definately get lessons. its well worth it and it will help with your confidence. Also if weather rubbish this weekend it will only add to your stress levels.
Once you've passed and are out on the roads it will be a whole new lease of life. But, you have to be safe so you need to deal with your confidence issue first.
Good luck.

 

[Stacie_and_Jed]

[ QUOTE ]
Are you having lessons with an instructor? If not it may be worth having a one off lesson and they will be able to tell you if you are ready for it.

[/ QUOTE ]

I had my first one on Saturday and he gave me lots of pointers. He said i should book a one day course with the test at the end and i will be fine but im just not sure.

 

[jinxy]

Have a few more with him and get your confidence and then book it. Do you have access to your own car and trailer? or a friend that would let you do some practice with theirs in between lessons?

 

[Stacie_and_Jed]

The instructor said one good thing is that i am very confident with my driving (which i know i am) but after telling me my faults i dont think ill get through the whole test without "resting my hand on the gear stick" "leaving my clutch down when approaching a junction" "not checking mirrors properly" God i dont remember this much stress when i first started driving!!!

Anyone have a vodka i can have?

 

[Stacie_and_Jed]

[ QUOTE ]
Have a few more with him and get your confidence and then book it. Do you have access to your own car and trailer? or a friend that would let you do some practice with theirs in between lessons?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes have a disco and rice trailer. So can practice when i please.

 

[Durhamchance]

I did the one day course with a test at the end and it was easy peasey

Just show plenty of confidence, concentrate, listen to the instructor and check your mirrors like your life depends on it.

Practice the reverse/parking manouvre til you can do it with your eyes shut- its the hardest part of the test.

 

[nomini]

Haven't done the trailer test but i did my class 2 HGV test and i had to unlearn all my bad habits

Like you i keep the clutch down and drive with one hand. I had a weeks intensive course which i think helped, my instructor also told me to practice driving my car like it for the week as well until i passed my test. I'm sure you will be fine, just start practising driving how they like you to now and you won't have a problem

Good luck

 

[jinxy]

You could always get one of those buzzy things and when you rest your hand, or leave the clutch down the person with you could press the button and electricute you

then you wouldn't do it, it could make you develop a nervous twitch though!

 

[QuobAsti]

Please make sure you are legal to go out on the road with the trailer even empty.

I think the weight of the trailer empty needs to be under 750kg for you to be able to tow without passing your test, even just for practice.
However if your on private land it doesn't matter.

I spoke to someone from the FTA about all of it and that is my understanding.

 

[Befney3]

Hiya

I took my test two weeks ago & passed first time.

You'll be o.k. Try & think positive & be confident.

I had 10hours training in total. When I phoned to book my training they booked me in for their standard course which is two half days (4hours each) then after those they recommended an extra 2hours just to tidy my reversing up. I did all my training in one week so it was all fresh in my mind & I think that helped.

Have they talked you through the test? Do you know the safety questions? I honestly found the driving the easiest bit once I'd got to grips with it. I drove around pretending I was on my test for the week before, doing things like mirror, signal, manouver & not crossing my hands on the wheel. Are you taking the test in your own car?

I took my horse out myself (not totally on my own but with me driving) on Sunday & it was all fine. I even managed to reverse out of my parking space.

Massive good luck & pm me if you want a chat.

 

[spookypony]

Now I'm worried too! What do they mean by "not crossing hands on wheel"??

And remind me, what are you ACTUALLY supposed to do when you approach a junction? (I'm a chronic coaster too: saves petrol!)