I Just Failed My Driving Test: What Next?
Failing the driving test is not an enjoyable experience but it is a common one: Almost half of driving tests taken in Ireland are failed. As with any setback, what really sets you apart after failing the driving test is how well you bounce back.
In this article, Driving Class talks through how you can overcome failing the driving test. Whether you failed by a single point or it was cut short after 3 minutes by a frazzled driving test examiner, the path to getting the driving licence is the same.
You failed the driving test. Good on you for giving it a go. Today is the first day of the rest of your life.
Understand why you failed the driving test
After failing the driving test, the first step is to understand why. Everyone who takes the Irish driving test receives detailed feedback from the examiner and a marks sheet, which provides a breakdown of how you performed in various aspects of the test. This sheet highlights:
- Grade 1 faults (minor).
- Grade 2 faults (more serious).
- Grade 3 vaults (disqualifying errors).
In the moments after a failed driving test, you’re devastated and your head is probably in no state to take in what’s being said. But in the hours after you remove yourself from the situation, recall the driving test examiner’s feedback, where the errors happened, and if there’s a reason why, make a mental note.
Be systematic about driving practice
After failing the driving test, if the first step is acknowledging why, the second step is to become systematic about removing those errors. This can only be achieved with driving practice. This means that you need to fit a certain amount of driving hours into every week — the more the better, but Driving Class recommends a minimum of 5 hours per week.
Give serious consideration to hiring an ADI driving instructor who you can show your driving exam marking sheet to, and can develop a special program that addresses your weaknesses. Likewise, practice in a variety of driving conditions and times of day to gain a broader level of experience and confidence behind the wheel.
Rebook the driving test
Don’t wait to rebook the driving test. First, current waiting lists give ample time for practice. Second, you’ve got to adopt the mindset that the sooner you can retake the test, the sooner you can remove yourself from your driving test fail. As soon as you have a date set for the driving test, you have something to aim for. You’ll also be able to better schedule your learning leading up to the test.
Book a mock driving test
Book a mock driving test. In fact, book at least two. Why? Because passing this test twice will not only prepare you better for the actual driving test, but also raise your confidence. In the unlikely event — and if you’ve been practising five hours a week it is an unlikely event — that you fail a mock test, you identify your remaining weaknesses and work on those before exam day.
Concluding remarks
Failing the driving exam is no big deal, so don’t crucify yourself. Don’t tell everybody that you’re going to take the test, so that you don’t feel the pressure of the world on your shoulders. If and when you do fail the driving test, you can then rebook the test without feeling that pressure from well-meaning outsiders.
Every failure is a learning opportunity. After failing the driving test, you’ll feel lousy for a short period, but use the experience as a stepping stone to become a more competent and confident driver. Reflect on what happened, but don’t dwell on it.
You’ve got this. Keep going. You will pass. Good luck from the Driving Class team.
