Katie Coyle
Here you are in the course of your dreams and finally studying what you want do while maintaining a half reasonable social life. There is just one problem, you are two months back and already the thoughts of the weekend commute are enough to make you leave home forever. Every Friday trip on bus Eireann is a hung-over gamble, will you be stuck behind loud chatter, will you need the bathroom 5 minutes into the trip or even worse again, could you get stuck behind a smelly person for a toxic three hours of your life?
The thoughts of a car have never been so tempting with student car insurance and the thought of cutting down your torturous commute by two thirds. If only TY had been spent prepping for the driving test rather than passing notes and skipping class.
Here are some tips for when you finally take the plunge and begin working towards that ever elusive pink license;
•Be comfortable with your instructor:
Some teachers just let’s face it, can’t teach. Horror stories have even spread of instructors who teach students to coast so they don’t wreck their car. Don’t doubt yourself. If you don’t feel you are learning, then you probably aren’t. Don’t feel afraid to shop around and to find an instructor who works for you.
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• Pick up the right techniques to begin with:
It’s all well and good getting from a to b but that alone won’t serve you in the test. Every time you drive act as though you are preparing for the test. This will prevent you from picking up any bad habits.
• Do your thang:
Do your own thing and what you have been told to do by instructors. One thing you will notice when you start to drive is that most people drive incorrectly, the majority of drivers speed and many fully qualified drivers couldn’t take a roundabout to save their lives.
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• Don’t overdo it:
While it is common knowledge that you must check your mirrors consistently throughout the test, it is also common sense that if you are constantly looking behind you that you will run into the back of someone. Observation doesn’t just means that you have to check your mirrors but it also means that you have to check mirrors and roads appropriately. Do the right things but do them when it is necessary, this can apply to other elements also like changing gears.
• Don’t apply too early:
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Don’t apply for the test the minute you have your 12 edts unless you feel that you have a fighting chance. Everyone is different, while some people could be ready in two months, others may need ten. But only apply when you feel confident and ready, otherwise taking the test could be a waste of eighty euro.
• Fine tuning:
While some of us may be lucky enough to live in a town with a test centre others may be in the unfortunate situation where they have to take the test somewhere they are unfamiliar with. Get to know the area and drive around it a few times. This will prepare you for any unexpected dodgy junctions, lights or narrow roads and bends. And on the morning of the test it can be worthwhile forking out that extra bit of cash for a morning pre-test, this will get you in the zone for the test and Have you feeling more relaxed as you jog your memory.
