Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
#76
Re: Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
My wife did better than that when she took her test, albeit some years ago. She got in the family truck and the first time she drove was from the farm to the DMV, about 15 minutes. She passed.
#77
Re: Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
Except in places like New York or similar big cities, he is right. The test here in most places is extremely simple. Provided you turn your head to look over your shoulder, keep to the speed limit and stop at stops signs you should be good to go.
#78
Re: Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
Sorry, Malibu Jen, that sucks! I took my test in Santa Monica, too. I think it's a slightly annoying neighbourhood to take the test in, by local standards, because there are *shockhorror* pedestrians and cyclists and fiddly little streets.
Have you taken any driving lessons here? I had my British license for ages, but taking a couple of lessons here helped me get some tips for the test, and generally made me confident about driving in LA (I originally learned to drive in backwoods Somerset). But it seems like you've probably just been unlucky with examiners. So many chronically grumpy people at the DMV...
Have you taken any driving lessons here? I had my British license for ages, but taking a couple of lessons here helped me get some tips for the test, and generally made me confident about driving in LA (I originally learned to drive in backwoods Somerset). But it seems like you've probably just been unlucky with examiners. So many chronically grumpy people at the DMV...
I've booked my third and final test on Friday so lets see what kind of examiner they give me this time! I could not really be more prepared than i am now. I've driven around the area a lot and watched all of the DMV 'Common mistakes' videos on YouTube. I've also read the manual like a hundred times.
It really is crazy how much effort i've had to put in to this, as a lot of people will argue that it's a really easy test to pass. I guess people have to remember that not everyone's experiences will be the same, even if you're in the same area. I drove a rental car all over Northern California, Nevada and Arizona in the Summer last year, and that was without really knowing any of the official rules. Had no issues at all, just like with my driving in the UK. The fact that i failed says more about the test and the examiner than it does about the way i drive.
But hey, i'll give it one more shot on Friday! Hopefully i'll get a nice examiner who doesn't feel like taking out their miserable day on a nice friendly Brit!
#79
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Joined: Jun 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 4,891
Re: Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
I drove a rental car all over Northern California, Nevada and Arizona in the Summer last year, and that was without really knowing any of the official rules. Had no issues at all, just like with my driving in the UK. The fact that i failed says more about the test and the examiner than it does about the way i drive.
Aww heck, of course not.
#80
Re: Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
My hubby failed first time too (for switching lanes without being asked so he could let someone in who was trying to get out of the turn left lane).
He continued to drive on his temp licence with no issues until his retest.
Over-exaggerate every move when taking your test. My examiner passed me but told me some people wouldn't have as he could see I was looking each way, but not physically turning my head so my chin was on my shoulder in each direction.
He continued to drive on his temp licence with no issues until his retest.
Over-exaggerate every move when taking your test. My examiner passed me but told me some people wouldn't have as he could see I was looking each way, but not physically turning my head so my chin was on my shoulder in each direction.
#83
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Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Indiana, USA
Posts: 381
Re: Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
"Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused"
I'm confused about what the confusion is? Some mush behind the counter said you can drive home. Do that and book another test.
Next time waggle your head about a bit more and you'll pass the test.
I'm confused about what the confusion is? Some mush behind the counter said you can drive home. Do that and book another test.
Next time waggle your head about a bit more and you'll pass the test.
#84
Re: Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
And it's a fact that i do have a lot of experience behind the wheel, i just didn't learn over here. Plus I learned the CA road rules the wrong way: by watching other drivers and actually driving on the roads (shock horror). If i'd learned like the teenagers do then i may have passed first time. That doesn't mean they're safer or better drivers, just that they conformed to the picky standards of the exam and examiners. Within a day of passing they'd be straight to rolling through stop signs and honking at everyone
But on my first test i was totally arrogant enough to think i knew it all. I expected to pass without reading anything about the rules
That's all i'm saying
#85
Re: Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
I learnt most of what I know about US roads by watching Columbo on TV. That's how I knew you had to stop for school busses
As for the actual test, it was barely worth the effort to show up with an actual car.
As for the actual test, it was barely worth the effort to show up with an actual car.
#86
Re: Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
I'm not saying that i know it all. I'm just saying that the test is clearly bollocks and isn't a very good indicator of a good driver. The British test is much better designed and does require a lot of practice and knowledge to pass.
And it's a fact that i do have a lot of experience behind the wheel, i just didn't learn over here. Plus I learned the CA road rules the wrong way: by watching other drivers and actually driving on the roads (shock horror). If i'd learned like the teenagers do then i may have passed first time. That doesn't mean they're safer or better drivers, just that they conformed to the picky standards of the exam and examiners. Within a day of passing they'd be straight to rolling through stop signs and honking at everyone
But on my first test i was totally arrogant enough to think i knew it all. I expected to pass without reading anything about the rules
That's all i'm saying
And it's a fact that i do have a lot of experience behind the wheel, i just didn't learn over here. Plus I learned the CA road rules the wrong way: by watching other drivers and actually driving on the roads (shock horror). If i'd learned like the teenagers do then i may have passed first time. That doesn't mean they're safer or better drivers, just that they conformed to the picky standards of the exam and examiners. Within a day of passing they'd be straight to rolling through stop signs and honking at everyone
But on my first test i was totally arrogant enough to think i knew it all. I expected to pass without reading anything about the rules
That's all i'm saying
#87
Re: Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
Why don't you try a different test centre? I took mine in Winnetka, I drove around the block while the instructor asked me questions about England. We got back to the test centre and he said 'I've really enjoyed our chat, oh, and you've passed.' Then again the same test centre did fail my husband first time
If they fail me again then i'll definitely go elsewhere!
#88
Re: Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
That's so true for the test, when you've passed the test you really learn to drive, all you are doing in the test is showing that you can control the car and do everything the way they are written, usually suggested that you slightly offset your rear view mirror so that you have to move your head each time you use it, just so the examiner can see the movement. I very much doubt that anyone does that amount of looking over their shoulder once driving after the test has been passed.
#89
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Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
Ian
#90
Re: Failed California Driving Test - Very Confused
My driving instructor always told me. "I'm not teaching you how to drive, I'm teaching you how to pass the test".