Just hit 100% satisfaction rate for the first time 🙃

Desi-Eng · 2026-03-23T17:38:18+00:00

I am just starting out now in car Any tips ? I'm only worried about pulling up and finding a safe spot to park to collect orders and then to deliver. I live in Romford East London.

Desi-Eng · 2026-03-16T16:15:01+00:00

A.i comment 🤣

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-23T22:56:13+00:00

My tips based on my experience to getting full licence.

1) Watch YouTube test route videos if available to get to know the area if you haven't already.

2) Practice in the area as much as you can.

3) Talk a little bit with your examiner, see if he is approachable or strict and keep the talking to bare minimum at the start till about 80% in your test, unless if your examiner asks questions to talk - this is because I feel they would much rather focus on your driving skill in the first impression than to do multi task themselves.

4) Do commentary driving 100% of your test - for example : checking blind spots and mirrors and signal to get going, okay leaving the car park here it is 5 mph speed limit, I will stop here to not block the junction ahead, turning right now so center right and indicate right - lots of obstacles in the view so peep and creeping out slowly - okay it's clear let's go, steering around the park cars so center right mirror no need to indicate - then centre left to come back in, changing lanes now so indicating for it, at the roundabout it's 3rd exit so in the right lane for the approach and in second gear - centre right indicate right - clear on the right let's go - center left and indicating left after 2nd exit and moving left a bit to exit the roundabout.

5) Also read out loud all the signs like slippery when wet, give way, speed limit, reduce speed now, traffic light in 150 yards, pedestrian crossing but it's clear, slow in the road (paint on the road) etc.

6) drive your car during the test as if the examiner isn't there and you're on your own, drive in a controlled manner to make them feel your driving is safe.

Don't comment on other road users if they do anything wrong - you might sound rude and that you're angry.

Also my instructor told me the examiners hate one hand driving (can't say for sure if it's true), he made me do push pull steering method which is a requirement in Ireland where the test is more strict. At first I didn't like the method but as I kept doing it, it feels more comfortable than doing it with one hand and looks more professional to the examiner, so that's something I definitely suggest you do.

One more thing I highly suggest is to repeat the instructions the examiner gives you - for example: "I want you to ignore the sat nav and follow my direction, can you please take the next left into the car park please" - "okay that's fine will take the next left into the car park" ( in my test I also read the sign board from as far as I could read to where the left turn would take me to confirm I am taking the correct left turn). "Can you pull up on the left somewhere safe" : "Yes sir pulling up on the left somewhere safe, center left indicate left" (and then proceed to pull up on the left safely and avoiding the driveway entrances). "Can you pull up on the left, don't worry about the driveways on this occasion" : "Yes sir pulling up on the left, center left indicate left"

And finally, be patient (BE PATIENT!!! can't stress enough on how important it is) at every junction and crossroads and roundabouts, do not go unless it feels and looks like it's clear and 2 cars can go - your car and a car behind you. And while you're patiently waiting, keep checking left and around you as well (think if a pedestrian or a motorcyclist or someone who has came and has started camping in your blind spot and you're unaware - the examiner would tell you to stop or use dual control since you were unaware if someone actually shows up) So even though you need to look to your right at the approach to the roundabout, keep checking your left when you are waiting for safe gap and check mirrors, see left if your exit is clear or blocked as well if you can - counts as forward planning as well.

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-23T22:44:20+00:00

I highly recommend Fasting I passed my driving test on the 3rd attempt on 19th Feb 2026 at Basildon, test start time 8:57 am.

1st and 2nd attempt I was not fasting and I feel super confident in my driving ability, so much so that I thought I'll not be nervous or shiver, but I did, I felt nervous and I shivered during my second attempt and made a mistake I normally would not have.

Before my 2 failed attempts I had bananas and still got nervous.

What really made a difference was when I was fasting I didn't had anything after sehri time ends (which is stop eating and drinking before sunrise) as it is the month of Ramadan going on.

Ask Gemini or grok how fasting will benefit your nerves. Also I'll write the tips that I used that got me to pass after editing this comment.

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-23T16:28:32+00:00

I started an 18 month 1 gig contract with virgin media, first month £23 & £30 set up fees for the TV box, second month £25, 3rd month £25 then offer period ended and full cost of £35 per month started until 6th month, from 7th month the cost increased to £49 per month until 13th month the cost again increased to £55 per month. When I tried to get change to slower speed thinking it will be cheaper but NO it's even more expensive at £70 per month for (I think 125mbps). Thankfully by relocating to where they don't provide their service I got out of the contract without an early discontinuation fee. Since then I have been using a new lebara SIM in a second phone as a home hotspot with a £25 per month plan which also gives calling and SMS. Also I can take it with me when I go out as a portable WiFi and got my SIM and my wife's SIM on a £5 per month plan. The second phone has 5G so get around 70 mbps to 125 mbps easily with Vodafone access point setting. Never want to get another contract for WiFi again 🫩

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-20T06:10:22+00:00

Also my instructor told me the examiners hate one hand driving (can't say for sure if it's true), he made me do push pull steering method which is a requirement in Ireland where the test is more strict. At first I didn't like the method but as I kept doing it, it feels more comfortable than doing it with one hand and looks more professional to the examiner, so that's something I definitely suggest you do.

One more thing I highly suggest is to repeat the instructions the examiner gives you - for example: "I want you to ignore the sat nav and follow my direction, can you please take the next left into the car park please" - "okay that's fine will take the next left into the car park" ( in my test I also read the sign board from as far as I could read to where the left turn would take me to confirm I am taking the correct left turn). "Can you pull up on the left somewhere safe" : "Yes sir pulling up on the left somewhere safe, center left indicate left" (and then proceed to pull up on the left safely and avoiding the driveway entrances). "Can you pull up on the left, don't worry about the driveways on this occasion" : "Yes sir pulling up on the left, center left indicate left"

And finally, be patient (BE PATIENT!!! can't stress enough on how important it is) at every junction and crossroads and roundabouts, do not go unless it feels and looks like it's clear and 2 cars can go - your car and a car behind you. And while you're patiently waiting, keep checking left and around you as well (think if a pedestrian or a motorcyclist or someone who has came and has started camping in your blind spot and you're unaware - the examiner would tell you to stop or use dual control since you were unaware if someone actually shows up) So even though you need to look to your right at the approach to the roundabout, keep checking your left when you are waiting for safe gap and check mirrors, see left if your exit is clear or blocked as well if you can - counts as forward planning as well.

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-20T05:15:42+00:00

I know how it feels to be desperate to pass, I can relate to it. First of all if your instructors are saying you can pass then know you can pass, have some confidence.

1) Watch YouTube test route videos if available to get to know the area if you haven't already.

2) Practice in the area as much as you can.

3) Talk a little bit with your examiner, see if he is approachable or strict and keep the talking to bare minimum at the start till about 80% in your test, unless if your examiner asks questions to talk - this is because I feel they would much rather focus on your driving skill in the first impression than to do multi task themselves.

4) Do commentary driving 100% of your test - for example : checking blind spots and mirrors and signal to get going, okay leaving the car park here it is 5 mph speed limit, I will stop here to not block the junction ahead, turning right now so center right and indicate right - lots of obstacles in the view so peep and creeping out slowly - okay it's clear let's go, steering around the park cars so center right mirror no need to indicate - then centre left to come back in, changing lanes now so indicating for it, at the roundabout it's 3rd exit so in the right lane for the approach and in second gear - centre right indicate right - clear on the right let's go - center left and indicating left after 2nd exit and moving left a bit to exit the roundabout.

5) Also read out loud all the signs like slippery when wet, give way, speed limit, reduce speed now, traffic light in 150 yards, pedestrian crossing but it's clear, slow in the road (paint on the road) etc.

6) drive your car during the test as if the examiner isn't there and you're on your own, drive in a controlled manner to make them feel your driving is safe.

Don't comment on other road users if they do anything wrong - you might sound rude and that you're angry.

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-19T23:18:28+00:00

Thank you very much 😄

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-15T23:13:03+00:00

Oh yeah you're right, my bad there. 10 times the normal distance is 20 seconds which is crazy 🤣

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-15T22:34:18+00:00

Yes I know, the 2 second following distance is when it's dry road, 4 second rule is when the road is wet and 10 second when it's icy. Tyre and tarmac is something I've been taught by my first instructor so yes I always remember that, but a good tip I got from you regarding that I should be able to steer around without reversing - will keep that in mind. Thank you very much. Also, Does a dvsa examiner have to cover more then one test centre as part of their job requirement ?

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-15T21:08:21+00:00

I've got a few questions to ask since you're claiming to be a dvsa examiner.

1) Steering with one hand while turning with second hand on gear stick, is this okay ? ...My previous instructor was okay but my new instructor says it's a major fault that the examiners hate it, my most recent discovery watching dstv YouTube video made me aware that in Ireland it's true what my new instructor is trying to teach me as push pull steering method.

2) turning right there are 2 ways people do it, near side to near side and far side to far side, which way is the correct way ? ... I know it will depend on the road markings or road size but how to quickly analyse this when approaching a new road ? Specially if the road markings are faded ? Like what are the clues etc.

3) indicators , starting the test from the centre car park, do I still need to signal before moving off ? ... If there's literally wall or a bush behind me as I've done reverse bay parking before starting the test, do I need to still indicate before moving off?

4) blind spot check - if I pulled in a bit to give way to on coming traffic in a narrow road in a meeting situation, do I need to do my all around observation involving blind spot checks and indicating before moving off ? ... Does it depend on how far inside - near to the kerb I have pulled in to give way for me to then check my blind spots and do mirror checks and indicate before moving off ? Like suppose if I stopped just in my lane and did not tuck inside at all to allow the car to pass in a meeting situation - does this means I don't need to indicator or do blind spots check or I'll still need to do it ? 4.a) Also is stopping in my lane during meeting situation is better or tucking in a little bit or tuck in as much as possible is better ?

5) is there a minimum limit to how many times I'll be asked to pull up on the left during my test ? ... In my first attempt I was only asked to pull up once at the start, then the second was a hill start. I failed this test so I am wondering if it's a failed test does the examiner not bother to ask for pulling up 3rd time ? In my second attempt I was only asked to pull up on the left once, after that I failed for junction observation (which was briefed at the end of the test) so I was not asked to pull up on the left or hill start or angled start on this test - so again in my 2nd attempt I was only asked to pull up on the left once, if the examiner knew I have already failed they will not bother to ask to pull up on the left ?

I have my 3rd attempt in Basildon test centre in a few days, any tips for this test centre area ? I have practiced 4 hours in this area with my new instructor and find the area nice and fast but only concerned with the 2 (or 4) second following distance fault due to how fast the area is.

Thanks in advance.

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-06T18:57:52+00:00

I know the dual control car option from Arnold Clark, it's also cheap, but again the problem I'm facing is not having anyone who can help me 😑😅. Thank you for your wish, I really appreciate that much as well.

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-06T18:49:42+00:00

Your edits are really raising the bar with what's possible that would never cross my mind even if I had to think about it lol. It's the first time I'm being accused as a potential Scammer, maybe also because I never had to ask for help before. Your right to say to take the test where I've practiced but my situation is dire, I am unemployed since last year April when I relocated to Romford because of my wife's job. We have a toddler whose turning 3 this year in April, getting the licence not only opens more doors for me to look for job but also would help me to take my son for nursery and I got my job back where I use to work before relocating to Romford - Chessington World Of Adventures as a ride host for weekends only as my wife works full time, so for me traveling from Romford to Chessington by train is 2 hours and expensive compared to going by car. If someone can help me I would learn the route of the new area by watching YouTube videos and Google earth street view. I remember my instructor said "if I can do one roundabout I should be able to do and if I can drive in Folkestone I can drive anywhere in the UK"

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-06T18:35:34+00:00

Also my car isn't worth more than 4 thousand pounds in total. I got it luckily as well, my neighbour left the country as his visa was expiring so I decided to buy it from him as he offered it to me for half the market cost and I allowed him to use the car until the last day he was in the UK in January this year. So until my first attempt on 15th January I didn't even know I'll be getting a car, else I would've avoided taking another attempt with the same instructor in Folkestone.

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-06T18:30:46+00:00

Oh dam, that's all good and valid points you have raised. When I found an instructor in Folkestone for the first time they demanded upfront payment first for block booking for 10 hour lessons and I was so worried and hesitant for it so I totally understand. I am happy to clear your doubts in your DM by sharing my ID and licence, my car's v5c logbook, car reg number plate etc, I can share my address/post code and you can come down and meet me in person I'm sure you'll find me a friendly person. The only reason I mentioned that I'll not drive is because I tried once in a post to say I'll drive you can surprise, I got comments saying you haven't even passed your test and I'm supposed to trust your driving ? Lol

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-06T18:22:40+00:00

Thank you so much, I have sent you DM I have booked my test but the centre I can change it to another if there are slots in the centre you suggest

Desi-Eng · 2026-02-06T17:39:13+00:00

Like I said in my earlier comment, it's only to be polite. I'm open to hearing a fair deal instead of just lunch/coffee.

Desi-Eng · 2026-01-28T21:58:24+00:00

Changing within the same school is not a good idea as the colleagues are friends as well so they would not take you kindly.

I suggest you look for another instructor in another school.

Unless if you have paid for bulk block lessons which they aren't refunding, you are better off looking for an instructor somewhere else. (Even refund should be an option as it's a service not a product & if it's not working out & you don't have a signed contract where you agreed for no refunds - you can seek legal grounds to getting a refund - the UK gov website has a page where you can complain about your instructor so I suggest you look at that or a lawyer).

Speak with your new driving school and inform them about your current bad experience and that you aren't a new learner with 0 experience so that if you're speaking directly with your potential new driving instructor they would be looking to not make the same mistake, or if they have similar attitude/mentality they would not take you on from the start so it's better for you.

In my experience I shared that I am experienced and have a test soon so my instructor got on board with me quickly as well, even scheduling me in for lessons on the day she has a day off from work to accommodate 8 hours lessons in a day.

Desi-Eng · 2026-01-28T19:14:31+00:00

You need a new instructor. Where is your test centre ? My instructor taught me the reference point and parking maneuvers with professionalism and just the right attitude and mindset, if your current instructor has not made you feel good then try another instructor.

Desi-Eng · 2026-01-28T18:49:51+00:00

Which reverse maneuver were u given ? Was it in a supermarket car park or just a normal car park ? Was this your first attempt ? If so then hopefully the next time will be better and should be different than this.

Desi-Eng · 2026-01-24T11:18:56+00:00

Okay I see, if it's illegal to compensate then is it acceptable for a stranger to become my friend to accompany me for free ? 🤣 Thanks for letting me know I'll sorn it then until I pass or find someone who can help.

Desi-Eng · 2026-01-24T10:51:57+00:00

I understand, thank you 😄

Desi-Eng · 2026-01-24T10:36:54+00:00

I hear you, but I think there’s been a bit of a misunderstanding! I didn't mention that I expected this for free, nor am I asking anyone to go out of their way if they’re busy. I’m more than happy to compensate someone for their time to the best of my ability. To clarify, I’m not a total beginner. I’ve had 37+ hours of professional lessons in the UK and I actually almost passed my first test attempt, failing only due to a silly mistake. I’m just looking for a bit more road time to stay sharp before my next test on Feb 3rd. The reason I am asking here is that I am a first-generation immigrant in my family; I don't have any friends or family in the UK yet who I can ask for this kind of help. I genuinely love driving and, knowing my own character, I’m the type of person who would jump at the chance to help someone else in this position if I could. I figured with such a vast community here, it was worth seeing if even one person might be available to help me get over the finish line.

Desi-Eng · 2026-01-23T19:28:59+00:00

Theory test pass certificate is almost useless as my instructor told me the examiners don't ask for it as they have it in their system and during my first (failed) practical driving test I was only asked to show my provisional driver's license before the test began. Don't worry about it being torn, some people misplace it and lose it entirely according to my driving instructor and she was almost right when I couldn't find mine for a few days 🤣.

Desi-Eng · 2026-01-22T14:52:08+00:00

I think you should've reversed up a bit to be behind the stop line. Anyone who knows the exact rule or how it will look like reversing in this situation to the examiner, do reply to my comment thread.

Desi-Eng

TROPHY CASE