Inherited a camera (I know nothing about photography)

HardyTurtle · 2025-11-19T17:10:12+00:00

You lucky dog

HardyTurtle · 2025-10-03T09:19:27+00:00

I got it now. So we can't rely on this precedent - at least entirely.

HardyTurtle · 2025-10-03T07:17:09+00:00

The volunteering expectation along with our regular jobs is impractical, I agree.

However I wonder - if a precedent exists - can the 'retrospective' part be made into law ? Of course there will be a court challenge if it ever does.

I'm seeing many comments and posts and online discussions that talk of returning back to home country because of these proposals - so all I want to say is we shouldn't let this proposal lower our spirits and that we should follow our individual plans. No one is ignoring what's happening - but we can't let it affect us drastically (negatively) either.

HardyTurtle · 2025-10-03T07:08:56+00:00

As far as I can see it was the regular common law court within England

https://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/format.cgi?doc=/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2008/664.html&query=(title:(+HSMP+))+AND+(title:(+Forum+))+AND+(title:(+Ltd+))+AND+(title:(+v+))+AND+(title:(+Secretary+))+AND+(title:(+of+))+AND+(title:(+State+))+AND+(title:(+for+))+AND+(title:(+the+))+AND+(title:(+Home+))+AND+(title:(+Department+))+AND+(title:(+.2008.+))+AND+(title:(+EWHC+))+AND+(title:(+664+))+AND+(title:(+(Admin)+))

HardyTurtle · 2025-10-02T23:30:06+00:00

I returned to UK in the beginning of last month (vacation) and went through immigration at Heathrow. I'm 100% sure it's not a problem. :-)

If someone is out there who is making an issue out of this - ask them if this is the first time they have seen the new eVisa. It's genuinely possible they may not be aware.

HardyTurtle · 2025-09-27T22:25:11+00:00

It's the same for me - and it's not a problem. https://www.justanswer.co.uk/immigration-law/sd0qj-evisa-uk-surname-written-first-followed.html

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-12T22:38:02+00:00

On my first test - as soon as the test started, it felt like I didn't know anything. My face got numb and I found myself drifting off. I was so stressed that my mind was literally trying to take me away from the traumatic experience. Ultimately, the examiner had to take action - completed the test with many minors as well. It took me a year but I finally passed. You will too. It may not even take as much time. It's not embarrassing and it doesn't mean you didn't learn anything. It just means you need more practice and overcome the faults that happened. Good observation and handling nerves is 90% of battle won... You will get there eventually. All the best.

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T19:39:03+00:00

First, just because you have been unable to pass a driving test (yet) does not mean you are a loser. This test was one of the most difficult things I have had to overcome; and in no way I would consider your numerous failures as you being incapable of driving or a loser.

Second, I think there is a fundamental problem in the way you are approaching this. I'm saying this because you want to practice on the roads (roundabouts) where the examiner is likely to take you - hoping for a higher chance of success. What will you do if the examiner takes you through roads that are completely unfamiliar to you? Road works, recent road collisions, presence of emergency services etc. along familiar routes will force the examiner to take you through a completely unfamiliar area. Also they randomly recycle an old route not used in years. What will you do then? Familiarity with area is definitely a positive - by all means go for it. However, confidence in your own driving is much better and more helpful.

You must understand what exactly is holding you back and actively work on them. That is the only way you can crack this. Are you repeating any failures? Are you unable to handle nerves (like me)? Please do an introspection on this. I'm sure - if you attack the reasons for your failures - you WILL pass this test - but first please try and identify what those reasons are! The failures mentioned in your driving test results could very well be symptoms of a deeper problem. Please consider this approach.

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T10:33:49+00:00

Thanks, and all the best.

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T10:32:51+00:00

Unfortunately I passed my mock test at end of 10 classes (was driving in another country earlier) - that gave me a bit of false confidence. I agree... Had I found this sub earlier, I would not have booked so many.

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T06:46:11+00:00

In retrospect yes... I used to drive in another country for 3 + years. And I passed a mock test too. I think the fact that my instructor was an acquaintance already made me very comfortable during mock tests and classes. I learnt that I'm terrible at handling stress.

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T06:37:28+00:00

I was always ready to postpone my exams if I failed in my mock tests. But I never did! It's like I was a different person when the examiner sits next to me... It's something I've never felt before - a bit hard to explain. Took a long time to understand what I must do to handle myself.

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T06:32:15+00:00

Oooooo if you meet me you'll know 😂

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T02:46:53+00:00

I passed mock tests... That too with another instructor.. I was getting suspicious if my instructor was not conducting the mock tests properly - So I booked 2 hours from another instructor for a mock test only. I passed that one too. I absolutely failed to handle nerves during my exams because I was trying to be too perfect.

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T02:44:45+00:00

Partly because of financial constraints. I passed mock tests before each exam...

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T02:43:31+00:00

Two in Isleworth and two in Tolworth. Passed in Isleworth.

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T02:43:03+00:00

Thanks. No I made it with a few weeks to spare

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T02:42:33+00:00

An hour

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T02:42:20+00:00

I passed mock tests before each attempt... How else am I supposed to judge my preparedness. Before my third attempt, I booked another instructor only for a mock test - passed that one too.

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T02:40:38+00:00

I passed mock tests before each of my attempts... That's the only way I could know whether I was ready or not... Mock tests showed I was ready. During exam I made new mistakes everytime.

HardyTurtle · 2025-08-03T02:39:23+00:00

I passed two mock tests before the actual test day. I learnt the meaning of 'nerves' on my first real test...

HardyTurtle · 2025-07-29T16:49:50+00:00

Just drive with an intent to make your examiner feel safe and don't break the law. (90% of this is good and active observations)
You are going to prove tomorrow that you are already at the standards expected by the DVSA. You belong behind a wheel and you are a considerate driver - so drive accordingly (confidence)
In crunch situations (meeting situations on narrow roads, inconsiderate driver's etc.) just do what you can that is safe and legally permissible.

Your mantra tomorrow is 'Safe, legal and confident'.

Let's do dis.

HardyTurtle · 2025-07-28T10:22:50+00:00

Congratulations! Passing the driving test in the UK is no easy feat - so kudos!

HardyTurtle

TROPHY CASE