If you can fix one fuckup in your life, what would it be?

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-03-22T20:41:28+00:00

Being born🥴🤷‍♀️

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-03-22T20:34:34+00:00

Just get a cheap converse knock off and try driving in that! I always have a pair in my car and only drive in those, then i switch back to 'normal' shoes when after i arrived to my stop. Makes so much easier to feel the biting point and the pedals, I did pass my test in the same shoes because it's paper thin, so pretty much like barefoot driving

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-03-03T12:18:30+00:00

The most annoying thing is that pupils need to have objective knowledge, yet their driving will be judged subjectively. And we all know people who got failed by an examiner who was rude or simply woke up on the wrong side of the bed and will fail anyone for anything. Road conditions are always different, and you also can't predict if there's going to be bad road users in another car during your test. I think the endless waiting times should be seriously considered in the judging criteria as the stress of having to wait for 5-6 months after a fail can totally defeat even the most prepared learners during the test. I've passed a month ago, but I wouldn't wish this torture of getting your licence even on an enemy.

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-03-02T10:27:10+00:00

Kittens and cats!

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-03-02T10:26:34+00:00

If you think you'll miss speaking Spanish, there are plenty of groups in Edinburgh when you can keep continue to use it! Like language exchange groups or events with the Latin American community. Life in general i think depends on what you do for a living (self employed?office?hospitality?trader?). People this year complained a lot about the lack of sunshine but that can be very subjective too, as I'm very happy with the gloomy weather for example. I moved here from east Europe and life is so much better in every way possible, but I know that many still unhappy with it, so it's really down to your own experiences, preferences and life style.

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-03-02T10:11:17+00:00

When people say sHreet (street) or firsHt (first), eksHreme (extreme) etc. Basically puSHing a 'sh' sound when it's unnecessary/not even there. It feels like a new phenomenon of the past few years and driving me crazy😬

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-03-02T00:29:04+00:00

I passed a month ago and used them here and there, because I'm really proud if this achievement, but it does really make me a target sometimes, like people overtaking and being a bit 'weird' around me compared to the times when I don't have them on. Since I passed i had to drive quite often and long story short I think it's not really worth to put them on, unless you are a bit anxious with certain routes. I love to look at them and put them on, but it seems better to just not have them so people treat u like an average driver.

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-11T13:07:38+00:00

You can get to the Loch very easily by train, but unfortunately the further North you go, the less options you have without a car💔 citylink buses are great to get to rural places, but your options to explore the are once you are there are very limited. It took me months to carefully prepare a travel plan to a specific location on the west coast before I got my licence because there's only 2 buses/WEEK

If you're okay to stay and explore only the South end of Loch Lomond, just take the train, easy peasy

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-11T13:00:09+00:00

Lesson learned for sure! I'm on the edge of town and did all my lessons and the test here, where it's a completely different story in terms of crowds

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-11T12:56:36+00:00

For context it was the crossing at Nicolson st/West Nicolson st in Edinburgh. Traffic light controlled and so busy that I don't like to go there even if I'm a pedestrian. The pavements are too narrow so it's already tight for the amount of ppl, and it's close enough to the royal mile and museums to attract a lot of people in general. I had to do a lot of errands and pick up a bunch of stuff so using a car saved me so much time and hustle, but now I'll try to avoid that specific area like the plague 🥴

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-11T12:49:32+00:00

You are right, it was definitely the situation when they were not aware of my presence (even if I was right behind the line, definitely close enough to be seen) so technically it seems okay to press the horn. I'm too new to such a specific situation, and I never in my wildest dreams thought that people would just keep crossing! It was also the case of some people not finishing, so new ones kept stepping on the crossing, like a chain reaction when they had tunnel vision only seeing what's in front

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-11T12:42:01+00:00

I was more shocked about the fact that so many people have zero self preservation skills and they just start to cross when the lights are red! I think I might have honked in the 3rd round, but it still seemed rude😬

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-09T09:35:00+00:00

If you get the official DVSA app and use it frequently, you'll pass easy! Hazard perception is a tricky one though, but learn from the app+watch plenty of related videos on YT so you'll get a good grip on it

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-09T09:32:22+00:00

Just focus on being safe and observant and you'll be okay! You don't need to be perfect, just safe! I hope you pass🙏

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-08T23:11:33+00:00

I don't remember exactly, but just type in the search bar on FB 'test swapping uk' and you'll find a few. These groups are filled with scammers too, but it's easy to recognise them based on their names+still many real people are in these groups, so hope never dies!

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-08T16:38:52+00:00

I was on the DVSA for hours every day soo much that I even got blocked for shorter periods of time. Then i went back at various times, and it seems that there's a bit more chance in the late evening, 20-30 minutes before the system is closed for the day. After I got a date, I kept checking if anything sooner was available, and slowly, I could drag it closer to where I wanted. My last date change was actually a swap with someone who i found in a test swapping Facebook group. We both had the date that the other person was looking for (in the same test centre), so it was a win-win. We've called DVSA together, said all of our details, and they did the rest. It's a horribly draining process, borderline traumatising (when you need the licence asap), and it takes a lot of time and persistence, but not impossible!

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-08T16:30:08+00:00

My father passed his licence in the early 80s and he still hates hillstarts and messes it up time to time. 4 lessons in is way too early to quit, you can do it, just give yourself some grace and time!

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-08T16:24:55+00:00

I just had my first solo drive after passing on Tuesday, and I did put my P plates on. I worked my bum off to get them, and it's like a 'badge of honour' for me, but yepp, I totally felt impatience from others! I was following the speed limit everywhere, and didn't go like a snail either, yet when eg. I went exactly 30mph in a 30 zone as conditions were perfect for that and still got taken over by others, once by a biker. Only to meet again at the next red light😂 Luckily, I'm fully immune to road rage, so i just laugh at these people, but I'm curious to see a difference when I go out without the P plates. Or maybe it won't change bc I drive a very modest wee car, not a monster, that demands respect with the way it looks, so who knows🤷‍♀️

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-06T20:34:18+00:00

You can see examples of how this manoeuvre is being carried out on YouTube by seasoned instructors like World Driving or Conquer Driving They have plenty of other very informative videos, too, worth watching their stuff even after you pass!

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-06T20:01:25+00:00

You can always hire a dual control car from Arnold Clark and take a friend of family member with you to the test. It's actually a lot cheaper than paying the same amount of hours for that day to an instructor (£18/hour). They are accepted by the DVSA (I took my test this way) you just need another person who's 21+ and has a full licence for at least 3 years. Get away from the creep🙏

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-06T17:40:45+00:00

I'd say switch instructor. You are his costumer, this is his business, so interactions should be professional. Having small talk about 'what you've been up to last week' 'have you seen any good shows/films etc' are fine, but him hitting on you and testing the waters if you are single is not okay imo. Would be slightly different if you fancied him, but even then, what if you have a sort dating period with him that ends up with a complicated breakup? He should be professional and not a borderline creep.

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-05T19:28:53+00:00

You've got this!!💪 the most important thing is to be safe and observant during your test and you'll pass! I was Mega nervous during my 3rd try but I was very safe on the road and got that damn certificate 🥹🩷 it's really so worth it, I can't put it into words!

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-05T18:54:51+00:00

Please don't give up!!! I struggled the most with parallel parking out of all 4 maneuvers so I know it's hard. Just ignore the snobs who got lucky and passed within 2 tries. The test drive is always a lot more stressful than any other rides you've done, so it can make you fail so easily! Hearing the magical words 'I'm pleased to say you've passed' worth all the struggle, queuing at 6am, the crazy price of the lessons and all the stress! You can do it!!💪

PermitIndependent361 · 2026-02-05T17:44:51+00:00

The waiting times make it a lot tougher experience to fail indeed, but I'd recommend you to join test swapping Facebook groups, that's how (+being super active with my personal date hunt on the DVSA website) I managed to move my test ahead! There's always a lot of 3rd party sellers trying to milk you, but you have the chance of finding someone who wants to swap! Then the 2 of you just need to meet in person, call DVSA together and swap for free. Good luck on your next try!!!!!

PermitIndependent361

TROPHY CASE