I am posting this since I recently failed the practical driving test in Zurich, which made me feel pretty bad. The thing is two years ago when I just arrive Switzerland I have took the control test and failed already once, and this time I learned with the professional teacher for more than 10 times and feel quite good before. But during the exam I drove into the bus way after the cross, most probably I didn't notice it far enough.
I know if I fail the second time my teacher would have to talk with the office, and if I fail the third time I need to pass some test to prove that I am not an idiot. The thing is I have never fail some test for two times before, this made me kind of lost confidence. Do some of you guys have similar experience? And I will have 10 more driving lessons in come weeks.
I have also heard that second time test will be a little bit less strict than the first test, I am not sure if this is true..
Well you have certainly got the right attitude and attributed your failure to a mistake in your driving and not, as many others would do, blame failure on the arbitrariness of the driving examiner or a conspiracy against you etc. etc.
I'd simply say that you should follow the advice of the driving instructor as to your readiness to retake the test. 10 professional lessons is on the low side.
Cheer up it is not the worst thing you have to deal. I remember I got very nervous during the test although during my lessons I remained very calm and drove very well. I failed too but got over it. Welcome to the forum
So when you tried the first time you had 10-12 lessons? What did your driving teacher say, did he think you are ready for the test?
Young local men typically take 20 lessons or more before they try the first time, most of them get additional practice by driving friend's or family members cars. And the majority is familiar with the whole traffic system, signs, etc, which you probably aren't.
You could try to cut costs by practicing with someone's private car, just make sure the insurance covers learning drivers. Getting additional practice is highly recommended, and cheaper even if you offer to pay the dinner in return.
Then she is good at driving, but was that 8 hours of driving practice in total before taking the test or 8 hours with a driving instructor plus many more hours with family members etc.
If it is of any consolation, I find driving in Zürich a nightmare, even with years of experience (though Winterthur beats Zürich anytime due to the insane kamikaze cyclists).
Failing the practical exam happens, and you should not take it to heart. It's a tough situation with nerves and all, and Zürich is a tough cookie to drive on. Just take a few more lessons and try again. Do you have someone willing to drive along with you? You can do some practice with a friend's car (as long as the friend is with you and the car has a hand break).
I've known people who had to do it 3+ times. Good luck.
He thought I was ready after 12 lessons. I actually had 5 years driving experience in China, so my problem would mainly be the traffic regulations. But I believe now I understand the system after theory and lessons.
I would also try drive with my friend.
My personal feeling is sometimes I focus too much on my performance during test, and can pay less attention to what happenes on the road, like last time. I just don't know the line, was it like you have to perform 100% perfect, or one or two very minor mistake can be accept?
Many people I know failed at least once, sometimes for very arbitrary reasons. I can understand you're insecurity now, but it's not a massive deal, really.
Minor mistakes are allowed. But really just minor ones. As far as another driving test is concerned: it depends on how massive your mistake was (and I cannot fully assess that). For example, if you fail on the highway, but do everything in the city correctly, they may sometimes just let you do the highway bit once more, and vice-versa. At least that's how it used to be.
I'm surprised your driving instructor let you go to the test after only 10 lessons. 18-20 are the norm, if not more. Many instructors are also known for pushing back the test date as far as possible, sometimes undoubtedly to get more money for additional lessons.
I can only recommend to do as much driving as you possibly can by yourself (that is of course with a friend or something and the L sticker on the car) - if you have that option. Practice makes perfect. I don't know if you used to drive in your home country, but the rules and regulations here are a bit over the top compared to other countries (whether that is good or bad I'll leave up to you).
Thanks a lot for so much useful information. I will for sure have more practice. While I believe my instructor is a good guy, since I do drive a lot before I come to Switzerland and maybe because this he let me go test so quick.
Lots of people fail first try. 10 lessons isn't very much, particularly if that is the only practice you've had.
Spend some more time on lessons, and if you have a friend with a car try and get as much practice as possible in. With the friend, start on off hours in non congested areas but work up to city traffic levels.
Finally, learn some relaxation techniques. The driving test is a fair stress for most people, so they end up making mistakes because they aren't concentrating on the driving. Being aware that you are under stress, and having even the most basic exercises to deal with that will help.
Thank you JagWaugh, I will drive with my friend. I think unknow lead to stress. I didn't grow here and don't know many local, so I have no idea before how this works, which made me nervous. You guys did provide important information. Thanks.
Once you do get your licence, even if you don't buy a car, keep getting regular practice. (at the very minimum, once a month).
As soon as possible, go on a course at a skid school such as www.assr.ch Don't just stop at the required courses for the probationary period, but also take a further course. Learning how to recognise how and when a skid happens, as well as practising how to react to it before that night with a bit of snow and some traffic is worth the extra effort.
Yeah, familiarity with the roads makes a big difference as you know what lies ahead and therefore, can plan before you get there.
I would think that the test includes certain areas that are known to be problematic. Perhaps ask your instructor if he can show them on a city map, also describing what to look out for?