Our man's driving test result

I avoid country lanes, dual carriageways, engine questions and the emergency stop

Dominic Sacco tells all – from coping with the flu to avoiding crashes. Did he pass? Read on to find out…

When I woke up it felt like a bundle of tyres had been thrown at my head. I had the flu.

With nerves tingling and head aching, I meet my instructor for my final driving lesson before the test.

The test centre

By the end of the lesson, I’ve already made three mistakes – I stop too far away from a ‘give way’ sign, miss a speed limit sign and knock the kerb when reverse parking.

It doesn’t help my confidence.

The test

At 11.30 I meet my examiner and we step out to the Renault Clio.

My head is spinning. It’s pouring down with rain, so I don’t have to answer any ‘engine-related bonnet’ questions. Every cloud…

We’re off. I triple check my mirrors and my blind spots, and my driving is safe and smooth.

Then, ten minutes into the test, a car pulls out in front of me as I’m negotiating a mini-roundabout.

I brake hard.

I’m sure I’m in the right, but will the examiner give me the benefit of the doubt?

As the test goes on, I become calmer and more confident. The directions are simple, and the roads reasonably clear. The left reverse and turn in the road manoeuvres go perfectly, causing a giant grin to spread across my face.

The examiner tells me we’re about to perform an emergency stop, but I can’t remember the last time I did one.

A huge SUV comes out of a junction and drives directly behind us.

“Obviously we can’t carry out the emergency stop now Dominic, so just drive on for now”, says the examiner.

Five minutes later, we’re back at the test centre. I’ve avoided country lanes, dual carriageways, ‘under the bonnet’ questions and the emergency stop, and have completed the test despite heavy rain and having the flu.

The result

“I’m sorry to say you haven’t passed today”, says the examiner.

He explains why I failed – I didn’t brake early enough for the car on the roundabout, causing me to incur a major fault. The other fault was given for repeatedly not checking my mirrors.

What next?

My first driving test was a valuable experience, and has given me the confidence to try again.

The next test is booked for 22 January, 2008.