Auto Trader Blog

Trying to pull away when the car is still in neutral isn’t the brightest move to make during a mock test.

All the ‘under the bonnet’ questions went well, but stalling on a double mini-roundabout meant the rest of my mock test didn’t. Especially when it’s the dreaded Wilson’s Corner in Brentwood (which I have already dubbed hell’s corner).

I’m told to turn right then go straight on. Unknown to me, I’m about to extend the internal misery caused by the test by following these instructions.

Traversing hell’s corner goes smoothly, but I’m later told I should’ve treated both roundabouts as one and gone straight ahead twice. How uncomplicated.

And it got worse.

Before long the clouds had dimmed grey and heavy rain was falling – then it struck me – I’d rather shamelessly forgotten how to activate the windscreen wipers.

I’d only driven in wet conditions once before. My instructor has to remind me as the windscreen fills up with hundreds of raindrops, resulting in two instant major faults.

A series of painfully silly errors later and I return home in a sulk with only a sheet of paper for company when I arrive. I can’t help but notice the word ‘FAIL’ staring right back at me like an evil clown, revelling in my misfortune.

Still, I’ll learn from my mistakes and ensure I do everything possible to pass my test first time on 6th December.

Keep reading the Auto Trader blog for more learner driver experiences.