Depressed...failing in driving test

Passing RTA final road test in dubai is very tough :( and its causing a lots of frustration, i failed 5 times so far and i didnt even know if i should continue this journey.... getting stress due to they are saying i need to make the re evaluation test from the school, can someone share same experience... thanks and god bless

Hi Lana Well done & congrats for passing the Road Test! As you mentioned you practiced controlling the car outside the driving school. I am curious which area we can practice in Dubai outside the driving institute. I understand though its not allowed here in Dubai. Your response will be much appreciated. Thanks, June Hi! To say the truth, it's illegal to drive without lisence))) but! I'm a big girl and understand that it's dangerous, and want to say that many people who have lisence are driving worse than I was. I live not far from IMPZ. Here is industrial area not far from my home, and in the evening there are no cars. After 9-10 pm all road are free. Only empty warehouses and not finished buildings around. So I could practice U-turnes, roundabouts, parking and other. If u have a good friend with a car, find such place and be careful! Wish u all the best.

I want to add, I was studing in EDI in Al Quos branch. They have very nice stuff, and they will never say that u will fail! Never! Thanks to my teachers Elena and Sulima. I studied at the same place but I had a male instructor who was very patient. Though when I received my license the instructor told me not to drive alone) June b, I did quite the same, I practiced at night or early in a weekend morning in al quoz area with my husband. But we were warned not to do so because it is illegal.

Hi Lana Well done & congrats for passing the Road Test! As you mentioned you practiced controlling the car outside the driving school. I am curious which area we can practice in Dubai outside the driving institute. I understand though its not allowed here in Dubai. Your response will be much appreciated. Thanks, June

I want to add, I was studing in EDI in Al Quos branch. They have very nice stuff, and they will never say that u will fail! Never! Thanks to my teachers Elena and Sulima.

Hello, ladies! I passed my road test on 20 of December. I must say this studing was difficult for me too. I've never driven before. I opened my file in June!!! And in August I failed road test 2 times. I hated that school and that RTA man. I didn't come back for more than 3 months, but on 24 of December my file could be closed, so I had to start last time. I took 2 days of classes, was so nervous, u cant even imagine! Then I decided to stop thinking in bad way. I took the book with rooles, read it again, I found a lot of video lessons in Internet, how to park, how to change line using mirrors. So I understood how to do it in a right and logic way. Then I asked my friend to take his car and drive with him in an empty places, not far from home. I tried to drive in different speed, did U turns, and tried to feel the car, to control myself, to keep the centre of the line. The main thing my teacher told me, is to have good observing on the road. When u see hindrance keep calm, use ur horn or look in the mirror and change line. And ur examiner will see that u can control the situation on the road. It's very important. So I was practicing for 3 days near my home before exam day. When that day came, I was nervous, but remembered all the things I was told and did that last days. And that third time I didn't feel like I drive the first time, and was not afraid af other cars or pedestrians. Just was looking in my mirrors and around to control the situation. And I passed! It was so easy. When u understand what and what for u are doing all manipulations its really easy to drive. Yes, my hands were shaking))) but I did everything well. My exam took just 7 minutes! And they said me Congratulations! Wish u good luck, don't be nervous, just search like other people drive, and don't make their mistakes!

@Rawla : Thank you for guiding and all positive words! I have to double check with my instructor about what it all means. Waiting for the classes to restart when there is availability. Such a difficult phase of perseverance and exorbitant expenditure seems. You are correct, " We're conscious of everything that we do and because we're so worried about making a mistake and failing..." it just haunts Another round of sleepless nights and guilty feeling for not being able to make it. Hope this shall pass soon. Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year :-)

First of all, congratulations on passing your parking test! Once you're on the road and you've had a chance to practice parking without the "poles", you'll get the hang of it. I know it sounds a bit weird, but when you're driving, try to be "one with the car". It's hard to explain, but boils down to "feeling" how the car moves and responds to your instructions (turning the steering, pressing the pedals, etc.). Once you "feel" the car, you will focus more on the driving and less on the things you should be doing. If there's a psychologist on the forum, they can explain it better. When we learn something new, everything we do is conscious, and as we learn it, it becomes subconscious. For example, when we're learning to ride a bike, we have to focus on getting on, pushing off and balancing, etc. We're conscious of everything that we do and because we're so worried about making a mistake and falling, we forget to just ride the bike. Once you know how to ride a bike, you just get on it without thinking and off you go. It's the same with a car and the only way to get to that level of comfort is to keep practicing. So try to drive as much as you can and you'll be on the road with a driving license before you know it. The way driving is taught here sometimes leaves a lot to be desired (e.g. the "poles" strategy). When I was learning how to drive with a well known institute, many years ago, I had to go with a manual car, as automatic was not an option unless you had a medical condition. One of the things we were expected to do when changing gears was put our hands back on the steering wheel in between each change. When you're slowing down, and you need to do so abruptly, that was quite a challenge to get from 4th gear to a full stop quickly! You also had to position the car in a certain way at U turns and some instructors insisted on pulling up the parking brake while at a red light. Unfortunately, you have to observe some of these quirky practices in order to pass your test. Once you're driving, you soon learn that you don't always have space to position your car in a certain way at U turns, and if you use your parking brake at red lights, you end up missing the very short green light because you have forgotten to release the brake! Sorry about the long post, but I really empathise with you because I understand what you are going through having been there myself. There is a huge gap between what you are going through now and what comes later. The only advice I can offer is to keep practicing as much as you can and focus on the driving, not on the little things. I'm afraid I don't know what the numbers on your feedback sheet mean. They could be referring to how well you did. So your mirror an observation are a 4 out of 5 (I'm assuming), which means good. Your first lane change was good (4), the second one wasn't as good (2) and third one was average (3). Your first left turn was OK (3), but the second one was weak (1). Does this make sense based on what happened during your assessment? All the best, june_b! Wishing you safe journeys always!

I was also given a feedback sheet with markings and have been advised to take 12 classes. Can anyone please enlighten what does these numbers mean? Number of checks Mirror & Observation - 4 Lane Change - 4 2 3 Approach - 4 Position Stop - 3 Judgement- 3 1 Left Turn- 3 1 Position on Road- 2 4 No centre/ No Control

Thank you Ummey Aayan, Tory & Rawla for your kind words and encouraging:-) I passed my Parking Test on 30th November however with a grumpy examiner who was yelling “my dear I know you have failed twice & do not think of failing”. I was unable to make her convince that I was concentrating to do a perfect parking and not failing previously  @ Rawla : yes the “poles strategy” was applied during my learning process. In Dubai as far as I know I wont be able to drive and park other car outside the training institute unless I have a driving license. So not sure if it is only limited to park the car inside driving school and how it would help me to park in future in designated parking areas. I had my Assessment Test/ pre Road Test this morning ( 21st Dec) . There was another lady who appeared for the test and she was asked to take the car out from parking area and next was my turn. I was asked to do couple of left and right turns and then on Al Barsha highway where I had to do some lane changes. Then return back to EDI – examiner said again “how many classes my dear?” and still you couldn’t do it. Mistakes the examiner highlighted – 1) while making right turn, the wheels are too far from the pavement curb. Never knew that this is considered as fail. 2) while changing lanes, my speed reduced and car control was weak. I was hoping to clear the Assessment test at least by Christmas. Not sure when this journey will end :(

Just feel down in the dumps ...after failing once. Then I got alloted a teacher who goes on and on about how i dont know to control the wheel and says I will definitely fail in the next test ! Don't feel bad. I've had the same experience before. I always had that feeling that these instructors are very bored with their jobs, they just want to take their frustrations out on their students. I got my license on my third attempt. One piece of advice: don't sit next to sulking or worried students who are also taking the exam. They rub off the negativity on you.

june_b, were you actually taught how to park properly, or did they teach you to follow certain steps (e.g. turn the steering 3/4 of the way, then align the mirror with the parking post, etc. etc.)? The latter is a hopeless strategy that instructors use to just get you to pass and is of no use to you once you are on the road. If you have access to a car, try to practice on your own and get a 'feel' for the car, the way it turns, etc. Focusing on repeating the steps they taught you, and getting anxious about whether you have lined up your mirror with the third line on the post correctly, instead of focusing on the car's movement, will make it difficult to pass because the examiners know about these little tricks that students are taught. BTW, the instructors blaming you is because they get bonuses (and possibly reprimands) if you pass the test in less tries. I know someone who passed on her first go and her instructor was very happy because she was going to get a big bonus! So, don't take it to heart. Good luck :) Didn't know about the bonus thing but I totally agree with your explanation of teaching parking. That's how my instructor taught me and I was like 'what!?' . Luckily i was already good at parking with ample practice in my home country to see through these 'parking tricks'. It totally explains why cars are often parked in malls in a hopeless way.

Umm ayan. Drive around on a Friday morning when there isn't much traffic. Start driving around your house, then slowly venture out further. You will get the hang of it. To the op. Good luck you will pass eventually. Just be patient and don't let anyone make you feel less confident. When I did my test, the girl before me drove up the pavement and crashed into a road sign. So my test was postponed till the afternoon. It was really scary as she pushed the gas pedal instead of the breaks and it was raining!! It is a nice idea to practice regularly on Friday mornings :) Apart from the fear of other cars and drivers I have a huge fear of being lost on the road. I have a very bad sense of orientation and being concentrated mainly on my own steering wheel and the speed I can easily lose my way.

Umm ayan. Drive around on a Friday morning when there isn't much traffic. Start driving around your house, then slowly venture out further. You will get the hang of it. To the op. Good luck you will pass eventually. Just be patient and don't let anyone make you feel less confident. When I did my test, the girl before me drove up the pavement and crashed into a road sign. So my test was postponed till the afternoon. It was really scary as she pushed the gas pedal instead of the breaks and it was raining!!

Dear Reva and June_B, I really feel for you. It is a difficult thing to obtain a driving skill, it takes time, effort and money to get a license here. But the more you practice, the better you are. try to keep as calm and confident as you can. Don't be nervous, don't hurry up and you will definately pass. So many people have a license and you will. Though I had no issues with my exams here, i still don't drive. I got my license more than a year ago. I think I passed just because I was pregnant and due in a month after I had my final exam, so the assessor was not severe at all and probably turned a blind eye on my not so good control of the car. Having received my driving license I never actually drove myself because i don't feel confident enough. So having a lisence doesn't mean being able to drive (it my case at least). Hi tory... I second you... I got the license in the frst go but blv me i also feel so nervous to drive alone ????? Can someone plzzz suggest hw i can overcome my phobia... I really want to drive but don't knw what happens to me whn i go close to the car fr driving... I want help .. Plzzzzz

june_b, were you actually taught how to park properly, or did they teach you to follow certain steps (e.g. turn the steering 3/4 of the way, then align the mirror with the parking post, etc. etc.)? The latter is a hopeless strategy that instructors use to just get you to pass and is of no use to you once you are on the road. If you have access to a car, try to practice on your own and get a 'feel' for the car, the way it turns, etc. Focusing on repeating the steps they taught you, and getting anxious about whether you have lined up your mirror with the third line on the post correctly, instead of focusing on the car's movement, will make it difficult to pass because the examiners know about these little tricks that students are taught. BTW, the instructors blaming you is because they get bonuses (and possibly reprimands) if you pass the test in less tries. I know someone who passed on her first go and her instructor was very happy because she was going to get a big bonus! So, don't take it to heart. Good luck :)

Dear Reva and June_B, I really feel for you. It is a difficult thing to obtain a driving skill, it takes time, effort and money to get a license here. But the more you practice, the better you are. try to keep as calm and confident as you can. Don't be nervous, don't hurry up and you will definately pass. So many people have a license and you will. Though I had no issues with my exams here, i still don't drive. I got my license more than a year ago. I think I passed just because I was pregnant and due in a month after I had my final exam, so the assessor was not severe at all and probably turned a blind eye on my not so good control of the car. Having received my driving license I never actually drove myself because i don't feel confident enough. So having a lisence doesn't mean being able to drive (it my case at least).

I am 30 years old and have never driven before in any other countries. People keep asking me why didn't I take the opportunity to learn driving in England 5 years back. Well my justification was the transportation system was so strong in some areas that I did not require that time. But every country is different. After moving to UAE, I have realized that it is important to obtain the driving license for convenience. So I have enrolled with 40 classes. And meanwhile had to change instructor after 19 classes as previous instructor was not available. Present instructor picked it up and feedback that I didnt learn how to control car and straight the wheels. And I learnt that 4 classes is divided in 30 minutes each day which I was not told before.Eventually finished off my 40 classes and appeared for Parking Test on 7th Nov, 2015. Failed Parallel, Angle, Garage. I assume in the first attempt I was extremely nervous that I couldn't recall the points. Second time appeared on 19th Nov, the wheel touched the curb and turning of steering was too fast during Garage Parking. I sought suggestions and the areas that I need to work on from the examiner and her reply was so very vague, "My dear you could not park the car correctly". She did not highlight exactly where I was going wrong, After the test, I spoke to my instructor and she said "Its your fault!" I wonder we have become so complicated that our words lack encouragement, make people feel comfortable. No one says, 'You can do it" rather than saying "Its your fault". I have been asked to take another 4 classes whereas I booked for another 8 classes but still not sure when I can clear the Parking Test. It is not about how many times you fail but the effect of failing makes you so miserable. I do not know how soon or when at all I can clear the Parking Test. Any suggestions or advice anyone? People on the same boat can empathize. My dear .... Dnt feel low.. As u have never driven before thts y u r having issues on this, ask ur instructor to keep allowing u practice all the three parkings, n if he / she agrees tell him / her to stay out of the car n let u do it, jus monitor u from outside... It will gv u confidence tht u hav to do it all alone.. Dnt give up ... U can do it !! Cheers❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I am 30 years old and have never driven before in any other countries. People keep asking me why didn't I take the opportunity to learn driving in England 5 years back. Well my justification was the transportation system was so strong in some areas that I did not require that time. But every country is different. After moving to UAE, I have realized that it is important to obtain the driving license for convenience. So I have enrolled with 40 classes. And meanwhile had to change instructor after 19 classes as previous instructor was not available. Present instructor picked it up and feedback that I didnt learn how to control car and straight the wheels. And I learnt that 4 classes is divided in 30 minutes each day which I was not told before.Eventually finished off my 40 classes and appeared for Parking Test on 7th Nov, 2015. Failed Parallel, Angle, Garage. I assume in the first attempt I was extremely nervous that I couldn't recall the points. Second time appeared on 19th Nov, the wheel touched the curb and turning of steering was too fast during Garage Parking. I sought suggestions and the areas that I need to work on from the examiner and her reply was so very vague, "My dear you could not park the car correctly". She did not highlight exactly where I was going wrong, After the test, I spoke to my instructor and she said "Its your fault!" I wonder we have become so complicated that our words lack encouragement, make people feel comfortable. No one says, 'You can do it" rather than saying "Its your fault". I have been asked to take another 4 classes whereas I booked for another 8 classes but still not sure when I can clear the Parking Test. It is not about how many times you fail but the effect of failing makes you so miserable. I do not know how soon or when at all I can clear the Parking Test. Any suggestions or advice anyone? People on the same boat can empathize.

I failed twice in Dubai after driving in Iran for 6 years ....Don't worry about it .The more relaxed you are the higher your chances of passing the test .Good luck on the next round

I failed the first time too. I was nervous and my lane changing let me down. I've worked on this with my instructore and passed the second time. The examinar does give you feedback if you ask for it. Don't let it get to you, keep trying and all the best. :)

I honestly don't know how anyone could learn to drive here with the maniacs on the road, it must be a horrific experience.

I failed my exam here twice and got it the third time. I can't remember what mistake I made the first time, just that I was extremely nervous. Then second time I forgot to loosen the hand brake so the car was going very slowly. The police were trying to be funny and were yelling FASTER, FASTER, FASTER and I told them I think the car is broken. Finally managed to pass the third time. Didn't have a license before. It then took me ages to actually start driving as I didn't feel very confident so started off slowly on Fridays when traffic is less.

AA82, that's a really good point! In other countries you can drive on a provisional license, so long as there is someone with a full license in the car with you. This is a huge help as it means more time on the road, behind the wheel and you're actually getting driving experience. You couldn't do it here, because it's virtually impossible to go anywhere without hitting a dual carriageway or highway, which you're not allowed to drive on.

Reva, was your test today or is it next week?

IMO, driving lessons and exams are such a scam over here! I couldn't change my licence to a UAE one when I got here and so had to pay for 20 lessons. Then the instructor said that I didn't have to turn up for lessons "he would just tick me off as having attended". So easy money for the driving school!!!! As for the test, that was a joke! Just 3 (I think) minutes of driving to work out if I was able to drive!!!!!! If you are happy reva to have a male instructor, maybe he might be more sympathetic. yeh but you can always "insist" that you dont need x amount of lessons and "insist" on the minimum like 5 or something and still pass.

IMO, driving lessons and exams are such a scam over here! I couldn't change my licence to a UAE one when I got here and so had to pay for 20 lessons. Then the instructor said that I didn't have to turn up for lessons "he would just tick me off as having attended". So easy money for the driving school!!!! As for the test, that was a joke! Just 3 (I think) minutes of driving to work out if I was able to drive!!!!!! If you are happy reva to have a male instructor, maybe he might be more sympathetic.

Just feel down in the dumps ...after failing once. Then I got alloted a teacher who goes on and on about how i dont know to control the wheel and says I will definitely fail in the next test ! I thought the instructors are meant to encourage you and correct your faults So I changed my instructor for the second last class and this teacher says my driving is fine and that I only need to be careful while lane changing . I should have probably skipped the last class but since I had paid I went for the class with the original teacher .Again she was on and on and now my confidence has taken a beating and dont feel like going to my driving test next thursday :( Do you think this teacher is fair or not? Do you think she's helping you to improve your driving skills? If not, ask for another teacher. Just be confident, I'm sure you will pass it next time.

I've read that visualisation works! Imagine yourself taking the test and driving very well and also imagine hearing that you have have passed and how you'll feel. Do it every night before you go to sleep. Nothing to lose.Best of luck.

Thanks for that different perspective, Advice Seeker! The person I know who failed so many times drove me perfectly well and I had absolute confidence in her. I'm not sure if Dubai was the first place she had learnt to drive or whether she had a licence from her home country which is not able to be exchanged automatically for a Dubai licence.