Best time for a practical test?

I have my practical test coming up and my instructor thinks I should reschedule. It's at 08:10, so he says it'll be trouble. But the next available dates are almost a month after my practical date, and I want to take my test asap, I really dont want to hold it up any longer.

Is 8am really a bad time for the test? Anyone had their test at a similar time? What's the best time do you think?

Reply 1

Yusuf.T

15

well i guess it would be 'cos it would be like rush hour wouldnt it?

Reply 2

ScottyTee

Yusuf2007

well i guess it would be 'cos it would be like rush hour wouldnt it?

LOL

Reply 3

thebarmaidsmiles

I did mine at this time actually and it was fine, the instructor is aware of the added pressure, they haven't passed anybody by that time so it's not like the end of the day when they've filled their quota...

If all goes bad you can always book your next test for a different time, but earlier worked for most people I know. Surely that's better than hanging around for another test?

Good luck!!

Reply 4

Jon01

i had mine at that time, we went on an easy route as to miss all the traffic. Roads were quiet where we went, so go for it.

Reply 5

AntiLearner

OP

13

galleta87

I did mine at this time actually and it was fine, the instructor is aware of the added pressure, they haven't passed anybody by that time so it's not like the end of the day when they've filled their quota...

If all goes bad you can always book your next test for a different time, but earlier worked for most people I know. Surely that's better than hanging around for another test?

Good luck!!

What about other drivers on the road, did you have any problems? That's what I've been told will be the biggest problem, that a lot of drivers are likely to be less patient and could throw me off while I'm on the road.

Reply 6

PrettyBoysWearPink

8

Actually, the driving examiner will keep you in the town (if you live near one) so as to avoid the heavy rush hour traffic.

My instructor wanted me to take my test at that time, but I refused to get up that early hahaha.

Reply 7

Miss_Scarlett

15

I did my test at 11.41, that was a good time.

Reply 8

Jon01

To be honest, it shouldnt make a difference when you take your test..

Reply 9

thebarmaidsmiles

AntiLearner

What about other drivers on the road, did you have any problems? That's what I've been told will be the biggest problem, that a lot of drivers are likely to be less patient and could throw me off while I'm on the road.

No it was pretty quiet cause we stayed off the busy roads. In fairness I wouldn't say it was the best time in the world, but it's certainly not the worst. And if I had to weigh up doing my test soon at that time or at say 9.40 but in a month's time I'd definately go for the 8.10.

It's going to be challenging regardless, and different times throw up their own problems. You'll be up bright and early, you'll be first test of the day, it'll be fine.

Reply 10

cricketmaestro123

6

Choose around 11.41 - the kids are at school, everyone is at work and no lunch rush either. Can't go wrong - choose 11.41!

Reply 11

pumpkin7

13

galleta87

I did mine at this time actually and it was fine, the instructor is aware of the added pressure, they haven't passed anybody by that time so it's not like the end of the day when they've filled their quota...

If all goes bad you can always book your next test for a different time, but earlier worked for most people I know. Surely that's better than hanging around for another test?

Good luck!!

quota? what BS. they pass you if you are a good enough driver, not to fill a quota.

8.10am; sure, it'll be rush hour, but the examiner will probably realise you may be under some added pressure. if it helps, see if you can go driving at that time in the morning, or between the hours of 4.30pm and 5.30pm to get some practice during hours when more traffic will be on the road.

Reply 12

MathematicalMind

10

I was told that 10:44 and 11:41 are good times so I booked mine for 10:44!

Reply 13

xKarinx

12

I had both my tests at 11:41 and it was a good time, but i guess it depends on how well you can manage in traffic etc. I'm sure the test routes will take you out of the busy areas anyway. Personally I wouldn't change it, but it's up to you at the end of the day and how confident you feel

Reply 14

arguendo

14

i failed at 14.30 and 10.44 (14.30 the examiner said she wanted to pass me but couldn't cos of other cars, 10.44 i entirely screwed up by being a tit, no problems whatsoever trafficwise) and passed at 9.37 -- tbh i way, way preferred the two morning tests. i was less nervous in them, probably because i hadn't had all day to work myself into a state. if i'd failed my last test and had to rebook, i'd go for a morning slot over an afternoon. i felt calmer and idk, i think the fact that it was busier/i expected the roads to be busier was easier... i was more alert, more prepared, probably.

Reply 15

Scubar

beginning of the day is the best time to go, they're calm, relaxed, and like someone said, they haven't filled their quota already

8:10 is a bitchy time though, good luck with that

Reply 16

rawls87

i would say try go for around 11 or 2ish, after all the kids at school and then before they come out...and also not around lunch time, might be hectic. Early in the morning has the issue of lots of traffic for workers and school run, but also u might have the sun low and in your eyes, although it is less likely for that as you get into spring.

But, as someone said, it shouldnt matter when you take it, you still have to be a good enough driver to pass.

Reply 17

explosiive

8

Mine wouldn't let me book my test at any time other than 9:47.

Reply 18

abc101

17

Eeh, it's all a bit six of one and half a dozen of the other! My tests have all been (haha, the fact I've had more than one doesn't really imbue you with confidence in my advice here, does it?!) in the afternoon, between 1 and 2.30 I do believe.

Early morning: Rush hour. Disadvantages - uber busy, difficult to get out at junctions, navigate roundabouts, more likelihood of people waiting behind you when doing your manoeuvres, you've got a lot more to deal with. Advantages - traffic jams = more time sitting doing nothing, less time driving, less time to make mistakes!

12-1: Lunch hour. Possibly people nipping out to get their lunch, I don't know really.

3 onwards: Schools come out. Kids crossing roads without looking, parents parking all over the place, general busy-ness.

If you can get a Saturday morning test, I think that'd be best. I notice when I have driving lessons early on Saturday morning, about 8-10am, the roads are nice and clear and it's all a lot more relaxed. Failing that, perhaps about 10-11am, or 1-2pm.

Ooh, also, consider when you're at your best. If you're not a morning person, will you end up being in a rush if your test is before lunch? Or will you get too nervous and psyche yourself up too much if your test is in the afternoon and you've got all morning to think about it?

Reply 19

AntiLearner

OP

13

Any more opinions? I can't get a date as good as the one I have, hoping the 8.10 is alright, but judging from responses so far, I'm guessing I'll have to reschedule. anyone else done their test at 8.10?

Best time for a practical test?

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