So, you’ve been taking driving lessons for what feels like forever, right? You’ve nailed those parallel parks, mastered the art of not stalling at every traffic light, and you can even handle a roundabout without breaking into a cold sweat. Naturally, you’re thinking, “I’m ready for my driving test—bring it on!” But then, your instructor drops the bombshell: “Sorry, you’re not quite ready yet.” What?! You might be thinking, “Are they serious?
But before you start an argument with them that you will never in a million years win or worse, plotting your escape to the test center without them, let’s take a step back and understand why your instructor might be holding you back from that all-important driving test.
Why Your Driving Instructor Refused Your Driving Test
Your instructor isn’t just being a killjoy or trying to squeeze more lessons out of you. There are solid, safety-driven reasons behind their decision. Here’s the inside scoop on why they might be hitting the brakes on your test plans:
Safety of All Road Users
Driving isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about doing it safely. An unprepared driver can turn the road into a danger zone for everyone, including other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. If your instructor thinks you’re not quite there yet, it’s because they’re thinking about everyone’s safety—not just yours.
Driving isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about doing it safely. An unprepared driver can turn the road into a danger zone for everyone, including other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. If your instructor thinks you’re not quite there yet, it’s because they’re thinking about everyone’s safety—not just yours.
The Examiner’s Safety
Imagine being the examiner, sitting in the passenger seat while someone who isn’t 100% ready is behind the wheel. It’s their job to put you through your paces, but they don’t want to be dodging accidents in the process. Your instructor knows this, and that’s why they might say no if they think you’re not ready to give a solid performance.
Imagine being the examiner, sitting in the passenger seat while someone who isn’t 100% ready is behind the wheel. It’s their job to put you through your paces, but they don’t want to be dodging accidents in the process. Your instructor knows this, and that’s why they might say no if they think you’re not ready to give a solid performance.
Impact on Your Confidence
Nobody likes failing, especially when it comes to driving tests. Failing because you weren’t ready can knock your confidence and make you more nervous the next time around. Your instructor wants you to pass, but they want you to pass when you’re truly ready so that you can drive off into the sunset without looking back.
Nobody likes failing, especially when it comes to driving tests. Failing because you weren’t ready can knock your confidence and make you more nervous the next time around. Your instructor wants you to pass, but they want you to pass when you’re truly ready so that you can drive off into the sunset without looking back.
Instructor’s Responsibility
Let’s be real—your instructor’s car is their pride and joy, not to mention their livelihood. They’ve seen what can happen when someone who isn’t ready takes the test, and it’s not pretty. They also have a professional reputation to uphold, and letting someone take the test when they’re not ready reflects on them too.
Let’s be real—your instructor’s car is their pride and joy, not to mention their livelihood. They’ve seen what can happen when someone who isn’t ready takes the test, and it’s not pretty. They also have a professional reputation to uphold, and letting someone take the test when they’re not ready reflects on them too.
Increased Risk of Accidents Within the First Six Months
Here’s a scary stat—new drivers are up to 50% more likely to have an accident within the first six months of passing their test. Yikes! If your instructor is holding you back, it’s because they want to make sure you don’t become part of that statistic. They’re looking out for your long-term safety, not just getting you through the test.
Here’s a scary stat—new drivers are up to 50% more likely to have an accident within the first six months of passing their test. Yikes! If your instructor is holding you back, it’s because they want to make sure you don’t become part of that statistic. They’re looking out for your long-term safety, not just getting you through the test.
The “Are You Ready?” Campaign by DVSA
The DVSA’s “Are You Ready?” campaign is all about making sure learners don’t rush into their driving test unprepared. The campaign asks you to think critically about your readiness—are you truly ready to drive on your own? Can you handle different weather conditions, busy traffic, and night driving without breaking a sweat?
If you’re still having moments where you’re unsure, your instructor is probably right in suggesting you wait a bit longer before taking the test. Trust that they know what they’re talking about—they’ve done this a few times before!
What to Do If You Disagree With Your Instructor
We get it—nobody likes being told to wait, especially when you’re eager to get your license and hit the road. But instead of getting frustrated, try having a chat with your instructor. Ask them for specific feedback on what’s holding you back. Use this as an opportunity to improve those areas, so when you do go for your test, you’ll be unstoppable.
But I KNOW I’m Ready!
If you’re reading this and still thinking, “But I know I’m ready!”—well, that might actually be part of the problem. Confidence is great, but when a qualified professional, who’s been through this process countless times, tells you that you’re not ready, it’s worth taking a step back and listening. Who’s the expert here? Your instructor has years of experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to pass the test and drive safely afterward. Keep in mind that driving instructors themselves undergo many hours of grueling training and rigorous testing with the DVSA, where the pass rate is notoriously low. This means they not only have to be highly skilled but also possess the right temperament and dedication to guide learners effectively. Trust in their expertise—they know what it takes to ensure you’re truly ready for the road.
And just to clear up any misconceptions—this isn’t about squeezing more money out of you. Have you seen the waiting lists for driving lessons at the moment? Yikes. Instructors are in high demand, and trust me, a student can be replaced at the drop of a hat. Your instructor’s priority is your success and safety, not dragging out lessons unnecessarily.
A word of warning though. Push your instructor too hard to take you for the test, and you might just be driving yourself straight into the arms of a new one. And guess what? If your new instructor is any good, they’ll probably tell you the exact same thing your last one did. Instructors also talk… a lot in fact.
They know what they’re doing—trust them!
Can’t I Just Give It a Go?
LOL! No, you can’t just “give it a go.” Think about it—would you go skydiving without the proper training? Or jump into a plane’s cockpit without proper flying lessons? Of course not! So why on earth would you want to speed around in a 1-tonne machine at 70 mph without the right training? Driving isn’t about taking chances; it’s about being fully prepared to handle whatever comes your way. Trust your instructor when they say you’re not ready—they’re making sure you don’t end up in danger, hurt yourself or worse, end up losing your life.
Trust the Process
We’re sorry, but we’re with your Instructor on this one. Yes, it’s annoying to be told you’re not ready when you feel like you’ve got this driving thing down. But remember, your instructor has been through this with countless students before you, and their goal is to make sure you not only pass your test but also stay safe on the road afterward. So, take their advice, polish up those skills, and when you do finally take your test, you’ll be more than ready to pass with flying colors.
And hey, when that happens, you’ll thank them for it.
