Comments for emlocke http://emlocke.com/emlocke Sun, 15 Aug 2010 01:05:41 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Comment on How to Fail Your Driving Test by Katelyn http://emlocke.com/emlocke/?p=72&cpage=1#comment-20271 Katelyn Sun, 15 Aug 2010 01:05:41 +0000 http://emlocke.com/blog/?p=72#comment-20271 I made a point to memorize every single thing I read on this site the night before I took my driving test for the first time, which was a mere two days ago. (I took it on a closed course in Minnesota, if that means anything.) Still, I curbed the car 3 times, spent half my test time trying to parallel park, and mutilated the 90 degree backing procedure. I also spent too long yielding to oncoming traffic, and managed to avoid collision by about a second. There were many points in the test during which I was certain I failed. Therefore, I was entirely shocked when the intructor told me that I had, in fact, passed the test. I have concluded that my mediocre driving skills alone couldn't have possibly led me to walk away with a driver's license that day. It must have been my overall demeanor in combination with a reasonable (even kind-hearted) instructor that passed me: I made sure that I conducted myself as seriously, intelligently, and respectfully as possible. I dressed nicely, and did my best to show the instructor that I knew what I was doing without being cocky and over-confident. I think that's what they want to see in a responsible driver; someone who's alert and aware of what's going on, all whilst reacting accordingly to potential dangers and staying completely focused on the road. Also, for anyone who's bummed that they failed, consider the person who gave the test. Too often, people just get a picky, crabby instructor. I've seen it happen enough. I know this is corny, but seriously, try your best, and learn from your mistakes. I think that's the best way to prepare yourself for something that is often approached so blindly. You never really know what's gonna happen with the driving test until it's actually going on. Good luck to all of those taking their tests. Work hard to be the best driver you can be, and let it show during the exam. Odds are, it'll pay off. :) I made a point to memorize every single thing I read on this site the night before I took my driving test for the first time, which was a mere two days ago. (I took it on a closed course in Minnesota, if that means anything.) Still, I curbed the car 3 times, spent half my test time trying to parallel park, and mutilated the 90 degree backing procedure. I also spent too long yielding to oncoming traffic, and managed to avoid collision by about a second. There were many points in the test during which I was certain I failed. Therefore, I was entirely shocked when the intructor told me that I had, in fact, passed the test.

I have concluded that my mediocre driving skills alone couldn’t have possibly led me to walk away with a driver’s license that day. It must have been my overall demeanor in combination with a reasonable (even kind-hearted) instructor that passed me:

I made sure that I conducted myself as seriously, intelligently, and respectfully as possible. I dressed nicely, and did my best to show the instructor that I knew what I was doing without being cocky and over-confident. I think that’s what they want to see in a responsible driver; someone who’s alert and aware of what’s going on, all whilst reacting accordingly to potential dangers and staying completely focused on the road.

Also, for anyone who’s bummed that they failed, consider the person who gave the test. Too often, people just get a picky, crabby instructor. I’ve seen it happen enough. I know this is corny, but seriously, try your best, and learn from your mistakes. I think that’s the best way to prepare yourself for something that is often approached so blindly. You never really know what’s gonna happen with the driving test until it’s actually going on.

Good luck to all of those taking their tests. Work hard to be the best driver you can be, and let it show during the exam. Odds are, it’ll pay off. :)

]]> Comment on How to Fail Your Driving Test by Gian http://emlocke.com/emlocke/?p=72&cpage=1#comment-20156 Gian Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:15:24 +0000 http://emlocke.com/blog/?p=72#comment-20156 I failed my drivers test for the second time today. Both times I failed within the first 5 minutes because I'm so nervous and lock up. Similarly, I've been told I'm an excellent driver, but I just get so nervous. Not to mention I've gotten some of the worst proctors in my local DMV. Looks like I've got to reschedule tomorrow and and make an appointment in the next city. Sigh. I've got to go to college next week and take the bus for a month... it's basically high school. :/ I failed my drivers test for the second time today. Both times I failed within the first 5 minutes because I’m so nervous and lock up. Similarly, I’ve been told I’m an excellent driver, but I just get so nervous. Not to mention I’ve gotten some of the worst proctors in my local DMV. Looks like I’ve got to reschedule tomorrow and and make an appointment in the next city. Sigh. I’ve got to go to college next week and take the bus for a month… it’s basically high school. :/

]]> Comment on How to Fail Your Driving Test by Sara http://emlocke.com/emlocke/?p=72&cpage=1#comment-19793 Sara Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:11:01 +0000 http://emlocke.com/blog/?p=72#comment-19793 i just failed my test for the 2nd time today. first time i was driving too slow, this time i stopped behind a garbage truck instead of driving on the wrong side of the road to pass it (come onnn how would a beginner have known that?!). i was sooo upset because i had already passed today and we were on our way back to the dmv when the stupid truck came out of nowhere! since the lady had to tell me to go around i automatically failed cuz she had to say something. i only had 2 errors other than that! the test really doenst judge if ur a good driver. there are people i know who are horrible drivers and get there licence on the first try. by now its like COME ONNN i drive EVERYWHERE! i just want a frickin job so i need a licence to drive there and back and i also want to volunteer at this pet store but i would have to drive myself there as well. and of course the dmv closest to me is closed this summer so i have to wait 45 days for the next available appointments. FML. i just failed my test for the 2nd time today.
first time i was driving too slow,
this time i stopped behind a garbage truck instead of driving on the wrong side of the road to pass it (come onnn how would a beginner have known that?!).
i was sooo upset because i had already passed today and we were on our way back to the dmv when the stupid truck came out of nowhere! since the lady had to tell me to go around i automatically failed cuz she had to say something. i only had 2 errors other than that! the test really doenst judge if ur a good driver. there are people i know who are horrible drivers and get there licence on the first try. by now its like COME ONNN i drive EVERYWHERE! i just want a frickin job so i need a licence to drive there and back and i also want to volunteer at this pet store but i would have to drive myself there as well. and of course the dmv closest to me is closed this summer so i have to wait 45 days for the next available appointments. FML.

]]> Comment on Little Miss Transient by Heather http://emlocke.com/emlocke/?p=1085&cpage=1#comment-19175 Heather Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:52:21 +0000 http://emlocke.com/emlocke/?p=1085#comment-19175 where are you going? and UGH. chipped nails are LAME. where are you going? and UGH. chipped nails are LAME.

]]> Comment on How to Fail Your Driving Test by Girlracer http://emlocke.com/emlocke/?p=72&cpage=1#comment-18578 Girlracer Tue, 06 Jul 2010 03:59:09 +0000 http://emlocke.com/blog/?p=72#comment-18578 Well i just failed my driving test for the first time today :'( and i only missed out by a few points, apparently i was "exaggerating" the searching by looking down sidestreets too much. But really, i was only doing what my instructor had told me. Now i wish I had been more natural and used only my eyes instead of dramatically making a point of searching with my head. I overdid it. That and not being smooth enough with the speedo killed it for me. #$%@! Shed a few tears afterwards too. Meh, I'll just have to re-sit it again, hope i don't get the same officer again >:( Well i just failed my driving test for the first time today :’(
and i only missed out by a few points, apparently i was “exaggerating” the searching by looking down sidestreets too much. But really, i was only doing what my instructor had told me. Now i wish I had been more natural and used only my eyes instead of dramatically making a point of searching with my head. I overdid it. That and not being smooth enough with the speedo killed it for me. #$%@!

Shed a few tears afterwards too. Meh, I’ll just have to re-sit it again, hope i don’t get the same officer again >:(

]]> Comment on 2009 Faves: Songs by Heather http://emlocke.com/emlocke/?p=1068&cpage=1#comment-17845 Heather Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:39:38 +0000 http://emlocke.com/emlocke/?p=1068#comment-17845 please blog again! please! i miss you! please blog again! please! i miss you!

]]> Comment on How to Fail Your Driving Test by EmLocke http://emlocke.com/emlocke/?p=72&cpage=1#comment-17608 EmLocke Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:51:53 +0000 http://emlocke.com/blog/?p=72#comment-17608 I applaud your attitude! It's so hard to come to the realization and admit that you <em>weren't</em> always such a good driver, isn't it? It sounds like you have taken control of the situation by putting time and thought in to getting your head together behind the wheel. I really like #6 on your list; experience is essential and that only comes with practice. Amaya, good luck on your test! I applaud your attitude! It’s so hard to come to the realization and admit that you weren’t always such a good driver, isn’t it? It sounds like you have taken control of the situation by putting time and thought in to getting your head together behind the wheel. I really like #6 on your list; experience is essential and that only comes with practice. Amaya, good luck on your test!

]]> Comment on How to Fail Your Driving Test by Amaya http://emlocke.com/emlocke/?p=72&cpage=1#comment-17607 Amaya Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:42:31 +0000 http://emlocke.com/blog/?p=72#comment-17607 I've failed my road test 2x. Both times were humiliating. However, I do now understand what my mistakes were. I'm working with an instructor, and had 2 lessons this week. I have 7 days. I really want to take the road test when I feel very comfortable. I'm a lot better now. Just like many of you I thought I was a good driver and had fans telling me so! I realize driving is a mental thing and the only thing physical is the wheel, foot, and head. I hope some of this can be helpful tips as to why some of us fail and I did about three of these. 1.) Lane change: signal, look in the mirror, and look over shoulder. 2.) Know the right of way: yield, and stop at cross walks, if a car is there before you they have the right of way. 3. Stop: stop sign, and red arrows for making the right turn mean stop. The only way to turn if there's a sign that says right turn on red light. 4. Don't make an illegal left turn. Turn only on the lane closest to you, and not the farthest one. 5.) Have proper speed: too slow or fast is bad. Maintain the speed limit. 6.) Experience: simply know what to do in traffic situations. 7.) Know the vehicle: make sure to know where everything is in the car. Don't use an unfamiliar car for the first time for your road test. 8.) Scanning: know your surroundings. know what's going on to the right and left, ahead. 9.) Don't be too cautious: that cause confusion to other drivers and accidents for not really knowing what to do. I hope these tips have been helpful, and now I know some of my mistakes form knowing this. I’ve failed my road test 2x. Both times were humiliating. However, I do now understand what my mistakes were. I’m working with an instructor, and had 2 lessons this week. I have 7 days. I really want to take the road test when I feel very comfortable. I’m a lot better now. Just like many of you I thought I was a good driver and had fans telling me so! I realize driving is a mental thing and the only thing physical is the wheel, foot, and head. I hope some of this can be helpful tips as to why some of us fail and I did about three of these. 1.) Lane change: signal, look in the mirror, and look over shoulder. 2.) Know the right of way: yield, and stop at cross walks, if a car is there before you they have the right of way. 3. Stop: stop sign, and red arrows for making the right turn mean stop. The only way to turn if there’s a sign that says right turn on red light. 4. Don’t make an illegal left turn. Turn only on the lane closest to you, and not the farthest one. 5.) Have proper speed: too slow or fast is bad. Maintain the speed limit. 6.) Experience: simply know what to do in traffic situations. 7.) Know the vehicle: make sure to know where everything is in the car. Don’t use an unfamiliar car for the first time for your road test. 8.) Scanning: know your surroundings. know what’s going on to the right and left, ahead. 9.) Don’t be too cautious: that cause confusion to other drivers and accidents for not really knowing what to do. I hope these tips have been helpful, and now I know some of my mistakes form knowing this.

]]> Comment on How to Fail Your Driving Test by Lindsay http://emlocke.com/emlocke/?p=72&cpage=1#comment-17514 Lindsay Wed, 26 May 2010 05:49:21 +0000 http://emlocke.com/blog/?p=72#comment-17514 I failed today , actually more then any thing I am extreamly angry I've had two professionals tell me I am a very safe and effective driver however although I did every thing right despite being neveous apparently at this one intersection the worst one in our city it's confusing and isn't properly done I some how cut some one off... which I st ill can't figure out where they were coming from I remember looking in all directions and nobody was comming but I guess there was some one... I don't think it's fair there are many reck less drivers out there and I am not one of them... however I do not have licence to dr iv eon my own like they do. so I am rather annoyed on top of this I put alot on me getting my licence today NOT two weeks from now. I failed today , actually more then any thing I am extreamly angry I’ve had two professionals tell me I am a very safe and effective driver however although I did every thing right despite being neveous apparently at this one intersection the worst one in our city it’s confusing and isn’t properly done I some how cut some one off… which I st ill can’t figure out where they were coming from I remember looking in all directions and nobody was comming but I guess there was some one… I don’t think it’s fair there are many reck less drivers out there and I am not one of them… however I do not have licence to dr iv eon my own like they do. so I am rather annoyed on top of this I put alot on me getting my licence today NOT two weeks from now.

]]> Comment on How to Fail Your Driving Test by apst http://emlocke.com/emlocke/?p=72&cpage=1#comment-17496 apst Mon, 24 May 2010 16:20:00 +0000 http://emlocke.com/blog/?p=72#comment-17496 today i failed second time. what if i failed third time? i have to join behind the wheel course which is too expensive. what if i don't join the course and wait until my learner's permit expire and then move to other state. somebody is there in this sitution? today i failed second time. what if i failed third time? i have to join behind the wheel course which is too expensive. what if i don’t join the course and wait until my learner’s permit expire and then move to other state. somebody is there in this sitution?

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