30/08/2026
Had a bittersweet day yesterday. One of my very first pupils, someone who actually had a lesson with me with my trainer whilst training for my Part 3, passed their test 𼰠it took longer partly because they struggled to pass the theory and partly because of the waiting time for the practical.
My pupil didnât have lessons whilst they were trying to pass the theory, theyâd already got to a good level of driving and it would have been a waste of money to have lessons whilst trying to pass the theory. As soon as they passed the theory, they got back in touch to restart lessons.
They got their test date for yesterday a little while ago and did ask whether they should look for a cancellation. We were having an hours lesson a week, missed a couple due to illness or other circumstances and so I advised that they were probably better leaving the test date as it was. They accepted this as my honest, professional opinion and nearer to the test, they then increased the lessons.
Their hard work, determination and trust in my judgement, meant they passed first time with just 4 driver faults.
My pupils are very important to me and I enjoy my lessons with them all. My goal is to help them learn to drive and help them make safe choices when driving. Some donât take as long as others but they all get the same amount of effort from me. Yes I want them to pass their test and thatâs the ultimate goal but the bittersweet part is then knowing weâll have no more lessons, no more laughs, no more questions and decisions about the safe way to do something and once my pupil passes their test, I do miss them.
Yesterdays pass was even more significant because they were one of my very first pupils but they also helped me on a lesson I was doing towards my full qualification.
When me or any other driving instructor are asked by our pupils if they can bring their test forward, please trust our judgement or donât ask the question if youâre not going to like or accept the answer. We donât tell you youâre not quite ready, just for fun, itâs so you can pass first time as a safe driver. Tests are so hard to come by that if we donât feel youâre quite ready, that test can be used by someone that is. If youâre not quite ready, by our opinion, and you decide to take a test anyway and fail, not only has that taken a test from someone who could have passed, itâs also meant that youâve then got another 6 month wait for another test date, rather than just waiting a few weeks to your original test date and using that time to improve your skills.
Stay safe
