On The Road with Laura McDermott

27/10/2026

A guide for anyone thinking of starting learning/currently learning.

No 2 peoples learning journey is the same. You will know when you are ready but below is a guide.

22/10/2026

Had this conversation with a few students recently explaining the difference.

Heard about driving test faults, but not sure what they mean? 🚗

There are 3 categories of faults you can make during your driving test:

A dangerous fault: this involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property.

A serious fault: this is something potentially dangerous.

A driving fault: this is not potentially dangerous, but if you keep making the same fault, it could become a serious fault.

You’ll pass your driving test if you make no more than 15 driving faults and make zero serious or dangerous faults. ✅

Find out more: https://ow.ly/Uke750ZYYxP

15/09/2026

CAR CONTROL vs TEST READY

This is a conversation I have regularly with students.

Not because I’m trying to be difficult or hold anyone back, but because being able to control a car and being ready to drive independently on test are two very different things.

My promise to you

I will never hold you back when I genuinely believe you’re ready for your test.

But equally, I won’t encourage you to take your test before you’re ready.

I trust my professional judgement and I will always be open and honest with you. Ultimately, I want you to have the best possible chance of passing — and, more importantly, to be a safe and confident driver when you’re out there on your own.

Remember, it only takes one serious or dangerous fault to result in an unsuccessful test.

“But I feel like I’m driving really well…”

And you might be! But here’s something to think about.

Are you driving well because you’re making the decisions independently, or is your instructor still:

✅ Telling you when to change gear?

✅ Asking you what the speed limit is?

✅ Talking you through manoeuvres?

✅ Telling you which lane you need?

✅ Reminding you which exit to take at a roundabout because you’ve forgotten?

✅ Helping you decide whether there’s enough space for your car to get through?

✅ Pointing out brake lights, indicators or developing hazards that you haven’t noticed?

These might seem like small prompts, but on your driving test, your examiner won’t give you this help.

So, how will you know when you’re test ready?

You’ll feel the difference.

You’ll be able to drive independently, make your own decisions and deal safely with situations as they develop.

You’ll be able to follow directions and instructions without needing help.

Your instructor will become much quieter because YOU are doing the thinking.

And most importantly, you won’t just be controlling the car…

You’ll be driving it.

Learning to drive isn’t a race. Everyone progresses at a different pace, and the number of lessons needed will vary from person to person.

The goal isn’t to get to your test as quickly as possible.

The goal is to get there READY.

Any questions? Please ask — I’m always happy to explain where you are in your learning and what we still need to work on

04/09/2026

⭐️ First Time Pass ⭐️

Well done Escala !! You have made me immensely proud today. To watch your confidence soar in these last few weeks have been a pleasure and 100% the reason I do this job.

You came to every lesson full of determination and with massive amounts of resilience when you didn’t always find everything easy. Now look at you !!!!

Happy car shopping and a massive well done from me 👍🏼

23/07/2026

Such thoughtful gifts. Thank you so much ! I appreciate each and every one 💕

22/07/2026

⭐️ First time pass club for Niamh ⭐️

Well done Niamh on that brilliant drive this morning. You have become such a safe, competent driver over the last few months always taking on board any advice and feedback I’ve given with maturity.

I remember you being born and what a poorly baby you were, now look at you !! What a lovely young lady with the most infectious smile. You brightened up every Weds morning with your smiley, positive attitude and I will really miss that. Even the hour before your test we were singing Moana songs to make us smile and forget what we were heading into !

Stay safe as I know you will and thanks to Dad for all the extra practice he gave you to see you succeed today

💕

16/07/2026

Good read 🚓

15/07/2026

Well done Megan on your first time pass this afternoon with ZERO driver faults. Shout it from the rooftops lady !!

Enjoy your summer of road trips, days out and independence knowing you worked hard for today’s outcome.

Stay safe, keep smiling and no more keeping secrets on when your driving test is !!

10/07/2026

What a way to start the weekend Max !!

Excellent 1st time pass for you this morning with a near perfect drive 😃

You’ve been an absolute pleasure to teach but great company in the car each week too. What a polite young man & a bright future ahead of you.

Thanks to mum & dad for all the extra practice.

Keep making safe decisions and keep looking at those signs 🚦⛔️🚸

02/07/2026

The leader of the McDermott table now stands with Lois.

Well done my lovely niece, what an amazing drive with ZERO driver faults. Just look at that happy smile 😃

You approach everything you do with so much determination that I always knew you would end the test with a pass.

Enjoy your summer of freedom and all the adventures you can go on.

Keep making safe decisions all the time & remember the learning still continues after you pass ✨

❤️