Aaron Donohoe

Well, I didn’t pass my much anticipated driving test today. Although, it wasn’t entirely my fault in my defence!

I began the day at 10am, when Larry (my instructor) picked me up from my house. After a few minutes discussing what will be expected of me today, we set off - not before a quick reverse around a corner and headed for the Baldoyle. I wasn’t going in at the time, but sussing out the area before hand. After a swift 3-point turn, it was onwards to some of the areas which would be on the test (you can’t predetermine the route). So after doing some of the usual manoevers, such as Reversing around a Corner, Hillstart and 3-point turn, we did some roundabouts which I was okay with - not so on the test (more on that later!).

Anyway, did some more reversing (coupled with Hillstarts my favourite part of the test), and fueled the car up for the test. The hour had gone by in a blur, now I was awaiting my fate. I was hoping to get into the waiting room and have a few minutes to go over the test in my head - no so! As soon as I opened the door to the test centre a friendly guy called Martin asked me what time I was at I said 11:30, it was 11:00 at this stage, but he took me out anyway.

Onwards onto the point of no return. He brought me into this room with around 5 desks with seats adjacent to them. He told me to take a seat and he’d be back. Around 5 minutes lapsed and having heard the poor sod behind me had failed for mounting a kerb he returned with this HP PDA. He confirmed my details and got me to sign a notice that the vehicle is insured, fit for road etc. and began to programme his PDA - SGS centres use this new fangled technology whilst the RSA centres are stuck with the Biro and Clipboard method.

After getting on with the oral and technical checks exam, we proceeded out to the car to carry out checks. Made a passing comment about the weather - soon discovered he wasn’t the chatty type! Got on, out onto the main road, and into a housing estate where I did my 3-point turn & hand signals - successfully! and onwards into another housing estate onto the road where Westlifes Shane Filan used to live (not that I’m a fan) for my reversing manoeuvre - not a problem!

Out towards Donaghmede, onto possiblyDublin’s fastest roundabout. Sorted with no problem, continued around Donaghmede towards Howth-Junction, where my judgement was tested on a narrow road, got by and was asked to pull up for my hillstart. Did without fault, and felt I was nearly on the home straight.

Back out onto Tonlegee Road, had to pull out of a junction on a main road, was warned about this road and have done it many times so it was no problem once a gap ensued…many minutes later. Continued back up towards Donaghmede and back onto Grange Road - now this is where things went sour!

I was taking the 3rd exit, I left two opportunities go as I felt I wouldn’t make it - as I mentioned it a very quick roundabout! So I see a van in outer lane taking the second exit, as he indicates I pull out..but he decided at last minute to change his decision and I have to jam on - Grade 3 (instant fail) on my lovely clean test sheet.

I knew at that point I failed. But the show must go on, I waited for another opportunity and pulled out, safely and proceeded back to the test centre and parked up outside. Larry was waiting at the door, obviously chomping at the bit, eager to see how it went. Once I gave him the “I don’t know what the fuck happened there” nod, he knew.

So myself and the examiner proceeded into the office where he broke the news. He was a nice guy in fairness, he complimented my driving (with the exception of the near death experience) and told me otherwise I’d of walked the test! He told me not to be disheartened and apply ASAP. He asked how long I had been driving - 8 days I told him (which is true!) and whether it was my first test - which it was. He said to use it as a guide and go for it again, as my driving was good otherwise. Only got marked on Observation and Vehicle Controls (at the roundabout fiasco).

Poor auld Larry was distraught! He told me he honestly thought that I’d pass, but once he seen my face he knew something unexpected cropped up - I’ve taken that roundabout so many times that it’s so frustrating, especially since I did so well the rest of the test and on the home straight (less than 2 miles from test centre) I fumbled.

Ah well, its an experience, and wasn’t as frightening as some people made it out to be. I wasn’t nervous, just apprehensive, but now I know what to expect next time. I’ll be more level headed and prepared - I focused too much on the manoeuvres that I overlooked roundabouts - so guess what I’m doing for the next week!

So any of you learners awaiting your test, take my advice: Don’t be worried, you’ve nothing to lose, drive your best and display your ability. The testers aren’t ogres, they me be formal, but just follow instructions remember and follow the tuition of your instructor.

SGS Baldoyle run like a well oiled machine, I was in and out in less than 40 minutes, their setup is professional and discreet. OH and if you’re looking for a good instructor for the Northside routes (Baldoyle, Clonshaugh, Swords, & Raheny ) give Larry from Howth-Sutton School of Motoring a ring…tell ‘em Aaron sent you!

Thanks to everyone who wished me well, I’ll try not to disappoint next time 

Well I’ve been getting the finger out and getting some practice for my upcoming driving test. Although as far as I’ve gotten, I’m making steady progress - after all it’s been a while since I last drove on a road. I had a pre-test today, and just barely passed with some work required on general controls and progress - I’ve another 6 lessons so I should get it covered in time for the test (11th November).

Time for a plug me thinks? My instructor Larry from Howth-Sutton School of Motoring is the best instructor I’ve had to date - and I’ve had four! Basically he doesn’t humour me or tell me what I want to hear, if I’m going wrong he tells me so, if I’m going straight and narrow he praises me, he lets you do what you think you should do in a situation (providing it’s not a hazard, or obstruction to anyone), then shows you and keeps you at it until your 100% capable of doing it yourself.

I was thrilled when I mastered the reverse around the corner first time and I’m nearly there with 3-point turn, and I need some work on Hill Start, but it’s getting there. He’s using a copy of the test sheet which the examiner will use to judge my progress and get an idea on what we’ve to focus on.

Anyway, I’ll keep you all posted!

Yes with some luck, I’ll be ditching those wretched L-plates with my pending application for my driving test. I’ve been told the waiting list has been reduced to less than 6 weeks with contractors been brought in to reduce the application congestion - I’m hoping to get either Clonshaugh or Swords as my test centre (both ran by SGS), but I didn’t have the option on the booking form.

My sudden motivation to apply for the test came recently with an announced ‘blitz’ held by the Gardaí - nationwide. They’re pulling cars at random and checking for everything, especially unaccompanied Learner Drivers, following the new legislation in Ireland in the past month which prohibits any Provisional License holder to drive unaccompanied. So those of you reading who have driven unaccompanied and continue to do so I’d recommend you find some fully licensed driver to sit beside you - as I believe the penalties include a heafty fine and the impounding of the car! You have been warned!

And on a final note, congrats to Mr. Roche (dont’ know if he reads this or not) for passing his Bus Driving Test yesterday. You’re not a bread van driver anymore! :thumbsup:

It is with great relief that I can say that I’m a free man for three months! I finished up for the last time on Thursday with Business - both History & Business exams went very well in my opinion, came out of both of them after an hour and a bit really happy with what I submitted.

Of course, here I am whining about a few summer assessment exams, while there are Leaving Cert students nationwide who are pulling their hair out and cramming those last bits in! I have a few friends who are doing the Leaving Cert this year, although they are grand on the facade, they are pretty stressed and worried. I’ve only done my Junior Cert a few years ago, and found you calm down after the first exam - although it could be a different story with the Leaving Cert, as unlike the Junior Cert you’ve to study for it!

As soon as I was finished, I was ushered into work by ‘the boss‘. He had bought two new coaches and had no one to help move them, although I haven’t a license for a bus, I have got one for a car. So my job was to drop him to the dealer to pick up the first bus, and follow him to our depot, then do the same for the second one. I felt very honoured, as not everyone is allowed to drive Steve’s classic S-Class Merc!

I’m presently waiting for a few call backs on job applications, I’ve put a few fingers in some pies, as I want to make some money this summer. I now own more vehicles then I did last summer, so that means more expense. I also have the burden of Car Insurance, increases in Petrol prices (although I’m considering getting a Diesel) and I’ve to pay more for my hosting as I’m presently moving all my websites onto a new hosting account - a master reseller account.

Also, you may note I’m somewhat getting into this Twitter thing. I’m presently experimenting on some services and plugins for Twitter, such as Twitterfone and Twitterfox. There are more, but I’ve either dumped them or haven’t yet tried them, I have intentions on doing a review on them shortly.

I’m way to bust lately to be blogging, I just had a spare half hour to throw up a post - not even on the computer neither. I’m blogging on the laptop whilst doing a history essay and renewing a few domains at the same time - who says men can’t multi-task?

Between school, and other online work I haven’t the time to blog, I’ve three websites to get up in the next few weeks - I’ve a habit of starting (designing) and not finishing them, the arduous task of making the content! I also want to get a portfolio online to showcase my work (what little there is!).

In the time since I’ve last blogged I’ve gotten on the road to nowhere, I’ve ‘acquired’ my first car - and two days later acquired my second car . Both Fiat Punto’s, I know you’ll be gritting your teeth at the unreliability and cheap feel of them, but I got both for free - one a 1999 1.2 60S from ‘Payne in the Arse‘, which needs a new camshaft and some other minor work, and the other a 1997 55SX from my uncle - he bought it for my cousin to start driving and she had other ideas. It was a wreck when he got it, but as he’s a mechanic he put a new engine into it, 5 new tyres and a fresh NCT.

So now I’ve motivation to get my Full License, which I hope to get come June. I would have done more driving lessons - if Irish School of Motoring hadn’t ‘lost’ my file after I paid for 5 hours of lessons and only partook of one! For shame ISM!

And on another note - we’ve painted the bus! My uncle (same one who gave me the Punto), gave his time to paint and buff the bus, a big job. We’ve only got it white so far, and we’re awaiting a sign writer to apply blue and navy striping and logos. The pic below is of it in Greystones on Saturday 5th of April 2008, still requiring completion - needed corner trim, wheel trims, a good waxing and striping.

For those who are interested, we’re organising a run upto Belfast in the above bus for a show held up there annually. It’s not an anorak event, but a gathering of vintage cars, buses, trucks and anything else with Irish heritage. Click here for more info.

2008 has been so hectic, I haven’t yet had the chance to layout a plan of action forecast for the year ahead, as regards present websites, blogs, forums, domains, and proposed investments, and ideas. Well I’m finally getting there - slowly but surely. 2008 has been so hectic, I haven’t had the opportunity to make any business posts, nor have I had the luxury of time to upgrade the blog to Wordpress 2.3.2.
I have plans for my ‘high’ earners, such as this blog and a few others - sorry but for some reason, I often don’t publically disclose most of my websites of being under my ownership - although, if you have an eye for detail you’d spot my trend of websites dotted about the net . I have decided to keep this blog as my main personal diary, with as few business posts as possible. I will of course post the odd webmaster article, but I want to bulk out the rest of my network of simular topics on money making, marketing, and other online activities - if they end up anything like this blog was in August I’d be happy!

The six forums I run and co-run will be expecting quite considerable work, all phpBB, and SMF boards will eventually be ported over the vBulletin, provided they can earn their keep! I’ve two boards on IP. Board, I will keep them on that for as long as I can (when the licenses expire). I’m gradually moving from stepping stone to stepping stone when it comes to marketing websites and blogs - forums are my next target!

Setting up a blog is hard work, but setting up a forum is a mammoth task! For instance, Wordpress is so easy to install I can have it done in under 30 minutes, theme installed too! . All you’ve to construct is your categories, a few links in the blogroll, intro post, and a few other minor bits and pieces. Forums, tend to be more difficult. Firstly you have to install it, IP. Board and vBulletin, simple as they are, take a lot of time to install. They take longer to setup, with various categories, forums, sub-forums, usergroups, user ranks, admin/mod permissions, etc… Hence, I have never been very motivated while setting up forums!

I believe it will take me another week to settle! I’ve been so busy getting myself ‘on the road‘ - more on that when I get my license in the post!, I’ve been away from the 2nd of January until Sunday evening, I’m back at school - which is hectic at the moment as you could imagine, I’m busy working on other websites which I’ve promised priority over everything else, and that coupled with looking for employment, and trying to juggle a social life and online business - it’s not an easy feat!

I know I said I wouldn’t be posting until the 27th, but I have been bored out of my skull the past three days! So I need something to take up the slack! Christmas so far has been good, as usual Christmas is boring as there is nothing to do, except sit at home, or perhaps visit some relatives. My family chose the sitting at home approach as this year we hosted Christmas dinner at our house.

Christmas Eve was spent cleaning (took me 3 hours to get through my room!), I did a small bit of work, and vegged out for the night. Went to bed around 3:00 (ish) on Chrtistmas morning, my sister was up at 3:30 eagerly awaiting her haul from the big fat man. I didn’t roost from the bed until 6:00, when I eventually got up, I found my way downstairs, opened my presents, gave out mine, shuffled around for a bit and went back to bed.

Got a decent haul this year I must say! I went all out this year too, so far I’ve received:

• The PC,
• Driving Lessons,
• iPod/FM Wirelsss Transmitter,
• Automatic Chess thing,
• A Car Airfreshner (from my sister ),
• Usual Smellies,
• Vouchers, and around €300 in cash from Aunties, Uncles, Grannys, and Grandads!

Not a bad haul. My sister got so much stuff it would be impossible to list, althugh I’m very thankful to my uncle who got her an Electric Guitar…that coupled with a Karaoke machine…I’m in for a peaceful 2008…not likely!. I’m easy to buy for, either a voucher or cash . My Dad got a fair few bits - loads of Podge and Rodge stuff, Portable DVD player, Car CD Player, Recordable DVD Player, Ordinary DVD Player, Smellies, a good haul of CD’s and DVD’s. My Mam got a new phone, camera, perfumes, handbags, and a few other bits, I got her a few toiletries my Gran recommended.

Christmas Dinner was my favourite part by far! Turkey, Roast, and Ham with all the trimmings, polished it all off and made sure to save room for desert. I can’t remember much of Christmas night except watching my uncles camero on ‘Inside I’m Dancing’…he played the Vantastic driver who ‘delivered‘ the rebelious Rory, other than that I can’t remember much one minute I was on JD & Coke, the next I’m waiting up a 3pm on the 26th with a headache and writting this post - but I might do it again tonight, after all it is Christmas and you’re suppose to overindulge .

I’ll head out to the sales in the next day or two, pick up a few bargains. I’m in need of a new phone, desk and TV! Was considering the K800i as an upgrade for my present K750i, they’re pretty simular, except the K800i has a 3.2 MP camera, and more features. Along with a phone upgrade will be my port to Vodafone - O2 have been good to me, but Vodafone has better deals and prospects for me .

Well that’s my Christmas todate. Normal services shall resume soon.

I’m delighted to say that I passed my theory test with flying colours - 39 out of 40 correct . I know the exact question I stumbled on, which was the only one I really had to put any effort into answer.

Q: (Picture of a car in Fog) - What are the road safety issues pictured:

The green ones are the answers I answered, but on consideration after the exam it could possiblybe the one highlighted in red. It was a bit of a trick question or one of those ’stupid questions’ in my previous post. The image did not show any rain, only fog - therefore there would be no immediate danger of ‘aquagliding’, but instead a danger of being dazzled by oncoming head & fog lights.

My appointment wasn’t until 2 o’clock, but I was in town at 12:00 to get some shopping out of the way. But considering I’m highly impatient, and can get irritated whilst being barged about in large crowds of grannies and other feckless male shoppers, I got everything over and done with in the one shop (with the help of a shop assistant), and was done at 12:20. A problem as I had nothing to do for the next hour or so…

So I just went rambling, and got loadza freebies. Including a disposable camera when I bought a bottle of Lucozade, and a free Lynx giftset when I bought all my other prezzies.

Went to the DTTS center on Parnell Street (Dublin’s China Town) around 1:30, guy there told me I could have come anytime before my schedualed time as there weren’t many bookings. Got served straight away and in 15 minutes was done and waited for the outcome. Was thrilled with my results, and two people who were waiting with me offered congratulations - so I thought it was only fair I waited around until they got out to offer my congrats.

My advice for anyone going on their theory test anytime soon is to buy the CD, instead of the book. the test is exactly the way it is on the CD, and most of the questions are the same or simular. It’s an easy test to do, but futher advice is don’t bring anything more than what you need. Leave your shopping until you’re complete with your test, as you’re prohibited from taking anything except yourself and your passport into the examination room - luckily I only had a few bits in my backpack!

So I’m off to get my Eyesight report tomorrow, and to apply for my provisional license. Although I probably won’t receive it until the new year

I have my Driver Theory Test tomorrow, at 2pm. I’m not worried about the whole ordeal, I’m confident in my knowledge of the rules of the road. But I am worried about those stupid questions I’m bound to get asked! I’ve passed most of my ‘mocks’ using the CD. I failed once, due to the ’stupid questions’ whos answers are completely rediculous and incompetent!

One I failed on in my ‘mocks’ was something simular to this: Your right rear taillight is out. How can you tell that it is out?

A. Your footbrake pedal becomes heavier (?), B. Your left taillight becomes dimmer, C. You get another person to check at the rear of the vehicle (!), D. Your left taillight becomes brighter.

Now I would (and did) guess B, as the circuit would be broken. And anyone hazard a guess at the correct answer? That’s right C! How stupid is that question, designed to trip you up!

If I don’t get tripped by any ’stupid questions’ I should pass. Anyone is capable of passing apparently. The Irish Driver Theory Test seems to be one of the worse constructed systems I’ve encountered! Firstly, they never inform me of my booking! I had to ring them up to confirm they got my payment and when the date was - a week before it! Secondly, they have the most stupid barely driving related questions. They should put down proper questions - Speed limits, Stopping Distances, and General Road courtesy stuff.

I’m just a little agitated today, Irish & English exams didn’t go so well. Both teachers screwed me, most of the stuff they focused on never appeared. Me being a sucker, I looked over the stuff they were concentrating on and only glanced at the other stuff…and guess what came up on the test! I soldiered through, I did okay, but not as good as I had hoped!

Sorry for the lack of postings recently, I’ve been busy with other websites, and preparing for the next week of tests! Both in and out of school! For most of next week, I’ve exams, I didn’t have any last year (incase you couldn’t tell!), so I’ve been looking over some stuff I’m not to fresh on. I don’t intend on doing proper ’study’ until the night before the exams - I’ve two most days, except Wednesday and Friday.

The other exam I’ve to limp through is my ‘Driver Theory Test’ that has been book for Tuesday 18th of December, for 2:00 - I’ve to arrive 15 minutes prior to book in and sit twiddling my thumbs like an eegit for 10 minutes! It’s probably the only exam I don’t have to study for, I’ve a good knowledge of driving and the rules of the road - even if most of the test is basic general knowledge. Nevertheless, I’ll still do some practice tests on the CD. I got 40/40 on my first go, so I’m optimistic I’ll have no trouble with the test! The hardest part by far was booking the thing! For some reason they ‘forgot’ to contact me regarding my details and booking number. So in the end I had to ring them to confirm my payment was recieved!

The only thing is, my theory test clashes with my Accounting exam. And I can’t reschedual my Theory test, as there’s no open appointments in the centre until mid-January! . I’ll sort something out, I’m handy at Accounting (not as good as Shay though!), so I’ll see if I can rearrange another sitting.

For those of you who will be sitting their theory test shortly, or drivers who want to test themselves to see if they’ve still got it, ISM have an online Mock Theory Test you can try out!