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!

Normal proceedings now resuming!

Why I wasn’t Blogging Last Week: I’m back to the normal pattern of posting, I’ve been so busy with my mind on other things the past week that my head has been all screwed up. Firstly my Grandad had a heart attack on Saturday, which had the whole family shook up as he was alone in the house at the time - everyone has been on high alert I’m checking in twice a day, I’ve sorted out another (!) mobile phone for him (it’s likely he won’t ever use it), and the rest of the family are checking in and getting him out and about.

So coupled with just not having the time to do anything blogging was very low down on my priority list. Although when I returned I did have a nice reminder of a new version of Wordpress to install

Excessive Workload: I’ve also been unable to move with the sheer workload on top of me, I had four essays due in the past week - my last week only consisted of three days, a quantity of midterm exams (did well in all IMO), and of course there’s general online projects. I’ve sold two websites for continued use, and parked a lot of domains. It’s been difficult just remembering what domains I have, and with what registrar - I used to register with whoever had deals on - bad idea! it meant I spent half a day compiling a list of some 57 domains and trying to recall what registrar and account they were held under. Luckily I often bulk register so it made it a tiny bit easier. So I’ve parked around 30 of them, and around 15 are for sale, 7 provisionally sold and the remaining a held for development. The other 30 will go on eBay when I get a chance

More Projects: I’m presently lining up a project - yes another bus. What’s my obsession I hear you ask? I’m not an anorak, infact I cannot stand routes, fleet numbers, batch dates or anything, I just have a love for the mechanical aspect of things. I’ve done my fair bit of work to previously owned vehicles, that I wasn’t going through the retreat process very well. So having gathered a few family members together, it has been decided that a new project will be sourced shortly for overhaul. I’ve two prospective candidates lined up, but I can’t say too much about them at this stage, incase it invalidates the deal! But watch this space.

Driving Test: I’ve booked a load of driving lessons for the next two weeks, ahead of my Driving Test on the 11th of November, to familiarise myself with a car again. It’s been a while since I’ve driven on the public road, so I want to familiarise myself and get the swing of things again. Professional help and advice is the only way to go, I’ve the theory and technical checks down to a fine art, it’s just the practical stuff I need some help with. I’m not overly confident of my capabilities, people have told me I should sail it, but I don’t think so. I may be a good driver, but it’s how you drive on the day that counts - if you let nerves get to you it will affect your perception, reaction, and anticipation thus you’ve a higher chance of failing. I’m not a nervous person, but I don’t know how I’ll fair out TBH, but if I fail I fail. I’ll give it my all, go in positive and come out positive (same goes for any exam), anything unexpected crops up put it behind me. I’ve the old “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail” drummed into my head, but it’s good sound advice, if I didn’t bother I shouldn’t expect to pass.

Macs: Yes, like many others I’ve fallen in love with Macs, particularly the new Macbook. Having played with a brand new Macbook, and a brand new Sony Vaio CS11S - the Macbook won hands down for proformance, even though it’s got less RAM, Hard Drive space and a lower spec Graphics card! And no, the Mac wasn’t more pricey, infact they were both in a similar price bracket (~€1200). I would have thought the looks of the new Macbook would have swayed me but no, the Sony looks that bit prettier from the outset, but performance wise the Apple was the superior. I’d trade my trust Dell Latitude for the Mac anyday…but would I trade my XPS for a specced iMac…it’d be a tough choice as I like my freedom of software! But shortly, the Laptop will be bidding a fond farwell, to be replaced by a shiney 13″ Macbook (don’t like the Macbook Pro - too fat!).

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:

I did an online IQ test this evening and it came back with 139, bearing in mind that genius is 170, I’m proud of myself if I do say so myself - and I didn’t cheat! Of course it’s not accurate, just a bit of fun - like that Brain Train I suppose…now where did I leave it :help:

Give it a go yourself - www.free-iqtest.net

On another note, I’m apparently smarter than 72.6% of you f00ls! www.am-i-dumb.com

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!

Been quiet around here lately - not much has been happening in my humdrum routine. So it’s time to rely on the ould favourite of blog tools, and various little widgets to keep you lot happy and content. I was reading Vincent Chow’s blog, and came across The Blog Readability Test, which basically scans your blog, websites, or MySpace profile of it’s literature and grades it on how readable it is, and what educated standard you must have to be able to understand it’s entirity. Of course it’s not accurate, but it’s good fun all the same

I just hate it when nothing interesting happens, makes my life seem boring - most of my ramblings I’m afraid are too inappropriate for the blog…or are boring (IMO) to others. So bear with me during the dry spell

At present, I’m spending the majority of this week on a ‘Leadership Course’ in the local youth center, due to my involvement with the Student Council in school - and I’m a senior so I’m just about required to do it for an upcoming inspection in school - for the next two weeks we’re going to be scrutenized by ‘up their own arses’ inspectors, so my princepal, year head and all teachers are on constant ‘rag’!

So this ‘course’ couldn’t have come at a better time, as we prepare for the inspection. The thing is, I would hardly call this a course. Basically, we wear our ‘own clothes’, and don’t have to arrive until around 10 - no big deal if you’re late! You then play Snooker, Fooseball, Wii, Playstation etc… until around 10:30, where you sit down for half an hour for the actual ‘course work’, before lunch - McDonalds, or Shopping Center right across the road, come back at 11:30, more ‘course work’ until 12:10 and you’re allowed home!

I’ve got this all week, except Thursday. The only downside to it, is having to go home, get changed into your school uniform and returning to school after virtually having the entire morning off! I was tempted not to return today, but decided I might aswell, ended up being a big waste. All I had afterall was English, Religion and Business (double) was a free - but had to stay due to the fact I had to get my mug shot taken with the rest of the cast of police academy student council.

And on another note - I’m finally getting around to doing my theory test. I’m sending off for it tomorrow, as after months of putting it off, I want to be mobile by Christmas so I can atleast TRY for my test by the time the new laws are passed governing all L-Drivers to be accompanied at all times.