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 

Nothing got to do with web development, but motors instead – I can hear the groans already! Anyway, gave the car a once over with a fine tooth comb to see what needs doing, or what will need doing soon. Came up with a shortlist of the following:

Replace Head Gasket – new gasket kit, shims and have to get head skimmed. Will also replace water pump, thermostat, aux. belt & cambelt whilst I’m here. No ‘mayo‘ under oil filler cap, or oil in water, but failure on outside of Gasket as leaking oil between block and head.

Radiator Hoses – I noticed that the radiator wasn’t holding any pressure, and coolant levels had dropped considerably. Tried to bleed radiator – open bleed screw and squeeze hoses, but when squeezing bottom hoses I could feel something inside and it was slightly perished. Only a few Euro, and held on by a jubilee clip. Will give me opportunity to change coolant and and bleed system thoroughly – will be done during HG replacement.

Full Service – Oil is a bit grubby, last service was 2 years ago, so I’m sure it’s well overdue. It hasn’t been driven on the oil, but leaving it idle with the oil in it isn’t good. Needs new spark plugs, HT leads, new battery and new filters. Will also clean block and dress engine whilst I’m here (have to impress NCT guys)

Wheel Bearing - Front wheel bearing is humming slightly. On its way out, better to change it sooner rather than later…I don’t want my front wheel overtaking me – I don’t need to know how robust my brake discs are!

Brakes – Life still in pads, but they will need doing in the near future so will do them now whilst I’m doing the Wheel bearing. Could do with adjusting handbrake cable too.

Other – Bodywork needs a tidy, two dents – one on drivers door (minor) and one on boot lid (big enough), will probably pull the one on the door out with a suction cup, but the boot lid might be difficult as it’s on a curve – but might be able to beat it out! Will look 100x better with a good wax and polish and I’ll run over it with a clay bar also.
Need to reattach the rear view mirror and tidy the mess the former owner left the electrics in – home fitted radio and speakers…which look rubbish, I’ll tidy the wiring and put them somewhere more discreet. There’s also some cheap Halfords “GX” badges on it, I don’t need my car to have a fake veneer on it!

It’s a list alright, most would probably scrap the car, but I’m doing the work myself and all will be done around the time of the Head Gasket replacement. I’ve done one before so I’ve a good idea of what I’m doing, costs will be kept to a minimum, I anticipate to spend around €150-€175 on parts and accessories, and seeing as the car was free it will only owe me around €450 (inc. tax).

On another note, I’m afraid I’m up to my old tricks again RE: Vintage Buses. I’m off to inspect a potential preservation project in the next couple of days, I’ve promised myself that I’ll focus headlong on my Leaving Cert, but if it comes to it, and it does come my way, I’ll put it into storage until next June.

As you may have gathered I’m a new driver, although I have experience it’s still near impossible to get on the road with my own set of wheels! I’ve been driving my Dads car as of late – actually haven’t driven it since beginning of August, but still I hate driving it as I’m afraid of damaging it! I’m more so afraid of my Mam as it’s mostly her run about car and if I so much as get a minuet scratch on it I won’t be fed for a month (although of course it’s okay for her to reverse into gates, and walls!).

So there during the week my Dad received the renewal notice from his insurance provider, with a quote for €1600 for the year! soared from €342 last year with just him and my Mam on it (fully comp & open drive) to well over 5 times that! Needless to say he wasn’t happy considering he has been with them for 15 years with a Full No Claims Bonus and has a number of vehicles insured with them also! Allianz really appreciate customer loyalty!

So basically we’ve decided to book a few driving lessons for me to get some practice in – I’ve already established I can drive but all I need is practice to better my road confidence – which is what I was doing with my Dads car! So I’ve to get upto test standard before October 3rd which is when my first driving test takes place (I moved it from 28th August). He’s considering getting a quote from a friend of his in a leading insurance company for me on my own policy building my own NCB from scratch, on my own car. But it doesn’t look like we’ll be paying under the €1000 mark at least for Third Party

Insurance companies have the prejudice and vision of all young drivers as maniacs who take stupid risks and endanger others and themselves. Although it’s not the case! I feel I’m a safe driver, who’s courteous, vigilant, and tries to make good progress. I’m not swift but I’m not slow, I’m not cocky but I’m not afraid neither. And most young drivers like me who own their car will generally look after it and not thrash it – unless your a boy racer! Although I got my car for free (from my uncle who bought it for my cousin who in the end didn’t want to learn to drive) I have spent a great deal of time and money in getting it road worthy and ready for an NCT. I have no plans to modify or rally it, I just want to get from A-B without have to get public transport, walk or ask for a lift!

I know we’re considered a high risk, understandably their has to be some excess premium. But for a car that’s not worth half of the premium, and will do under 10,000 miles per year and is being driven by an accompanied driver is there much of a risk? I may like in Dublin which would be a high risk area also – but Fiat Puntos are renowned for being difficult to steal with the keys and are not top of the list for desirable cars by car thieves!

Something will have to be done, as most young drivers like me can’t afford these premiums and yet need a car as a necessity – are safe and competent drivers who do limited millage per year. With the recession looming no young drivers will be able to take out policies as most of us are rapped for cash! Road tax, petrol, and maintenance costs are surging! Pretty soon it will be a choice of fuel the car or eat!

I just had to rant about it, most of you are saying it’s good that young drivers can’t get on the road or some will agree. Either way you have to admit the insurance companies are taking the piss! I think I might invest in a mule…