20 years old without a a driving license

80% Normal
22 Comments

I am a 20 year old male and I have failed my drivers test 2 times now and feel completely useless. In the past I got to and from where i needed to go either from carpooling or walking. Now I have moved to an area where I cant walk to any jobs I apply for. I need to drive. I took driving classes when i was about 18 and passed without any problems. I got a near perfect score on all the written parts of the test. I know all the rules of the road verbatim. I consider myself an intelligent individual, at least competent enough to travel a small commute to work. But when I get behind the wheel. I lock up, I get nervous, I forget the rules of the road, and i just want to end it as soon as possible. Thus resulting in the failure of 2 drivers license test attempts. I feel like all of the rules and anxieties of "good" driving hit me all at once.

I dont understand. I KNOW I am capable of driving. In my mind its a very simple thing to do. I've scheduled my next driving test already but I fear that it will result in humiliating failure like the rest. I need help. I want a life. I want to be able to get to a job and do things without my parents or friends driving me.

Voting Results
80% Normal
Based on 30 votes (24 yes)
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Comments ( 22 )
  • thegypsysailor
    9 years ago

    Some people just do not do well in testing situations. I've been a professional in my field for over 50 years and I'm quite proficient at it. But if I had to take a test to get my credential renewed right now (written), I might not pass. I get all sweaty, nervous and I forget everything I know.
    The most you can do is try and relax (I'd say take a shot of scotch, but we all know that's illegal). Perhaps try a few Yoga relaxing meditations, or something similar. Good luck.

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    • Incomplet
      9 years ago

      Chew gum or something. Apparently the mind's hardwired to think "I would not be eating if I were in danger, but I am eating - so I am not in danger".

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      • thegypsysailor
        9 years ago

        Sounds good. Honestly though, I doubt I'll ever have to take another test as long as I live.

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    • gashlover
      9 years ago

      wow, bro, I didn't know you were such an old fogie.

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      • thegypsysailor
        9 years ago

        god was just a pup when I graduated high school.

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        • gashlover
          9 years ago

          oh wow.. did you ever listen to coast to coast with art bell?

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          • thegypsysailor
            9 years ago

            Nope. Was that AD or BC?

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            • gashlover
              9 years ago

              it's old school stuff about black projects, wormholes, etc etc. AD

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  • zoffix
    9 years ago

    It just sounds like you need more behind-the-wheel practice, maybe get someone annoying or scary with you, to ride as a passenger :)

    I recall failing my tests twice, because I was freaked out by being tested. I ended up going to do the test at a different location and passed it with flying colours.

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  • Legion
    9 years ago

    that sounds like my brother he's good at driving, but gets nervous during a test.

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  • TrustMeImLying
    9 years ago

    Before I even say anything. How much have you driven? Excluding those classes at 18

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      9 years ago

      Well I had to log time on the road before i finished my class. basically I drove around with a parent and they signed off that I drove for so long and met the time requirements to finish. However I think that time was only about 5 hours. Not sure if that's a lot or a little. I would drive around in town with them and did fine. Went through drive thrus, went to walmart, and did some highway and merging during day and night. My parents thought I did well enough to take the test. I also spent 3 entire days parallel parking. I can pretty much do that blindfolded.

      I feel like the thing that wrecks my nerves more than anything is intersections and lights.

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      • TrustMeImLying
        9 years ago

        It does sound like you need more practice behind the wheel. Driving involves muscle memory. There comes a point where all the driving rules and cautions become second nature.

        Dont be too concerned about passing/failing or not doing the right thing during your test. In fact, it may even be a good idea to take your next test just as a "learning experience." Forget passing/failing. You dont care about that. Just drive the best you can, and the passing will come eventually.

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  • KeddersPrincess
    9 years ago

    I didn't get mine until I was 19.

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  • myownopinions
    9 years ago

    I passed on the first try when I was 15 or 16. I just burned into my memory that I absolutely should stop at a stop sign because that was the only rule that would lead to automatic failure for the test I took. I was really nervous during the test and even ran over the curb while turning once, but I still managed to pass.

    Basically, just keep the absolutely essential driving rules in mind while taking the test. I don't know if it'll work for you, but it did for me. Look at the bright side, if you keep failing, eventually taking the test will feel like a habit and you'll no longer be nervous. (Also, I guess it depends on where you are taking the test and who's administering it.)

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  • KeepsakeDoll
    9 years ago

    Practice driving really early in the morning when there's barely any cars in the road.

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  • Twickers
    9 years ago

    Can I assume you have a learners permit to drive? Find someone who will ride shotgun with you, preferably someone who isn't terribly excitable. Practice with them, a LOT. Then, you will still probably be nervous for the exam, but you actually might even have some muscle memory and be (overall) more comfortable with the act of driving. Good luck. :)

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  • loopoo
    9 years ago

    I got mine 19 first try (lucky I know) but when I went out in my car after I still didn't feel ready, just keep calm, be aware of your weaknesses and strengths go from there, you'll get it.

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  • ThisIsImpossible
    9 years ago

    Get a motorcycle bruh

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  • mountain-man82
    9 years ago

    Dont worry about it. My ex wife is 36 and is just now trying to get her liscense from what I hear.

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  • TareBear20
    9 years ago

    I have never taken a road test and I am 23. Normal. Also, my mom did not learn to drive until her 30's. I have my learners permit, but that doesn't count.

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  • Shrunk
    9 years ago

    Lol I got mine at 20 after the 4th try, because I needed it too, so I just had to keep trying. I only passed by 3 points. I passed the written and maneuverability on my first try, but the road test messed with my nerves too much... same thing about wanting to get it over with as quickly as possible, made me rush through it. I actually got my license in a different state I was living in at the time because the test was easier than at home... people make jokes like "if you failed that much you shouldn't have a license" but I'm actually a pretty defensive driver compared to some other people they let out there on the road... anyway, try not to feel bad. if you need it, you will just have to keep trying and fixing your mistakes, and you will get it eventually.

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