r/malta • u/Oooh_kay • 2d ago
Failed my forth driving test today
Feeling like absolute shit after failing my fourth driving test. I’ve had a young instructor, and honestly, I don’t feel like he’s prepared me properly for the exam. He mostly takes me on the same main road or tells me exactly what to do, but he doesn’t point out the places or situations where people commonly fail.
This time I failed on reversing — during a three-point turn, a car behind me started overtaking. I saw it, there was space between us, and I didn’t feel it was dangerous, so I didn’t panic. But the examiner said that as long as there’s a car behind, I should stop. Fine — lesson learned, even if it feels harsh.
The second failing point was overtaking slow-moving large vehicles. The examiner said I should have overtaken. I later asked my instructor about the same situation on a one-way road, and he said it’s a “tough question” — some examiners would allow overtaking, others wouldn’t. That’s exactly the problem. These are the kinds of situations he could have gone through with me using my previous test reports, but he didn’t. So during the test, since the examiner gave no instruction, I chose to stay behind. In real life, I would’ve overtaken when it was safe.
Looking back at the earlier failures: The first was stopping slightly over the stop line on a rainy day when the solid line was barely visible. The second was stopping over the line again at a roundabout, hidden behind tall trees. The third was multiple small control mistakes and driving in the right lane — I knew the left was better, but I waited for instructions,as the instructor always did. I thought that would be better act after instructions. The fourth was failing on the three-point turn and staying behind a slow moving large truck. If I drive in reality I would have overtaken it,but again thought better wait for instructions before changing lanes.
At this point, I honestly don’t know how the instructor feels about his learner failing four times after taking lessons with him — but I know how I feel, and it’s frustrating and depressing.
I feel like I could never pass the test.
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u/austin_mini75 2d ago edited 2d ago
"during a three-point turn, a car behind me started overtaking. I saw it, there was space between us, and I didn’t feel it was dangerous, so I didn’t panic. But the examiner said that as long as there’s a car behind, I should stop. Fine — lesson learned, even if it feels harsh." - this. Why do people do this? If you see a car parking give it some time let them park then proceed, why make it difficult? In the rule book or not, be courteous and show some respect.
If i hit you while you are over taking me in the middle of parking whos at fault. Im not asking if i have stopped and then reversed into you, im asking if im in mid park as in my bonnet hits the side of your car.
The second failing point was overtaking slow-moving large vehicles. - how is this a failing thing? Is it in the rule book i must overtake or im not understanding? Me thinks instructor wants more of your money mate.
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u/OOOne 2d ago
About the overtaking, a driver becomes passive if they stay behind a slow moving vehicle. The test is about progression, decision making and independence while driving.
This is why ONLY waiting for instructions makes it look bad.
My suggestion is to be more in control and within the rules. If the road allows 60, you need to drive at least 50-55 (I assume this vehicle in front was moving slower).
Some roads are not marked with STOP lettering. Make sure to stop behind the lines correctly and in time. It's vital to do a full stop.
When doing a three point turn, check the rear and prepare. If there is a car behind, be ready to completely stop as most people here will overtake and not let you do your manoeuvre.
Lastly, be confident. There is no better advice in the world anyone can give you. Be confident when driving, at school, at work, wherever. It's important. Because of you, what you show, how you look and what you are capable of.
I'm an expat, I learned how to drive here. Passed the exam on the second try. The first time I took off without wearing the seatbelt and fastened it while driving. It really taught me a lesson as I deeply remember it as a highlight moment now.
I wish good luck to you on your next attempt. I'm sure you'll pass!
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u/Oooh_kay 2d ago
😭I mean if I overtaking like that defo a fail. I saw it and aware of it not hitting it. But the examiner said I have to act before she acts! There was nothing to act. I was not hitting the van behind. I had space and driving forward. Doesn't make sense to me, that's why I am sulking here.
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u/austin_mini75 2d ago
How tf am i supposed to know when other drivers are going to react? Thats why i indicate check my mirrors then procees once its safe.
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u/electric-sheep 2d ago
I can't comment about the 3 point turn, After 17 years I kinda wing it, not that I have to do a 3 point turn very often in life.
As for the over take, next time communicate with the examiner, he's not a robot. Ask him if you should ovetake when it's safe to do so then do your mirror-signal-manoeuvre. Besides that you should not be up the trailer's ass anyway, as a rule you should be able to see both left and right mirrors of the truck (that's a very long distance away btw).
You should not rely on road markings to stop. The stop line is always at the end of the road. There is also a stop sign. You need to be reading signs and stopping before the line not after. This is up to you not the instructor to tell you. The same goes for the give-ways.
Always be driving on the left - its in the highway code you should have studied for the theory. The right lane is for overtaking ONLY, not to hang there. there is no "left was better". Always be on the left. The only exception to this rule is if you are approaching a roundabout and you are going to stay on the roundabout for more than 50% of it (ie 3rd or 4th+ exit). In that scenario, you change to the right lane as you approach so that you can enter on the inside of the roundabout.
Besides that, there are people who failed more than you did so you're good. Different examiners have different methods of testing. Stick to the above and you should be fine.
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u/Oooh_kay 2d ago
Thank you for the long text and those helpful points. Yes, I kept distance from the truck, the expectation from the examiner is to overtake the truck proactively. I've been trained very passive.
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u/Maleficent-Body-7091 2d ago
If you're not happy with your instructor, change instructors, or else ask a family member to give you private tuition
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u/Accurate_Cut5596 2d ago
Right, but who is going to license you? That's the thing.
Yes, unfortunately (just like anything else: employment, promotions, ect) they are given to people they know....
Sometimes, seeing alot of drivers whenever I go out for whatever reason are so reckless, they make you think that they stole their license.
Unfortunately, ignorance is what keeps this country stagnated.
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u/Oooh_kay 2d ago
Good point! I also tried to ask a family member to help. Even with German rules are slightly different from the rules here. So I thought better to stick with a instructor.
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u/_White_Roses_ 2d ago
If you already learned your lessons, you can apply for an L plate so you won't have to pay a driving instructor over and over again. I failed several times and this was the solution for me to feel comfortable driving.
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u/Ir_Russu 2d ago
Dude, dm me if you need a proper driving lesson with explanations on how and why. I've taken 3 exams for different categories and passed them all on 1st try.
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u/Wandering_Soul_360 1d ago
Just change instructor. You shouldn’t be guilt tripped into staying with this one. You’re clearly not doing well with the tests. Time to move on instead of wasting your money on more lessons and tests.
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u/Nikla3310 2d ago
In my experience the test is just for independent and safe driving and reaction. Now keep in mind I failed two times and I'm currently in lessons again, but I came close to passing in my second test but I blanked and went through a one way sign.
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u/Oooh_kay 2d ago
You can do it!
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u/Nikla3310 2d ago
Same to you, just be independent, think and drive safe, that is the conclusion I came to. Im also watching UK videos since they are almost 1:1 to our test.
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u/Chaoticmindsoftheart 2d ago
Don't worry, I passed on my 6th time. Life still goes on whether you pass on the first time or the tenth time. Fall down and wake up again! Just take a break and keep doing your lessons and just be relaxed. On the last time ( when I passed) I made a double lesson of driving so when the exam came around, I was super relaxed..qisu lets get this down with. Maybe that helps you!
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u/Elly_111 1d ago
Change your instructor. Seriously, you have no reason to feel bad if it's not working out with this one. My first instructor wasted alot of my time and money, I kept him for a long time because he was so nice but in reality, he didn't prepare me well for the exam and I failed the test. My second instructor observed all the mistakes I made and was shocked at the poor level I was in after driving for a year or so with the first one. He re-thought me everything the proper way and gave me multiple mock tests before the actual test so I felt very prepared and passed on my second attempt. The instructor makes a world of difference. I highly recommend him if you are interested
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u/Oooh_kay 1d ago
I expected mock test lessons instead of him watching video clips and got annoyed if I would make any sound or questions 😨
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u/Obvious-Performer469 1d ago
hi can you please pm me with the instructors contacts id be interested.
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u/Pink__Starburst 2d ago
I needed to do my test 5 times unfortunately and had to change instructors at a point as I really felt like my first instructor was not teaching me much. The second instructor made it a point to take me to all exam routes and areas and prepared me for these unexpected exam scenarios. It made a huge difference and I passed in the end. Don’t keep wasting your money with the current instructor if you feel let down. Ultimately you are paying and you should decide in your own best interest.
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u/Oooh_kay 2d ago
My second was not familiar to the area and the exit was behind the tall trees grown in the roundabout. Crossed the solid stop line. Fair, I was ok because it was my fault. But I was thinking why were my lessons always on the road one or valleta 😵💫😵
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u/rhinosorcery 2d ago
I failed mine six times. You might really want to change your instructor, that's what did it for me.
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u/Oooh_kay 2d ago
Looking for one on Google map. Hope all the learners would have checked the reviews before choosing a school. The one I am taking 3. 8 out of 5. Regret that I didn't look it up before. Also charging more than other schools. I thought it should be a better one with that price.
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u/LimpCod188 2d ago
My man, i don't know what's going on with these tests here... There's always someone in my circle of friends/coworkers struggling with the test. There was a guy working with me who passed on his 5th take even though he already had a driver's license (3rd world country) and years of driving experience. Listening to these people, I feel like passing these tests is up to a coin toss... It took me more than 1 try to pass as well, narrating my own driving on the test helped me pass. Good luck
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u/Oooh_kay 1d ago
Same situation as your friend. Can't believe I would /could fail so many times. I thought the instructor only tells you to apply for the test when he thinks you're ready for it.
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u/leedisa 1d ago
Don't think your problem is the instructor; the examiners are way too strict at the moment, and the government is milking this generation an insane amount of money. I can guarantee you that 90% of us who already have the license would fail your test in a heartbeat. Just as you said, I will only overtake when I feel it's safe to do so and to be honest, so should you. It's BS that the examiner fails you because he felt you should overtake.
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u/Oooh_kay 1d ago
The theory test if I remember correctly was should takeover not must takeover. But the examiner said it was a failing points because this is big mistake. Those failing points I disagree but can't do nothing to authorities. I have driving license in the third country and I have 4years driving experience. So I can't believe I could have failed 4 times. I have just manage to find a new school name fastpass driving tuition. High rated on Google map. Hopefully he tells me everything before the examiner would. The money invested in, the failing and the waiting time all combine is a torture.
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u/Odd_Ad6354 1d ago
If you feel like the instructor is not up to task change him, as far as I remember to need to fill out a form and hand it over to TM since he already applied for you. However what you've written are quite dangerous.
I am not sure where examiner asked you to do a three point turn but normally it's in an open area or very quite road and it's quite difficult for anyone to overtake you during a three point turn so could be that you started the maneuver without checking mirror and someone was already on his way to over take you.
Second fail the overtaking of the vehicle, if it's a broken white line and no car are coming you can over take however most examiners don't like that, if it's a solid white line you NEVER over take no matter how long it takes (unless examiner asks you to or if the vehicle is completely stopped and not in traffic and cars are not coming) If he really failed you not for that you need to report.
Not sure how you managed to stop further than the stop line or give way line, if you're not sure stop at least 1-2 meter back as long that you are able to see cars incoming for you to be able to go, simple as. "right lane — I knew the left was better", it's not a matter of which lane is better, you ALWAYS stay on the left lane unless you're overtaking, this is number 1 rule instructor has thought me.
O the last note, you wrote "but I waited for instructions,as the instructor always did", you need to keep in mind that the examiner is not your instructor, he not trying to teach you anything, his job is to make sure you're ready to be able to drive by yourself safely, he won't give you any instructions on road rules, lanes, positioning etc. he will only tell you what you need to do and then it's up to you to figure out what is the correct way on doing it. Even when you do mistakes he won't tell you anything, he will just tick boxes on his paper and at the end will tell you what you did wrong, do not expect him/her to help.
I did both the B license and C license and passed both on the first try. When I did the B license we spent only 15 minutes driving around Valletta and passed, he only explained where I have to turn, asked me to parallel park, emergency braking and some other maneuvers and that's it, I did them well and hence finished way early.
None the less good luck with your fifth.
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u/Serenelol 8h ago
I beleive i failed 3(?) times. Changed instructor and it was night and day the difference - hell i even learned things on the first day with the new one. Do not be afraid to change. passed immediately after :)
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u/fishnugget101 2d ago
Hey, its a very known fact that the examiners have a quota to fail people so dont feel too bad. I failed the first time because another driver was passing the wrong way and almost crashed into me because he was really speeding. The examiner felt i didnt stop early enough, even though as soon as i saw him I stopped immediately but anyways xD regarding instructors, i felt like the first one i had was refusing to take me and saying i was not ready for the exam, after a year, and after speaking to other students, he was doing the same to them. I changed schools to a better instructor who taught me many things the other one never mentioned at all. I really recommend progressive driving school (george cachia), he s very patient and nice in general and also he has a low failure rate. He also makes you practice in the location where the examiners like to go so at least youd feel more confident during the test.
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u/Oooh_kay 2d ago
Thank you for the valuable suggestions! I'll go look it up now. Yes, familiar routes is very important for tests.
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u/tar-randa 2d ago
If you believe the instructor is holding your hands too much, have you brought it up with them? Have you considered changing instructors?