I got both on the first try, learner's just after my 17th, drivers just after my 18th.
I got me the K53 book, my parents let me drive around as much as possible in the year that I had my learners. I became extremely comfortable with driving and with the car. By the time my 18th came around I was a totally confident driver.
When I booked my test I went for one 1hr lesson where the guy explained the K53 driving style and rules. I went home and forced myself to drive that way for a month. Then I went back for another one 1hr lesson where we drove around and he "tested me" on my K53 skills, tested me in the yard, etc. I had a few things to correct, so I did that.
A week before my test, I went for one final 1hr lesson with the instructor at the testing station. He showed me the yard, explained the order of the tests to me, where to watch out for what, took me on a drive through the road test circuit they would take me on, told me where the emergency stop would be, made me do it the stop, pointed out trick spots and hidden road signs etc.
Don't expect a driving school to actually teach you how to become a good driver. Rather drive as much as possible and become comfortable with the car. THEN you just go to get the K53 rules/driving style down for the test.
Also, small car doesn't always give an advantage in doing the test. Small car = small windows + low, so not as good visibility. I did my test in a Renault Scenic, which has great big windows and all-round viz. You can see the nose and the back end. You know exactly how long and wide the car is. You're comfortable in it because it's the car you practiced in repeatedly.
If you're confident and careful you'll be fine.
I got me the K53 book, my parents let me drive around as much as possible in the year that I had my learners. I became extremely comfortable with driving and with the car. By the time my 18th came around I was a totally confident driver.
When I booked my test I went for one 1hr lesson where the guy explained the K53 driving style and rules. I went home and forced myself to drive that way for a month. Then I went back for another one 1hr lesson where we drove around and he "tested me" on my K53 skills, tested me in the yard, etc. I had a few things to correct, so I did that.
A week before my test, I went for one final 1hr lesson with the instructor at the testing station. He showed me the yard, explained the order of the tests to me, where to watch out for what, took me on a drive through the road test circuit they would take me on, told me where the emergency stop would be, made me do it the stop, pointed out trick spots and hidden road signs etc.
Don't expect a driving school to actually teach you how to become a good driver. Rather drive as much as possible and become comfortable with the car. THEN you just go to get the K53 rules/driving style down for the test.
Also, small car doesn't always give an advantage in doing the test. Small car = small windows + low, so not as good visibility. I did my test in a Renault Scenic, which has great big windows and all-round viz. You can see the nose and the back end. You know exactly how long and wide the car is. You're comfortable in it because it's the car you practiced in repeatedly.
If you're confident and careful you'll be fine.
