تمام عمر جلے تنہا اور کرتے رہے اجالا
اک بے بسی لے ڈوبی اور کرتے رہے کنارا
تجھے مسکراتا دیکھوں، رہی دل میں ایک حسرت
اپنے ہی غم ہزاروں، نہ تمہیں دے سکے سہارا
ہونے دے آشنا ہمیں کچھ راز اپنے کھول
دکھ بانٹنے سے ہو گا ہلکا یہ دل تمھارا
بہت سبق ہم نے سیکھے ہر زندگی کے موڑ پر
یوں در بدر نہ ہوتے گر ہوتا کوئی ہمارا
خاموشیوں کے شور میں گھٹتا ہے دم اب میرا
چلتے ہیں کہیں دور اور ڈھونڈیں نیا ٹھکانہ
I’ll keep my experience short and divide it into 4 parts:
1. My Learning Experience at the Driving School
It took me numerous classes and multiple assessment attempts, and the whole process lasted around 7-8 months. But honestly, the good thing about taking multiple attempts was that I got enough time to thoroughly learn the car and driving environment because I had never driven back in my home country before.
I was also a bit lazy with scheduling classes. I should’ve been calling the school continuously for earlier slots because my course timings were only at night.
After some assessments, it sometimes took me 2-3 weeks just to book new classes because the only available timings were during the daytime while I was working.
2. My Suggestions for Classes
Whenever I took extra classes, I made sure to ask every question I had, practice on roads I wasn’t familiar with, and repeat difficult maneuvers multiple times.
For example, during yard/parking classes, I practiced the maneuvers repeatedly until I became comfortable with them. I would intentionally park early or late just to learn how to correct mistakes during the final test.
This actually helped me in my reverse garage parking during the final exam. I entered slightly early but used an extra maneuver to fix the parking properly. You usually get 2-3 corrective moves while parking, so use them wisely. (Someone here on Reddit gave me this advice.)
Some instructors are extremely friendly and helpful. They’ll explain everything and take you to roads you’re unfamiliar with. Others may not care as much, so it’s important to actively ask questions while learning.
If possible, try to be a little flexible with work timings and book the earliest available classes and re-tests. It can speed up the whole process significantly.
3. My RTA Test Experience
There were 3 candidates in the car, and I was the second one to drive.
The first guy drove okay, but he was careless with car control. Before starting the test, the examiner said he wanted to check 3 things:
I drove for around 10 minutes and performed all maneuvers confidently while staying relaxed. The examiner barely said a word during the drive, and at the end he praised me and said I drove really well.
The last candidate made multiple mistakes, but the examiner remained calm and polite and even gave him several chances to correct his faults.
4. My Suggestions for the RTA Test
By the time you reach the final test, you already know how to drive. You know the rules, the roads, and the maneuvers. So the main thing you need is confidence.
‣ Get proper sleep (7-8 hours).
‣ Eat something light before the test. Don’t overeat.
‣ Take a shower and dress nicely. It genuinely boosts confidence.
‣ Don’t wait for the examiner’s instructions while driving. ‣ Keep reading the road ahead and stay focused.
‣ Make your mirror checks and shoulder checks obvious. ‣ Slight head movement helps the examiner clearly see your observations.
‣ If you don’t understand an instruction properly, don’t hesitate to ask the examiner to repeat or clarify it.
‣ Constantly check road signs, speed limits, lane markings, and signals.
‣ Pay close attention to pedestrians. If someone is near a crossing, approach slowly and be extra cautious.
‣ Remember: you already know how to drive. You’re simply demonstrating it to another person.
‣ If you make a small mistake, don’t panic or assume you already failed. Stay composed and continue driving properly because examiners judge your overall driving, confidence, observations, and control throughout the test.
‣ My personal tip: don’t tell too many people about your test beforehand. It removes unnecessary pressure.
Good luck.