Hello. I had my driving exam today at Eskilstuna. A very pleasant inspector greeted me and with a smile explained me what will follow for the coming 35-40 minutes. We were sitting in a big Volvo XC60. Never driven this car before. I was explained that a few mistakes were fine but many mistakes together could accumulate and may not be acceptable. I was also instructed to hold my speed, if possible to do safely, close to the speed limit to maintain eco-driving.
Firstly, I was asked to check the main brakes, as part of the security controls. I instead checked the brake servo, because I could only remember this test as part of the brake check. First mistake. She actually wanted to me drive a bit forward/backward and hard press the brake. But I had never done this so was not sure how to do it.
Then she asked me to drive out of the Trafikverket’s parking and on to Fraktgatan. The speed limit is 50 kmph here even though it is not stated anywhere on the road. After giving way to the traffic on Mått Johanssons väg (read up on the history of Mr. Johansson of the famed Jo blocks), we turned right.
Then she asked me to follow signs to E20 Stockholm. Here there was roadworks in progress. And I unnecessarily changed lanes multiple times because I was asked to take the exit on Årbyrondollen towards Nyköping. Second big mistake. Towards the end of the test, my examiner was concerned that such driving on the highways near Stockholm could be very risky.
Then another 2-lane roundabout and the third exit towards Nyköping. I managed to drive for some time towards Nyköping and then I was asked to take right on Sundbyvägen. Then a right towards Noachsgatan (right hand rule), right turn on Strandgatan, and then some way (I forget) back to Mått Johanssons väg.
I was asked to do a reverse parking in a parking lot by Mått Johanssons väg. Then I was asked to drive to the parking lot of the trafikverket, and park besides a standing car. Since there were no lines to guide me in to a parking space, I placed myself too far away from the standing car. Third mistake.
I was sure that I didn’t drive to the best of my intentions and my examiner agreed. However, I was passed. I think that except the above mentioned three mistakes, the rest of my driving was acceptable. Sometimes my speed could be higher or lower but if the mistakes are not repeated very frequently, then it may be acceptable.
Ofcourse, it feels glad to be approved. But that doesn’t make me a better driver. If I had failed, I hope to have practised more and given a better exam some other time. Now as I am approved, I hope to continue working on improving my driving, sometimes with a more knowledgeable person and sometimes myself. Thank you to the instructor who was kind, forgiving and understanding. Wishing you all the best