On The Road with Laura McDermott

15/09/2026

CAR CONTROL vs TEST READY

This is a conversation I have regularly with students.

Not because I’m trying to be difficult or hold anyone back, but because being able to control a car and being ready to drive independently on test are two very different things.

My promise to you

I will never hold you back when I genuinely believe you’re ready for your test.

But equally, I won’t encourage you to take your test before you’re ready.

I trust my professional judgement and I will always be open and honest with you. Ultimately, I want you to have the best possible chance of passing — and, more importantly, to be a safe and confident driver when you’re out there on your own.

Remember, it only takes one serious or dangerous fault to result in an unsuccessful test.

“But I feel like I’m driving really well…”

And you might be! But here’s something to think about.

Are you driving well because you’re making the decisions independently, or is your instructor still:

✅ Telling you when to change gear?

✅ Asking you what the speed limit is?

✅ Talking you through manoeuvres?

✅ Telling you which lane you need?

✅ Reminding you which exit to take at a roundabout because you’ve forgotten?

✅ Helping you decide whether there’s enough space for your car to get through?

✅ Pointing out brake lights, indicators or developing hazards that you haven’t noticed?

These might seem like small prompts, but on your driving test, your examiner won’t give you this help.

So, how will you know when you’re test ready?

You’ll feel the difference.

You’ll be able to drive independently, make your own decisions and deal safely with situations as they develop.

You’ll be able to follow directions and instructions without needing help.

Your instructor will become much quieter because YOU are doing the thinking.

And most importantly, you won’t just be controlling the car…

You’ll be driving it.

Learning to drive isn’t a race. Everyone progresses at a different pace, and the number of lessons needed will vary from person to person.

The goal isn’t to get to your test as quickly as possible.

The goal is to get there READY.

Any questions? Please ask — I’m always happy to explain where you are in your learning and what we still need to work on

04/09/2026

⭐️ First Time Pass ⭐️

Well done Escala !! You have made me immensely proud today. To watch your confidence soar in these last few weeks have been a pleasure and 100% the reason I do this job.

You came to every lesson full of determination and with massive amounts of resilience when you didn’t always find everything easy. Now look at you !!!!

Happy car shopping and a massive well done from me 👍🏼

23/07/2026

Such thoughtful gifts. Thank you so much ! I appreciate each and every one 💕

22/07/2026

⭐️ First time pass club for Niamh ⭐️

Well done Niamh on that brilliant drive this morning. You have become such a safe, competent driver over the last few months always taking on board any advice and feedback I’ve given with maturity.

I remember you being born and what a poorly baby you were, now look at you !! What a lovely young lady with the most infectious smile. You brightened up every Weds morning with your smiley, positive attitude and I will really miss that. Even the hour before your test we were singing Moana songs to make us smile and forget what we were heading into !

Stay safe as I know you will and thanks to Dad for all the extra practice he gave you to see you succeed today

💕

16/07/2026

Good read 🚓

15/07/2026

Well done Megan on your first time pass this afternoon with ZERO driver faults. Shout it from the rooftops lady !!

Enjoy your summer of road trips, days out and independence knowing you worked hard for today’s outcome.

Stay safe, keep smiling and no more keeping secrets on when your driving test is !!

10/07/2026

What a way to start the weekend Max !!

Excellent 1st time pass for you this morning with a near perfect drive 😃

You’ve been an absolute pleasure to teach but great company in the car each week too. What a polite young man & a bright future ahead of you.

Thanks to mum & dad for all the extra practice.

Keep making safe decisions and keep looking at those signs 🚦⛔️🚸

02/07/2026

The leader of the McDermott table now stands with Lois.

Well done my lovely niece, what an amazing drive with ZERO driver faults. Just look at that happy smile 😃

You approach everything you do with so much determination that I always knew you would end the test with a pass.

Enjoy your summer of freedom and all the adventures you can go on.

Keep making safe decisions all the time & remember the learning still continues after you pass ✨

❤️

26/06/2026

I talk so much about this with students and I think it’s an important topic to share.

A lot of people think they’re ready for their driving test because they can handle the car, In reality that’s only part of it.

My job is to present safe, confident drivers to the practical exam who can do it all with no help. That way I know you will be safe without me when you’re alone.
If we have to push your test back because you’re not ready ( trust me it’s the worse part of the job having this conversation ) but it’s not because I am being mean, it’s because I want to know that when you’re alone, you can make every decision yourself and most importantly, safely so you don’t have an accident. If your driving instructor is having to jump in to avoid something serious or dangerous happening, then you are not quite ready just yet !!

I cant teach experience, you only gain that from more practice. 😃

24/06/2026

Great words !

One of the first questions nearly every learner asks is how long it will take before they are ready to pass their test.

I completely understand why people ask. Driving lessons are an investment of both time and money, so naturally people want an idea of what lies ahead.

The difficulty is that no two learners arrive with the same experiences, confidence levels, learning styles, or challenges. What feels straightforward to one person can feel overwhelming to another.

Imagine a group of people all setting off on the same walk. Some will move quickly, some will stop and take in their surroundings, and some will need a little more support along the way. It does not mean one person is better than another. It simply means people develop at different rates.

Driving is no different.
Some learners need time to build confidence before everything starts to click. Others appear to progress quickly but still need experience in different roads, traffic conditions, and situations before they are truly ready to drive independently.

This is why comparing yourself to friends, relatives, or people online rarely helps. Their journey belongs to them. Yours belongs to you.

The most important thing is not how quickly you reach the finish line.
The most important thing is what kind of driver you become when you get there.

I would much rather see someone take a little longer and leave with confidence, good habits, and sound judgement than rush through the process and struggle once the L plates come off.

Learning to drive is not about keeping up with everyone else. It is about building skills, experience, and confidence that will stay with you for years to come.
It’s a skill that will keep you safe for your entire driving years if you stick to it.

A driving lesson teaches you what to do, why you are doing it, and how to do it safely. Private practice, where available, gives you the opportunity to put those skills into action and gain valuable experience on the road. The combination of professional instruction and regular practice is often what helps learners grow in confidence and become safe independent drivers.
It is never just about counting lessons.
It is about building experience and developing a skill for life.

Trust the process, focus on your own progress, and give yourself the time you need.

How many hours did you take to learn? 🫶🏾
✍️ Sheena Ahmed
Motorvation School of Motoring