I started learning to drive when I was around 15-16 years old and began taking formal, proper lessons once I hit 17. I was determined to get my licence, but I didn’t get it till I was 22.

When I was 17, looking back now, I definitely wasn’t prepared to take the test. I sometimes put this down to my driving instructor as there was mishaps at the start. One time, when I went to do the driving test, I didn’t even get to the driving part of the test as the insurance company left a digit out on my disc!

At 19 I changed my driving instructor to someone who had an almost 99% pass rate. I thought this is it, this is when I’m going to get my licence! My driving test was also due to take place the day before I moved to Brussels on Erasmus so I thought this was definitely my chance. Everything went perfectly in the test, apart from one little thing. I got a pink mark, which means an automatic fail near the end of the test as I didn’t look properly over my shoulder. That was that.

I spent the most amazing year then as an Erasmus student in Brussels and as an au pair in Barcelona. I returned home the following September for my final year of college. Wanting to concentrate on final exams and thesis, I didn’t renew my insurance. Then this year at the start of 2016 I made up an excel sheet of goals I wanted to achieve in different aspects of my life. I knew I had to put passing my driving test down.

I really didn’t want to do it. I had lost all self confidence and self esteem. I knew I was a good driver, it’s just that when it came to the test, I panic. My driving instructor encouraged me to get a cancellation date as the waiting list was 10 weeks long. Reluctantly I did so, eventually getting a Saturday test.

I knew I had to change my attitude towards the test. In about 10 days, a week leading up to the test I visualized myself doing the test, that I would get on well with the tester, that he or she would bring me on the best possible route for me, that everything would go smoothly. In Ireland once you pass your test you have to have an N plate on your car for 2 years. I bought one in advance of even doing the test, using this to really help me visualize that I had passed. I also practiced EFT (emotional freedom technique) to calm my nerves. I practiced every single day as much as I could in the lead up.

My biggest struggle was the reverse around the corner. Sometimes I would get it perfect like I had done in my pre test, other times it just went completely wrong. During the test it didn’t go well at all. Then he took me on a strange route that he normally wouldn’t take students on. At this point I thought I had failed so I had actually relaxed a lot more. When we got back to the test centre I was preparing myself to hear the words ‘sorry you haven’t passed’. I couldn’t believe it when I heard the absolute opposite!!

Sometimes things don’t work out at the start the way you would like them to and that’s okay. Maybe that is the Universe’s way of keeping you safe from something or leading you to a different path. This time I knew I was truly ready and that the Universe was also truly ready to grant me my licence. Be patient and it will come to you! It did for me.