Learning to drive #2

[gossipgal21]

Interesting I've never thought about automatic but quite a few have said it might be better to go that route...did you find it a bit calmer? I know gear changes and things made me feel quite flustered

100% calmer! Felt I could actually concentrate on the road as I just had to push the pedals for starting and stopping. It takes an extra step away for me when i have already got a busy and anxious mind especially when I was driving!

It may be worth a try for you if you haven’t!

 

[Strawberry13]

Aww @Strawberry13 how are you? did you go for it or decide to try and re-schedule?

I was all ready to go and had a panic attack in the test centre couldn’t do it I burst into tears the full monty.

 

[Miss.Chanandler.Bong]

Did anyone see the article about the learner driver sent to prison? Crashed his new car speeding and killed all his friends who were passengers.
Will never understand how people can be so reckless like that

 

[Clover123]

Guys, I passed! After last weeks mock, which went so wrong, I was seriously considering postponing my test but I’m so glad I didn’t. It honestly feels like a dream, I don’t know what to do with myself!

Congratulations!!! It must be so surreal- you've done it and now you're set for life! Well done!!!

 

[nightfeedz]

i had this, was really anxious to drive probably for about a month, I didn’t want to go anywhere and when I did I didn’t feel I drove well.
Honestly just take your time, I started with short and familiar routes and did them over and over, tried to go out every day and get used to driving alone. Go out when the roads are quiet too if you can.
Now I’ve been driving for 2 months and enjoy it a lot more, I now drive with the radio on and have definitely made a couple of mistakes (being in the wrong lane, stuff like that) but I just don’t mind as much and can deal with it a bit better.
I NEVER thought I’d drive confidently so it does come, just give yourself some time.

Thank you so much for sharing this, I’m so glad you are enjoying it more yourself. I am getting there and trusting my confidence will grow.

I think a lot of the anxiety was shock of finally being out the other side of a huge challenge! A big change suddenly having what I wanted and not knowing how to proceed I’m a sensitive soul.

 

[gossipgal21]

I’ve had both female and male and for me it just totally depended on the personality of the instructor as I was very very anxious and finding someone who understood that and knew how to teach me was tricky.

My best instructor was my last one who I passed with. A 6ft something ex army guy with missing teeth and a bald head Looked scary as anything but first lesson he pulled over and said “So how long have you suffered with anxiety?” And said he could just tell and that he’d adapt his style to that.

It totally worked and he pushed me without even letting me know he was pushing me - for example he’d say “next lesson we’re going to do XYZ” but he’d sneakily get me to do elements of it in the lesson beforehand so that by the time i felt I was doing it for the first time, I was already OK at it if that makes sense.

anyway he was amazing, but I’d never have picked him in a million years just from appearances

That is to say I completely understand preferring a female for many reasons, ultimately you’re paying for a service so don’t be afraid to switch instructors until you get the right one, you will know when you get a good one!

 

[Thank(space)you]

I haven’t cancelled it I’m just not going I honestly appreciate what yous are saying but I don’t feel I could drive safely to even get through 3 mins of the test with how I’m feeling right now

Rescue remedy, banana, visualise yourself doing well. Tell yourself you can do this. Your instructor wouldn't be happy for you to book a test if they didn't think you had a chance to pass.

 

[Strawberry13]

Definitely sound like more nerves related issues @mang0 and hopefully just need a bit more time and practice. It’s so frustrating I know but I’m sure you’ll get it next time!

Ironically after all the time I took to get through my test and dealing with all my anxieties, now I’m allowed to drive I don’t want to I actually feel so nervous in the car,feel like I don’t know where I’m going, worry about parking, everything!! It’s like starting all over again. Also had a drive with my dad yesterday to practice going upthe dual carriageway somewhere and it was all just awful. Busy, stressful and I cried when I got back.

Was never sure paying for a pass plus course would be worth it but maybe I should?! Anyone have any experience?

It’s funny because up until recently I’ve been the same - I passed in the middle of May and for the first 6-7 weeks I almost threw up with the stress of getting in the car now tho I’m living my best life I thing it just takes time - I drove to the other side of the city yesterday using motorways etc and didn’t even flinch whereas even a month ago I wouldn’t have bothered through fear x

 

[noseybirdxo]

Yes, it was me. I had that strange first lesson, then gave him the benefit of the doubt and had a second, but it was even worse. He made me sit in the car for 30 minutes and write about what "forward planning" entails when driving. He even told me after looking at test results that I "didn't know what the test was about" lol. I texted him earlier this week to tell him I've decided to move forward with a different school (which I'm still trying to find). He sent me a couple of texts asking me if he "missed something" regarding my expectations - I suppose it's standard feedback request when losing a client, but I didn't feel comfortable responding.

So yeah, back to square one now Someone on here kindly provided me with the details of a school, so I will get in touch with them.

Ah that’s a shame for you. I would’ve responded to the text and explained that he put too much emphasis on everything but actually physically driving which is what you were paying him to help you with, not to spend 30 mins of what could be spent driving doing some stupid self reflection. The feedback will be useful to him and I personally would be giving it

Fingers crossed you can find something for you that works x

 

[noseybirdxo]

W
I would go for it . You will have to drive in situations when you are nervous after you pass . Is this your first test? I found I learned more from the tests I failed than I did in my later lessons.

I agree with this. I learnt a lot from my first two tests. Sometimes the fear of the prospect of doing the test is actually worse than the test.

 

[jawidjanqndn]

So I passed 14 months ago but I’ve only just got around to buying a car and I’m honestly back to bricking it every time I get in.

I can drive but I am finding seeing where I need to be in lanes so so hard 🥲 just don’t know if I’m ever going to feel confident to go out on my own at this rate. Wishing I hadn’t left it so long.

There’s a thread on here for driving anxiety and it’s honestly made me feel so much better knowing I’m not alone, definitely take a look as I’m the exact same! Only passed 4-5 months ago and still really struggle with my confidence.

 

[nobrains]

New to the thread. Started learning to drive when I was 18...had 5 different driving instructor and stopped for loads of different reasons. I am now 27 and I have a lesson booked for 31st of Jan. I waited and got a female instructor as that was what my gut was telling me to do.

I've done 3 theory tests and passed first time each time (this Wednesday just gone most recent) and I am determined that I am going to pass my test this year. I want to be able to take my son out wherever he wants to go and so concentrating on that and trying to push out the doubt/fear.

 

[candyland_]

I failed my second test He said I steered slightly to the left while doing a park on the right and reverse two car lengths. I have no idea how it was classed as a fail. There was no one around, I did all my observations and I didn’t hit the curb or cross over the side of the road.. we’re talking mm wheel turn.
It seems like the smallest thing is a fail Some of my friends took 6 attempts!

I only had three minor and I thought I had passed so I was gutted

 

[Thank(space)you]

New learnee drivers, take a look at dgn driving school on YouTube, I found it really helpful

 

[RoryGilmore_]

Started driving lessons last year at 20, about to do my test in July at 21. Was told to them when I was 18 but didn’t bother and I regret that nowhowever I struggled with manual during my lessons, changed instructor for my last 5 lessons and done better. Started practicing when my 12 lessons were completed and now I’m almost 100% confident with the gears and clutch. So proud of myself and you all should be too.

 

[Gflo93]

Thanks so much everyone, you’ve made me feel so much better . And big congrats to KB2611! Drove my husband to Sainsbury’s to do a shop so getting back in the game

 

[Pinkfoxxie]

Had my second lesson today, felt much more confident At one point I was driving along, my instructor was talking away, and I had this sudden thought in my head “OMG I’m driving, I’m actually driving” unfortunately just as I’m confident enough to go out in my husbands car, it breaks Roll on next weeks lesson

 

[Strawberry13]

Decided I’m not doing my test tomorrow I’m far too nervous I’ve ordered Kalms from Amazon to see how I go with that for my nerves

 

[sparkles710]

Just passed my theory test, so on road to learning to drive. Late learner here.

 

[MacPishFlaps]

Aw thanks for the support! I think it went OK today, my instructor was lovely and very encouraging with the driving that I could do. I stalled a few times and panicked at a junction but overall it wasn't too terrible. I just feel I really struggle with pulling it all together and it seems so much to remember and such a lot to learn. I did enjoy the actual driving part and I know how beneficial it will be to get a license but I will really, really need to push myself to do it.