Learning to drive #2

[Very traditional]

Can someone help please - I passed a few weeks ago (finally after a few attempts) and been doing some driving (country and motorway) When is a good time to be ok to do a “long” drive? It will be two motorways mostly (which I feel comfortable with) and then some roads/roundabouts.. total 70 minutes.. I feel ready but not sure if I’m being careless / over confident

If you feel ready I think you should do it. The longer you put it off the harder it can become Well done and enjoy it! Xx

 

[gossipgal21]

If you feel comfortable then go for it absolutely!

I’m at the opposite end of the spectrum, passed four days ago and have barely driven, anxiety has proper caught up with me. It was bound to happen but still feel pretty shit about it.

Will get back out there tomorrow and practice my parking and take it one day at a time.

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.

 

[Lalla]

I DID IT!!!!
3rd time lucky this afternoon and didn’t stall once!! My examiner was so so nice I started considering asking her to teach me if I failed lmaoo

Well done! Makes me so happy every time I see another poster has passed - happy driving

 

[DaisySims89]

Long time lurker, first time posting on this thread. I failed my driving test this morning for a silly reason and feel so disappointed.
But like someone said, it was great practice though and I feel like I know what to expect next time.
Just curious if anyone has any advice for the second time around?

I failed my first two attempts so I know the feeling! What did you fail on?

Try and treat the next time as just another lesson but with a different instructor. You don't have to drive perfectly, they just want to know you are competent and safe.
Don't put loads of pressure on yourself, remember that if you do happen to fail again it isn't the complete end of the world and life will go on
Go slowly, don't rush, brush up on road signs and markings, and try and anticipate hazards in plenty of time

 

[gossipgal21]

I failed you're right about it being a valuable experience though - really appreciate your message.

I made SO many silly mistakes - the first being that I left the car in reverse when I parked at the test centre, and for some reason didn't choose a gear when moving off, so went backwards immediately. Probably shouldn't have voiced "well, that's not a good start is it?"

My poor parents drove 2 hours up to surprise me as well. Awkward.

Oh no! So sorry as I know it’s so disappointing. I failed first time too. If you know it was mostly on little / silly things it’s likely just nerves.

Weirdly I almost felt a bit relieved after failing because at least I now knew what the test felt like and that helped me enormously for the second time.

hopefully you can get another one booked ASAP and I’m sure you’ll get it next time!

 

[Pinkfoxxie]

How you doing Pinkfoxxie?

It's nearly a year since I passed and each trip out still has it's nuances. Still nervous over parking and so forth but getting there

Not too bad, failed my theory once by one mark Taking it again Saturday, getting more confident though thank you for asking

 

[DaisySims89]

I failed my first test on Thursday, and all silly as it sounds I am just so sad I put everything into my driving, went out driving every night and watched mock tests on YouTube, revised all my show me tell me questions ect. I feel completely disheartened and can’t even get the courage to go back in my car if I’m honest. I have booked another test but with the delays it’s not until the end of April 2023 and there’s no way I can see myself staying motivated until then, especially if I fail for a second time.

Does anyone have any advice? My examiner was horrid, i went the wrong way once as he was speaking to me and he sighed loudly and said I need to listen to him and not daydream?! He then went on to make chatter movements with his hand. After this I was completely threw off and he was so intimidating throughout the whole thing. I failed on letting a woman cross the road and apparently my car rolled back slightly when doing my parallel park (which I corrected in about 2 seconds) as I was correcting myself he raised his voice to say my car was rolling back and obviously went down as a serious fault. I give up

Sorry to hear this!
I have read other stories of examiner behaviour being off-putting and causing failure, which is just awful

I have failed 2 attempts and it is a horrible feeling. I cried both times (once in front of my instructor which was a bit embarrassing, but I got the feeling he'd seen this reaction before!)

I reckon you'll have it in the bag next time, try and stay motivated because if you stop now you will find it harder to start again
Learn from your mistakes, ultimately they will make you a better driver

 

[SoulDestroyer]

I really rate Clearview Driving on YouTube. Theres playlists of people learning from scratch on there.
Watching videos of other people learning taught me a lot.

 

[Clover123]

Ah no, I’ve always been told that it’s get the bite and as soon as I have that, lift foot off clutch!!

I hate my driving instructor sometimes. He’s a narky old man who loves to shout at me lmao. I hope I pass, this is my 3rd time and I’m sick of the sight of him

Oh that's weird! My instructor tells me to freeze at the bite then gently lift off the clutch once you're moving steadily. No wonder you are stalling if you have to come off so fast! Maybe just try ignoring him on this issue he sounds like a nightmare, fingers crossed you pass!!

 

[candyland_]

I’ve waited 6 months for my second test and waited 6 for the first one.. Hope you can get another sorted!
Mines Tuesday and it’s looming over me now.

 

[gossipgal21]

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.

I can relate in a way although I didn’t have a gap between passing and driving, I’ve found it’s taken me a long time to feel remotely confident driving on my own. Can you build up with just going out on short drives every day in places you know?

how do you mean seeing where you are in lands - do you mean knowing which lane to be in or your actual position in the lane?

Even though you can obviously drive would it be worth seeing if anyone could sit with you (if you feel that wouldnt make you worse!) just to help your confidence?

In theory I love the freedom of driving but in an ideal world I don’t think I would choose to do it!

 

[LeWylde]

How are people doing out there, anyone still trying?
I am!

still here and trying to to get ready for my 2nd attempt!

 

[Clover123]

Any of those who have recently taken a test got any advice on not getting flustered? My test is a few weeks away and I just cannot picture myself passing. My instructor says I'm ready but I feel like I'm still making silly little mistakes here and there and I'm just never going to be consistent enough with a scary instructor! I'm trying rescue remedy, any other tips?!

 

[Clover123]

Strange, it’s usually a minor for stalling.

Yes that's really harsh! I haven't heard of that before! Maybe check the feedback when you get it, it might explain more.

 

[Jennyfromtheblog]

I think so, it such a long wait so might as well, I’ll speak to my instructor later and see what he thinks. I’ve been starting to really enjoy driving and feel ever so slightly more confident!

Glad to hear you’re enjoying it and feeling more confident!! I’d reccomend booking it now, you always have the option of moving it as it get closer if you don’t feel ready.
I’m loving driving, even sitting in traffic hahha means I get longer in the car.

 

[Thank(space)you]

I failed guys I’m soo sad I was so nervous!
I feel like just giving up now honestly

Ways to ease your nerves:
Rescue remedy
Hypnosis
Banana
Cold drink of water with you.

Chalk it up to experience, you know what to expect. You know what to focus on for next time. Think positive, you've got this

 

[noseybirdxo]

I stalled 3 times in one place, was in 1st gear so I think I was just panicking. Once I moved off it was fine but she said because there was a holdup of cars behind she failed me. Only 4 minors: knocking the curb when pulling up on the left, one for steering but unsure where this was and going over the speed limit (only by 2/3 mph and quickly realised) twice

That’s really strange because I *technically* stalled (I say technically because I was doing everything right and calm without any panic and the car literally would not move even when i pressed the button in it) 3 times on my test in the same place at some traffic lights and it didn’t become a major/failed for me unless he used rational with me. I was of the understanding that the hold up is only really considered if it’s meant other drivers have beeped or gone round you etc. That’s what I could get from googling too.

I’m sorry that you didn’t pass this time but take some confidence in that you can actually drive and these are very very minor things, stalling happens unfortunately - I don’t agree that they should be a fail particular if you’ve not left the junction or endangered anyone. It is really annoying when you can’t even place what one of the minors would of been - one of my minors was “ Response to signs / signals – Other road users, 1” and I still have no idea when that would’ve been.

 

[BettyCrockerr]

I'm not being rude but people keep saying oh it's automatic it's easy and it's not helping been told that if it was easy I wouldn't be asking for advice

So why don’t you tell us what you are having trouble with? See if we can offer a bit of help?

 

[LaurieLaurie]

I’m having a break from driving lessons until January.. I’ll be putting the money I was spending on them into my car fund.

 

[BettyCrockerr]

I think you need to find yourself a new boyfriend too. That sort of behaviour is NEVER limited to one area. Run love, run.

Hardly! As a driver, have you ever taken a non driver out for practise?! It’s one of the most frustrating/stressful things ever!!!! It will test any relationship!!!!!!!! I lost my mind at my brother when I took him out - once was enough, never again!!!!!!!!!!