Passed my test last month after 60+ hours, 3 instructors, and 2 years of trying to learn (thank you COVID). Start on manual for 45 hours and I just couldn't get on with it, was scheduled to take a test in June 2021 but canceled it last minute due to not feeling ready. Started automatic in October, did 15 hours, and was more than test ready - took the test and did an hour lesson before the test and passed with 3 minors (two for indicating accidentally)! Was convinced I had failed in the first five minutes which took so much pressure off, was very relieved to have found out when I got back that I had passed! Now currently shopping for a car (secondhand prices are up massively atm which is frustrating). Good luck everyone!
- Notice
lozzapaloozza
VIP Member
Hi 🥹
Can’t believe I’m saying this but I want to pass my test. I started learning in 2017 and after a horrifying driving test I have never attempted to drive again. The examiner was horrible. She kept making snarky comments when I’d make mistakes because I was nervous and was just overall a horrible person. It’s been a long time and I’ve definitely developed a phobia over learning again. I’ve been going to a hypnotherapist to deal with my anxiety and I’m improving 🥹 We’ve come to the conclusion that if I could start learning again and pass my test then I would have 100% beaten my anxiety and I genuinely think I’d be on top of the world
I wanted to join the thread to keep myself accountable for getting the ball rolling. First things first is passing my theory as it’s expired. Luckily I have 2 years left on my provisional license so I want to pass before the 2 years. If anyone has any tips or advice I’d be grateful!
Can’t believe I’m saying this but I want to pass my test. I started learning in 2017 and after a horrifying driving test I have never attempted to drive again. The examiner was horrible. She kept making snarky comments when I’d make mistakes because I was nervous and was just overall a horrible person. It’s been a long time and I’ve definitely developed a phobia over learning again. I’ve been going to a hypnotherapist to deal with my anxiety and I’m improving 🥹 We’ve come to the conclusion that if I could start learning again and pass my test then I would have 100% beaten my anxiety and I genuinely think I’d be on top of the world
I wanted to join the thread to keep myself accountable for getting the ball rolling. First things first is passing my theory as it’s expired. Luckily I have 2 years left on my provisional license so I want to pass before the 2 years. If anyone has any tips or advice I’d be grateful!
I passed! A few minors but nothing dangerous and my examiner was lovely. I fully recommend chatting to the examiner if they’re up for it. I got a bit nervous before but did 3 deep breaths and told myself I’m a safe and competent driver. It sounds a bit silly but it really helped me.
loobyscoobydoo
Well-known member
I passed my theory test this morning! Second time doing it as my first one lapsed - I got 50/50 on the questions 
Have booked my practical for st Patrick's day, was the first available date in my area, may my Irish ancestors be smiling down on me that day
I've got the cancellation app in case I feel I want to do it sooner though.
Have booked my practical for st Patrick's day, was the first available date in my area, may my Irish ancestors be smiling down on me that day
I've got the cancellation app in case I feel I want to do it sooner though.noseybirdxo
VIP Member
Not passing 1st time isn’t a big deal either. I would honestly do the test, you may surprise yourself.
MacPishFlaps
Well-known member
Morning guys can I join this thread? I have a 2 hour lesson booked this morning. It's been a loooong journey for me! I have pretty much been taking lessons on and off since I was 17....I am now 41 
I get so far along my learning journey then just get fed up or annoyed at myself and give up. I have wasted so much time & money! I've had some awful experiences with driving instructors too, really hoping I can work with this instructor today.
I passed my theory test last week and have booked my practical test, it's not till September. I keep telling myself that's a good timeline to pull the skills I have together and fine tune them - so to speak!
Feeling really nervous! I last drove in 2022 and that was in a dual control car with a friend. I do enjoy driving once I am on the road, it just feels so overwhelming at times and such a huge thing to try and do. But then I think, loads of people manage to do it! I really need to put my mind to it this time.
I get so far along my learning journey then just get fed up or annoyed at myself and give up. I have wasted so much time & money! I've had some awful experiences with driving instructors too, really hoping I can work with this instructor today.I passed my theory test last week and have booked my practical test, it's not till September. I keep telling myself that's a good timeline to pull the skills I have together and fine tune them - so to speak!
Feeling really nervous! I last drove in 2022 and that was in a dual control car with a friend. I do enjoy driving once I am on the road, it just feels so overwhelming at times and such a huge thing to try and do. But then I think, loads of people manage to do it! I really need to put my mind to it this time.
gossipgal21
VIP Member
I’m glad this thread popped back up today. I basically went back through and read it all a few weeks ago while in the midst of angst over my lessons haha.
I am 36 and I have had so many on off attempts at learning to drive it’s embarrassing. Ultimately stopped each time due to consuming anxiety and stress over it.
took another batch of lessons last year while pregnant and actually did my first test - failed but was amazed at the boost to my confidence ironically enough. Compared to lessons I found the test pretty relaxed and I didn’t drive badly just made a stupid error and went too fast in a housing estate (20mph limit).
Took a break while I had the baby and then bit the bullet and booked more lessons in March this year. Finally got the instructor I wish I’d had years ago who has taught me brilliantly and kept me so calm.
My test is tomorrow!!! I feel as ready as I possibly can be but starting to think oh no I hope I haven’t forgotten how to drive….I really hope it’s a pass as it will change my life and let me do so much more with the baby. But let’s see. Sorry this was long haha.
I am 36 and I have had so many on off attempts at learning to drive it’s embarrassing. Ultimately stopped each time due to consuming anxiety and stress over it.
took another batch of lessons last year while pregnant and actually did my first test - failed but was amazed at the boost to my confidence ironically enough. Compared to lessons I found the test pretty relaxed and I didn’t drive badly just made a stupid error and went too fast in a housing estate (20mph limit).
Took a break while I had the baby and then bit the bullet and booked more lessons in March this year. Finally got the instructor I wish I’d had years ago who has taught me brilliantly and kept me so calm.
My test is tomorrow!!! I feel as ready as I possibly can be but starting to think oh no I hope I haven’t forgotten how to drive….I really hope it’s a pass as it will change my life and let me do so much more with the baby. But let’s see. Sorry this was long haha.
nightfeedz
Active member
I passed today! I’ve been nervous all week I am so relieved! Will come back with reflections once it has sunk in a bit.
Congratulations!!
Dancing Dave
VIP Member
Well, I changed instructors! I also switched to automatic and it was the best decision ever. I feel so much more comfortable and I actually bought a car this summer! Still learning and doing my lessons but I'm going out in between lessons for more practice and I've really taken to it...finally! I'm not pressuring myself anymore and taking it fairly handy but super handy to be finally sticking to it.
I love reading through this thread and checking up on how people have got on - I'm a late learner and absolutely understand the anxiety but also the lack of motivation to do it. We will ALL get there in our own time
I love reading through this thread and checking up on how people have got on - I'm a late learner and absolutely understand the anxiety but also the lack of motivation to do it. We will ALL get there in our own time
Rippedjeanmaybe
VIP Member
Are you being serious? If my driving instructor had said that to me, he wouldn’t be my driving instructor anymore and a complaint would be being made!Just found this thread, I had my first driving test today and failed. It’s a little frustrating because I got no minors, but I made a really stupid mistake where I was driving down a straight road with a mini roundabout at the end, I’d never been down it before and I honestly thought that it was 2 lanes with oncoming traffic (ie a normal road) but it was actually a one way street so I needed to be in the right lane for the roundabout, whereas I positioned myself to the right of the left hand lane (if that makes sense). I was a silly mistake but I wasn’t too down because what can I do now, what’s done is done! I think I was also feeling stressed as it was the sat nav independent driving stage but turns out I was one of the people who had to do follow the signs.
I didn’t feel so bad, I know it’s my fault and the examiner was actually very nice at the end but my driving instructor has made me feel terrible. I had the silent treatment all the way home and he called me an idiot a lot and kept telling me how disappointed he was in me as he needs to have a good amount of passes for his instructor record. I just feel like it’s really knocked my confidence now and I feel like a total moron. Honestly just hoping I can pass at some point so I can move on
There’s no excuse to talk to anyone like that! I could tell my driving instructor was disappointed when I failed, but he was very nice and polite about it.
BettyCrockerr
VIP Member
Wait - what? You are sitting in the car doing theory/writing notes during the lesson time that YOU are paying for?I agree, it's not rocket science.
I think I'm overthinking it because he's making it more complicated than it is. I realized this yesterday. I was making the U-turn and it was going fine, then he made me stop because my hands were not positioned at the top of the steering wheel with my thumbs up. Never had this with any of my previous instructors.
Before and after each lesson, he will literally ask me to write down on a piece of paper the rules of the road such as "What does forward planning entail" etc... We literally spent the first and last 30 minutes of yesterday's lesson writing theory aspects on a piece of paper. It's an utter waste of time in my opinion. I don't need to write down the theory. You can't learn how to drive by writing down practical aspects on a piece of paper.
He said I need to learn how to start the car, manoeuvre the car controls, take off, turns / roundabouts etc.. basically the whole driving sequence really. I really don't understand this at all, because I'm the type to usually underestimate my abilities, but I'm pretty adamant I don't need to re-learn the whole "lifecycle". I need improvements definitely, but certainly not re-learn how to drive from scratch, especially if I'm told I know how to drive. Makes no sense.
No. No no no no no. No. That is a complete piss take. That’s not what the practical lessons are for, that’s not what he is being paid to do. The forward planning stuff is what you will naturally pick up as you gain more practical experience behind the wheel and he should be nurturing that DURING your lessons - he should be pointing out where you should be looking/what you should be aware off as you are driving until he is confident that you are doing this for yourself. Do you communicate with him verbally during the lessons?
As for this “lifecycle” nonsense - he’s chatting shit. You “learn” this stuff as you do your lessons - Christ almighty, leaning how to turn the ignition on?! Is this guy for real?!!
I think I posted on the last thread about my lessons but I have FINALLY passed my test! It took 10 years (including a massive 7 year gap between my 3rd and 4th tests), 5 instructors and 4 tests.
My advice to anyone struggling is to absolutely not give up. I found it really useful taking the gap because I needed to get my own confidence and mental health sorted to stop me falling apart in the test. And don't tell yourself 'i can't do this', I think that was my main block was that I was convinced I'd never pass.
Remember to breathe and clear your head to focus on only your driving. If you make a mistake, it's really important just to let it go instead of letting things snowball - it might turn out to be okay in a test or only a minor fault but if you let it snowball then you're bound to fail.
My advice to anyone struggling is to absolutely not give up. I found it really useful taking the gap because I needed to get my own confidence and mental health sorted to stop me falling apart in the test. And don't tell yourself 'i can't do this', I think that was my main block was that I was convinced I'd never pass.
Remember to breathe and clear your head to focus on only your driving. If you make a mistake, it's really important just to let it go instead of letting things snowball - it might turn out to be okay in a test or only a minor fault but if you let it snowball then you're bound to fail.
Thought I’d pop on as I’ve been reading this! Got my penultimate lesson tomorrow morning, last one next Sunday and my test Monday 8th. Soooooo nervous!! But also not scared anymore! I’m 28 with 2 young kids and forever relying on my partner (however he’s in work 24/7) , I just can’t wait to be able to drive !! Thinking positive!
Pinkfoxxie
Well-known member
Passed my theory today! So happy!! 
gossipgal21
VIP Member
Ugh it’s such a pain waiting to do it again isn’t it? I had quite a good experience with speedy tests and eventually found a cancellation much quicker (test was initially booked for September but got it changed to July).
I have had an awful sleep, combination of baby + awful heat
so just want to get this out of the way now, I almost don’t care about it ha.
it’ll all be over and done with by 10, please send out good luck vibes and pray there’s no idiots on the road (other than myself!)
I have had an awful sleep, combination of baby + awful heat
so just want to get this out of the way now, I almost don’t care about it ha.it’ll all be over and done with by 10, please send out good luck vibes and pray there’s no idiots on the road (other than myself!)
Just found this thread, I had my first driving test today and failed. It’s a little frustrating because I got no minors, but I made a really stupid mistake where I was driving down a straight road with a mini roundabout at the end, I’d never been down it before and I honestly thought that it was 2 lanes with oncoming traffic (ie a normal road) but it was actually a one way street so I needed to be in the right lane for the roundabout, whereas I positioned myself to the right of the left hand lane (if that makes sense). I was a silly mistake but I wasn’t too down because what can I do now, what’s done is done! I think I was also feeling stressed as it was the sat nav independent driving stage but turns out I was one of the people who had to do follow the signs.
I didn’t feel so bad, I know it’s my fault and the examiner was actually very nice at the end but my driving instructor has made me feel terrible. I had the silent treatment all the way home and he called me an idiot a lot and kept telling me how disappointed he was in me as he needs to have a good amount of passes for his instructor record. I just feel like it’s really knocked my confidence now and I feel like a total moron. Honestly just hoping I can pass at some point so I can move on
Just needed to vent, I didn’t tell my family I was taking it as couldn’t deal with the added pressure!
I didn’t feel so bad, I know it’s my fault and the examiner was actually very nice at the end but my driving instructor has made me feel terrible. I had the silent treatment all the way home and he called me an idiot a lot and kept telling me how disappointed he was in me as he needs to have a good amount of passes for his instructor record. I just feel like it’s really knocked my confidence now and I feel like a total moron. Honestly just hoping I can pass at some point so I can move on
Just needed to vent, I didn’t tell my family I was taking it as couldn’t deal with the added pressure!
CupofMintTea
New member
De-lurking to say hi to you all, and good luck to everyone with a test coming up. I've been learning to drive for three years. The pandemic slowed things down, but driving has not come naturally to me. So many things posters have said about their nerves and anxiety have rung true with me. I used to feel sick with fear before every lesson and deep down I was convinced I just couldn't drive.
I had to take another break from driving at the start of the year when I had my daughter. I found these threads, and I read every post (had a lot of time to kill during night feeds!) It made me realise anyone can learn to drive, even if you have really bad anxiety.
I'm back behind the wheel now, and took my first driving test on Monday. Unfortunately I failed (one major, five minors) but the whole experience has given me a little confidence boost. The examiner was so encouraging and said he wanted to see me back taking my test again soon. And now I'm feeling positive about my next test. I honestly never thought I'd ever get to this point.
I just wanted to thank everyone who's posted here about feeling the fear and doing it anyway. I can't say how much you've all helped me feel like I can drive a car!
I had to take another break from driving at the start of the year when I had my daughter. I found these threads, and I read every post (had a lot of time to kill during night feeds!) It made me realise anyone can learn to drive, even if you have really bad anxiety.
I'm back behind the wheel now, and took my first driving test on Monday. Unfortunately I failed (one major, five minors) but the whole experience has given me a little confidence boost. The examiner was so encouraging and said he wanted to see me back taking my test again soon. And now I'm feeling positive about my next test. I honestly never thought I'd ever get to this point.
I just wanted to thank everyone who's posted here about feeling the fear and doing it anyway. I can't say how much you've all helped me feel like I can drive a car!
Jennyfromtheblog
Active member
Passed my theory test today! Wish I done it a lot earlier as my instructor says I’m test ready and the earliest practical test date to book was December 