Finally have my test date its in 3 weeks would love to pass 1st time but really don't think I will any tips been a very long process getting here with some very crap driving instructor ,covid and few other things in between 
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No tips but sending luck!Finally have my test date its in 3 weeks would love to pass 1st time but really don't think I will any tips been a very long process getting here with some very crap driving instructor ,covid and few other things in between
confidence is key… I do think it’s the hardestpart though… I was sooo nervous every time before I passed (4th time)Finally have my test date its in 3 weeks would love to pass 1st time but really don't think I will any tips been a very long process getting here with some very crap driving instructor ,covid and few other things in between
now that I’ve passed I wish I was more relaxed (easier said than done though)
Eat a banana on the morning of your test 
And I agree about confidence - also don't focus on driving perfectly, just focus on driving well (if that makes sense). They don't need to see that you're a perfect driver - because actually no one is! - just that you can deal with the unexpected, react to situations etc. I made a mistake on my test, the instructor asked me to follow the road to the left, and initially I was in the right lane (one way stretch!) but then realised, indicated and someone let me in, and the rest is history.
So if something goes wrong, don't panic, just keep going. Absolute worst case you fail, and that just means you take the test again and pass then. Good luck!
And also a well done to everyone who's passed recently. As a mature learner (44 when I passed, 50 now) I love seeing other people pass their tests at whatever age. I never thought I could pass mine, I'm very unco ordinated and have awful spatial awareness. So if I can pass, I'd say anyone can! But having passed, and now driven a fair bit, I realise that I'm probably in the upper half of drivers out there, there are loads of people on the roads far worse than me. Mostly who passed first time at 17!
And I agree about confidence - also don't focus on driving perfectly, just focus on driving well (if that makes sense). They don't need to see that you're a perfect driver - because actually no one is! - just that you can deal with the unexpected, react to situations etc. I made a mistake on my test, the instructor asked me to follow the road to the left, and initially I was in the right lane (one way stretch!) but then realised, indicated and someone let me in, and the rest is history.
So if something goes wrong, don't panic, just keep going. Absolute worst case you fail, and that just means you take the test again and pass then. Good luck!
And also a well done to everyone who's passed recently. As a mature learner (44 when I passed, 50 now) I love seeing other people pass their tests at whatever age. I never thought I could pass mine, I'm very unco ordinated and have awful spatial awareness. So if I can pass, I'd say anyone can! But having passed, and now driven a fair bit, I realise that I'm probably in the upper half of drivers out there, there are loads of people on the roads far worse than me. Mostly who passed first time at 17!
I love hearing about people passing too! Especially later in life than the average. I just passed at 36. Until I started learning I was convinced everyone learned easily as a teenager.Eat a banana on the morning of your test
And I agree about confidence - also don't focus on driving perfectly, just focus on driving well (if that makes sense). They don't need to see that you're a perfect driver - because actually no one is! - just that you can deal with the unexpected, react to situations etc. I made a mistake on my test, the instructor asked me to follow the road to the left, and initially I was in the right lane (one way stretch!) but then realised, indicated and someone let me in, and the rest is history.
So if something goes wrong, don't panic, just keep going. Absolute worst case you fail, and that just means you take the test again and pass then. Good luck!
And also a well done to everyone who's passed recently. As a mature learner (44 when I passed, 50 now) I love seeing other people pass their tests at whatever age. I never thought I could pass mine, I'm very unco ordinated and have awful spatial awareness. So if I can pass, I'd say anyone can! But having passed, and now driven a fair bit, I realise that I'm probably in the upper half of drivers out there, there are loads of people on the roads far worse than me. Mostly who passed first time at 17!
The more people I spoke to, the more I heard great stories of people learning in their 40s and 50s and I love it.
I have also heard plenty about people who never learned because they feel they are too old! So I am going to continue being open about my struggles with driving, you never know who it will help.
I’m feeling pleased today because I’ve been driving my kids about the last few days and I feel like supermum. Still very nervous and have to make effort not to beat myself up over my mistakes. But really pleased at my progress and glad I trusted myself to take things at my own pace.
What’s everyone’s thoughts on p plates. I’m really struggling getting to grips with my new car and keep stalling. Think it would make me feel less under pressure with them on but my partner said it can make other drivers more aggressively.
I found it very hit and miss when I had them, some drivers were nicer, some were not. I'd give them a go and see how you feel. You can always take them off if they're not helping
My instructor said no to p plates… thinks it allows other drivers to be be bossier … I’ve never used them .. I stall / make mistakes and just don’t worry about it … I personally think it can highlight mistakes because other drivers might be focus on the p plate and unconsciously be more impatient
I found using them positive and a big help. I found that nearly every one was more patient with me and let me go more. There were so times after passing that other drivers would of been getting annoyed and honking me and they didn't. I felt more comfortable with them on.
I wasn’t going to get P plates for the same reason @jackieweaver’sauthority - but was quite nervous when starting out driving and felt very hesitant, got beeped at and felt pretty unconfident. I’ve had mine on for about 6 weeks and have generally got much more confident anyway but have found them useful. I am probably ready to take them off.
it can’t do any harm to have a go, even psychologically they might help you asyou gain your confidence and if they don’t help just take them off
it can’t do any harm to have a go, even psychologically they might help you asyou gain your confidence and if they don’t help just take them off
Thank you everyone. I’m finding it hard getting used to the new car, I keep stalling, so I think it will help just let other drivers know what’s going on. Hopefully I’ll get my confidence up in the next few weeks!
Holy moly driving in heavy rain is mildly terrifying! I just picked my daughter up in a downpour and feel like I’ve completed a dangerous mission.
I learnt to drive over several years but pretty much always in the summer months. So like minimal lights/demisting/window wipers needed! I’m figuring it out as I go now
I learnt to drive over several years but pretty much always in the summer months. So like minimal lights/demisting/window wipers needed! I’m figuring it out as I go now
Despite driving for just over a year now I still hate reverse bay parking, I've managed to do it twice recently, once was a very tight spot. So feeling proud of myself
I passed three weeks ago and still can’t get forward bay parking right. Not been brave enough to try reverse yet 
I spent ages in an almost empty car park today trying to reverse into a space with no cars either side and still gave up and drove into the one opposite. I can do it fine sometimes but not today!I passed three weeks ago and still can’t get forward bay parking right. Not been brave enough to try reverse yet
I’m currently agonising over a drive I need to do next week for work across the city. It feels a bit out of my depth! If I could get there by bus in time I would!
Could you do a practice run?
Looking at the route on Google maps so I kinda know it, helps me when I'm driving somewhere new. Also check if any diversions or etc are being planned for when you need to travel. Good luck!
I do try to park away from my destination as less cars about and get some steps in hahaI passed three weeks ago and still can’t get forward bay parking right. Not been brave enough to try reverse yet
I know it won’t always be like this but I defo decide if I can go somewhere based on where I can park
I drove to pumpkin patch farm today on country roads that I used to do during my lesson and enjoyed the drive so much more. Driving through town is really nerve wracking for me as I still can’t get the clutch right on my car
I drove to pumpkin patch farm today on country roads that I used to do during my lesson and enjoyed the drive so much more. Driving through town is really nerve wracking for me as I still can’t get the clutch right on my car
I have my test on Wednesday - feeling ok, not 100% confident but I know how to drive so I think my nerves are coming from the embarrassment of failing...!
Honestly I’d say on the day almost 90% of it is mindset rather than actually being skilled enough to drive!
You know you can drive otherwise you wouldn’t be up for a test. So just keep your thoughts positive rather than thinking about fear of failing or being embarrassed.
To keep my nerves down on the day I sat my test I just repeated to myself “I’m here to get my driving licence” which meant I had a clear goal in my head and I passed first time and didn’t get worked up / stressed. Good luck, I’m sure you’ll pass!
I passed my test in May and I still feel like I am getting used to my car
I haven't stalled in ages and general driving is fine, but I need to get used to how long & wide my car actually is!
Parking is still my weakest skill, I can go into bay forwards quite easily now but haven't managed to reverse park yet
For ages I drove to a car park 20mins walk away from work because it was quieter
I haven't stalled in ages and general driving is fine, but I need to get used to how long & wide my car actually is!
Parking is still my weakest skill, I can go into bay forwards quite easily now but haven't managed to reverse park yet
For ages I drove to a car park 20mins walk away from work because it was quieter