Learning to drive #2

[cuttle90]

6 days till test day and I’m already having nightmares 🥲 was out this morning in our car with my husband and never wanted to throat slam someone so much because he keep taking gasps of breath because he doesn’t actually know my capabilities because he’s never been in the car with me

Good luck on your test, try to visualise yourself having a really smooth, safe drive and then telling everyone afterwards that you've passed - can't wait to see that you have passed!

 

[cuttle90]

Passed my theory today 50/50 multiple choice and 63/75 hazard perception.
Drove for around 1.5 hours through the countryside on the scenic route way home from my theory test in our own car. Driving lesson with instructor tonight where we did spiral roundabouts which was good. Just a bit off with the pedals after hopping out of one car and into another. Didn't do very well with reversing two car lengths after pulling up on other side of the road but other than that it seemed to go OK. Lessons changing to Monday from next week.
My instructor looked for tests, it's going to be August we think but there was one cancellation on Monday so anyone looking out for available tests, keep checking because there are obviously still some around!

 

[Gflo93]

Don’t just give the DVSA your money! Think, if you fail you will at least go out for a little bit and the driving examiner will have to have done their job rather than sit around drinking coffee (that’s what my instructor said to me!)! I failed my first one but doing it made me a lot less scared for the second one .

 

[TheGlossy]

I stopped driving two years ago because my track record was as follows:

1. Accumulated 100 hours of driving manual with a snake of a driving company pushing for more lessons. Failed the test 1st attempt.

2. Moved to another driving school. Manual again and when I sat the test, the instructor’s car was apparently not road ready due to some engine noise. On top of it, the instructor tried to fleece me on tear day by asking for more money than agreed. Failed the test 2nd time.

Stopped driving for 2 years because of COVID.

3. Two years later, moved to automatic. The instructor was awful. Each session I was asked to take written notes and his English was so bad, I couldn’t understand a thing.

Stopped driving for 2 years again.

I’m now on my last learning permit, so if I fail, I’ll had to sit the theory again etc.

I found another instructor that does automatic but after Googling his name, I found out he was charged with battery two decades ago after punching a female family member. It kinda turned me off.

I’m honestly wondering if I should give up on driving altogether because this path has been fraught with so many obstacles. I gotta say, getting your license in Ireland is tough. When I see 16 year olds driving in the US and I’m a grown adult who still can’t, it saddens me

 

[Lalla]

I drove by myself today! Only up the road to Greggs and then I was too shook to actually go into Greggs so came straight back. Actual driving was fine but I'm struggling so much with the clutch in our car, it just doesn't behave the way I'm used to when learning my instructors car. Definitely felt like other people on the road were judging me but in reality they probably didn't notice anything

I did manage to reverse park into our bay at home though on first attempt and then went back to the car twice to check the handbrake was deffo on

My bf says I just need more experience driving his car and I'll soon adjust so we're gonna do some short journeys throughout the week.

I've ordered something to collect from matalan at the big shopping park to force myself to drive out this week as well lol

That's brilliant. My first trip was to Lidl (which is walking distance from our house) it was so exciting to be able to go there and not have to think about only buying stuff that I could carry home!

One thing I would suggest is not putting off motorway driving - which is something I did at first. I had a little tiny car when I passed which only had 4 gears and struggled to get to 60 (think Simon's car in the Inbetweeners - different car but similar size and lack of speed!). So I couldn't face trying to go on motorways and avoided them for the first few years until I got a bigger and better car - yesterday I did a 4.5 hour drive from the West Midlands to Kent, in the pouring rain and wind, and it was fine. If anything I quite enjoyed it - I love being in my car now!

 

[lozzapaloozza]

Passed my theory with 49/50 on the questions and 61/75 on the hazard perception and got my first lesson tomorrow

 

[Lollypad]

Oh glad I found this thread.

Ok so I am in my early 30s and can't drive. I did start learning at 17 just like most kids, failed my test a couple of times and totally lost confidence in myself and gave up.

Its never really hindered me much, public transport where I live is good and so its never been much of a problem.

Now I'm 31 with two kids and I have to walk EVERYWHERE. They allways needs taking to clubs and school and nursery etc and I cant rely on hubby to do it, and so I means I'm allways out walking to and from things. Its never really bothered me much until now, I want an easier way honestly.

So I'm thinking of biting the bullet and starting learning to drive again. It would be starting from scratch. The expense worries me money is tight would I even be able to afford to run a car? But most of all just my nervousness on the road worries me.

Can anyone ease me nervousness? Anyone else just not have any confidence in it?

I think being a slightly older driver (I was late twenties, I’m not calling you old!) really does take some of the confidence out of it and adds some additional challenges with the nervousness on the road. All I can say is it really will just click at some point. It’s not easy, but that’s what an instructor is for - you’re not in any danger in a car with dual controls. It’s not fun learning, but a year after passing I’m able to do really bloody long drives on my own and be confident in my own abilities on the road, which is a huge relief.
Try and trust yourself, but if not, trust your instructor. Most of them are wonderful.

 

[MrsBsDayOff]

I passed my test many years ago (failed on the 1st attempt, that was my 2nd). I slept for about an hour the night before as I was so consumed with anxiety. Heart pounding. Couldn't eat that morning. I irrationally thought I'd mess up and crash the car. I considered ringing up and cancelling it that morning.

I did it that morning and passed.

Moral is, don't disbelieve in yourself, you can get through it even if you're anxious.

 

[nightfeedz]

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.

 

[Charlene78]

I'd like to share my experience so far and would love your feedback

Anyway, thank you for coming to my TED talk

Hello,

Just wanted to update you guys. I did go back to the driving school on Monday and it went well. The first few minutes I was doing terrible but the car being different got me uncomfortable (after 10 months, I wasn't used to their car anymore). But in the end I did pretty good and my teacher is so incredibly nice...

I also took the initiative to do the driving for an appointment I had today and I felt less stressed out than usual. I should have gone back to the school months ago !! Damn anxiety that was stressing out, I had no reason to be scared to go back to the driving school in the end

Good luck to everyone else !!

 

[Dancing Dave]

First driving lesson booked! Two weeks time Thanks to all for answering my silly questions!

 

[mang0]

Update... I had another test today and I passed! Picked up 6 minors but still less than last time!

@gossipgal21 you were right about the nerves- I was much calmer in this test, though it did help that I had a friendly examiner who explained things very clearly to me. My last examiner was friendly but this one took a slightly different method to explaining the test and aspects of it which was exactly what I needed.

Can finally relax (for now)!

 

[BettyCrockerr]

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

Stop.
Take a huge deep breath and seriously, chill the fuck out!!!
What are you getting so stressed out over? Seriously????

Stop thinking about it as “the test”

Just go tomorrow and have a go. You CAN drive. Just have a shot at it. Take this crazy pressure off - and treat it as a way of experiencing what the test is like. It’s a great way of debunking “the test” - you’ve already paid for it so rather than wasting the money and not getting any benefit out of it, get your game face on, pull yourself together and turn up, have a crack at it and then if you don’t pass, well, who fucking cares? You’ll have the experience of it under your belt which will help you next time.

Just stop with all the drama!! It’s a sodding driving test!!!! It’s not a life or death situation.

 

[Fortheloveofme]

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

 

[loobyscoobydoo]

I drove by myself today! Only up the road to Greggs and then I was too shook to actually go into Greggs so came straight back. Actual driving was fine but I'm struggling so much with the clutch in our car, it just doesn't behave the way I'm used to when learning my instructors car. Definitely felt like other people on the road were judging me but in reality they probably didn't notice anything

I did manage to reverse park into our bay at home though on first attempt and then went back to the car twice to check the handbrake was deffo on

My bf says I just need more experience driving his car and I'll soon adjust so we're gonna do some short journeys throughout the week.

I've ordered something to collect from matalan at the big shopping park to force myself to drive out this week as well lol

 

[Kim Mild]

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

Tests are in such higher demand that another learner has had to wait until there is more availability as you have had one booked.

If you don't feel like you can drive safely in car with an experienced instructor or examiner and dual controls what are you going to be like on your own in the real world?

Driving tests are stressful , if you have to take more than 1 to pass it will still be stressful next time but you will know what to expect

 

[Thank(space)you]

Managed to parallel park first time today when I got home, which is a rarity for me

 

[gossipgal21]

I’ve just driven somewhere new today where I didn’t know the route and was worried about the lanes - I researched it last night on Google maps and zoomed in to see the lanes then had the sat nav on today in the car which just gave me the reassurance. Feel sooooo proud of myself as I’ve been so hesitant to go this particular way for no real reason - was just worried about a big roundabout that turned out to be no problem, ha.
It really is worth it if you can build up the confidence. It’s such a small thing to moar people but I feel so chuffed today and much more keen now to drive further!

 

[BettyCrockerr]

Hi I’m looking for some advice on my situation. I’ve had 19 lessons now in manual car, and I’m beginning to fear my instructor is taking me for a ride. I’ve only done crossroads, major crossroads, mini roundabouts, some dual carriageway. That’s it.

My family were shocked when they found out I’m 19 lessons in and I haven’t done a single manoeuvre or even a proper roundabout. I don’t know if I’m just really bad, or the instructor is milking me for money. I am quite anxious and my reactions aren’t the fastest. But the more I read about driving lesson amounts (mumsnet, studentroom) the more I think why am I progressing so slowly. There’s a mumsnet thread where someone posted similar to me, and the people responding were raging on the posters behalf, saying they were being scammed.

Honestly don’t know what to think. Instructor is talking about me doing my test in late May (started beginning of September). 2 hours lessons weekly until May seems a crazy amount. It’s like another 40 hours on top of the 20 I’ve already done. What do you think? Should also add that the instructor has good reviews, and people saying they passed in 20-30 hours with them.

Your instructor is taking the piss out of you. 19 hours of lessons and you haven’t done a single manoeuvre? Come on.

On your next lesson, sit in the car and ask why you’ve yet to be taught a single manoeuvre. Ask why, at 19 lessons in, you’ve never attempted a large roundabout? See what they say but do not give them another penny of your money.

 

[Thank(space)you]

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?!

One of the things I swear helped me, is by visualising myself passing.