Learning to drive #2

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I decided to bite the bullet and sign up for an intensive course as my original instructor was happy I was test ready so thought it’d be ideal as it gave me some more practice before my test and ensured the instructor they found me would be available for my test day. Plus my parents are able to take me to quieter car parks so I can practice manoeuvres there.


Now the lessons themselves are a similar price to anywhere else but to the deposit the company takes (purely for putting you in contact with an instructor) is nearly £200- I initially thought this went towards covering the cost of test day as that’s a service they offer but it turns out all they do is find you a test and you have to pay for everything else on top. Obviously it’s a lot of money but I wasn’t too annoyed as I hoped I’d be able to have a bit of a refresher with my new instructor and actually pass this time so it’d be worth it. However, I’ve had two lessons now and my instructor doesn’t think I’ll be ready and I’ve spent both lessons close to tears because he’s constantly stressing me out. He really went over the top about me making minor mistakes, like not indicating exactly when he told me too on a roundabout, and then going on about it for ages- causing me to not be able to concentrate on what I was doing right then and make further mistakes. I nearly bit through my lip yesterday when I was coming off the roundabout and as I indicated (just after passing the previous exit and well in time before I came off) he said it was too late- as if all the other cars aren’t even bothering to signal!

All he constantly says is to take it easy and not stress but I’ve honestly never been so stressed about driving than when I was in his car. I’m considering asking the company if they could find me an alternative test date so I can push it back a little but have a feeling that’ll have another excessive cost attached to it so it feels like I’m just pouring money down the drain.
 
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I decided to bite the bullet and sign up for an intensive course as my original instructor was happy I was test ready so thought it’d be ideal as it gave me some more practice before my test and ensured the instructor they found me would be available for my test day. Plus my parents are able to take me to quieter car parks so I can practice manoeuvres there.


Now the lessons themselves are a similar price to anywhere else but to the deposit the company takes (purely for putting you in contact with an instructor) is nearly £200- I initially thought this went towards covering the cost of test day as that’s a service they offer but it turns out all they do is find you a test and you have to pay for everything else on top. Obviously it’s a lot of money but I wasn’t too annoyed as I hoped I’d be able to have a bit of a refresher with my new instructor and actually pass this time so it’d be worth it. However, I’ve had two lessons now and my instructor doesn’t think I’ll be ready and I’ve spent both lessons close to tears because he’s constantly stressing me out. He really went over the top about me making minor mistakes, like not indicating exactly when he told me too on a roundabout, and then going on about it for ages- causing me to not be able to concentrate on what I was doing right then and make further mistakes. I nearly bit through my lip yesterday when I was coming off the roundabout and as I indicated (just after passing the previous exit and well in time before I came off) he said it was too late- as if all the other cars aren’t even bothering to signal!

All he constantly says is to take it easy and not stress but I’ve honestly never been so stressed about driving than when I was in his car. I’m considering asking the company if they could find me an alternative test date so I can push it back a little but have a feeling that’ll have another excessive cost attached to it so it feels like I’m just pouring money down the drain.
Could you ask them to find you a different instructor?
 
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Yes I second that, you need another instructor. Try not to worry.
I still make mistakes when I drive now and in regards too indicating in general some cars don't have the indicator stick installed I think 😅
 
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Agree too!! Ask for another instructor, learning to drive is stressful already, you don’t need added pressure from a difficult instructor.
I had two lessons with a guy who just shouted at me and mocked me. To the point he said his 5 year old could drive better than me and had more confidence than me! Absolute wick!! Put me off driving for two whole years.
I then found a lovely female instructor, super patient, explained things well when I made any mistakes.
I passed my test first time in December and got my car last week. Safe to say not many drivers know how to use the roundabouts properly as most don’t indicator on or off or just in general 🙃
 
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Ahhh this is fab news!! Are you going to book in for your practical?
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! 🤞
 
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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! 🤞
I’d advise booking it now. The wait times can be looong and it’s amazing how quickly it can sort of “click” after your theory is in the bag. My instructor was semi against me booking my practical but it felt right so I did and passed first time. He was surprised 🤣
 
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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. ❤
 
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New hear guys
Last year I was all for learning to drive was not scared or nervous .. booked a male teacher I did 2 hour lessons when I finished the lesson said to myself never again am I gunna try to learn it’s was awful everything was far to overwhelming I did everything wrong.
I desperate to try again but all theses thoughts running through my mind Even now When I’m in the car with family I sit and think how am I gunna be able to remember all this I’m sooo thick it’s goes in one ear and out the other. I have no self belief it’s getting me really down I should pushing myself for more in life I want to do it for my children they miss out on so much (no transport)I’m riddled with mum Guilt 😓… anyone else been like this please comment I would love to kick start myself again
 
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Hi Jadeyell, I hated learning to drive and my kids were teenagers when I passed, myself being over 40... Don't beat yourself up over the kids thing, they aren't missing out because of driving so forget about that :)

Find a sympathetic teacher and go with your own flow. You might find you want to watch them drive for a while at the start of the lesson or do alot more quiet estates. This will gain confidence and that will then help spur you on forward.

There is a lot to learn and remember but that never stops - my husband been driving 25+ years and he still learns new things on the road! (Especially after he helped me learn the highway code for the theory lol!)
 
New hear guys
Last year I was all for learning to drive was not scared or nervous .. booked a male teacher I did 2 hour lessons when I finished the lesson said to myself never again am I gunna try to learn it’s was awful everything was far to overwhelming I did everything wrong.
I desperate to try again but all theses thoughts running through my mind Even now When I’m in the car with family I sit and think how am I gunna be able to remember all this I’m sooo thick it’s goes in one ear and out the other. I have no self belief it’s getting me really down I should pushing myself for more in life I want to do it for my children they miss out on so much (no transport)I’m riddled with mum Guilt 😓… anyone else been like this please comment I would love to kick start myself again
Have you tried automatic? 🥰 I switched to a female instructor in an automatic and honestly it’s worlds apart from first trying to learn in a manual!!
 
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Have you tried automatic? 🥰 I switched to a female instructor in an automatic and honestly it’s worlds apart from first trying to learn in a manual!!
I agree automatic is the way to go! Find a good instructor who can break it all down in to manageable parts, learning to drive is a LOT to take in, I’m learning at the moment and at times feel I’ll never get it, but my instructor is patient and knows just when to push me out of comfort zone and when to hold back. A good instructor is the answer they will sort a way of learning tailored for you! Also watch loads of learning to drive videos on YouTube helps show how it all goes together! You got this 💪😘
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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.
You can do this,if 2 hr seems too much why don't you see if you can do 1 hour slots 2x a week?
I hope it went well for you xx
 
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