Thank(space)you
VIP Member
Do what's right for you and what's gonna help you, fuck what everyone else thinks! Be proud you're taking the step towards driving
- Notice
Very traditional
VIP Member
Don't beat yourself up, if nothing else it's test experience, you know what you're up against now and up I'll be able to do it next time I'm sure xxFailed my test todaycould have been a different story but I was only 5 minutes in, came up to a roundabout going 3rd exit and an ambulance pulled out of the second exit which I just didn’t expect and didn’t react in time! Probably would have reacted better if the ambulance had its sirens on but never mind! It’s horrible how quick your test can end! No dates available for my next test
Ken_barlow
Member
So sorry to hear this!!!Hi, hope everyone is well! I’m still looking my wounds after the fail. I haven’t driven since when normally I drive to work everyday and have my lesson on a Saturday. I just don’t see the point right now.
but how amazing you’ve got to the point where you are ready to take tests!! That alone is such a massive achievement!!
Sending all the luck/ love/ good vibes and what not!
Fingers crossed for you, and keep positive
I don’t think it’s an awful choice at all, I done it in a manual, but was very nervous, looking back I think I would have chosen automatic. Lots of people have automatic cars these days, and soon all cars will be automatic because they’re electric! Gears and the clutch etc are in my opinion, the hardest part about driving, so why add all that stress to start with when you don’t need to! Good luck for when you start!
BettyCrockerr
VIP Member
For your next few lessons, ask your instructor not to prompt you with the lanes - explain to her that this is where you feel unconfident and ask her to allow you to start making the decision for yourself. Don’t be afraid to raise it with her, she needs to know how you feel so she can help you!Was going to check in on everyone today and see how you’re all doing! My driving test is only 6 lessons away which is so scaryI feel prepared apart from the huge islands and roundabouts where I just never know what lane I should be in. The only reason I know is cos my instructor tells me and I check with her. I would feel so pressured to pass my test if there wasn’t such a massive waiting list for tests atm. God knows when my next one would be
BettyCrockerr
VIP Member
Congratulations!!!!!!Passed my test today4 minors
Knew you would pass!!!!!!!
Now get that car insured, taxed and away you go!
HoGi
VIP Member
They might ask to see it.I didnt realise my provisional expired 2 weeks agoI've reapplied today but does it mean I can't do my lesson tomorrow? (New instructor)
I would tell a white lie and say you sent it off a few weeks ago as it needed renewing and you haven't had it back yet (There is a pretty big backlog at the DVLA)
hogwartsgraduate
VIP Member
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!!! So pleased for you and I will take on your positive vibes!I passed my test yesterday!!!!
A year ago I was an absolute mess when it came to driving. I hated my lessons, felt sick the day and morning before and would even cancel them cos my anxiety was so bad. I’ve been learning on and off for 10 years and had so many barriers it’s been unreal. It’s been such a long journey but I never gave up. I was close at times but I was determined and I have FINALLY done it! To anyone reading this who is feeling like I used to, please take it from me that you CAN do it. I never thought I would and today I’ve driven to Asda by myself and filled my car up with diesel. This is just the very start of the rest of my life
Dexy
VIP Member
Good luck to everyone learning. I know how hard it is. Just focus on the freedom it will give you when you do pass. It’s life changing.
Once your confidence grows you’ll wonder how you ever coped without a car.
Proud to say never parallel parked since passing 14 years ago, would rather park a mile down the road where no one else is and walk stress-free to my destination. This has done me no harm.
Once your confidence grows you’ll wonder how you ever coped without a car.
Proud to say never parallel parked since passing 14 years ago, would rather park a mile down the road where no one else is and walk stress-free to my destination. This has done me no harm.
Upintheair83
VIP Member
That’s a horrible experience, some drivers are impatient and I suppose just get in the car remembering that- but also remember there are so many drivers out there that understand, they are patient and respect you are learning. These vile people who feel the need to shout those things aren’t worth bothering about. They themselves aren’t good drivers if they are shouting that. I mean we all had to learn and start somewhere, even the one shouting that!I've got a lesson coming up for Saturday (first one in a week since having an anxiety attack after being called a 'learner w*nker' by another car driver). I just hope I can get over it because now I'm thinking it's going to happen every time I have a lesson
Please, please don’t let it put you off, I know it’s hard. You deserve to be on the road just as much as that driver does. You will always get people like that, even when you pass. I have so many idiots tail gating me because I’m not going fast enough! I mean I think I drive at normal speeds!
And I had some lorry driver beep me on a dual carriageway the other week which upset me, because I genuinely don’t know what I did! Some people are knobs and they have no patience. So please just try and ignore them. Idiots they are! XxDoyoureally?
Active member
This thread has made me realise I need to just start driving again and book a test. Failed a test a while ago and just hate driving with strangers, even an instructor that I’ve had several lessons with. In my 30s and It’s been inspirational hearing your stories especially those who have got their license in their 40s/50s. Thanks all for sharing your experiences.
Hello everyone 
Glad I’ve found this thread. I’ve failed my test 3 times the last one was four years ago and I haven’t taken a single lesson since.
I am 35 and felt like I’d never become a driver, but reading this thread has motivated me to think about booking in some lessons again. I may take the advice some of you have given and learn in an automatic. I think not having to think about the clutch and gears, will make it far easier for me.
Has anyone ever done a week intensive learning course with the test at the end of it? If so, how did you find it. As a lot of people have also mentioned, I get super anxious before a lesson, and don’t think I can deal with going through that, every single week for months and months.
x
Glad I’ve found this thread. I’ve failed my test 3 times
the last one was four years ago and I haven’t taken a single lesson since.I am 35 and felt like I’d never become a driver, but reading this thread has motivated me to think about booking in some lessons again. I may take the advice some of you have given and learn in an automatic. I think not having to think about the clutch and gears, will make it far easier for me.
Has anyone ever done a week intensive learning course with the test at the end of it? If so, how did you find it. As a lot of people have also mentioned, I get super anxious before a lesson, and don’t think I can deal with going through that, every single week for months and months.
x
I refused to look at cars for a few days after my test because I just couldn’t believe that I had passed!Bloody hell you're pretty much describing me here! A good while ago I used to always try and cancel my lessons, it was so bad! I was so nervous, hated being on the road and would mess up whenever I was given an instruction just like you. I also hated roundabouts and forward bay parks
honestly, my driving instructor used to tell me that keeping calm was the best advice that he could give me, if I felt myself panicking or worrying just go through the steps in my head! I found the driving following the sat jab the easiest as I could kind of see the route ahead, so I knew where I would be going. I think my area has lots of test routes, so one thing we did was drive around the areas where people get tripped up etc (one way streets, stop signs, roads with variable speed limits etc) so that I wouldn’t have a problem with these! Good luck with your test, let us know how you get on! 
If you think that’s best for you then you have 1 million percent made the right decision!
It’s extra pressure right now because of how scarce tests are, but you should never feel rushed into it! Good luck in eradicating your anxiety, it’s not easy, but definitely worth it!
HoGi
VIP Member
There are quite a few of us on here who learnt auto.
Don't let anyone tell you it isn't proper driving or is a bad choice. Once you pass you will have sooooo much more freedom than not driving. And so what you have to buy an auto? When the ban on new petrol/diesel cars is introduced and every new car will be electric they will all be auto
I know a lot of people who can drive manuals but only drive auto. My husband said he will never buy another manual.
You do what is best for you
Eta typos
Kim Mild
VIP Member
I failed a few driving tests, probably due to anxiety. The best advice I got was ;
If you aren't happy with your instructor, try another. I had about 5, the last 1 made me realise how much I preferred one of the others
Doing your observations is the thing you can control in your test . Do it ,react accordingly and make sure the examiner sees you do it.
Good look.
If you aren't happy with your instructor, try another. I had about 5, the last 1 made me realise how much I preferred one of the others
Doing your observations is the thing you can control in your test . Do it ,react accordingly and make sure the examiner sees you do it.
Good look.
LaurieLaurie
VIP Member
My lesson is at 2pm and I really don’t fancy it. Test centres are all booked up with no dates available at all and I just feel like I’m wasting my money. My friend lives three hours away and they have no test dates until October!
I ask him what I need to focus or work on and he says nothing.
I ask him what I need to focus or work on and he says nothing.
under the ivy
VIP Member
Good luck for your test @LaurieLaurie and ditch/report him! The bloody weirdo.
It's 4 weeks until my test FML. Had a really good lesson today to cover my parking manoeuvres. Just honestly dreading my test.
It's 4 weeks until my test FML. Had a really good lesson today to cover my parking manoeuvres. Just honestly dreading my test.
nightfeedz
Active member
Yaaaay loving these passes, well done @Thank(space)you and @judsmum