Learning to drive.

[Ceebee]

My instructor yesterday told me to slow down on approach to roundabouts, but then said don’t start braking too early. So which one is it

She also said wear thinner shoes. Anyone else have ‘driving shoes’?

How confusing! My instructor was like that too I don't have designated driving shoes but I often drive in a pair of vans or the memory foam trainers from Penneys (or primark if you're in the UK).

 

[under the ivy]

How are everyone’s lessons going? I did junctions on Saturday - went really well which surprised me

 

[shirleymaclaine1]

I started learning to drive at the age of 18 and finally passed on my sixth attempt at the age of 23. I was so overjoyed & relieved that I asked the examiner if I could kiss him!! I too suffered badly from anxiety during my tests to the extent that my GP prescribed me one and a half Valium tablets to be taken in the days leading up to my final test Don’t ever give up, you will get there in the end!

 

[NewReader909]

It's so frustrating! I'm hoping I can learn better and make my own decisions when I do buy my own car. Yeah, I'm hoping things open up soon. Have you done your full test?

I haven’t even applied yet! I probably should soon, seeing how long it could take!

 

[nightfeedz]

I’ve just had my final lesson before my test!
@kenbarlow You will get there! I bet your mum doesn’t think it went nearly as badly as you do!

good luck! You can do it x

 

[Hope96]

I am already nervous for my lesson tomorrow afternoon. Even though the last one went fine. I really just want to feel comfortable on the road and trust that I can be safe and get from a to b.

Urghh this has to be the most annoying time to learn to drive ever. There’s so much extra pressure with all the tests and instructors being so busy.

Good luck! Let us know how you get on. x

I have my second driving lesson tomorrow and it's for 1.5 hours rather than an hour and I can't even remember how to start the car. Well done me!

 

[OutrageouslyScarlet]

Everyone talked me into having to learn manual so
I bought a manual car. But I just don’t get very far with learning. I wish I’d just bought an automatic and ignored everyone.

Everyone talked me into having to learn manual so
I bought a manual car. But I just don’t get very far with learning. I wish I’d just bought an automatic and ignored everyone.

 

[Lollypad]

I also got the James May app which was good for hazard perception

just moved house and booking a new instructor for next week which is terrifying! Two hour lessons make me so nervous

 

[Kim Mild]

I beg of you - please, find a new instructor, everything you’ve posted about him is just ringing alarm bells.

I was just thinking he sounds like a right dickhead.

 

[nightfeedz]

Mine sells blocks of ten but it doesn’t work out any cheaper so I pay weekly.

How much does everyone pay for an hour? Mines £18.

Mines 28

Has anyone done their test in their own car rather than an instructors? I’ve never considered it but maybe I should?

 

[Belulah]

I passed my theory test today

I also have a mock test booked in for 4 weeks time! So proud of myself.

Well done! That’s a big step in the right direction! Let us know how the mock goes! One thing I got pulled up in mine was not looking in my rear view mirror before changing speeds.

 

[Kandy floss]

I have a lesson this afternoon, I haven’t slept well and feel so nervous. Wish I could get over it because when I get in the drivers seat I’m fine!

Aw I feel for you! It’s so awful being nervous for it and not really being able to focus on anything else!! I absolutely hated learning because of it

 

[Snippysnips]

I will say the one thing my brother always drilled into me an honestly I felt like a clown was really go a bit over the top with head movements with looking in the mirrors, most instructors will say that but just incase, you have to check mirrors for EVERYTHING it's annoying an I felt like I was moving my head literally ever 3 seconds but the examiners can't tell if your just glancing your eyes like a normal person does lol so somtimes don't know if your checking or not, I belive it goes down as a minor anyway so long as it's not somthing where you do definitely need to check like changing lanes etc an it used to be no more than 12 minors to still pass but it does help to do a little head movement every time you need to check somthing in the mirror just so you make it obvs to the examiner that you are checking lol

 

[HoGi]

I'm starting to learn early next year. I'm planning on buying a small little car first as I want to learn in my own car. I've also decided to learn in an automatic. I'm not here for a discussion for what's better as I'm early thirties and I would rather take the slightly easier route - thankfully I've a friend whose agreed it's what's best I'm just annoyed and embarrassed that I can't drive yet, but I lived in London for years and never had the need too 9my excuse anyway).

Now where I live it's hard to get a job without a car and the mobility needed. I start a new job soon and being mobile is going to be a huge requirement.

Long story short, what cars did most people learn to drive in?

I did 12 hours in a manual when I was 19 and then left it for 9 years! Passed at 29 in an automatic.

Best decision I ever made was switching to auto. They are the future as Belulah says. And your left leg gets a rest

Means you can concentrate on manoeuvres and driving technique without having to master gear changes first

 

[HoGi]

The right instructor definitely makes a difference

My first instructor was so rude and obnoxious

Second one completely got my nerves and was very patient and friendly

 

[Kim Mild]

I’ve finally booked a test slot You have to constantly check haha


You need to listen to your instructor, if he feels you aren’t ready then maybe he knows best. When’s your test?


They have a responsibility to advise what’s safe though.

Maybe he wants a few more months of lessons out of the op cos he thinks it is a guaranteed income .

 

[Ashad]

Just failed my test. Examiner was actually so horrible from the get go ... “step back step back you’re too close” ... also really unclear with communication.. I’m actually in shock at how poor communication was and also when I made a mistake she was making lots of “tutting” sounds/sounds of frustration

That says a lot about them as a teacher. I’m sorry she was so rude- fingers crossed for a more professional examiner next time.

 

[megsmagoo]

I’m 10 months in passing and owning the car and it potentially needs some expensive work doing to it I probably wouldn’t have got a brand new car but get the best that you can afford. I wish we spent a bit more on ours! It’s really put us off buying a ‘second hand’ one again so looking into leasing or finance now and tbh leasing is looking a bit more appealing to us which I didn’t expect!

 

[Belulah]

I had a mock today which I failed. As soon as my instructor said the words “mock” the nerves descended and I went to pot.

 

[Snippysnips]

Ahh good to know, I had always been told it was I think up to 12 minors before it was failed but didn't realise more than 4 of the same thing becomes a major, that's helpful but I agree, it's better to over exaggerate and then they can say that they missed it