Learning to drive.

[NewReader909]

My instructor really didn't give me much confidence in myself, constantly nit-picking my small mistakes and even being quite condescending. I'm quite intelligent but my legs just don't work as well as they should haha. He would tell me when to release the break, etc and never gave me the chance to independently make that decision for myself; despite me asking him multiple times. I'm looking forward to driving again and I really hope I can find a better instructor to suit my needs.

I had this issue with the two instructors I’ve had, they’d tell you to indicate/brake/use gears before I had a chance to make the decision myself! I felt like I just wasn’t learning anything, and I really noticed it when I bought my own car.

I’m in Ireland too, and it’s hard going without lessons atm!

 

[under the ivy]

Hope everyone is doing well.

I’ve just come back from a lesson - I feel a bit flat after it tbh! I did nothing wrong but my DI kept taking the wheel and she’s never done that before. I wasn’t in the way or making errors, just made me feel a bit off!

Otherwise, I’m doing well. I keep looking for a test cancellation but no luck.

 

[BettyCrockerr]

I don’t know, my first test I drove into two wing mirrors and had a huge panic attack. I can’t shake the thought I’m going to kill someone or myself every time I drive.

I know you mean well and I appreciate it. Unfortunately I can’t just stop overthinking. I know it’s not like this for everyone so your advice may be helpful for others. The only thing I can do to beat this driving anxiety is keep facing up to it but it is hard.



This makes sense. I’ll give it a go.

Have you seen your GP? You could get anti anxiety medication to help? Or try hypnosis? you just need something to help you gain control over your emotions around it - but you’ll get there, you’ll be fine

 

[Thank(space)you]

I didnt realise my provisional expired 2 weeks ago I've reapplied today but does it mean I can't do my lesson tomorrow? (New instructor)

 

[LaurieLaurie]

I think they are starting to release restrictions on the testers aren't they? More per day etc ... Fingers crossed

They said that month’s ago too so I’m not holding my breath for a quick test if I fail mine next month

 

[hrh89]

Those of you learning at the minute, are you having to wear masks and gloves?

 

[Belulah]

Lowestoft-perfect for me as I work there and live about a ten minute drive

 

[kittypaws]

I passed!!

WELL DONE!!!!! AMAZING NEWS!

 

[lozzapaloozza]

After 4 years I’ve decided I want to start lessons again and do my test. I was learning and took my test in 2017 but failed and never picked it back up after being so traumatized I was really good on the driving part but on my test the examiner was nasty. For example, I indicated to go left but meant to indicate right and she goes, “WHY are you doing that?”. It was the nerves, I also ended up stalling at a box junction and she was shouting at me to “hurry up”, “come on MOVE” and I couldn’t stop stalling. She was a horrible cow and it scarred me for life I’m thinking about learning automatic because the gears/pedals stress me out and my brain feels like it can’t do everything at once so think this would be the best option. How do I find the courage to just book lessons/my test?

 

[Thank(space)you]

Hello guys

I wanted to join in as I’m just about to embark on starting lessons again and am so anxious. I had my theory test today and passed so now I really need to find an instructor again but I’m so worried.

I have had a few lessons in a manual but quickly realised I couldnt do it so been doing auto almost exclusively. am 28 but first started learning at 23, took my theory in 2016 and passed then had some lessons with an instructor who shouted at me a lot and made me cry every lesson. Unfortunately I really took this to heart and my confidence is very low with driving because of this.

Eventually I gave up because I just had dread in the pit of my stomach before every lesson. I then tried a few more lessons with another instructor and even took my test twice but failed due to really stupid mistakes which I know I made because of nerves and panic (on one of them, I drove the wrong way down a busy road )

Anyway, then I had a big life change in 2017 and moved away. Theory expired. And here we are.


Glad to see this thread because I often feel very alone about not being able to drive and quite embarrassed, even though it is normal, I yet don’t have any friends who have left it as late as me so will be good to chat with others who are learning too x

I'm the same age as you, definitely know how you feel regarding leaving it late

 

[Prefrontalmedialcortex]

Got my first automatic lesson today, nervous

I know I can drive, I’ve driven a manual car before and overtook a bus on one of my lessons. I’m with a new instructor so I just hope everything goes well!

All the best for your first automatic lesson today! You’ll be absolutely fine as you’ve already got experience of driving a car. You’ll do great.

 

[megsmagoo]

For me it was more about everything else you need to do and then having to think about gears. Found it overwhelming how much you have to think to drive safely and the safety of others and it made me feel more anxious so why not do the ‘easier’ way. Im
happy! Appreciate that gears are second nature to people but I learned when I was older and wanted to pass quickly too

 

[BettyCrockerr]

I’ll be doing an hour lesson directly before my test.. Do they settle you or make you more nervous? Haha

It should settle you.

 

[Thank(space)you]

They said that month’s ago too so I’m not holding my breath for a quick test if I fail mine next month

You aren't gonna fail, think positively, you've got this

 

[nightfeedz]

Update:

So my mock went Rubbish. Instructor said he's postponing my test to just wanna cry. 7 minors and 7 majors so I get it but it's frustrating. He even said the fact I was nervous is a sign I'm not ready

So disheartening for you Try your best to do what feels right for you.

I’m in NI so it might be different for you but I asked my instructor if there was any room for manoeuvre with test dates, if I did want to change mine. He said that some test dates were held back so there will be more released gradually throughout the summer, just keep on checking the system.

I know sometimes the time pressure doesn’t help the nerves so if you decide it is best to take your time hopefully you will be able to find a way to rearrange.

 

[Belulah]

How’d it go @under the ivy ? I’ve had three lessons this week!

 

[kittypaws]

Yay when is your test @LaurieLaurie ?

 

[hogwartsgraduate]

Thankyou for advice! I really appreciate it and reading back through the pages I actually feel alot more confident on standing my ground and getting a new instructor. Those that are anxious I'm right there with you!
My next lesson is tomorrow morning which I will do as I've already paid for it and she's doing a mock test so let's see what happens lol!

 

[Gembo]

I have my first auto lesson in 15 mins - been around 10 years since I last attempted to learn to drive so feeling super nervous

Good luck!

 

[Thank(space)you]

My child had me up most of the night, I've had around 4 hours sleep. Am I okay to drive today for my lesson? I'm too scared to cancel so close to my test but also very scared I'll have a shit lesson due to being so tired