Learning to drive.

[under the ivy]

Thanks for your all tips! I am really conscious of using my mirrors (there’s some idiots on the road where I drive) but I think the art of being subtle isn’t working with my instructor

 

[nightfeedz]

Good luck @Belulah you can do it.

If it makes you feel less alone, I haven’t driven AT ALL since failing my test in October and I have another one booked next month.

It is frustrating how we can go from test ready to scared of getting in the car so quickly. But we’re not starting from square one each time

 

[kittypaws]

I was really considering auto for a long while. I didn’t think I’d ever get test ready in a manual and thought if it didn’t happen I’d go auto. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Besides auto now is a lot more popular than it was years ago and a lot more cars are auto now. Also we know manuals will start to fade out. I mean it’ll be a long while yet but it’s where it’s heading.

My bf has been driving 18 years, loves his cars and for his job he is on the road driving a van all the time. We went on a family trip last year and needed to hire a bigger car cos there was 7 of us, so he hired a small mini bus which was automatic and he absolutely bloody loved it

 

[Doyoureally?]

My thoughts on London vs Small Town. Negatives of smaller towns is potentially country lanes that are narrow. You’re also more likely to drive further distance and cover more types of roads in your test and more diversity. Like in town/city driving as well as dual carriageway/country lane and obviously faster driving speeds in general. Of course this will be covered in London but not as big a range in the test will come up as they will not have the time to do a route that covers as many situations due to time constraints.

However if traffic and other road users are what cause you most concerned it could be a good idea for you.

If you want to try auto please do! I think many anxious drivers do far better in auto as it removes the fear of stalling even if you have mastered the gears.

 

[megsmagoo]

How’s everyone getting on with the learning? I’ve got my test coming up soon! I’m a key worker so it’s been a quick turnaround coming out of lockdown, praying I pass! I have a knee operation at the end of the month and it’s going to take about 6 weeks to recover and I don’t want to delay it anymore after a 4 month break - any tips for the nerves?!

 

[LaurieLaurie]

Thank you all for your kind words! It was a lot of information in 1 hour for me but I am a complete novice. I stalled once because I panicked but the driving instructor was nice about it and I didn't stall after that. I am really pleased with myself for going ahead and not cancelling the lesson because I am notorious for talking myself out of things. I have another session booked for next Saturday so hopefully I don't forget how to start the car!

Glad it went well.

 

[nightfeedz]

Just stop over thinking it. Seriously, take the pressure off. Don’t go into it thinking of it as “a test” or that you have to pass it. Just view it like a lesson; go in, listen to what’s being asked of you, drive, do your best and try to relax into it and see what happens - if you pass then fantastic but if you don’t pass then no worries, youll just book it again and you’ll know what to expect the next time, just take the pressure off - the world is not going to fall of its axis, it’s not the end of the world, it’s fine!!!

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.

My DI said a bad lesson is normal before the test x

This makes sense. I’ll give it a go.

 

[alwayslurkin]

Oh parking that is one thing that bugs me in a new place as I just "know" the bays in my regular places

Stg some bays are proper narrow and hard to park

 

[Thank(space)you]

How is everyone getting on?

 

[Thank(space)you]

I passed!!

Yes! Amazing! Please tell us everything!!

 

[Thank(space)you]

How far in advance would you advise booking a practical test at the mo? I've heard there's still long wait times, so don't want to leave it too long, but I'm still a good amount of time away from being able to pass!

I'd book it now tbh, you're unlikely to get a test before next year, unless you're looking for cancellations, so plenty of time..plus if it gets closer the time and you're not ready you can always push it back

 

[LaurieLaurie]

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

How come you have a test booked? Are they a new instructor? I would be listening to them, saving your money and rebooking the test. They won’t be ‘failing’ you to be difficult, even with nerves you shouldn’t be getting 7 majors. They have to think of yours and others safety.

 

[Thank(space)you]

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

Definitely felt like it helped me

 

[HoGi]

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]

@LaurieLaurie how are you feeling with your test fast approaching?

 

[Belulah]

Thank you everyone sharing your success stories! So wonderful to hear people’s achievements! Well done @Upintheair83 ! You should be so proud!

 

[Rippedjeanmaybe]

I had a practice driving test yesterday.. Failed Someone flew out of nowhere on a roundabout, cut me up and I had to slam my breaks on. They must have been going double the speed limit

At least it was just a practice! Was you on the roundabout and the driver pulled out on you or did you pull out on them? It’s a bit harsh if the driver pulled out on you, but maybe the instructor thought you slamming the brakes on was an over reaction? Could you have braked, but not slammed on?

Obviously it’s hard to judge without us knowing totally what happened and stuff happens so quickly in the moment. I’ve never been able to relax when driving since passing my test, I’m always so on alert for danger because so many people drive so dangerously!

 

[BettyCrockerr]

My driving lesson went amazing today there's rumours of October lockdown so I best pass my test this month

Has anyone done pass plus? Is it worth it?

Pass plus is a waste of money, wouldn’t bother with it.

 

[LaurieLaurie]

Do you know someone who would let you use their car, and accompany you to your test? You can get 1 day insurance, and you don't have to go with an instructor, or take your test in a driving school car

Yes, thank you. I know I wouldn’t feel confident doing that so I’ve managed to book one for later in the year and will keep an eye out for earlier tests, the app I use seems to have cancellations every day atm.

 

[Hope96]

How’s everyone getting on?

Got my test on Thursday, so nervous! Never dreamed I’d be test ready and I’ve been learning on and off for the last 10 years! Any test advice?

Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed for you.