Learning to drive.

[nightfeedz]

Argh. Thanks all. And love to others feeling so anxious.

I’m actually on long term anxiety medication but maybe it’s worth looking into beta blockers or something, not sure if I can take them but reading back on my last post yeah that is quite an intense level of anxiety I’ve tried hypnosis too actually and it has helped to a point. Would love another session before my test but sometimes this learning to drive feels like pouring cash down the drain.

The pressure of there being no tests and my theory expiring is just getting to me. I’ll get through it. Thanks x

 

[eggbutty]

I really recommend DGN Driving School on YouTube. It's so helpful to watch between lessons and he does mock tests with people where you can see what went wrong and why. I'm a visual learner and this has been so helpful.

I was going to recommend DGN too! I watched the channel often when I was learning to drive, it really helped. He does mock tests and a weekly video of a lesson with a learner.

I passed last August at 25 weeks pregnant but haven't driven since! Buying a car went on the back burner after having baby

 

[Hope96]

How many lessons have you had? If it’s early days just put your trust into your instructor and listen to their instructions, they should be talking you though every step if you are unsure.

Thank you for your reply. It'll be my 5th lesson today and fair play to my instructor he does his best to talk me through the steps but I just don't think driving is coming to me as quickly it does to some people. I am struggling with the steering and that's one of the main part of driving so I am feeling pretty useless. I don't really feel like I'm learning very much in my lessons which are 1.5 hours each time either. I've been feeling anxious and dread since waking up.

 

[Thank(space)you]

I think you are really over thinking everything and getting yourself in a pickle!

your instructor probably asked you to bring a list because he wants to spend your lessons focusing on things you maybe don’t feel as confident at - is there nothing else you want to brush up on/work on? are you banging out all your manoeuvres perfectly every time? Are you completely confident doing the independent drives? Are you at ease with things like roundabouts/going through the gears etc? i don’t think he’s trying to trip you up - I think he’s probably just wanting to narrow down the areas you feel you want extra help with in the run up to your Test.

that being said - please, just try a lesson with a different instructor- just to see how you get on with someone different?

can you not just drop him a text or something regarding next weeks lesson? And ask for it to be rescheduled rather than cancelling it?

He's told me that he doesn't have any other availability for me - so I can't reschedule I prefer independent driving to my lessons tbh

Is anyone else worried the restrictions will come back and cancel our tests?

Yep! Been worried about this since my test was postponed

 

[hol20x]

Congratulations @Belulah yay for you!

I’m in NI and tests and lessons have just started up again, I’ve managed to get a test slot for the end of July but I want to change instructor and am struggling to find someone. I don’t like the added pandemic pressure!

May I ask whereabouts in NI you are? My instructor was fantastic and I can give you her details if you’re local.

 

[Rippedjeanmaybe]

I had similar with my first instructor when my dog died.

I was glad to be shot of him

Wow that’s awful. Some people are just ridiculous. I’m so glad it gave me the push to get a different instructor, otherwise I probably wouldn’t be able to drive now!

 

[under the ivy]

Try to learn from the experience @Thank(space)you , you want to be a safe driver which will save you money in the long run if you need more lessons. Rebook your test for a later date, it will soon come round! I was disheartened with my test not being until November but I know I need these months to be properly test ready and hopefully pass x

 

[Belulah]

I’ve seen a service where you can pay them to get you a cancellation. I’m not sure if it’s legit but might be worth looking into.

 

[Thank(space)you]

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.

You can do it if you're able to practice outside your lessons I found that really helped me. Plus lots of watching DGN driving school on YouTube

 

[BettyCrockerr]

i never do! when i passed my exam i drove a few times with my dad and it didn't go so well let's just say he's the worst teacher ever with no patience at all very quickly after that i moved to a country where people drive on the opposite side of the road from me and just never had the chance to drive there. moved back home feeling terrified of driving. tbh everything about it scares me gear shifting is the most difficult part for me, and being aware of everything in my surroundings, all sides! seems like so much!

You need to drive to get over your fear. Do you have a car? Or access to a car? You should try taking a few refresher lessons to get you back into the swing off it and then honestly it’s just something you have to do to improve on. Get a really cheap little car if you don’t already have one and just take it out around where you live to begin with - literally just go up the road turn and come back. Start small. Then try going slightly further - like to a shop or supermarket. And just build it up like that, get comfortable with the car and you’ll soon get it.

 

[LaurieLaurie]

A couple of my best friends work at car dealerships and they’ve told me not to get a car until I’ve passed so it’s not going to shit sat on the drive.

 

[hogwartsgraduate]

You should have told her to mind her own business!
Good luck finding someone better but do it ASAP. The next tests I’ve seen are for February

I'm signed up too speedy tests and set it to show me tests between Oct and Feb and I'm getting daily texts offering cancellations in Nov and Dec so fingers crossed ...

 

[Kim Mild]

There are cars for sale that I like and they are automatic so eventually I'll probably drive one but I can't get my head around how they work. I'm probably thinking too much into it and will find it self explanatory if I drive one

 

[Snippysnips]

The centre I did my test at didn't even have toilets.

Whoa really? Crazy, I always assumed they would all be similer, mines was like a waiting room with seats, TV, teas, coffees, vending machine, magazines, toilets etc lol it was tiny like maybe 3 or 4 seats but it did have a lot of stuff, because the driving instructors are usually having to wait till its over then it's usually not a bad little room

 

[Dancing Dave]

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?

 

[Lollypad]

is the testi app worth the £9.99?

I think so, it’s the easiest way to look for new tests quickly rather than having to log on to dvsa all the time. On Tuesday I booked a test for end of December and I’ve already got it down to start of November

 

[LaurieLaurie]

Failed my test today could 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 just gotta keep looking

Sorry to hear that.

Keep checking and use an app. I’ve just changed mine again after they added a load of new dates.

 

[Belulah]

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

A mask, and no air conditioning.

 

[FishCustard]

My lessons are £30 an hour

 

[Thank(space)you]

Had an off day driving today and now my instructor is thinking of postponing my test. I feel ready for my test and don't want to postpone as I know from this thread how long the wait is for new tests. Plus I can't afford to continue doing driving lessons all year.

Got a mock test next week. Feeling despondent