Learning to drive.

[BettyCrockerr]

Yeah, I wanted to book a lesson just to give it a try, but every single school I rang said they're operating on a waiting list basis now because they have so much demand post-lockdown that they no longer have immediate availability. The earliest available slot is end of September/early October. They're prioritizing essential workers. It's a bit annoying as I renewed my license in October and almost one year later, I haven't been able to drive at all. I bet they'll use this as an excuse to increase their prices.

I unfortunately don't have anyone to drive with, so I'm completely dependent on driving schools which is an utter pain and financial drain.

Controversial- but why not ask someone you know who has their license etc to hire an automatic for a few days? Then get them to drive you to somewhere empty or very quiet or private land etc and then you have a go in the automatic??? it will at least give you a chance to drive around in one a bit so you can feel how it’s different to a manual etc and then at least you can make an informed choice?

 

[BettyCrockerr]

sorry jumping in randomly but this actually made me feel better! i got my licence 5 years ago and i'm still terrified of driving

How often do you drive? What is it that particularly bothers you?

 

[HoGi]

I have booked a test! Well my sister booked it for me! The queue had 67,000 people in by half past eight! I got knocked out and rejoined- at the back of 200,00+ people. My sister managed to hang in there and 8hrs later she was front of the line!

Good luck xx

 

[LaurieLaurie]

Wow. These prices are eye watering, I’m in Newcastle (£18ph).

£30 an hour, or if you buy a block of 10 it's £270

Mine charges £162 for 10 hours. I couldn’t afford to pay over £30 an hour.

 

[BettyCrocker]

I unfortunately failed literally the last 30 seconds when I had to do a reverse bay park, I felt my instructor was abit mean towards things though and seemed to put a massive downer on everything.

Aw sorry to hear that. Have you booked another one?

 

[Che Guevara]

Sorry to hear you didn’t pass. Well done to you for getting through it. I failed mine today too. So disappointed.

I made a whole load of mistakes but to me it felt better than my previous test as I felt more in control and calmer. Prob going to be ages before I can do another test though.

I know I need to practice more in my own car instead of just lessons as I really struggle with trusting my own judgement without my instructor there. My partner and I both hate doing it though!

Also thinking maybe I should consider automatic but that would mean having to get a new car not to mention a new instructor.

ARGH this is tough!

I’m sorry to hear that! Bite the bullet and just start some small journeys in your car. The more practice the better xxx

Thanks everyone. Just feel a bit stupid and a bit annoyed.

don’t worry about it, we’re always so hard on ourselves. Get back on that booking page and get booking another one. Don’t let it get you down xxx

 

[HoGi]

I got a brand new fiesta on PCP for my first car.

Servicing is every other year so that's cheaper too. No MOT for first 3 years. Peace of mind it isn't going to break and if it does you have a warranty.

I loved it and never dinked it or scraped an alloy or anything

 

[under the ivy]

I’ve booked in the next city across from me. My instructor says the test route is in the city I live in, just the test centre in my city is completely full. I know that sounds confusing Keep looking, I hope a test comes available x

 

[LaurieLaurie]

Just keep checking, they only show 3 months ahead anyway I think but keep checking and see if you can get a cancellation

I know, I’m constantly checking and there’s none whatsoever anywhere near me.

 

[Very traditional]

My mother in law lives at the end of a private road with a really long driveway and I literally cannot leave her house without either doing a 3 point turn or reversing around the corner and up the drive to turn so those two are invaluable to me. I've never reversed in to a bay in my life though

3 point turns are so pointless that they don’t even teach them anymore! They don’t do reverse around a corner either!

to be honest though, I’ve never parallel parked since passing!

 

[Kim Mild]

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)

Is it just the photo that has expired? Cos they need updated every 10 years. Or do you have to renew it for medical reasons. If its the photo you can legally drive while it is being updated, but the instructor might want to see it . Send them a text and see what they say .

 

[Belulah]

I failed nerves got the better of me, I hope next time I feel more prepared

Sorry to hear that! Are you having lessons apart from with your dad?

 

[megsmagoo]

I’m naturally an anxious person and I’m not refusing to do gears! I had 20 hours of manual lessons nearly, I got the gears and clutch but I was never fully concentrating on the road and made loads of dangerous errors! I have personal reasons why I want to pass quickly and I think automatic best suits me

I did about 12 hours I think of manual so I feel like I gave it a good shot!

 

[annanuttall]

I started to learn to drive - automatic. But gave up as I met and married a man who can't be in a car longer than 30 mins.
The only time I wish I kept going with my lesson as I hate carrying my shopping home.

 

[megx]

Is the official theory test app worth buying? Mines in a month or so and I don’t know whether to get it or not

 

[LaurieLaurie]

At least you have one haha

 

[Thank(space)you]

Had my lesson today, my instructor said the reason he's not convinced I'll be ready in time is my confidence. He said I've got the knowledge and the understanding.

He also said if you get both show me/tell me questions wrong it's a major but it's not?

 

[Belulah]

Hope everyone is getting on okay- I had an okay lesson for today. Did mount the pavement though!

 

[Ef27]

Sorry to hear that! Are you having lessons apart from with your dad?

Yeah I’ve done like 15 lessons, I feel like I’ll never pass

 

[Thank(space)you]

Is it just the photo that has expired? Cos they need updated every 10 years. Or do you have to renew it for medical reasons. If its the photo you can legally drive while it is being updated, but the instructor might want to see it . Send them a text and see what they say .

It's just the photo yes, I'll drop her a message