Learning to drive.

[elloelloello]

Observation is the most important thing . Everything you do in driving depends on what you have seen going on around you.

If you feel a manoeuvre isn't going well, go back to the beginning of the manoeuvre and do it again.

Good luck

Thank you! This is defo something I’ve been drilling into my head so need to remember it on the day

 

[Belulah]

Well done @YorkshireFox ! Always nice to surprise yourself.
I tried to book my test last week but the system kept crashing. Hoping to book it when they reopen on Wednesday. I split the driving from Lowestoft to Swindon with my mum so drove 90 minutes ish! Did accidentally end up on the motorway at one point x

 

[Merpedy]

Do any of you have advice for the theory side of it all?

I keep being pushed to start learning and tbf it would be very useful, but having looked at some theory books I have no clue where to start or what to do

 

[Thank(space)you]

I had a stressful driving lesson yesterday because the steering of the wheel just isn't coming to me. It stresses me out so much and I'm so tense with how I grab onto the wheel for dear life but I can't seem to stop. I feel like I'm going to kill someone because I don't know when to steer the wheel or I'm too slow. Tempted to just pack it in but I don't want to give up. Feeling pretty meh about it today though.

How many lessons have you had?

 

[Belulah]

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

 

[jawidjanqndn]

It’s your first lesson! Relax. Deep breath. Remember you are there to learn, no one is expecting you to know what to do do just chill out and enjoy it

Thankyou I honestly feel like I’m going to have a panic attack

 

[Thank(space)you]

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.

My test is end of June.
I'm gonna keep hassling my siblings to let me practice in their cars outside of lessons and hopefully that will help.

Seriously, it's your decision when you feel ready to take your test. I HIGHLY recommend DGN driving on youtube, he is absolutely fantastic!!! And if you have a spare £30, download his course - it's currently half price. I've downloaded it can honestly, it's fantastic, it will really help you for your test. But even if you don't buy it, his youtube videos are just as good!

I'll check it out, thank you

Your instructor cannot “postpone” your test. It’s your test. You book it. It’s got naff all to do with them when you have your test, aside from letting you use their car which you pay them for anyway!!!!

Speak to your instructor. Ask why exactly they feel that you’re not ready for your test? They were happy to let you book it before, so what are they claiming is the problem now?

sometimes I really do think driving instructors just take the piss completely. You are paying them for a service, not the other way around; don’t let them dictate everything when you are the one paying for it.

It is because I slowed down but didn't stop @ a junction. But I explained the reason I didn't stop is because I could see it was clear. I wasn't unsafe with my speed or anything

 

[under the ivy]

I had to slam the breaks on at traffic lights last week as a big Range Rover tried to over take me as I was turning left! I dread to think if that happens on my test I know someone failed their test because they pulled in at an unsafe space as a ambulance with blue lights was approaching them, I mean you’re already nervous on your test and then that happens!

 

[alwayslurkin]

I can imagine myself once I pass to use forward parking bays only

Lol me I only reverse park if I have no other choice

 

[Thank(space)you]

Would you like to chat? I’ve been where you are and have come such a long way. Can’t PM here but could give you my social media x

That would be lovely, thank you

 

[LaurieLaurie]

I've been lurking here for a while. First test was just after Christmas but cancelled due to snow, second test in May and felt really confident but made a stupid mistake (did not check mirrors changing lanes) and got a major and failed. Today I PASSED!!! I was so nervous, my left leg was shaking throughout, stalled early on at a junction due to my violent leg shake. Examiner told me to pull over and compose myself. It was at a test centre I managed to get a cancellation at so didn't know the area very well, school kids everywhere, spent 95% of it in 2nd gear below 23mph. Thought it was a disaster. Probably my worst drive in the past 9 months but I managed to pass with only 1 minor due to that stalling!!!! Very happy and it's nice to feel free. So keep at it as you never know what will happen

Well done .

 

[LT31514]

Whereabouts is everyone doing the practising/tests? I’m in Rotherham. To be fair i am closer to Doncaster (which I know better and would prefer) but I have my lessons at 1pm on a Thursday and he picks me up from work which is in Rotherham!

I did my test in Scunthorpe. I would definitely for you choose Doncaster over say Sheffield.

 

[Thank(space)you]

Driving lesson today. Another block of 10 to buy. I really can't afford for my test to be postponed again

 

[HoGi]

I would seriously get rid. I remember my first driving instructor, I text him to say I needed to cancel as my mum had gone missing and he replied saying “well I’m outside your house”. So I said “well I’m not home, I’m out looking for my mum” and he just replied “I think we should take a break from lessons for a while”. (I couldn’t give him advanced notice as I literally had a call 20 mins before my lesson to say she was missing). I never heard from him again.

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

I was glad to be shot of him

 

[HoGi]

Thank you everyone, I was absolutely fine shouldn't have worried myself

How are you finding the new instructor?

 

[BettyCrockerr]

Yes, he's brilliant. I take rescue remedy, do hypnosis and eat a banana before every lesson to try and help

What is it that worries you so much?

 

[megx]

is the testi app worth the £9.99?

 

[Very traditional]

Hi everyone,

At the age of 35, I passed my driving test today. I wanted to share this in case it gives others hope. I always thought that driving wasn’t for me. I never needed it for work and my husband always drove. Last year, my husband passed away after a four year battle with bowel cancer. I suddenly found myself as a widow and sole parent to our beautiful daughter. I knew I needed to learn to drive to be able to give us some freedom. However, it did not come easy to me! I’ve actually had lessons, on and off, for the last ten years. It was only last summer when I finally got stuck in.

I had my test this afternoon as cannot believe I have managed to pass. I was so nervous in the lead up but all those nerves disappeared as soon as I started the test. I feel like I barely have any recollection of doing the test and couldn’t even tell you which roads I went down. I guess I was very ‘in the zone’.

I literally think that, if I can pass, then anyone can. And I sincerely mean that!

I’m now nervous because I’m going to have to buy a car and go for my first solo drive before contending with a sassy five year old in the back!
If you’re nervous, keep going! x

Well done, you should be so proud of yourself. Driving by yourself for the first time is super weird but once you've done it once you'll be fine. Your little girl will be delighted to be able to get out and about with you xx

 

[TheGlossy]

@TheGlossy I’d get on the waiting list. I think it sounds like you’ve made you mind up about going auto. I was totally dependent on driving schools for a long time. It was such a drain.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I want to go automatic. It will take me another 10 years of lessons with a manual.

They ask you to pay upfront just to get on the waiting list. Complete rip off.

 

[under the ivy]

Leeds. Roads are always busy but it gets me used to them.