Learning to drive.

[Mamacita]

I would stick with manual if you can. I was doing pretty bad and took me ages to learn. Passed 2nd time but had so many lessons. Now I drive an automatic but could drive a manual (only if my life depended on it to be fair, but still). You'll get there eventually, at least you're getting lots of practice so you're coming across more situations. Unlike people who pass first time after a few lessons

 

[Belulah]

Well done for passing!!

I usually throw on some Gazelles.
My next lesson is tomorrow and I’m gonna tell him to stop talking bollocks and let me focus on my driving or I’ll never pass

Gazelles are my driving shoes too!
Thank you everyone- I can hand on heart say that I never thought I would pass the test! I was even googling is it possible to pass a practical driving test! To me it seemed impossible!

 

[Magee]

I'm nervous about the idea of looking for another instructor for several reasons:
- availability. My lessons are on my day off during school hours, so perfect time for me
- different instructions teach things differently, so I'm worried that would confuse me/cause a set back
- I'm worried that other instructors may not be as good
- maybe I am the problem

Babe unless you don’t try, you never know! At least have a look for an instructor, you don’t have to take the plunge. During school hours would be much easier than after 5pm or weekends as most people work, I’d actually see this as a positive for you. And what if they teach you more efficiently, effectively and build your confidence? What if you pass quicker? What if you spend less overall? So what if they spend 2 weeks checking out your knowledge and skills, they might actually be able to get you driving sooner! Go for it, we are routing for you

 

[JLXRD]

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

 

[BettyCrockerr]

I failed. I had a brain dead moment and got confused over his directions. Ended up driving straight ahead when it was right turn only in that lane. Crossed markings I shouldn’t have.

Ive rebooked for March (earliest available) so I’m taking a break from lessons until I find a new instructor. Five minutes before my test starts and mine was telling me he’s been on OnlyFans and talking about someone called Miss Whiplash (!?!?)

Thanks for asking

Please report him now - the guy shouldn’t be out on the roads teaching anyone to drive.

good - get yourself a new instructor, and keep an eye out for cancellations to get that test done again sooner, you’ll smash it next time I’m sure

 

[Thank(space)you]

I had a good chat with my instructor today about how I'm feeling, we did some driving and I'm feeling a bit better about the whole situation now

 

[LaurieLaurie]

Guys my test is on the 15 next month please pray for me to pass!
I’m 24 and still can’t drive how bad is that
Any tips I’m so scared and nervous

Not that bad I’m 31
Mines next month too, I’m having extra lessons and one an hour before my test to chill down and run over my manoeuvres.

 

[kittypaws]

Please tell me it’s normal to have a shit lesson a week before your test right at the start of my lesson today I was approaching the roundabouts far too fast I dunno what was going on lol. Then my manoeuvres weren’t as good as normal so now I’m dreading my test next week it’s really put me on a downer even though it shouldnt

 

[HoGi]

I had about 12 hours of lessons in a manual when I was 18. My instructor was such a knob and I dreaded the lessons. After I used up my block booking I did book again.

Then I didnt even think about driving for over 10 years. Moved to a town with a branch line train service and within a month started lessons in an auto

My husband had an electric car, which is auto, and said he would never buy a manual again. Even though he has been driving a manual for 20 years. He has just bought his 3rd auto!

So he suggested I try auto instead. Passed my theory first time (50/50 on the multiple choice!).

1 failed test, silly reason and horrible examiner who gave me a minor for stalling when you can't even stall an auto, my instructor went mad and wanted to appeal but I couldn't be bothered.

Passed second time with 4 minors, in the worst conditions! Went from full on down pour to bright sunshine in the space of seconds! I certainly showed them i knew how to use lights/wipers etc

I'm glad I learnt in an auto. Any plug in hybrid or electric car is auto, so they are the future and it means my left leg gets to have a little rest on long journeys haha

As a side note I have seen so many comments about horrible and rude instructors. Do they not realise they YOU are paying their wages?? I have never understood it. Without the learners they have no work, yet they treat learners like shit. At the end of the day YOU employed THEM.

It winds me up that they have all these terms and conditions that you can't cancel lessons within 48hrs or whatever but they don't give you the same respect back.

I think people need to understand this and not be afraid of changing instructor

 

[Upintheair83]

Good luck to everyone with tests coming up. I just booked mine today for the start of October and am dreading it but telling myself I’m excited.

My first test was almost a year ago to the day and went prettttty badly. I took a break to have a baby and once I booked my second test for April the pandemic hit so here we go again. I’m 34 and put it off for yearrrrrrs and now I’ve two kids and can’t even do the school run.

My driving is generally good but I get incredibly anxious and make very stupid mistakes. So much of it is in my state of mind, I’m seriously considering hypnotherapy between now and then if I can find someone. I need to throw everything at this test!!

It is SO refreshing and reassuring to hear from other people with similar experiences, even though I wish no one had to go through it as I can feel your pain!! Sometimes it feels like everyone passed at 17 and all drive around without a care in the world oblivious to the responsibility and the huge danger around them and it just isn’t the case. We can do this.

It’s a good idea to get some hypnotherapy. I didn’t but I did practice some breathing techniques. Although in the end my mum gave me a sleeping tablet!! I don’t advise that! But it’s because I got myself so worked up. I wish I had something like this thread when I was learning because I felt like I was the only one feeling this way. I was like you, looking around at all those who drive around without a care! I was, and am, so aware of the responsibility of driving a car. I hate seeing people abusing that privilege and doing silly things and taking risks. It makes me so angry because there are people who really struggle and who really want to pass and wouldn’t behave that way and take it really seriously.
But don’t worry about making mistakes, it’s natural and you will continue making them and you will continue to learn to drive even after you pass. My advice once you pass, is to just do what you feel comfy with. Don’t let anyone bully you into going faster or taking a risk at a roundabout. Sometimes I see people going berserk in my rear view mirror because they think I could have gone across the roundabout- but I don’t care. I do what I think is safe. Do what suits you and the routes that suit you. It’s such a weird feeling getting in the car by yourself and being in control all by yourself, but it also opens so many doors to new adventures and makes life so much easier. I can’t wait to keep popping on this thread and hear about you all passing. Wishing you all so much luck xxxx

 

[WilmaHun]

I'm nervous about the idea of looking for another instructor for several reasons:
- availability. My lessons are on my day off during school hours, so perfect time for me
- different instructions teach things differently, so I'm worried that would confuse me/cause a set back
- I'm worried that other instructors may not be as good
- maybe I am the problem

I had 2 different instructors. I spent a lot of money with the first one but he just kept saying I wasn't ready for my test. I then decided enough was enough and tried somebody else out, after my first lesson with him my test was booked! I do echo what other posters have said in that it sounds like your instructor is taking the mick a little. You might be pleasantly surprised if you try someone else - I'm sure there's plenty who can accommodate your time requirements

 

[noseynopinions]

I had my first manual driving lesson last week and although the actual driving part went well my instructor was terrible. He would use his phone and blast it on speaker which would distract me so much. He asked me personal questions about my relationship and if I loved my partner. He done a whole lot of talking about everything except driving. Didn't go through the Cockpit drill properly. Didn't teach me nothing about mirrors. Threw me straight on the road and kept kissing his teeth when I made a mistake despite me telling him I'm nervous and it's my first time. What really had me questioning his professionalism is when he asked me if I could drive back home! Honestly that session was enough to put me off but I've booked another instructor for 2 weeks time and also in an automatic car this time. Hopefully I'll have a better experience. Good luck to you all doing your theories and/or practical test x

 

[Notothefakes]

Is anyone in the process of learning to drive? I start with my 5th (?!) instructor next Monday. Have a good feeling about this one. I’m 29 and have to rely a lot on other people. I hate how much my sister has to run around after me.
Driving does not come naturally to me at all. It took me 5 times to pass my theory and I’ve failed two practicals! I do have a car so lot of time on the road!

Good luck! I honestly believe it’s down to luck on the day too, I hope the roads are kind to you.

 

[BettyCrockerr]

Driving lesson with a different instructor booked in for Saturday. Very nervous and excited. I'm really really hoping this helps with my confidence

Good on ya.
don’t tell the new instructor anything about the old one. perhaps mention that you are a little nervous and let them guide you through the lesson but have faith in your ability - you CAN drive; you can. You know you can. You’ll do great

 

[Very traditional]

Thank you so much for posting this. I am 32 and still don't drive. I had lessons when I was 21 for a year or so but found it difficult and then moved away to a different city and had no need to carry on lessons (I could walk everywhere, get the bus, my husband drives) My mum didnt learn to drive herself until she was 37 and even then doesnt much at all, my dad has always chaperoned us everywhere! Her own parents died in a car crash when she herself was 21 which is why she has been terrified of it..and I think this passed down to me too. I now have a baby and would really love to start lessons up again.. it really great to hear its possible even at such a later point in life!

My best friends mum who is 61 is currently learning and my uncle passed when he was 56. Oh and I was 32. You can 100% do it!

 

[BettyCrocker]

My theory has been cancelled and my lessons have been cancelled too.
I’m going to change instructors though - not told anyone this but he’s made a few sexual comments which I brushed aside but it was affecting my learning. He was asking if I was single, said I was attractive (how can he tell when I’m wearing a mask) and I once said ‘what are we going to do today’ and he went ‘there’s lots of things I’d like to do with you’ . Decided to look for a female instructor and resume in the new year. So annoying!

please report this scum bag to the people he works for (if he’s not self employed) and the police.

 

[KB2611]

I was on a mock test years ago, a silly lady smashed into me on her mobile phone and we were smashed from behind into the traffic lights. She had numerous offences after being off work for a while I was was pulled in to be told I needed to change work location for a while as the lovely law abiding citizen was on my wing as she had been remanded in custody.

fast forward 7 years, me and my neurodivergent self have learned automatic, passed my theory and now just battling for a test.

automatic is a breeze. Honestly. Don’t panic if you’re struggling manual go with automatic. I can drive a manual however, it wasn’t worth the stress it was giving me about motorways and dual carriageways and my silly brain not engaging.

I love driving a go-kart. Stop & go.

 

[judsmum]

I failed.

only got two minors and did my manoeuvre well but there is a four lane roundabout in the city centre and a lorry was trying to get in my lane and apparently I didn’t move over to let him in quick enough.

 

[loobyscoobydoo]

Thank you both. Usually I would tell anyone to stfu but for some reason I couldn’t say it, I was making loads of stupid mistakes with my gears and speed. I’ll be dropping him if I fail.

I wonder if he is deliberately trying to put you off before your test, so that if you fail you then have to spend more on driving lessons? He sounds horrible, I really hope you pass your test but if not definitely find someone else, you shouldn't have to be putting up with that.

 

[BettyCrockerr]

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

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.