Trying to drive again after a long time.

[nicky2512]

I’m trying to drive again after a very long time not. It’s not going to plan. I’m rubbish. I’m very nervous and every time I feel like I have achieved something, then it all goes wrong.
I’m not sure how long to keep trying for before I just give up forever.

Sorry - I just felt like a wee moan!

[Palavah]

How long has it been? Would you consider a refresher lesson to get your confidence back up?

[nicky2512]

@ Palavah I stopped about 20 years ago!
Yes, I was thinking about contacting the lovely instructor who taught me (I still see him about) to see if he could recommend something. Though bit worried about getting into car with someone at the minute as covid cases are quite high in my area.
My DH takes me to a quiet area in a large industrial estate and I’m fine there but as soon as I go onto the actual roads I just seem to panic.
It’s maybe just not for me. It would be very very useful though.

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

Well done for trying - honestly, being able to drive is so liberating so keep at it. Totally agree that lessons are the way to go, such a good investment .Good luck !

[DrawerOfDoom]

Can you try going out very early on a Sunday morning? I'm learning to ride a motorbike and have been doing this. Practically no traffic. DH takes the car and we swap on the way back when there's more traffic on the roads!

[nicky2512]

Thank you for the encouragement. I think I will give it a wee while longer.
Sunday morning would be a good idea - DrawerOfDoom I actually had a little motorbike before I learned to drive and I loved it. Bad back now wouldn’t allow it!
RockingMyFiftiesNot I will look into lessons and will keep trying. I don’t want to go far. I have always managed fine without but in the current situation I would like to be able to drive Ds to school.

I think I just felt so down after tonight’s attempt. Thank you all.

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

Anyone who has ever learnt to drive knows it is hard, stressful and some days you jus feel like giving up. Please don't, once you have cracked it ( and ok, it might take a while) it will open up so many opportunities for you that will make it all worth while. Please keep posting, especially if you have had a hard day driving wise x

[Submariner]

I had refresher lessons last year and it was so helpful. I was able to drive myself around a new city with a massive ring road after about 4 lessons. I would definitely recommend it! Hadn't driven for 10 years before that.

[500BusStops]

Don't give up! I had to take refresher lessons after not driving for 15 years. I was petrified! Once I felt confident then had a motorway lesson. I now go on motorways all the time, on my own. The sense of pride of overcoming the fear and freedom to go anywhere is great. Stick at it

[nicky2512]

Thank you all. Will definitely keep going.
I would love L or R plates again but I don’t think that’s allowed!!
I will try on Sunday, look into lessons and will see how I get on.

[Palavah]

Good luck!

[nc600]

Refresher lessons 100%

[Ken1976]

Maybe you could try an automatic car. They are much easier and are becoming much more popular. My driving instructor son says that automatics are the future . Especially with electric cars becoming more on trend

[Maranello4]

Well done! I was the same - didn’t drive much at all when I passed my test as I went to uni. I had refresher lessons 17 years later which really helped. I had a fear of roundabouts, which isn’t great for where I live as there are loads...! I’m a very confident driver now, have been driving for 6 years now. All good - stick with it!

[nicky2512]

Thank you. I’m still going!! Slowly but surely.
Looking into refresher lessons. Unfortunately can’t afford another car at present but an automatic would be great sometime.