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WWYD re: Driving Test?

8 replies

DesperateToPassDrivingTest · 29/06/2018 11:08

AIBU – or to be more precise, WWYD?

Have namechanged for this, as you never know who from work is on Mumsnet!

I started a job in my area last year and within a few months of joining, was told that we would relocate 15 miles down the road, with very little to no public transport links.

As I don’t drive, I was told that if I booked lessons, the company would cover 50% of costs. I have had over 60 hours of lessons. Yesterday, I had a 121 with my boss who said that the company would not continue to pay for lessons indefinitely, as it is clear that I am not a natural driver. I haven’t yet expensed anything.

I took a test in April and failed with 1 serious fault (failure on hill start) and did my second test on Wednesday and gained yet another serious fault (didn’t fully stop at a closed junction). I am not the world’s most confident driver, but feel that I am competent enough and would take my being on the road seriously. I am in my early thirties and no boy racer.

What are my options here?

I enjoy my job, as it is fairly easy and the workplace is relaxed – do I resign so I can get a job nearby? Have been told that I won’t be able to use my current office and working from home, is nigh on impossible.

Giving up simply isn’t an option, as I have invested too much time & money on this pursuit. My initial feeling is that I didn’t want to learn how to drive, as I have always been comfortable with public transport, taxis, lifts & the like.

Now I have had a taste of it, I can see the benefits and it will open more job and social opportunities up for me.

Do I move to the area itself? I could afford to do this, if I stopped shelling out £300+ per month on various lessons / DSA tests!

Or, do I continue with the lessons and get taxis or lifts to and from work until this is all done and dusted?

Please help, as I am tearing my hair out! 2018 has not been terribly kind, so far…

OP posts:
Leatherboundanddown · 29/06/2018 11:15

I'm not a natural driver either and I had as many lessons as you, it took me 18 months to pass. Now two years on I am so glad I stuck with it, it has opened up so many opportunities for me.

How soon is the office move? Could you ramp it up a bit with frequency of lessons? When is your next test booked for? If you log on each morning and look for cancellations you may be able to bring it forward.

My close friend was in a similar situation by the way, she was learning anyway but suddenly her office moved to the next city so she had no choice but to do a really busy journey twice a day as soon as she passed. She said it was not an enjoyable time but just having to do it helped her conquer her fear and get better at it quickly.

Can you afford to buy a car straight away when you do pass?

SassitudeandSparkle · 29/06/2018 11:17

Do you just need to drive to get to your place of work - you don't need to drive as part of your job? That's a great offer from your employer to pay for half the cost of your lessons.

I'm not sure if you have claimed yet, but perhaps you could ask them for a figure that would cover 50% of some of the lessons (perhaps up to your first test) and if you want to keep going you can, but perhaps take fewer lessons so the cost is reduced.

Has your office moved yet?

Jonbb · 29/06/2018 11:20

Try a bit of an intensive. Book a test and have a couple of hours lesson every day beforehand for a week. I was an instructor and it's a good way of getting through the test.

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Leatherboundanddown · 29/06/2018 11:20

Another thought if you have not done this already, if you have budgeted to buy a car get one now and insure it on your provisional and get another friend/colleague/family member to come along with you so you get practice inbetween lessons.

This was not an option for me but I wish I had done it, you start building up no claims as well.

RaininSummer · 29/06/2018 11:26

Stick with it as I think you will pass. It takes some people longer.

Leatherboundanddown · 29/06/2018 11:35

Also top tip. When on your test take a bottle of water with you. I was so nervous had the dryest, clickiest mouth! Lovely.

DesperateToPassDrivingTest · 29/06/2018 11:45

Hi All,

Many thanks for your replies - they are positive and really do set my mind at ease!

Leatherboundanddown - I have my third test booked in mid-August and the office move is just two weeks later!

I will look into ramping up the lessons, but the issue is that I work a mixture of days and nights and will go on holiday next week, for a week.

I am in the fortunate position of having money to buy a car immediately if (when!) I do pass, but it would have to be a rush jobbie as there isn't anyone around me that is willing to help out and take me for extra driving practice... it's a great idea, though :)

OP posts:
QueasySqueezy · 29/06/2018 13:53

Are you going on holiday abroad? If you’re staying in the uk then book a lesson with an instructor where you are staying. I did this and it was brilliant, I seemed to learn more in that 2h than the previous month of lessons!

You can do it! Third time lucky!

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