Learning to drive support thread

[Peanutbuttershake]

I've looked around and there have been previous threads here and there but hoping to start up a new one for anyone learning to drive no matter what stage you're at. Also not sure if this is the right place to put this but I can't really think of where it fits!

So anyone learning to drive currently? I'm a month out from my test and feeling ok-ish, still need more practice on a few things. I feel somewhat resigned to failing the first time so just want to get it done now! I've been learning for a while and felt very anxious (still do) but it's getting better slowly.

Anyone? There are always so many driving threads on here, it'd be nice to chat to people going through the same as I don't know anyone IRL who's doing it

I passed my test last year . I was so nervous in the lead up to it , I wasn't sleeping properly , so I started taking Kalms , they helped me massively and on the day of the my test I forced myself to eat two bananas and take paracetamol before I left for the test .

I passed first time with 2 minors.

Also in the weeks leading up to my test I asked my instructor to concentrate on things I felt I wasn't confident with.

That's great to hear @paw1977, I'm wondering if I need to do something similar. My test is in the morning as I don't think I'd cope well sitting around all day waiting for it! How long were you learning for? Passing first time would make me so happy but I somehow don't think I will.

It took me a few months . As soon as I booked my test (also was in the morning for the same reasons as you) I started taking Kalms . Then as the test got nearer I upped my dose .

I also didn't tell anyone apart from my husband , that way I didn't feel I was under any pressure .

I was lucky as my examiner was chatty which relaxed me . I also didn't have my instructor in the car , i think would have stressed me out .

I've been on a long-term break from lessons since around Easter time, but just this morning I booked to restart lessons at the end of October. Huge step for me and I'm feeling very pleased at the moment, but I'll definitely be kicking myself on the day of the lesson. I just hate driving so so much.

I'm going for automatic this time. Fingers crossed it helps.

Best of luck to you, OP!

That's awesome @paw1977. It must've been the best feeling to be told you passed!

@ClockworkNightingale I also put off driving for long periods for a long time but it made it a lot worse as it was like starting from scratch again. Hopefully it won't be like that for you. I do automatic as well but never even attempted manual. Why do you hate driving? Is it the lessons or driving itself?

I was overjoyed , I really think it's down to luck on the day , I also passed the day before I turned 40 so it was the best birthday present ever .

I’ve just restarted my lessons too! I’ve had 100s of hours worth but still get very, very anxious so this time I’ve booked automatic lessons. I’m really enjoying them so far, my instructor is lovely and very chatty so I feel quite relaxed with her and haven’t had that anxious feeling at all so far! Only had 6 hours with her but so far, so good!

@Peanutbuttershake, I think I hate driving because I'm bad at it! Physical skills don't come naturally to me at all, I need a lot more repetition than I can fit into one or two hours' driving lesson in order to be confident. I'm hoping that removing the manual gear changes will give me the space to become confident with steering and manoeuvres.

But . . . we shall see.

@Cantchoosenickname the instructor makes such a big difference! I changed instructor a few months ago and it's been so much better. How many hours are you planning on doing?

@ClockworkNightingale it doesn't come naturally to everyone, I wish more people would talk about that as it's often expected that you can just get in a car and go. Do you have anyone you can do extra practice with?

I’m planning on doing as many hours as possible! I’m just not confident enough and although I can drive I don’t see myself as a driver iyswm?

I'm currently learning to drive in an auto after having tried manual a while back and just feeling too nervous. I have an amazing instructor and am gaining more confidence, so much so that I was able to tackle an A road with a lot of road works for the first time and the dreaded roundabouts that I fear.

although I can drive I don’t see myself as a driver iyswm

I think that's entirely normal can'tchoose, i really dont think anyone actually enjoys driving or is particularly good at it until after they pass. Passing your test just means you're capable and safe. Actually becoming a driver comes afterwards with practice and confidence that will grow. I hated driving. Love it now.

I did my test in the morning, it London rush hour. Was a really good time to do it. Got it out the way and was so busy I barely went any distance.

Definitely eat a banana. I hate the bloody things but I swear one helped me pass my test!

I must have had a hundred hours of lessons too. Not far off anyway! I've got my test booked for just after Christmas and I'm trying not to think too much about it. I know what I need to work on (corners and observing signs while concentrating on about seven other things!)

I've gone through stages of giving myself a hard time for it taking so long but I'm now trying to give myself a break. I'm definitely not a natural but I can still get there if I persist!