Learning to drive general chat

[BernardsarenotalwaysSaints]

So I've noticed a few learner driver posts lately & thought I'd start a general chat/moan/support/celebration thread.

I'm learning in a manual, have test booked for Jan (had to change from next week due to eye issues) & have had about 30 hours so far.

I've not got any massive moans atm except suicidal geese on one or our roots. I'm actually starting to dread them & I'm convinced they know when it's me

I'm so glad you started this thread.

I'm two lessons in and really not enjoying it. Learning on a manual. 45 years old and wish I'd got my shit together at 17.

I find it both incredibly boring yet very stressful and confusing. I suffer from my brain going blank regularly and not really understanding the clutch!

I look at people driving and think 'my god you're talented!'

I'm hoping it gets better by lesson number 3.

Yes I wish I'd just got it done too, I'm 30 in December.

I think I noticed a difference around lesson 5 (so hour 8 ish as first couple of lessons were singles).

It's a strange situation though really because it's so rare we're taught anything 1on1 that that in itself takes some getting used to.

Yes. It's very strange being taught something and I'm really aware of the type of learner I am as I'm not good at processing lots of information in one chunk. I find it quite hard to call concentrate.

I'm reassured you say it gets easier. I'm waiting for a penny drop moment.

I 're learnt in my 30's.

It was different for me though. My now DH bought me a car, stuck L plates on it and I drove everywhere with him, my mum, my brother or a very good friend in the passenger seat.
I had been driving several months before I took my theory. Only when I passed that did I book actual lessons. Of which I had 5.

They were my worst moments. It's something about being so on show in a car with huge beacons showing you are vulnerable to everyone.

I would recommend to everyone to get out on your own (ie with a family member not with an instructor) to go to places you would be once you pass.
So drive to the supermarket and park up, do your shop and come home, go for a meal, go to the beach for a dog walk etc. It makes the reason for driving so much more worthwhile and you can see why yu are putting yourself through it.

Remember also, that there are always dicks on the road. It's them not you!

And when you take your test. Opt for rush hour. You can't go anywhere in rush hour!!!

Oh it definitely gets easier!! I honestly thought I would never get it but I now don't even think about changing up & down through my gears (they were the thing I struggled with most when I started too).

Ah, I've managed to get the test date I wanted. 5.5 weeks & counting