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Original poster

Driving lesson support thread

168 replies

FannyFeatures · 27/04/2019 12:24

Anyone else out there learning to drive?

I'm 33 and after years of not wanting/needing to drive I'm finally at the stage where it will actually make my life so much easier!

Currently managing quiet roads easily but struggling a bit with roundabouts but it's more confidence than anything else.

Theory test is booked for the middle of May too 🤯

OP posts:
Simonfromharlow · 27/04/2019 12:33

Yes! Restarting lessons on Tuesday after 15 year break!!

JackNamesThePlanets · 27/04/2019 12:35

Me! I'm 38 and just starting lessons again! Driving always exhausts me!

Simonfromharlow · 27/04/2019 12:36

Yeah I find it mentally exhausting!!!

Interested in this thread?

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Driving & parking
RibenaMonsoon · 27/04/2019 12:38

Yes. 35 with 2 year old DS. DD expected in July and its just not going to be feasible for me to not drive anymore.

Had 50 hours of lessons. Passed theory but I always screw up my mock tests.

It's a confidence thing for me too.

We will get there ladies!

Original poster
FannyFeatures · 27/04/2019 12:40

Oh good luck both!

I had my first official lesson in 10 years today, had 20 lessons when I was in my early 20's but just didn't have the drive, 'scuse the pun, to keep it up and packed confidence so gave up.

It's surprising how much comes back without realising that you already "know" it!

OP posts:
Original poster
FannyFeatures · 27/04/2019 12:42

We will indeed Rubens :o

OP posts:
Original poster
FannyFeatures · 27/04/2019 12:43

My autocorrect is going into overdrive today 🤣

*Lacked confidence
Ribena not Ruben!

OP posts:
NonExecutiveFunctioning · 27/04/2019 14:56

Another 35 year old woman with kids learning to drive and has test booked end of May.

I was instructor's nightmare in the beginning and after 4th hour he asked 'why are you learning manual, why don't you just do automatic? It's easier'

Got there in the end. Love it. Still panic a bit at big roundabouts.

We can do it)

Simonfromharlow · 27/04/2019 14:58

I'm doing auto this time after being totally shit at manual before!

I was hoping it would all come Flooding back so pleased to hear this!!

hmwhatsmynameagain · 27/04/2019 15:14

I started on feb after a break of 20 years and my test is booked for a week Tuesday.
It really does all come back.
I've just moved up to twice weekly lessons to get completely test ready

Simonfromharlow · 27/04/2019 15:44

Wow that's great progress! Good luck on your test!!

Original poster
FannyFeatures · 27/04/2019 17:00

Wow, NonExec and Hmwhatsmynameagain sounds like you've made excellent progress!

How did you find the theory side of things? I keep failing the online ones by 2 marks and worried I've set myself up for a fail by booking in already.

Simonfromharlow, I was going to go auto if this time doesn't work out but it's hard to find an instructor here so it just needs to work 😂

OP posts:
Simonfromharlow · 27/04/2019 17:08

I'm sure you'll be fine!!!!

hmwhatsmynameagain · 27/04/2019 20:04

Thank you, I tried my theory before starting lessons and scraped a pass on my theory but failed the hazard perception by 2 points. Did it again after a couple of lessons and revising using the app supplied by my instructor and passed easily

Original poster
FannyFeatures · 28/04/2019 15:57

I'm hoping the app I'm using is crap, I've never scored about 41 yet 🤣

Any recommendations for a decent one and some info resources?

OP posts:
hmwhatsmynameagain · 28/04/2019 19:49

Theory Test Pro is the app my instructor sent me and I also used the one on my pic below. Both also have hazard perception videos, I found the ones in the app supplied by instructor were better and more like the ones in the actual test

Driving lesson support thread
NightDreaming · 28/04/2019 20:04

Hello fellow “older” learners.

I’m 33, few lesson at 18, never got near test lesson. Stopped for years. One marriage and two kids later decided I had to try again. Start lesson last year and was an incredibly self doubting, nervous learner.

And now. I’m sat on my sofa shitting myself as my test is tomorrow 😱. I keep having to remind myself to breathe. On one side I think it’s ok not to pass. It’s not like you just get one chance. On the other I’m thing I’ve tried sooo bloody hard, and I’ve done ok in the mock tests with my instructor. I just want to get it done. And then I think shit, if i do pass in then have to drive round on my own in the car. No one will be next to me with the extra break. Eeeeek.

Simonfromharlow · 28/04/2019 20:21

@NightDreaming good luck!!! You sound just like me!! I think you will be fine! This time tomorrow you will be sitting on your sofa saying wow I can drive!!

NightDreaming · 28/04/2019 20:27

God that would be amazing. But also terrifying. Seriously didn’t think that i would ever get to be that person that says “my test is tomorrow”.

I know I’m not an awful driver, but my confidence is still not where I’d like it to be. My instructor has been amazing. Feel I ought to give them a thank you gift for putting up with me, even if I fail they deserve it!!

Simonfromharlow · 28/04/2019 20:37

I'm really putting a lot of pressure on myself this time. My husband recently left me and I'm desperate to drive to make life easier as heavily relied on him driving. Hopefully this will actually spur me on rather than hinder me!!

Simonfromharlow · 28/04/2019 20:37

They will be please when you pass! That's like a gift haha! I'm def getting my instructor a gift if I pass!!

NightDreaming · 28/04/2019 20:48

I’m so sorry to hear about your husband leaving you. Hope life hasn’t been too horrendous, both in the run up to and post leaving.

You can do it. You’ll get their with the driving. You know you can. Time, practice & a bit of faith in yourself. We both just need to keep thinking of the independence. Of the freedom.

Simonfromharlow · 28/04/2019 20:51

It's very early days and still finding it difficult but I will get there. Feeling a little stronger every day.

I'm hoping the driving will help!

Simonfromharlow · 28/04/2019 20:53

Yes when we can both drive will be amazing!!!

NightDreaming · 28/04/2019 22:31

😱😱😱😱

Really starting to feel the panic kicking in. What is it with tests that make us all fall apart. It’s not like this is my one and one chance. Yes it would be nice to pass, but if it doesn’t happen I can just book another (at a massive expense).

Still doesn’t stop the nerves. I’m beginning to shake.

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