Driving lesson support thread

[FannyFeatures]

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 🤯

I've had a couple of lessons since I last posted on here. My driving instructor seems to be really good at building my confidence! I spent the whole lesson doing roundabouts on sat and by the end I was a pro! Haha

Hi all. Had a really nerve wracking drive yesterday. We went on a big windy A road. it was chucking it down with rain and the bends make me really nervous at speeds so I was doing 50mph and slowing to 45 for the bends. Considering the weather conditions I didnt think that was too bad but omg so many arse holes were right up my bum and nipping out to see if they could overtake. Ovetaking on bends and blind dips. Then had an ambulance come haring up behind me. Some asshat sat on his horn at a roundabout as well. I held it together and worked at staying calm and just focussing on the road and my driving but blimmin heck it was stressful. Was all shakey by the time we stopped. DH was adamant I get straight back on it so we have just driven into little local town and back which was fine. Definitely angry about yesterday though, and so dangerous. I thought you were meant to give learners space not pressure them cos I could so easily have made big mistakes due to the pressure. Helps that DH sat there with his hand on my knee telling me I was doing fine and keeping me focussed but it really shook me up.

On the positive side, Shadows, that ought to build your confidence a lot.
Firstly because you drove among arseholes and coped. Driving among arseholes is a useful skill and one which we must all acquire.
Secondly because no matter what weaknesses you have in your driving you are at least not going to act like those idiots

I have to say I think I'm more nervous of other people's driving than my own sometimes, there are some right idiots out there.

My friend had her test yesterday and was told by the instructor to restart because some dickhead boy Racer thought it would be funny to tailgate her for 15 minutes, flashing his lights and sounding his horn at junctions. The examiner said it's not uncommon for idiots like that to follow test cars to make them fail 😡

I had my lesson on sat evening and had to drive to a nearby city. Was scared of all the drunks. They just walk out in the road!!!! My instructor said it was good experience haha

Re people being idiots when you are on your test, on one of my tests I was doing the bay park and someone nicked my space! I was slowly and carefully reversing towards it and someone nipped in ahead of me! In the test centre carpark!

Agreed there are some real idiots out there, especially the ones who drive up your chuff when you are actually doing the speed limit. Grrrrrr just back off

Countess thanks, coping with arseholes seems to be an important skill to master sadly. It seems such a shame that driving is made that much harder by all the twats! I've had a few more stressful experiences today and yesterday but kept my cool and focussed on getting to the end of the drive without getting flustered. My driving wasnt as good when I was under pressure but it wasnt shocking and I think I coped well. The story about the boy racer trying to make someone fail their test is bloody awful though! Wtf is wrong with some people?

Coping with idiot drivers is one of the most important skills to learn, but also possibly the hardest! I'd also say that you all have one MASSIVE advantage over teenage learners, in that you understand the risks. A lot of people who fail do so for taking stupid risks because they think it's fine to pull out in front of a truck / drive at 30 through a 20mph school zone / overtake a bicycle with no space etc. You are much less likely to do that. You can do it!

Those who are close to the test can I suggest you have a look at the official info about the test? It's amazing how many don't. Check you know all the show me/tell me questions so they don't add to your stress level!
www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-show-me-tell-me-vehicle-safety-questions/car-show-me-tell-me-vehicle-safety-questions

And check out the very very standard wordings the examiner will use. This one seems to be aimed at trainee examiners but is nice and clear:
www.safedrivingforlife.info/driving-test-wordings
It is slightly out of date though, I notice - it hasn't been updated for the most recent changes to the test. The wordings for the new parts are here:
despatch.blog.gov.uk/2017/08/07/driving-test-changes-the-new-instructions-examiners-will-give/

Hi everyone, I lost you all for a couple of weeks (was hiding as had a few awful outings which really knocked my confidence- bloody roundabouts!!) Congratulations @Fanny for passing your theory, that’s awesome! And well done everyone else for starting/sticking with lessons and keeping going. Anyone else find changing lanes really hard? I can’t seem to judge how far cars behind are- why is it so difficult??

How is everyone doing? I am back to it after a break over half term. Had first refresher lessons this week which didn't go too badly until he said now you choose which way to drive you back home - completely threw me but it was ok. I guess it is easy to rely on people sitting with you saying turn left, take the next right. Obviously I knew the way it was just having to think and drive. Also agree about changing lanes, I really struggle with this and judging cars speed. Anyone have any tips on how to overcome this?

I had a lesson and drive on the motorway yesterday!!

Congrats on passing your theory Fanny that's awesome! I used the same book. It's brilliant.
I've got my practical test tomorrow. It's meant to be pouring with rain and I'm 36 weeks pregnant. But hey.... I'm sure it will be fine...

Good luck 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

Good luck!! You can do it!

Best if luck @RibenaMonsoon!

Thank you for the support. Test is at 3pm. First test so I would be surprised if I pass. But I'll keep going till I get there.

Can I join in? I'm 33 and have had about 10 lessons so far. My lane discipline is crap but I've finally got over stalling 20 times a lesson. Got my theory on Saturday!

Anyone recently passed or returned to driving ventured out alone yet?

@RibenaMonsoon how was the test?

Hi! I'm only 21. I've had 8 x 2 hour lessons so far, booked in my theory for 3rd July as that was the first date they had available. Luckily my test centre is down the road and the wait time is only 4-5 weeks so when I'm ready I can do it almost straight away. I'm a nervous driver. I struggle worrying about others on the road, keep forgetting to check the right mirrors though! I'm all good apart from that on the general driving, we have to go through manoeuvres still. I'm hoping to be passed by the end of this year.

I failed 2 majors. It was silly mistakes due to nerves. I'm just gonna keep booking and taking tests untill I pass though.

Good for you! Onwards and upwards!! Xx

Well done @RibenaMonsoon, that’s the spirit!

Got my theory test tomorrow, wish me luck!