Driving lessons, when to call it a day?

[Sprinkleofspice]

Had a crap lesson today and just need to vent, I need either validation or encouragement I think but don’t know which one.

I’m an adult learner, failed two tests and been learning for 3 or 4 years with a few breaks between instructors (now doing automatic). I failed a mock test today with serious marks for hesitation at roundabouts and the whole thing is just miserable. I find it really stressful which is why I didn’t learn as a teenager and it’s so embarrassing that I’m still crap after all this time and hundreds of roundabouts. I’ve spent all the money I saved for learning and to buy a car, so I can’t afford a car to practise in because lessons are so expensive, and I’m now doing special therapy to try to get over the stress/anxiety I feel in lessons and tbh I can’t really afford that either.

My friends say maybe it’s just not for me, but I’m the only person I know who can’t do it and I want the freedom, I want to move to the countryside and I want to go to places that aren’t next to a train station. My boyfriend says it’s unfair he does all the driving, and how would I get my future children to hospital in an emergency without driving, which stresses me out.
I just can’t work out where people are going at roundabouts after all this time and it makes me feel so stupid even though I know I’m not - I got full marks in the theory test.

I nearly cried on the way back from the mock test. I have a real test booked for 6 weeks and if I fail I just want to give up. But I feel like if I stop or take a break I will never take it back up again. I thought doing something scary every week would make it less scary but it’s just getting me so down forcing myself to do it and I don’t know what to do about it.

Any pearls of wisdom? I’m not usually this miserable but after today my confidence is very low so please not too harsh :(

This was a really nice, helpful message to read. Hopefully OP takes some of the suggestions on board and doesn’t give up 😊

Another vote for keeping going. I had countless batches of driving lessons in my 20s & 30s but always gave up as I didn’t have a car to practice in between lessons. I passed on my second attempt at 37. I also had therapy as I had huge driving anxiety but turns out it was part of a larger issue which I’m now tackling.

You have a lot going on at the moment but you aren’t defeated unless you stop and never try again. You are more capable than you give yourself credit for. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, do it for the freedom you want for yourself.

No they don’t. They have no information about you, they may however remember you if you’ve had an interesting chat when they sat in with you before!

Honestly roundabouts now can be tricky, and I passed at 17
this morning I felt stuck at one for ages because no fucker was using indicators and trying to judge what they’re doing along with not being mystic Meg was.. interesting. I swear there would be way less queuing if people indicated their intentions

Everything is tricky. i can't be doing with people who don't get a move on at roundabouts.

Keep going it will be worth it in the end! I found learning to drive really hard but I love it now, the freedom!

🙄 not helpful

Keep going OP - I passed on my 5th go - and am fine driving on the motorway and doing roundabouts.

There will always be impatient and rude people both on the road and off the road.

Not impatient, just experienced enough to anticipate the gap and move into it.

Some roundabouts can be tricky - there are a couple near me where the lane markings don't work for me. Both have traffic lights but I find that I need to be in the outside lane even though I'm taking the second exit.

Use your nous.