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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think that Learner drivers shouldn't be allowed on the roads during rush hour...

42 replies

Manda25 · 15/07/2010 16:30

.... at least until they know how to get into 3rd gear!!

I am sick of being stuck in a row of traffic behind a learner driver doing 15 MPH. I KNOW they have as much right to be on the roads ...but it drives me nuts - especially when you get caught behind 3 on one journey which means it takes you 40 minutes to get somewhere when it should only take 20 grrrrr

OP posts:

Ladyanonymous · 15/07/2010 16:31

and what did you do when you were learning?!

diamondsandtiaras · 15/07/2010 16:31

YABU. You were one once, and how do you expect them to learn to drive in traffic if they're not allowed to practice?

thumbwitch · 15/07/2010 16:32

I do tend to agree with you on that but I'm sure lots of people won't!

I'm actually in favour of separated driving schools - where people learn the basics off-road and only go onto the roads when they have some ability with gear changing etc. to learn road sense. It seems mad to learn how to work the thing AND learn road sense at the same time.

SilveryMoon · 15/07/2010 16:34

YABU. My dp thinks like that too. Amazing how quickly you forget what it was like when you were learning

AMumInScotland · 15/07/2010 16:35

I do think it would be more sensible for the instructor to keep them on quieter roads until they are confident enough to go a little faster. But I don't think you can ban them from all roads at rush-hour as that might be the only time they can fit in a lesson.

DS is about to start some lessons offroad - I do think that's a good idea just to get the feel of a car without having to worry about the traffic. Back in my day it was always the industrial estate on the weekend till you got the hang of it!

EricNorthmansmistress · 15/07/2010 16:36

YABU
you need to drive on actual roads in all conditions to learn how to drive properly. Better a learner with an instructor and dual controls than a newly passed driver who has never had to negotiate rush hour traffic!

You are totally exaggerating anyway, unless you were literally stuck behind a learner the whole way for 30+ miles, going a bit slower will not actually delay you more than a minute or two.

GetOrfMoiLand · 15/07/2010 16:36

Oh you miserable bugger OP.

I hope you didn't drive 2 inches away from their bumper and made them anxious.

PhoneIssues · 15/07/2010 16:36

I live in Learner Driver Hell. Our quiet wide roads are a haven for three-point turns and reversing around corners.
It's a nightmare. Can take me 5 minutes just to get off my drive and out of our road sometimes.

On the other hand, our road is never used as a "rat run" because locals know it's always full of learners!!

southeastastra · 15/07/2010 16:38

agree they should stay in small roads until slightly confident. some arsey drivers about in rush hour

Original poster

Manda25 · 15/07/2010 16:39

I don't think they should be learning how to drive in traffic until they have mastered getting into 3rd gear !! and if they have to ....do it out of rush hour!!

When i was learning .....i took my lessons OUTSIDE of rush hour

OP posts:

mice · 15/07/2010 16:39

I live by the test centre, and some traffic lights! Sometimes I sit at those lights a fair while behind a row of learners while they stall etc. - it can be annoying, but I do try to remember what it was like and we do all have to learn somehow.

Macforme · 15/07/2010 16:39

Perhaps one day when it's YOUR dc who are learning, you'll find the ability to be patient.

My son is currently learning and I feel SO sorry for him. These days there is far more traffic and far more impatient and downright rude, people on the road, and I think todays teens do bloody well not to just give up considering how they are treated!

It still takes actual driving on actual roads for learners to be able to coordinate it in real life situations!..you can reverse in car parks, change gear on private roads and do all sorts..when no one is around, but to learn to do it when there is a queue behind you.. yup real time driving needed!

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 15/07/2010 16:40

YABU. I can remember being perfectly good at changing gear on the quiet residential roads near us, and then become completely incompetent when there was more traffic around. We all have to take the plunge sometime!

I hope you weren't hanging off the back of them, IMO you should always give a learner a bit of space. The instructor will realise, normally thank you with a wave, and be able to tell the nervous learner just to be calm and not rush.

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 15/07/2010 16:42

Manda - good for you for being able to do that. I know that a lot of people used to get their instructor to pick them up from work/college and have their lesson immediately. If you are working or studying full time then time to fit in driving lessons is hard to find.

Ladyanonymous · 15/07/2010 16:42

My ex (D)H is a driving instructor.

They do not take learners onto the main roads until they are capable.

The amount of cars he has had up his backside because people get impatient with learners is unbelievable.

Feel really sorry for learners who have accidents because of idiots who get impatient with them.

Original poster

Manda25 · 15/07/2010 16:43

GetOrfMoiLand LOL I am feeling really miserable (and scarily sound like my dad)!! Given myself a headache on the drive home today...maybe i deserve it.

OP posts:

NoahAndTheWhale · 15/07/2010 16:48

My driving test was during rush hour. Not sure quite what that leads onto but thought I would drop it in anyway

GiddyPickle · 15/07/2010 16:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

Manda25 · 15/07/2010 16:49

I was working full time when i was learning ...and had a child ...took lessons late evenings and at weekends...

and i can promise you the 3 i was stuck behind today were far from ready to be on the main roads

I really don't have a problem with L drivers outside of rush hours ...and don't sit up their arse...and i don't over take them...everyone starts some where right

OP posts:

porcamiseria · 15/07/2010 16:51

yes and no

for the first few lessons should def be off road when they get the basics

but as it took me 7 years to get my test , I disgaree

I drive everywhere at 20 MPH, LOL!!!!

marantha · 15/07/2010 16:52

Ah, so you're the lady in the green Ford Focus...

Picklepants · 15/07/2010 16:53

YABU. I'm a learner (although I've mastered 3rd gear). I would MUCH rather learn how to deal with impatient gits heavy traffic with my instructor sitting beside me, than on my own once I've passed. Everything becomes much more complicated when you've got someone in your RV mirror turning puce because they're having to drive at the speed limit. Give us a break, please!

Having said that, my lovely instructor gave me plenty of time in the Industrial Estate to get my head round the basics before taking me out on the open roads.

belly36 · 15/07/2010 17:16

I'm about to start my lessons. I'll ensure I book them for 5pm just to annoy you.

southeastastra · 15/07/2010 17:18

the op is only talking about real learner learners, (those that haven't mastered 3rd gear) just like mn to get knickers in a twist about wrong thing

Original poster

Manda25 · 15/07/2010 17:59

LOL Belly ...you're not in London are you ?? ....and Thank you Southeastastra ...exactly !!

OP posts:

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