AIBU to want to practice driving before a test with my kids in the car?

[WhiteTrash]

Because I think DP is going to say no. I just text to say Im buying a car prior to my test and he hasnt replied. I know why.

Ive not started my lessons yet but the situation is - I took a whole load of lessons 10 years ago and a whole bunch of tests. My driving was great to the annoyance of my instructor. My problem was suffering with panic attacks. As soon as the test began Id be shaking uncontrollably, struggling to breath general awfulness that lead to silly fuck up and fails.

I dont get them any more. Im nearly 30, calmer and need to drive (just moved to the sticks from a city I didnt need to drive in the last 10 years).

I had 2 brief lessons 3 years ago, it all came flying back straight away and was driving no problems the guy guessed Id need about 10 hours.

I want to buy a car now and practice the few days before my test (whenever thart may be) in the quiet village here.

Theres no one to take the kids and is the only one I know who can be in the car with me (and he'll be a good, calm person to drive with) but I just think he'll say no to it because it would mean the kids being in the car. I really want the practice.

Im booking the lessons next week, I know, book more etc but I cant afford to book more than necessariy Id rather practice more privately.

AIBU?

Quickloolbusy I have 2 children and Im talking about the week before my test. So if I passed then there wouldnt be much difference would there?

We could get someone to take the eldest (5) but not the baby. Its not an option.

Im booking my lessons for when hes asleep, hes a baby who has serious ongoing health issues and Im absolutely not ok with leaving him with anyone apart from my partner at the moment. Id definitely not feel relaxed to practice driving. Ive never left him and hes very clingy, and like I said ongoing problems. It just isnt an option stop unfortunately.

YANBU. If you are completely confident and have your test coming up in a few days. I learnt to drive when I was pg and passed when I was 7 months gone, so perhaps I see it in a different way. But really if you don't feel confident driving with your kids in the car the week before your test, then you are not ready to take it, IMO.

I agree. Id not feel good doing in now. But I know after 4-5 hours with an instructor Id be fine.

I did some of my driving lessons with dd2 in the back of the car. If I drove with dh with me then I had both dd1 and dd2 in the back (and ds in my tummy)

The only thing was the children started being back seat drivers "Have you changed gear" "keep going" "go faster..."

I would have at least one lesson first though.

Sorry White I didn't realise you meant the week before your test.

If you've had plenty of time with an instructor and you feel confident then you will be fine.

YANBU, I bought a car before passing my test and went out with my sister a few times with the children in the car before passing my test.

I think it actually helped, I'd have to drive with them solo after passing and if they annoyed me before passing she could take over which wouldn't have been a luxury I would've had afterwards.

It helped because I passed at 2pm and was out doing the school run solo at 3pm.

But I was in a similar situation to you as had taken lessons before and taken tests that I only failed due to nerves. I also took some professional tuition as well.

OP, my friend (a single parent) took all of her driving lessons with her son in the back of the car once she'd had about 10 lessons (something changed and she couldn't have them whilst he was at school any longer).

I think it's a perfectly reasonable suggestion. Driving with your children in the car is nerve wracking, if you can get used to it, and you want to, I don't see what the objection would be.

Well he didnt say no.

We're jusr weeping at the insurance for a 1.2 clio. And thats for someone whos passed their test.

Ouch!

Buy a car with group 1 insurance, its the only way. It costs more to insure a learner driver. You might be better placed to just have more lessons.

Thanks I'll ask him about that.

I still remember being taken in the car while my dad taught my dad . Including a big row and her walking home. I was only about 6

I drove with a small child in the back of my car when I was learning. I wouldn't recommend it and I'd avoid it if possible. I suspect it would be even worse when it's your own child you're driving with (mine was my friend's 18m DD), because it is distracting.

MUST HAVE APPROPRIATE INS.COVER TO SUPERVISE A LEARNER . DONT MATTER WHO OWNS VEHICLE>WHAT RELATIONSHIP RE LEARNER AND INSTRUCTOR IS, REMEMBER THIS >NO MATTER HOW GOOD U ARE > THE ROADS ARE FULL OF MANIACS> TRUST ME>ENSURE U HAVE CORRECT INS.

It's not generally recommended to practice in a different car before your test, differences in the clutch, how they handle etc can be confusing, better to have an extra couple of hours in the car you will do your test with and save the expense of insuring a learner driver.