Driving

[caremummy]

So, I passed my test first time but with 12 minors, that was in March. I'm now insured and have done 1/3 passplus lessons. However, for some reason I now hate driving and I don't know why. Tonight, I am driving to and from work (couple of miles (1 roundabout + 2 hills)- will be coming back late in the dark, but a. I know the theory b. headlights are automatic c. the roads are dead at that time. I also have good eyesight. Does it get easier? I think I'll do a test run today but it's annoying as I used to like driving. Should I just keep practicing. Getting an auto wouldn't help as the gears are the only thing I don't hate. AIBU? t.i.a x

Missing a ? after practicing - sorry aha

Can you find things to make it more appealing? Bag is sweets or a new CD? Driving is my chill time tbh!!

yeah, well it saves 7-8 quid in a taxi at 1 am (bar work) which should be appealing enough. I think i'll do a practice run, it doesn't help everyone else in my family will happily drive instead, and won't force me, so i'll have to force myself x thanks x

I also live in an area which goes from ultra-urban to countryside and back again meaning the drives can be awkward

If you've been driving every day since March and you still dread it, it might not be for you. If you've not been driving regularly - yes, it absolutely does get a lot better once you do it a lot. My wife used to sometimes break down in tears at the prospect of driving, but after we got her a car and she did it daily for a few weeks, she's now fine.

I have been driving for 28 years and yes it does get easier.
Tbh when you pass your test you are bound to still be nervous about driving as you still have so little experience.
It gets easier the more experience you gain.
Driving is like anything else. You don't pass your test and that's it - you still continue to learn and improve.
There will still be all those firsts - motorway, dense fog, snow, ice, driving rain etc etc.
The dangerous drivers are the overconfident ones.

That's a test pass, but not a good one (that number of minors would actually be a fail on a motorbike test, for comparison). Sounds like you need to build to experience and confidence. Your pass plus course should help. Try to get out often when the roads are quiet and you're not in a hurry.

What kind of car do you drive too? If it's a large one, a smaller, more maneuverable car may give you more confidence.

It will get easier with time. It's like any new skill, it takes time to develop and you only really start learning to drive after you've passed your test.

Thanks x I think leaving it 4 months didn't help me, but I'll just have to keep going x

It does get easier. I passed in my 30s, after many failed tests, feeling like I'd never do it. I was so nervous and hated driving for ages but had to do it and once I became a lone parent had to obviously do long drives etc alone. Since then I've done motorway drives, navigated strange city centres and done loads of drives that would once have terrified me without even thinking about it. I still hate parking though! But the day to day driving part occupies no thought in my mind at all. That's after 3 years, and a lot of miles.

I drove regularly for six months after I passed my test and I still broke out in a sweat and sometimes even cried at the thought of getting behind the wheel. The car suddenly needed a massive, expensive repair so I got rid of it and I was secretly relieved. I haven't driven since.

I'm in a similar situation. I passed a year ago, actually with no minors at all some how, but it was my 7th attempt! Dh loves driving, so I tend to only go local and let him do big drives and I'm still not feeling confident so I avoid where possible. I wonder if the pass plus would help?! I think it's a matter of just forcing yourself but I tend to get anxious and dread it! I thought when I passed i would just go everywhere but that's not been the case.

I passed in November last year and have done barely any driving since as I share a car and don't need it very often.

You are not alone. I get nervous before I drive but I force myself to do it so that I get some practice in. Also I had to force myself to learn as I live in the sticks so no public transport and I wanted children so would have to do the school run while hubby is at work.

I'm glad I did my test as I actually found out I was pregnant 2 days after. I don't enjoy driving but I need to do it to have more independence and get baby to the doctors etc.

Just keep practicing and you will gain confidence 😊

Agree with the poster who said 12 minors isn't a great pass (someone who takes many attempts but only gets 1 major each time is usually considered a better driver) & so you def need further experience. Instead of pass plus try Advanced Driver training - they will get you out and driving in almost every condition.

Alternatively an auto can make people enjoy driving again. I know you said you like changing gears but you should take one for a test drive and try it out.

It does get easier over time - but to pick up on one point you make - never assume that anything is automatic - there is a huge issue with drivers assuming that lights are automatic and either getting into another car and driving without lights, or driving with just DRLs (front) when they should have full lights on...

always give yourself confidence by running through a checklist as you get in, and even if something is automatic, check it - you are the driver and in control, not the car...

Thanks all, yeah I agree, I was shocked to pass the test especially as it was a test centre with 31% pass rate and during expected to have to do it again. The car is a fiesta, pretty good to handle. The only option to get an automatic would be in at least two years - I'm an NHS student and even then might not be able to afford, also need to drive this to placement etc. I think by this time I should be much more used to the manual. Also, reading my post it does make me seem car reliant in reg to the headlights, but I always check anyway. I've already started pass plus so will finish it, but I'll look into the advanced driver training as well. I just went out for a 1 hr and a bit drive (a quiet time round here) and I think it helped. Thanks again x

and also I restarted driving five days ago, not since march - post didn't make that clear

firawla - I've found it helpful so far and some councils will subsidise the cost - not my area unfortunately. My experience seems similar to yours x It covers motorways, urban and rural driving as well which will definitely be useful for me x

drive every day or at least week. It's like riding a bike, it's scary at first but keep at it. I moved from a country with very small roads and people and ended up on Friday night on the 6 lane M25. It was scary but you get used to it!!!

Keep practicing- the more you do it the happier you'll feel. The more you avoid it the worse it'll be.