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Original poster

Learning to drive

114 replies

velvetroses · 15/01/2018 10:56

There was a thread which had tips and success stories for those learning to drive but it seems to have disappeared.

I was wondering where it went.. A few posters had their test booked and wanted to see how it went. I had mine booked for 26th Of January but rescheduled to end of February.

Anyone got a test coming up?

OP posts:
thethoughtfox · 15/01/2018 10:58

Think of the first one as a practice. I made a mistake on a complicated junction but my second test went over the same bit so knew what to do.

idontknowhowtofeelaboutthis · 15/01/2018 11:05

DH has been learning to drive since May.. he actually asked to come home early from his final lesson on Saturday because he kept messing up from nerves.

He had his test this morning and has passed first time!

Snowysky20009 · 15/01/2018 11:07

idontknowhowtofeelaboutthis

Congratulation to your dh!!

Original poster
velvetroses · 15/01/2018 11:12

I've already been for 3 tests. Mainly failed on the manoeuvres which was reverse around the corner but now with the new style I don't have to worry about that anymore!

@idontknowhowtofeelaboutthis Well done to him! Passing first time is fantastic!

OP posts:
TheMadGardener · 15/01/2018 11:14

I was following the original thread too. I think it was maybe in Chat and got deleted after 90 days? Would love to know how the people with imminent tests got on. Mine is booked for 19th Feb. Eek!

Original poster
velvetroses · 15/01/2018 11:15

TheMadGardener Ah yes it was in chat! That's why I couldn't find it in my watched threads.

How are you feeling for your test?

OP posts:
slightlydomesticated · 15/01/2018 11:21

I failed twice, the last one on the reverse round a corner just before the change came in. Losing my nerve to try again, but I really need to get it! Also wondering how anyone who's done it since the changes has found it, and anyone doing their test soon have you been learning with Satan s etc?

slightlydomesticated · 15/01/2018 11:21

Oops autocorrect that should be satnav not Satan!

Sparklesocks · 15/01/2018 11:32

I was a very nervous driver, all the actual driving i was good at - I was fine in lessons, but would fall down in the test when nerves overcame me. I eventually passed on my third go!
I found being as prepared as possible helped my nerves, my instructor and I did mock tests on the actual test routes and that was really helpful - we treated it like a real test, no chatting, no music, she had the sheet in front of her and only communicated via the direction instructions. Getting to know the routes and getting used to driving in that environment meant i felt more prepared for the day itself.

I also think psychologically on my third go I felt better. Rather than trying to think of my test as ‘the be all and end all’ I tried to think of it as another mock, and I could do another if I failed. I think this made me feel at ease and that showed on the test, I was still nervous but not half as bad.

Good luck OP!

KizzyBear · 15/01/2018 11:41

Waves at @velvetroses 🙋🏻‍♀️
I was on the previous thread but can't find it either.
I haven't re booked yet though.

Juanbablo · 15/01/2018 12:29

I think I was on the previous thread. I've got my theory test on Wednesday. I've been learning since July.

KizzyBear · 15/01/2018 12:37

Ok so this thread just made me book lol, surprised there was tests for next week but I haven't had a lesson since mid dec and the only date I could get with the time I wanted was 7th March so I've booked it for then.
I've done a test under old and new and new test is much easier 😌

Whitecovers · 15/01/2018 12:44

I'm really close to booking my test. I actually think I'm ready (doesnt mean I think I'll pass) but my instructor wants to wait until after a couple more lessons.

Good luck to everyone who has a test coming up!

Whitecovers · 15/01/2018 12:45

Grin At the Satan/sat nav autocorrect!

Huffpot · 15/01/2018 12:53

I failed my first test last November and have a 2nd test booked for the 1st of February so fingers crossed!

RedPanda2 · 15/01/2018 13:42

Good luck to all who have a test coming up! I passed fourth time, was fine in lessons and out with my partner but crumbled during the test.
I had the radio on during my last test and it helped, and said the observations out loud 'nothing behind me, to the side , cyclist ahead etc' as it stopped me having a panic attack.
Felt fine on my own after, just the test that was so nerve wracking.

TheMadGardener · 15/01/2018 15:55

I did some lessons when I was a student (ahem...25 years ago!!!) with an instructor I didn't like who acted like he thought I was useless (I was too young and nervous to ask for another instructor). I took the test, failed and gave up as I couldn't afford more lessons then (was paying out of student grant, parents couldn't afford to buy me lessons). Then I moved to London for 25 years with the Tube, bus and train on the doorstep and never felt the need to drive. DH had a car but only used it about once a week. Now we've moved to an area where it would be much easier if I could drive. Plus DD1 is 13 now and thinks it would be hilarious if she learned to drive before I did...

I started lessons in September with a lovely instructor who knew I was 40-something and extremely nervous. (He has two pupils older than me! Smile ) I have got over being terrified and I am pretty confident now driving round the area, although I still get a bit scared when we go on the dual carriageway! I still need to work on my bay parking and parallel parking. My instructor knows lots of the routes they are using for the new test and we practice them all the time, with and without sat nav. Apparently the pass rate at our local centre has gone up since the new test came in. My instructor made me book a test for Feb. I think I will have a good go then but if I fail I'm not giving up but will try again quickly.

Original poster
velvetroses · 15/01/2018 22:49

Hi to all those from the previous thread! Hope your lessons are going well.

Those who have done the new style test, what's the major difference between them? What did you find easier and what was harder?

OP posts:
TheMadGardener · 16/01/2018 21:49

Also, I wonder if there is a best time of day to do the test? I have booked mine for 1pm. My instructor thinks this is a good time as the roads are fairly quiet, it avoids rush hour and school runs, plus he knows I am not a morning person! Smile

Original poster
velvetroses · 20/01/2018 18:23

My test is booked for 9.27am
I did have one at 1.35, roads weren't too busy but I think I prefer morning ones.

OP posts:
Cosmic123 · 20/01/2018 19:41

I failed loads of times and always made the mistake of having a massive break (years) between tests. I had a lot of crap instructors (including one who used to make me park up so he could explain the inner workings of the gear box). In the end I found a brilliant teacher who I insisted on only taking me around the test route and I passed. I also think it helped that I did my test in the morning when traffic wasn't too bad. Good luck and persevere

slapmyarseandcallmemary · 20/01/2018 20:05

I have my test two wks today. Bricking it. I have dreadful anxiety. I had a terrible instructor as a teenager who put me off. I then started lessons last year after 18 years, passed my theory test, but instructor never had good availability. Finally found a fantastic instructor and now I'm worried about the show me, tell me questions!! ConfusedConfusedConfused

SundaySalon · 20/01/2018 20:21

🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️ I have mine booked for the 7th Feb, I have been learning with a SatNav since October because I knew I would be taking the test after the new one came in. I have been doing mock tests, which help. I am debating wether to have my Driving instructor in with me? She’s very calming but I don’t know if two people judging me will be worse...

SundaySalon · 20/01/2018 20:22

Sorry, wrong emojis... habit Blush

treeofhearts · 20/01/2018 20:22

No, Satan works too. Pretty sure my Satnav IS Satan.