aibu wanting to drive?

[Creeper8]

I really need to learn to drive. I have 4 kids and getting public transport is becoming a pain. The school run is a nightmare as we can never get the bus in the morning (we have to walk but its a long hilly walk) the afternoons again are awful and we can miss up to four buses regularly before we can get on one. Ive been trying to drive since 17 and never really stuck at it. Should I go for automatic? is it much easier?

I would try automatic, I failed 4 manual driving tests over 20 years ago. I have started learning on an automatic since April, and I find it totally different, much easier. I am taking my time with learning, as I have high anxiety I need to be calm.

It's never too late. I can drive a manual but now would only have an automatic as I find them very easy to drive.

What's stopping you?!

OP I started at 17, then stopped for 18 years because of anxiety. Like you my need to start again was because I've got a fecker of a school run (3 different towns) and we moved so I’m not able to walk everywhere now.

So I started again 6 months ago, bricking it. I started with my car with DP in the passenger seat, then a week ago after I passed my theory I started with an instructor. He told me this morning to book my test!

Honestly, I’ve found being older and having a reason to do it (the bairns) much easier.

Is it gear changes you dislike? That’s the only thing an automatic would make easier.

From my experience of learning to drive in a manual, dealing with the clutch and gears was tricky at first but overall only maybe 5% of the job. 95% was about learning how to deal with the roads and the other drivers on them. So I don't think an auto would be an awful lot easier. But if you're having trouble then I guess every little helps.

You need to find an instructor you get on with and stick to a regular lesson schedule. I know both those things can be easier said than done especially with four children. I took one 2-hour lesson a week and really I'd have done better with two a week, but I couldn't afford that.

I learned atomic insensice driving course. Passed on my first attempt. But you may also want to consider on of those wagons you attach to bicycles if you live close enough. I know someone who uses one for the school run. Her kids live it and she is in awesome shape now.

Im not actually anxious or anything. I normally gave up because I got pregnant or couldnt afford it. But I just want to be driving as soon as possible, I figured automatic would be quicker?

Yes I think you'd most likely pass quicker in an automatic OP.

As a PP said, it's all about getting into a regular routine with lessons. I'm currently learning and it's been a real struggle as I get very anxious but my instructor is patient and I get along with her, which helps. I did have a previous instructor who I wasn't making much progress with so don't be afraid to switch instructors. I'm learning on an automatic but my instructor said it's not much easier as the main challenges on the road are to do with other road users!

Keep visualising how much easier driving will make your life and how good it'll feel when you get your license and can just hop in the car and go. That's what I'm trying to do.

If no issues as prev posters I would go manual then you can drive both if needed. If you pass in an automatic you can only ever drive an automatic.

I had been the same started at 17 had lessons on and off for years but gave up mainly because of finances. I was determined last year and I did it in 3 months.

Good advice about sticking to regular booked lesson, I had 2 hours every Monday am and it nearly killed me financially but I was determined and now I've passed it so much easier and cheaper than taxis bus etc.

Hands down the best thing I ever did!