To think I may never get my driving license?

[Noturningbacknow]

NC as I don't want this linked to previous posts.

I've been 'learning to drive' on and off for years. It's the same pattern every time: I do lessons, get to about the same level of confidence (which isn't high, but it never seems to go beyond that), go for a test, fail. In total I've done about 4 tests over 10 years - I say about because one doesn't really count, I got so nervous I didn't actually complete the test. The 2 tests I've done in the past year weren't complete disasters, but it seems like different errors pop up every time making it very difficult to address with my instructor. My instructor says my driving is fine but there's always something I seem to mess up on, whether it's the manoeuvres or just general observations. I don't think I'm a terrible driver but I do get nervous easily and the driving test doesn't exactly help with that!

It's really gotten me down over the years and I feel so embarrassed that I can't seem to master a skill most people take for granted. I've had to miss out on many things because I don't want to ask for lifts and public transport isn't great and it's affected my employment prospects too.

So what do I do now? I'm already learning on automatic and I've spent so much money on lessons, yet I don't seem to be improving much. I don't have anyone I can practice with either, so I'm having to rely on paid lessons all the time. I have another test booked in but I really feel no more confident than I did when I first started learning. Do I just give up and accept that I'm going to live like this forever? Was anyone like me and eventually did pass somehow? I feel like all my lucky stars would need to align on the day for me to pass

I haven't rtft, but do persist. DM got something from the GP before her last test (may even have been a placebo) and passed. Like you, her nervousness re the test because it was so important to her to pass, was stopping her performing on the day.

Oh blow, just went to the Dr and he can't prescribe beta blockers as it could trigger an an asthma attack and lungs to spasem😪😪😪😪😪

Thanks everyone for your encouragement, it's really positive to hear. I've felt so alone in facing this. My circumstances aren't great in that I live in an area with minimal choice of driving instructors and I don't really have anyone to practice with (no family in the area and DP can't take me out either). But I will keep pushing. This is too important to me not to. Failing the test is awful but I keep telling myself that I have absolutely nothing to lose - I'm no closer to getting my license if I don't at least try!

I'll definitely look into intensive courses too and maybe beta blockers.

It took me 17 tests over 15 years. I kept giving up and trying again after a few years. In the end I just threw money at it and did the test again and again and again. Until I hit lucky and finally got a test where nobody stepped out in front of me, nobody cut me up, the weather was ok, the chosen manoeuvre was one I could do, the traffic lights didn’t change at just the wrong time, etc.

I still can’t parallel park or reverse round a corner. I have no idea how to refill my window washer or check my oil. It doesn’t matter. In the real world I don’t need to do those things. The test is very artificial and you’re learning how to pass the test not how to actually own and drive a car.

Started learning to drive at 17 ( my mum paid) couldn’t get the hang of it and my mum couldn’t afford to keep paying, Learnt on and off for 12 years with 7 different instructors , had three theory tests expire and failed 7 tests! Passed on my 8th attempt 10 years ago!! Drive everyday now ( passed in a manual but now drive a automatic so it can be done!!)