to not understand why I can't fucking drive?!

[Floatingfancy]

I've had 20 lessons and I cannot get the hang of it. What is wrong with me?! I am thirty years old. I have two degrees. There are teenagers out there happily passing without a second thought.

I still have not got the hang of gears. I stall constantly. I can't do all my checks while trying to sort the cocking gears. I live in SE London so it's very intimidating with a lot of fast and aggressive drivers.

I'm considering switching to automatic lessons but will that even be better?!?!

I feel like a complete failure for not being able to do this.

Also, have you ever found out what sort of 'learner' you are, i.e. visual, auditory or kinesthetic?

I would say kinesthetic learners would find learning to drive quite easy, as it's something physical and tangible.
The other two types might struggle.

If you're a visual learner, perhaps you could watch some youtube videos (haven't checked to see if there are any) of driving instructors.
If you're auditory, maybe reading an instruction manual or something on learning to drive might help.

Just a thought

Just watched the first bit of this video and he seems to be quite good at explaining, so have a quick watch of this one when you get a chance

20 lessons is nothing. Isn't there a formula to calculate an idea of how many lessons you'll need and it's something like 1.5 x your age. I never thought I'd pass but I did. 4th time, but 1st with a different instructor. I took a complete break and went back with someone else who I just got on better with.

Op here. I just wanted to update the thread as I've now had three lessons (4.5 hours) in an automatic.

Oh my god. I can't believe how much easier it is. I am already doing things I never got to in my manual lessons.

Anyone else struggling and thinking about switching to an automatic, go for it. I'm so glad I did.

I'm glad it's working for you Floatingfancy, good luck for the rest of the lessons and your triumphant test.

I've had almost 50 lessons and just can not get to grips with it at all. My nerves play a big part but I just can't grasp checking mirrors, watching the road, watching road markings, watching signs, checking my speed, ughhh I could go on. I really don't want to change to automatic. I love my instructor and he only teaches manual but I'm starting to think I don't have much choice, either that or give up. Haven't read the full thread so will go throught it later as I've been thinking of starting one myself.

Fab news that it's working out for you.

You can always do a manual test later if you need to. I used my academic, analytical mind to my advantage when learning and read about engines, watched a zillion YouTube videos, watched other drivers, listened to the engine on buses, in other cars etc. I basically studied driving and applied what I had learned. I even looked up the best way to check mirrors. People kept saying "just flick your eyes up regularly" but I needed to know what to look for, how to read the cars behind me, how to judge speed in poor visibility etc. It paid off in the end. Passed first time with no minors and now drive any vehicle confidently. I am NOT a natural driver but I have learned how to do it competently.

I'm glad I have a manual licence tbh because life has changed in the 6 years since I passed and I now need to drive my Dad sometimes. I have to use his car as he's disabled and it carries his equipment. Also, my career took an unexpected turn and I now need to drive other vehicles at short notice. And in a bind, I can borrow vehicles from family or hire a van when I need to. It's just very handy. There are workarounds to all of it however and it's a question for another day. Stick with automatic and enjoy how well you're doing.

So glad you’ve chosen to take lessons in an automatic, I was going to suggest that. A friend of mine struggled for years in manual and failed three tests. As soon as she switched to automatic, she passed and drives fine!

Some people aren’t cut out for manual and I honestly think manual cars are archaic. I can drive manual but hate it so have an automatic.