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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask whether I should give up learning to drive?

115 replies

GummyBear81 · 15/10/2019 20:14

I've done 3 tests now and am failing worse each time. My instructor thinks I'm ready and I drive fine on lessons but my nerves are horrendous and I'm failing badly but never on the same things.

1st test - 1 dangerous, 1 serious, can't remember minors. Dangerous was taking the wrong exit at a roundabout, panicking and not checking my mirrors. Serious was 3 minors for clearance to obstructions.

2nd test, in my defense I was very ill and should have cancelled it. I had to roll the window down because I was sweating so much and couldn't turn my head properly for parallel park and got hit with a serious. Also a dangerous fault for awareness - I took a turn far too fast and nearly hit a parked car.

  1. 2 dangerous and a serious. Dangerous was rolling back at lights (so stupid, didn't put my handbrake on), getting beeped and another was stupidly going ahead when a Range Rover was coming down the street and nearly hitting a parked car. Serious was fucking up my parallel park again. This time the instructor said I was a good driver but clearly fell apart once I'd fucked up my parallel park and let things snowball.

I'm on the verge of giving up. I clearly need more work on my manoeveres but otherwise I drive uneventfully in lessons now. My instructor doesn't think I need more, he thinks I need help with my nerves.

I'm just fed up and demoralised and feeling shit. Any hope for me?

OP posts:
aweedropofsancerre · 29/10/2019 17:18

GummyBear81 congratulations! It took me to the 4th try to pass too...

Alsohuman · 29/10/2019 17:20

Well done! Told you you could do it! Congratulations 👏🏻

GummyBear81 · 29/10/2019 17:32

Thank you all for your encouragement!

I got 11 minors which was more than I'd like but fuck it I PASSED!

OP posts:
ItIsWhatItIsInnit · 29/10/2019 17:34

Get a prescription for beta blockers. I'm pretty sure that's what helped me pass my 3rd test! The nerves (physical) will be gone.

Kitkatbar2018 · 29/10/2019 17:38

Congratulations!!!!! So glad you didn’t give up!!

GummyBear81 · 29/10/2019 17:54

I did get beta blockers and I highly recommend them! I was still nervous but my body didn't show it so foot wasn't shaking so badly on the clutch!

OP posts:
GummyBear81 · 29/10/2019 18:33

So... What car should I get? Got Skoda Fabia, Hyundai i20 and Kia Venga on my list! I'd LOVE a Honda Jazz but insurance costs are insane!

OP posts:
PowerslidePanda · 29/10/2019 20:13

Fantastic news, congratulations!!!

Monkeyseesmonkeydoes · 29/10/2019 22:09

Stick with it! Get a new instructor. Practice as. I h as possible.
Driving is ALL just practice and experience.
I was I your position and passed 4th time.
I was and am a really good driver.

Monkeyseesmonkeydoes · 29/10/2019 22:10

Oh yay! Just read your update!
Now get out and drive around as much as possible...

Alsohuman · 29/10/2019 22:18

Glad you got betablockers, they definitely worked for me too. I’ve just bought a Toyota Aygo and thoroughly recommend it. It would be perfect as a first car. I can’t believe how easy it is to park.

namechangetheworld · 29/10/2019 22:28

I failed my test seven times Blush I can't even blame it on nerves - I'm just not a natural driver.

On the eighth try I got a new instructor and passed. I'm so glad I kept trying. Life is so much easier with a car.

namechangetheworld · 29/10/2019 22:28

Oh, just read your update - congrats OP!!

welshladywhois40 · 29/10/2019 23:04

Have you considered switching to learning an automatic? Much easier and less to think about while doing manoeuvres. Plus so many cars are automatic these days?

You could get your confidence and go back to manual

GummyBear81 · 29/10/2019 23:12

I passed, Welshladywhois40 :)

OP posts:
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