Did anyone feel like they would never learn to drive?

[Jobseeker19]

I've just had my 4th lesson and I hate it.

I don't know if I'm someone that just cannot learn to drive.

I cant stay in my lane and drive straight or gauge how much to steer around a corner.

Is this normal?

I passed at 42. In an automatic. I just couldn't get the hang of gears at all.
I was gobsmacked when I passed because driving is something I never thought I'd be able to master. To be honest I don't like driving but I appreciate how useful it is.

Learning to drive is hardest thing I have ever done or gone through. It's the thing i will probably be the most proud of in my life. I didn't start learning till I was 29. It took me 4 years, 3 instructors, 3 test centres and thousands of pounds. I failed 8 times. I spent many lessons in tears and dreaded every single one. Didn't think I'd ever get it and be able to pass. I eventually got a hypnosis cd specifically for nerves about driving and listened to it every night before bed for the weeks leading up to final test. That worked. I passed. Don't ever lose hope. Keep trying. You'll do it. If I can anyone can.

Yes, me. I didn't pass my test until I was 25. I stopped and started learning about ten times (because I hated it) and I took an embarrassing number of tests. I could drive fine in lessons in the end I just used to screw up tests because of nerves (like being completely unable to do a hill start one memorable test and giving up on the 4th go, despite me doing one perfectly in the same car on my last practise lesson the day before!).

I've had a license 12 years now and have driven safely and competently without incident since getting it. I still don't enjoy it, but it gets me from a to b so I do it.

You'll get there OP!

Took me about 30 lessons and an awful lot of money. But have a driving license now and so so glad.
It’s giving me so much independence and freedom. Unless you live in the city centre, driving can completely change your life/job opportunities etc.
Don’t give up- it’s all practice practice practice (and I still can’t parallel park 🤐😅)

I have the dubious honour of having 25 years between my first lesson and passing my test . No I didn't have continuous lessons for that long obviously. Instead I'd try and then talk myself out if it repeatedly. Sometimes I'd go five years between lessons because I really didn't like it . Eventually my husband became unable to drive so I had to bite the bullet. It took me 18 months of lessons but I passed first time aged 50 . With only six weeks left on my provisional licence. Six years on it is one of my proudest achievements and I honestly bless it every single time I get in the car . Please don't be like me it does get easier and trust me you will be so happy when you pass your test . Good luck and keep at it

Yep and now I'm test ready at 41.The first time I drove a car was 10 months ago.You can do this!

Totally. I was convinced I never would. It takes time - be patient - anyone can learn and you will.

I should add to my above post that I too love driving now and the freedom it gives. However, having held a licence for nearly 7 years I have never attempted to reverse park into a space and have only ever messed up real life attempts to parallel park. Only time I ever did that right including in lessons was in the test I passed 😂

Started lessons at 20ish but had to pack in mainly for financial reasons but i hated it.
First instructor i paid for 5 did 3and never went back. He was a cocky bloke who thought i should be able to drive, join a dual carriageway in thick fog. He terrified me.
Stopped for several yrs. Had at least another 4 instructors. One had me so nervous i would wake up crying before my lesson - had to stop as anxiety / skills were scary!
Found an instructir who was calm/relaxed didnt push me too far - took quite a few lessons(!) but passed on my first test. Passed when i was about 35, so 15yrs!😂 Been driving 15yrs and love it!
Some instructors are crap and they made me nervous pushing too fast so i didnt feel confident i 'had it'. Give tourself time. If your instructor makes you feel bad, speak to them or change. X

I thought I'd never drive. I had four instructors:

1. Horrible angry man who shouted at me and lost his patience, so I dumped him.

1. Lovely lady who was very relaxed but strangely she told me after a couple of months that she was cutting down on lessons but don't worry, she had a new instructor for me.

1. Elderly man who smelled stale and unwashed, his odour filled the car. He barked instructions at me and I hated him. Someone crashed into us so I used that as an excuse to dump him.

1. A sleazy creep who would sing to me as I attempted to drive and every single week he asked me if I had a boyfriend (this was the 1980s).

But, by this time I had had hundreds of lessons, I felt like I would never even been proficient enough to sit a test, and would be learner forever. It cost a fortune and I hated every minute.

it took me 2.5 years but I passed first time. First time!

I still don't love driving but I couldn't get to work without it. It's one of the hardest things I've ever had to do and most people make it look easy.

Yep, me. I absolutely loathed learning to drive and would break out in a sweat and sometimes tears before lessons. I had about 3 different instructors too, and although my last one was the best, I never really relaxed. There's something awful about being in a small space with someone watching and commenting on your every move and I often thought about giving up. It felt like I wasn't improving at all.

After a few failed tests I eventually passed and it was the most amazing feeling to be able to get in the car and just go. I realised that it wasn't that I was bad at driving, I just really didn't take to the process of learning to drive. I still feel amazed and proud of myself for persevering and can honestly say that driving has been life-changing.

Don't give up - it will be worth it in the end!

I’m in my 50s and started learning about 18 months ago!
I hate it, but it’s essential, having moved to a rural location, I’m totally reliant on my partner to take me everywhere at the moment. It’s awful and makes me feel like a child.

The idea was to learn before we moved in together but lockdown happened and everything changed.
I’m lucky to have access to a car and a patient partner but I have just got back in touch with my instructor and will be restarting in a few weeks.

I’ve already failed my theory test once It was the hazard perception bit, if anyone’s got any tips!

Good luck OP. Don’t give up!

Yes absolutely. I learned in my 30s and hated it but did luckily pass 1st time. Like a PP I had a few uncharacteristically teary moments during some lessons when I just couldn't get it.

Don't give up! I love driving now and the independence and freedom is priceless.

I remember clearly it was my eighth lesson before I could make the car go in a straight line. Stick with it, it is worth it on the end.

Yes. I learnt at 37. Failed the test three times.

Yes I struggled for 3/4 years can’t remember it’s been a while haha.

But the main problem was I have mild dyspraxia and couldn’t cope with the gear coordination. Anyway my instructor told me to switch to automatic and I passed second time. Only have an auto licence but it’s not been an issue.

Practice makes perfect OP and the right instructor.

I didn’t take to driving at all and was an awful pupil. Very anxious. Failed multiple tests. Three instructors said I wasn’t meant to be a driver.

Then I found a lovely new instructor who really inspired me. Passed my test after four lessons with him.

Was terrified driving alone for the first month after passing. Would only drive very early in the morning and late at night to avoid traffic.
I forced myself to drive every day and after
a month it suddenly clicked and I was fine.

Yes! I struggled for years and gave up several times. I then learned in an automatic and it became so much easier. I passed on my 6th attempt but first time in an automatic and have now driven for 10 years. Please don't give up- if I can pass, anyone can!

Yes. I was not a natural driver, took over 40 lessons on and off for 4 years. I failed both the written and actual test twice. It was a long expensive slog but I persevered and it has been wholly worth it. I've been driving for 20 years and I love it.

I hated my lessons. I also understand about the frustration, especially if you are used to usually being able to handle new challenges easily, but not driving!

2 main things for me were instructor (really didn't get on with my first one and should have changed instructors after a few lessons instead of staying with him). Other thing is an automatic car. Vastly easier to learn with. Good luck!

Oh very much so OP! I really struggled, did lots of stupid mistakes and then I changed driving instructor and it all sudddenly got easier. I still get nervous driving but it honestly just takes practice, that and getting the right instructor for you. Good luck.

Yes, it took years of on and off lessons and then in 2019 I started automatic lessons and it was a breeze. I passed first time and I love it. I'll say as well I had ptsd after witnessing a car crash at 16 so was extremely nervous but I having the right instructor really helped.

I hated driving lessons they are intense. I like driving now I know how to though.

Thank you again, its very reassuring.

I hated it and found it really hard. Passed first time after 12 months of lessons.

One thought would be to learn to drive automatic. Petrol cars aren’t going to be sold after 2035 so after that all cars will be automatic.