AIBU to feel like giving up?

[CeliaMae]

Been watching lots of mock driving tests in preparation for mine. The majority of 'good' drivers have had lots of private practice. They're not brilliant(unlike the ones who passed with an intensive course) they have just had unlimited free practice.

However I have nobody to practice with. I'll have to spend hundreds of pounds to achieve the same result. And I don't have that much money. If I fail this test I'll have to wait months for the next tests... during which time I have to spend MORE money for god knows how long to not forget. And I can't afford that.

Am I being U to just give up?

Also to add - my instructor has said that my driving progress is average. He said I just had to practice more. which I can't do without forking out a great deal more than I already am.

It just makes me really sad.... :'(

Yes YABU to give up, stick with it, you will get there.

Loads of people learn like you, with no access to a car or anyone to practice with in between lessons. I didn’t, it took my longer than average to pass and it took three tests, but I got there.

I learnt late and failed twice before deciding to go all in and went to Wales for a one week residential course and passed. You drive for 6 hours a day and on the last day you do the test but by then you're a pro.

I know exactly how you feel. I’m in the same boat. Thanks to Covid I’ve just hemorrhaged money. I’ve spent thousands thanks to the stopping and starting. £150 a month is ridiculous. Especially when you live in an area where you’re expected to drive. (You can’t get a bus to many of our local health facilities and despite living in a town there is only one bus an hour to the hospital.)

As much as I despise learning to drive it is something that I just have to do. I hope I pass in December because my baby is due February and it’s a six month wait for a test.

I wish I’d just gotten my licence the when I was learning at 17. (I grew up in London so driving just wasn’t a priority.)

I’d say carry on as you may need that licence in the future and it’ll only cost more money then.

Good luck!

@TipseyTorvey

I learnt late and failed twice before deciding to go all in and went to Wales for a one week residential course and passed. You drive for 6 hours a day and on the last day you do the test but by then you're a pro.

That's a great tip - thanks ! I've just looked it up online and might consider doing this if I fail my test. They also seem to have easier roads to drive on (I'm in a busy residential area with lots of cars, bikes and children out and about constantly) Thanks a lot

@JLL1990

I know exactly how you feel. I’m in the same boat. Thanks to Covid I’ve just hemorrhaged money. I’ve spent thousands thanks to the stopping and starting. £150 a month is ridiculous. Especially when you live in an area where you’re expected to drive. (You can’t get a bus to many of our local health facilities and despite living in a town there is only one bus an hour to the hospital.)

As much as I despise learning to drive it is something that I just have to do. I hope I pass in December because my baby is due February and it’s a six month wait for a test.

I wish I’d just gotten my licence the when I was learning at 17. (I grew up in London so driving just wasn’t a priority.)

I’d say carry on as you may need that licence in the future and it’ll only cost more money then.

Good luck!

It is indeed the uncertainty.. if it was normal times we'd have just driven constantly until the next test but it's very hard to budget. I scrimped and saved to be able to afford this but it's all gone down the drain. Also live in a town with shite public transport... so understand the struggle. It was made worse by everyone happily going off to parks/the countryside on holiday and me being stuck walking in circles around our small and not very pretty local park.

Anyway fingers crossed - I really hope you pass in time for the little one and welcome him/her happily to the world :)

@Aprilx

Yes YABU to give up, stick with it, you will get there.

Loads of people learn like you, with no access to a car or anyone to practice with in between lessons. I didn’t, it took my longer than average to pass and it took three tests, but I got there.

Thanks for the motivation but the issue here is the backlog and 'stringing out' of tests (and hence lessons) due to Covid which I can't afford...

I'm just going to give it my best shot

My dsis passed 3rd time so don’t give up hope!

I didn't have anyone,nobody did that I know.we worked hard in the lessons and got through.
If you think you can't do it you will be right.

@BettyAndFrank

My dsis passed 3rd time so don’t give up hope!

Thanks for the motivation!

@KarmaStar

I didn't have anyone,nobody did that I know.we worked hard in the lessons and got through. If you think you can't do it you will be right.

The second sentence may be true but it's silly to imply that success is related to 'working hard' in lessons. You think I pay several hundred pounds of my own money for a lesson to not do my best during it? Luckily there are several other nice posters here :)

not several hundred pounds per lessons, for lessons*

I understand how hard it must be. I drove nearly everyday as a learner and it still took me 4 attempts to pass so it doesn't always guarantee a good outcome 🤣

Good luck in your test 🍀

You could learn to drive an automatic. Do a cost benefit analysis if it’s cheaper to get taxis everywhere or get the lessons and then car and up keep/ insurance. Might be interesting