To think learning to drive in London is easier than elsewhere?

[simplesusanne]

Lots of London test centres don’t have roads much more than 50mph, or narrow country lanes

Ha no. There’s loads of traffic, roundabouts and hazards galore! Plus you can go on some roads that are like motorways but at a slower speed limit. Roads can be very narrow.
I know many people who have driven for decades that won’t drive in London. I learned in London but also drive in country roads.

Nothing would possess me to drive in central London. I've been a passenger with DD and I felt as though we were taking our lives in our hands whenever she changed lanes-which was often

I find country roads and motorways much easier than city centres and outer London, and I'm a confident driver (although I will admit that I only go on the M25 if I really, really have to). Driving at 70mph is much easier than trying not to get stuck in a yellow box, or endlessly toggling between 20mph and 30mph.

I agree. Streatham high road is nuts

I disagree. My test had a bit of everything, including 70mph dual carriageway. I passed first time. I went on a fast country road a couple of weeks later, and found it difficult and stressful. The lane wasn’t much wider than my car, there was a fair drop into the gutter on the left, and I was going at up to 60mph, with traffic whizzing past in the opposite lane with inches to spare.

I passed first time South East London having driven out of the test centre straight on the crazy south circular and then a dual carriageway and back. The obligatory reverse parking and 3 point turn was just off the dual carriageway.
Hardly easy @simplesusanne.

@HermioneWeasleymassive generalisation and untrue in the main. The trick to London driving is being very chilled and accepting you won’t get anywhere very fast 😊

Harder in London or busy city because of the increased number of other road users and increased likelihood of unpredictable events from pedestrians, busses, cyclists, (bad) drivers etc.
There is just so much more going on. You have to think and react quicker. It’s busy all around you.

If you know the country roads surrounding your test centre and have practiced there, it’s far more predictable & less chance of another road user doing things that challenge your reactions.

God no, London is by far the most stressful place I've ever driven.

London test centres had some of the lowest pass rates in the country when I was learning (I think other big cities such as Birmingham might have featured too), so the data would disagree with you.

London driving is absolutely bonkers, expect the unexpected at all times and pray for some luck too. It’s also so aggressive, I was always being told off for not being confident enough when I learnt in London. “If you hesitate you will cause an accident” and likewise leaving space to the car in front at a junction. Perfectly normal and encouraged elsewhere but in London I was told I shouldn’t see be able to see their bumper.

You certainly are simple susanne.

I think it's maybe more what you know? I live fairly rural and you couldn't pay me to drive into central london. But I can happily do country lanes, motorways, general busy town driving. I went to Colchester recently and got to navigate this monstrosity. That was a learning experience 🤣 (but actually fine once you figure it out)

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