several questions about learning to drive

[puffling]

I'm 36 and still don't drive. 8 years ago I had lessons with 2 male driving instructors, one who 'sacked' me for being crap and the other who I left before he had the chance! DP strongly discourages me from driving as he thinks I'd put our lives in danger. Anyway, we have a 7 month old dd and it would benefit is both if I could ferry her about.

Firstly, does anyone have any encouraging stories about finally passing their test?
Secondly, does anyone recommend intensive courses over regular lessons?
Finally, does anyone in Manchester/Salford area know of a large emptyish area where I could practice without bashing anything?
Dawnx

Well, I can't help with much of your post, but I would like to say get a female driving instructor, and then there won't be any male chauvinists putting you off becoming a good driver.

Good Luck with the lessons.

first of all i dont think you should take your family care out to a clear area to practice. you will form bad habits and give your dp amunition for saying your crap when you get a dent scratch/kill a cat whatever.

i think you should book a lady intructor.

i think ( ifyou can afford it) you should pay her for a group of lessons ( 2 hour?) weekly. book 6 - 8 lessons and pay up front.

then your dp cant say anything as you have already paid - if you didnt take them it wouldbe a waste of money.

finally i think some people can be anal over driving - and the fact that you can't get about easily and rely on them makes then feel more wanted/ powerful. just popping to the shop in the car is far different from getting the kids ready to go out for a 15 mon walk just to get a loaf.

then thees the 'bothering' them thing when they get home from work - "we have nothing in - we need to go shopping"

• "oh but i've been working all day blah de blah de b.. lah"

my dh failed his test 3 times passed recently on his 4th attempt.

the children didn't go in the car with him at first.

he wont go into large busy areas still.
he knows his limits
he will drive to work.

keep at it - it gives you freedom

i passed my test at 34 you can do it!
i had a female instructor, she was great, patient and we had a laugh too. take it slow with weekly lessons there's quite alot to learn and when you feel confident you can go out with your dp in the car.

I used to crash my pushchairs into lampposts. Passed 3rd time a month ago. Loving it.
Keep at it.
Try another instructor

Definately ask for a female instructor. I never had a problem with confidence, and always drove when Dp & I went out anywhere, but get me in the car with a male instructor and I would shake, worried about the 'bloody women drivers' attitude.

Then I requested a female instructor, she was fab, we just used to chat and drive around, so I could just relax and get on with driving.

Thanks for your replies. Saint Augustine, you're exactly right about the relying on dp. It's just like that.
I will contact a female instructor and pehaps have lessons between work and collecting baby from nursery.

Puffling, second what St A said, my SIL wouldn't let her husband learn to drive as she liked getting lifts from her dad! Her dh only learned after her dad died.

I'm learning at age 37 - quite nervous about it but determined to do it. Got a recommendation from a friend and explained to the instructor about my interesting history with instructors (sexual harassment). I've just accepted that it will take lots of practice, just like anything else - and if something goes horribly wrong in a lesson, that will be the instructor's fault!

look at learning to drive as a fun thing rather that something that has test at the end. i miss my old teacher we had some great conversations