**********Learning to drive for the terrified part 3*******

[MrsSlowLearner]

That's better

Welcome hazeyjane, don't worry there is no super fast learners here why don't you phone and book a lesson tomorrow? Think of the freedom

Boco, did you pass your theory? Mine runs out in March so I have got to pass my practical soon (can't stand the theory stress again!)

You're STILL terrified?

I did pass theory - 50/50 for the multiple choice - woo hoo! But not had a lesson or been out driving for months. Dp can take me, but I can't do it with two small dcs in the back and it's finding people to have them at a time when dp is about.

Eric, the terror is constant and unrelenting.

Hi All

Joining in the thread as had my first 3 lessons so far! Had a few lessons when I was 17 but hated it - now a single parent to DS (23 months) and realised I need to get my backside into gear (quite literally!)

Had my first 2 hour lesson a fortnight ago and didn't actually thin kI would be driving but I did and Vince (my patient instructor) had me in third gear and turning round (in a very very wide road). I loved it so very much and the 2 hours went in a flash! Second lesson was fine and he had me on 'proper roads' turning at junctions - open not closed!!

Still lvong it at this point and major high after lesson - then yesterdays lesson happened he had to use the breaks twice and help me steer as he took me on roundabouts. He also had me in fourth gear doing seventy - I blooming loved that bit! Although felt on a bit of a downer because he had to assist me - he basically told me to get a grip as it was only my third lesson and at least he hadn't had to assist me in my first or second lesson.

I also get a card that i get ticks, each thing i have done is rated as 'Attention Required', 'Acceptable' or 'Good' - every tick is acceptable. Does anyone else get rated after each lesson?

Very sorry for rambling on but everyone in know in RL drives so I can't bore them with this!!

Hi - had my first ever lesson today.

Loved every minute of it- it flew though!!

will be popping in each week to see how everyone is getting one

Hi Chorusline and Tiredemma, sounds like you both wont be here long, you sound very confident

Let us know when your next lessons are, I must book my test tomorrow, so if anybody sees me around here, remind me

Talking of crazy driving instructors,I think that my last one used to take me out for lessons so she had someone to talk to, she used to talk about her childhood for nearly the whole lesson. I'm afraid that I never had the cojones to say "Shut up and tell me which way I'm supposed to be driving round this roundabout". All my previous lessons were in a big town (mmmm shops), so I feel a bit like I'm back to square one driving round country lanes, which are surprisingly bendy and narrow! I'm supposed to be starting more lessons in 2 weeks, in meantime, dh has said he will take me out for practice.Hooray?

I'll just introduce myself............

Hello I'm MarsLady and I don't drive. Well strictly speaking I can drive, what I can't do is pass the fecking test!!!!!!!!!!! My entire body freezes up and I fail as soon as I get in the fecking car!

Hi all nice to see the thread has become active again,i'm afraid i have neglected it a little.

I think my instructor will be booking me a test soon as he has asked for the money.He isn't going to tell me until the night before as he knows i will just worry myself silly.

[incontinence emoticon]

failed my third test yesterday only got 7 minors and 1 serious, basically the examiner made me pull in to the side of the road and then start of again, which they seem to make you do half a dozen times during the test, anyway pulled in fine, it was a really quite road, no traffic etc, when i pulled away, i checked my mirrors, blind spot etc, but hading put it in gear, ffs how stupid so the car rolled back slightly, i got the brake on and then set off properly with the car in gear etc, everything else went ok, rrc, bay park, etc all fine, but i failed on that one thing its a bugger.

first test failed 7 minors 1 serious, for making someone slow down when i changed lanes.

second test 6minors 1 serious, for not pulling away safely or something.

third test 7minors, 1 serious, and the examiner said that my drive was good, i was ok and had it been a few years a go he could have used his discretion to pass me, but now he is not allowed to.. grrrrrrr

i am 20wks preg so i HAVE to pass soon, already booked next text but checking for cancellations.

Hi all. Can I please join you? I am learning to drive at the age of 30 out of sheer desperation (toddler, shopping, bus - argh!!!!) and to try to conquer my fear of doing 'practical' things (I'm a a dreamy sort!). I'm on my 13th lesson and am only just beginning to get past the 'extreme terror' stage. My manoeuvres are shockingly bad, and I swerve between driving too fast and slowly, too close to parked cars and too wide etc etc. I am just a BAD driver, basically!

Got my theory test in a month and cacking it - I HATE tests of any sort! Nice to know there are others in similar boat! xxx

Bad luck 3madboys,I found it really hard doing lessons whilst pregnant,and was desperate to pass test before having dd2, especially as we were moving to the countryside just after having her, so was terrified of feeling isolated. Of course I was a complete wuss and gave up the lessons towards the end of my pregnancy.Have still to take my theory test, I too hate hate hate tests/exams.

Hi All

3madboys, sorry to hear you failed I've been there 4 times now so know how you are feeling, it is very disappointing but I found that booking another test straight away was the best thing for me or I would end up leaving it for ages.

Marslady, I am the same I can drive fine, I just can't pass the bloody test!

I have booked another lesson today though, so next Wednesday, I will see how that goes and then book another test

thanks guys, its more frustrating really,as i drive our car all the time, and i have lesson with my instructor and i can drive fine, on the day it was just nerves, i was almost crying i was so nervous when we set off, and it was within the first few mins that i forgot to put it in gear, i have never done that before and it was just nerves, grrrrr all the examiners have said that my actual general driving standard is good, but it is soo easy to get a serious on the actual test day. but i will bloody do it, i am determined.

good luck everybody

3madboys, i understand so much how easy it is to get a serious, I don't get how anybody gets through the test without getting one

I also drive our car (with DP) and my instructer has said so many times that i really deserve to pass and he has pupils that pass but in his opinion shouldn't, I just don't know what goes wrong

Anyway we wil get there!!

Hi!

Im a regular but Ive changed names as I dont want anyone to recognise me in rl! Ive done about 40 lessons and my actual driving is ok. But I cant blooming do manoevres,I cant even get past turn in the road and left hand reverse! Out of interest how many times in a lesson does your instructor let you practise manoevres? My instructor only lets me have one or two goes a lesson and I was wondering if this is normal? Its my blooming manoeveres I need the practise with. I could do with a few hours practise of just doing manoevres fgs! I havent even tried any of the other manoevres as the instructor wants me to perfect the first two but how the heck can I, if im only having maybe two practises each lesson?

Remember you're the one paying for the driving lessons. If you want to practice more manoevres tell your driving instructor. I'd also ask your driving instructor when he/she expects you to have mastered the manoevres. If your driving instructor answers in an open-ended manner e.g. well how long is a piece of string, or everybody learns at different rates, change driving instructors. After 40 lessons your driving instructor should definately know your ability level and if he/she can't put a approx time-scale on this then look for another driving instructor. Good luck with your driving.

Thanks for the message journey. I know it sounds strange but Ive never asked him could I have more practises at the manoveres. I took it for granted you only get a couple of practises per lesson. I had a lesson earlier and tried a right hand reverse but I was rubbish at it. And Mr Instructor said I should stick to getting the hang of the turn in the road first before I keep trying all the other manoevres. I do like him but am wondering is he just trying to make lots more money out of me.

Hi cantdrivewanttodrive. With my original driving instructor I concluded that he was probably just trying to make money from me. I then changed driving instructors and he was far more focused on when he expected me to be able to do things (although he couldn't guarantee anything which was fair enough). Just remember it is your time and your money. I hope you pass very soon.

Oh I've never seen this thread before. How exciting! I started to learn 6 years ago when my Dts were born but heart wasnt really in it and gave up after a considerable number of lessons. I knew I should learn but didnt want to learn. When boys started school I knew I had to and suddenly I wanted to as well. I started again about 18 months ago but had a break in the middle as driving instructor got sick. However am now booked for test on 30th November after having passed my theory test a few weeks ago (100% in MC and 85% in hazard perception). Theory is fine but practical a different story. Still a bag of nerves every time I go out. Only went out with DH once, otherwise Dh would have been an ex DH before long, so driving lessons are my only practise sessions. It would depress me to think of how many lessons i've had but probably more than the biggest number here already.

Thanks Journey I hope to pass v soon but very unlikely.

Hello maggiems Conratulations on passing your theory and best of luck for the practical test in November.

Hi All

Had my fourth lesson yesterday - first day of manouvres - I WAS PANTS!!!

I was doing 3 point turns and all that lookign behind business as given my neck a major rash! I am just 5ft small and the seat belt kills - I feel i need a booster seat. I was only allowed to attempt this 3 times....

Sorry to hear you failed 3madboys - I can't imagine ever having the test - i feel sick thinking about it!

How is everyone else getting on at the moment?