Struggling with driving lessons

[StephP47]

I have always had anxiety around learning to drive but gave it a go anyway. I passed my theory, I did a handful of lessons with one manual instructor, a handful of lessons with another. Had a baby, decided to change to automatic. Was getting on reasonably well but recently I'm really struggling, I have a lot of work stress on at the moment which could be playing into it but I just feel like driving is not for me and whilst i have made a fair bit of progress I just feel like even now after about 13 lessons in that I just don't see me getting to the standard I need. I have a test in November and i just feel depressed after my lessons. Did anyone else feel like this, is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

Has the instructor said anything about they feel you’re getting on? You could be doing better than you think

Keep going! Passing my test was my biggest achievement because I found driving so difficult and often felt like giving it up. You will get there.

She always mentions on what areas I need to work on and has mentioned my last couple of lessons She noticed I've been struggling/seem agitated and suggested if it's work to maybe change to weekends for lessons. She was calculating how many lessons I have left until my test and you could tell She was concerned I wouldn't be ready and said I'd probably have to do some extra lessons nearer the time. I guess it's just so difficult when I have so much on my plate and don't feel like I'm getting anywhere.

Thanks!

I had about 70 lessons before my instructor would even put me in for the test. I flukily passed but even after that spent a long time thinking driving wasn’t for me - basically, wasn’t doing it enough. Now I love it. Keep at it, believe you can do it and get as much practice as you can.

That's reassuring thanks!

Don't give up just try to drive more often. I had a full 16 months of weekly lessons because it really didn't come naturally to me at all . I passed first time and then was too scared to drive on my own for a long long time . Now I have to drive regularly and I love it . Doing it often is the key . I am so proud I stuck with it .

Stick with it !!!
Little different but my nasty ex husband always told me I was to stupid to drive. I’d never be able to pass a test and for a long time I believed him.
5 years after I ltb I decided to try again. I changed instructor 3 times to find the one that I felt most comfortable with. My now dh bought me a little convertible beetle to practice in with him ( god I loved that car). I passed first time with just 3 minors at 6 months pregnant. I was so proud of myself when the examiner told me I burst out crying.

Having the right people to teach and help me and also believe in me made a huge difference in my faith in myself. Yes there were days I’d want to jack it all in but even the best drivers have bad days. My dh says if I never made mistakes I’d never learn anything.

Learning to drive has been the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.

Oh Steph. I felt like I could have written this. I was in your shoes about for years. I started to learn to drive as soon as I turned 17 and I absolutely hated every lesson! I would lose sleep over lessons, cancel last minute and hope my instructor would cancel my lesson. I had an instructor who swore at me (he said I was his worst student by far and how slow I am) and one who would make me feel so awful about myself when I made a mistake. It took me until I was 20 to pass my test after more than 150 hours of lessons (that’s a conservative guess - probably far more), four instructors and five tests.

I’ve been driving for four years now and I can’t believe it but I really love driving now. I have never had an accident and I drive 15,000 miles a year. Please, please, please don’t give up. Well done for learning to drive again. It isn’t easy especially as you suffer with anxiety. Driving is such a useful skill. I’m so thankful I can drive. Think of how it will improve your life and your child’s. Is private tuition an option? That could help boost your knowledge of driving by November. PM if you ever want to chat about it as I know exactly how you feel. I’m more than happy to help in any way I can! Good luck and don’t give up! If I can do it - anyone can!

@Eternallyfrazzled

I could have written this! I’ve now had 10 hours of manual lessons but I’m struggling with the gear changes I feel if I tried automatic I could progress and would be able to concentrate more on everything else. I’ve decided to give it another few lessons in the manual if nothing changes I’ll try auto. I hope things improve for you 😊

Good luck! It’s so difficult but it will so be worth it when you pass.

Changing to automatic was the best thing i did allowed me to concentrate on the road as I didnt have to worry about the controls of the car