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Original poster

Learning to drive driving you mad?

999 replies

ShowOfHands · 27/06/2010 07:33

So here it is, a learning to drive thread.

I think there are a few of us. I predict much swearing. Is it only me that goes one step forwards, only to go 8 steps backwards?

I'm SOH, have been learning for the grand total of a fortnight. DH is teaching me. My aim is to be driving by the end of September when dd is supposed to start nursery and they change the driving test again.

I live rurally (very rurally) and rely on dh for lifts everywhere. Even a supermarket trip is reliant upon him being home from work. And as he's a police officer, he's never home on time, works long hours and as a consequence, we're fairly isolated.

I am trying to focus on the new lease of life for us.

I don't have a provisional licence yet (still waiting for it) but live on private land with tracks of about 3 miles so am driving round a farm atm.

I'll kick off the swearing so there's no illusion of standing on ceremony. How the buggery feck do you look in 3 mirrors, one windscreen, at the speedometer and not cry all at the same time? Answers on a postcard.

OP posts:
TejasGal · 29/06/2010 17:42

So I had a mock test last night during my lesson. I failed it by bumping the curb when I parallel parked. ARGH! Why does it matter if I got in between the two cars without hitting them or anything fragile like a bicyclist??

So I started crying! My poor instructor didn't know what to do, and it's so out of character for me, but I haven't told him that I'm pregnant and my hormones are all over the shop. Poor guy.

Gauchita · 29/06/2010 21:34

Oh, Tejas, it's so frustrating they take those silly things into account, isn't it? Don't worry, if that's the only thing he failed you for it means you're driving really well!!

SpeedyGonzalez · 29/06/2010 21:37

Haven't got time to post properly but just want to join this thread! Am 35...am I the oldest non-driver?

Have had about 4 driving instructors (first two were hideous, second two were good but one left the company and then other stuff happened which made me stop learning).

Haven't been behind a wheel in 3 years but am doing a marvellous job of genning up on Theory Test stuff.

Stupid thing is, I actually enjoy driving.

Are they really changing the test in September?

Gauchita · 29/06/2010 21:40

Speedy, they're introducing the changes as of October this year. Don't know if changes apply also to the theory, though.

Cicatrice · 29/06/2010 21:46

Hi

Can I join? I'm 40 and I have had 129 hours of lessons so far and haven't booked my test yet. I passed the theory in Dec 08 so if I don't pass my practical before Dec I will have to sit it again!

I am very nervous. I have improved since I started - I no longer sit and cry or have to have a little sleep when I get in after my lesson.

But I just find it so hard.

I tried in my early thirties but made no progress and just couldn't be arsed with it. But it would make life with DS so much easier ..........

So I need to pass. Soon.

SugarMousePink · 29/06/2010 22:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SpeedyGonzalez · 30/06/2010 00:23

I see, Gauchita, thanks.

Well, perhaps now that DD is very small and sleeps a lot would be the time to start lessons again...

Good luck to TurkeyBoots!

AmazingBouncingFerret · 30/06/2010 07:33

I sometimes take DD with me for a lesson. She is fine when we are just driving along. But as soon as I start to do any sort of maneuvers she starts crying!

Ive got my theory test on the 14th. gah.

turkeyboots · 30/06/2010 08:52

Oh god test day is getting far too close now. But was in London for work yesterday, DH picked me up and I drove us all home, round all the huge scary roundabouts. So that made me feel better. Have another mock test on Friday which will be fun. My chatty teacher spends 40 mins in silence which freaks me out by itself.

Apparently the new test will have "free driving" in it. As in you have to get yourself to a location! Have to pass before then - can't drive under test conditions and route plan!

blondiep14 · 30/06/2010 09:03

Oh I'm glad I've found this thread!

PlasticCenturion · 30/06/2010 09:56

Morning all! Tejas, try not to worry. That's what the mock tests are for. They highlight any potential weak points and you know what needs practice. I said it earlier on in the thread but don't be afraid to move your mirrors for manoeuvres. It's much easier if you can use your passenger wing for lining up. Don't rely on it, still look back and use the other mirrors but it's fine and good sense to adjust your mirrors while doing parallel parking, bay parking and reversing round a corner. As long as you put them back before you start off again, it's fine. DH is an advanced driver for the police and they are taught to use their mirrors this way.

The annoying thing about the new element is that it doesn't actually matter if you go the wrong way, you won't fail. They just want to know that you can drive independently. Well, why fricking bother then? Said it on another thread but I'm just going to break the examiner's spirit and convince him that the way he wants me to go is wrong and I know a much better way. I've got no chance with my driving getting me through but I might be able to plan a sustained psychological attack. As soon as I feel a mistake coming on I'll distract him/her with a cunning 'ooh look a squirrel' or 'can you hear a clicking sound from the engine?'

I really want to pass before the end of Sept. One so that I can take dd to nursery. Two so that I don't have to do the new element.

Right, off for a lesson with dh. Still haven't got my provisional through so can't go on the roads yet. Been a couple of weeks.

TejasGal · 30/06/2010 17:41

Gauchita, not annoying me at all!! I'm in much better spirits now that I've put a full 48 hours between me and the mock test.

Turkey, I know what you mean about your instructor going silent - mine is lovely, and I think it made me nervous that he was so quiet.

Thanks, Sugar and Plastic, those are good suggestions
re: the mirrors (and the mental subterfuge!)

My practical is on the 16th...far too close...

How's everyone else doing?

Gauchita · 30/06/2010 20:29

Hi all

Tejas, glad to hear you're in better spirits

PC, sounds like a good strategy IMO. I also want to take it before October, at the moment whenever my instructor gives me directions I can't seem to hold more than 2 at a time

Blondiep14, welcome to the thread!

Turkey, that was good practice, I bet. Will be thinking of you on Friday for the mock test. Those of you driving in big cities, very courageous of you. I live in a town and whenever I've driven to the nearest city I go into panic mode

Amazing, I've never dared take DD with me, in fear she'd go in full crying mode. I bet my instructor would start crying as well! How are you coming along with the theory? The part that scared me the most (even on the day of the test) was the hazard perception section. I was so scared of clicking too many times and having a question annulled. And it did happen, on the video that had 2 hazards! Fortunately they tell you you haven't scored any points on that video right after it finishes so I went into full click-awareness mode. I ended up with a huge migraine after the test

Sugar, yes, that's the same tip my instructor gave me, and it does work.

Cicatrice, I think the main reason why I started learning was what you said, realising going out and taking DD places would be so much easier. In a way, I guess having the December deadline might help a bit? Maybe it's the nudge you needed

Wow this looks long! Sorry!

My lesson yesterday went quite well, my instructor agreed with me taking the test in August so we'll see! Excusing the swearing, bloody roundabouts!!! And bloody people who indicate wrong, make you think you can go and then you realise they're coming right your way!

SugarMousePink · 30/06/2010 20:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

VirtualPA · 30/06/2010 21:27

Hi everyone.

I have my test tomorrow and i am REALLY scared. I simply can't mess it up because i'm 36 weeks pregnant and live in the countryside

Gauchita · 30/06/2010 21:44

VirtualPA, everything crossed here for your test tomorrow!!!

VirtualPA · 30/06/2010 21:56

thankyou, they really should have a scared icon on here!

SugarMousePink · 30/06/2010 22:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

OneFishTwoFish · 30/06/2010 23:13

Hi there, can I join this thread?

I'm 30 and have been having lessons since January. I did have lots of lessons in a manual when I was 17 but never really got to grips with driving. I live in Central London so it's never been much of a problem (also one of the perks of my husband's job is that we get free travel throughout London), however I am 35 weeks pregnant with our first and decided it was now or never.

I am now learning in an automatic and finding it much better than a manual. Unfortunately I have taken the test twice and failed both times. I think due to nerves both times - I messed up at junctions so on each test I had 1 serious fault and a few minors. A problem I have encountered is the length of time I have had to wait for a test slot. My instructor told me to book a test in Feb - the first available was the 11th April. When I failed that one, I immediately tried to rebook and the first available was 22nd June! Luckily I managed to grab a cancellation spot for next Monday (5th July) and I really had better pass this time as my baby is due on 5th August.

We don't have a car so I am not doing any private practice - just lessons with my instructor. I hate hate hate driving but I am determined to do this.

Good luck to everyone, I hope we can support each other.

VirtualPA · 01/07/2010 10:09

I failed, I didn't check my mirrors on a mini roundabout

Katyathegringa · 01/07/2010 10:37

Great, I don't feel such an outcast any more (being 32 and not driving yet)!

I have started and stopped lessons about 3 times now - really need to start them again ASAP and just get it done. The lessons themselves do take it out of you, physically and emotionally knackering if you as me - but maybe that's cause I am learning in central london .

Katyathegringa · 01/07/2010 10:38

if you ask me that was meant to be

blackflyinyourchardonnay · 01/07/2010 13:45

Sorry VirtualPA

Must be so, so annoying and disheartening when it was for 1 thing.

But, first is worse, second is best, third is the one with the hairy chest.

I hope you get another test date soon-that'll be your winner!

PlasticCenturion · 01/07/2010 13:58

Oh VirtualPA, how rubbish. There's bugger all I can say that lessens the disappointment is there? How was the rest of it? Are you holding on for a cancellation to take it again asap?

OneFishTwoFish · 01/07/2010 14:18

Sorry to hear that VirtualPA. At least now you know what to expect in the test. I would recommend spending a few hours checking the DSA website literally every ten minutes or so and try to get a cancellation spot that way.

I'm sure you will be fine next time.