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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Driving lessons while pregnant?

16 replies

Gabyrale · 03/02/2011 07:36

Hello everyone, this is the first post of what I'm sure will be many over the next few years...
I recently found out I'm pregnant, due early September and suddenly the realisation that I need to learn to drive has hit me. I was wondering if anyone had any advice about it as I've been a little worried about 'emergency stops' and seatbelt issues. Obviously the sooner I get started the better but does anyone have any personal experience of learning to drive while pregnant? Any input will be gladly recieved - paricularly offers to take the test for me!

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lilly13 · 03/02/2011 08:21

Hi, I am in the same boat. I am taking a theory test now and will do the driving test after the baby is 3-6 months old.

bootus · 03/02/2011 08:38

Hi, exactly the same for me, started when I was 4 months gone, at familiy's insistence I needed a license, stopped for about 3 wks before birth and a few after (couldnt face it with stitches and sleep deprivation), passed first time when DS was few months old. Not the easiest learning at 30 with a bump but been a must and so pleased I did it.

Original poster

Gabyrale · 03/02/2011 08:42

I'm 35, going to be 36 in March - I had lessons as a teenager and failed the test twice, mostly due to nerves and then foolishly gave up, I'm hoping this time around things will be different I guess...

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smeraldina · 03/02/2011 08:49

I took lessons while pregnant (started a little bit before that actually) and passed when 34 weeks. The test person didn't ask me to do an emergency stop (although he did get me to open the car bonnet which was a bit tricky). Very glad I did it - possibly the most challenging thing I've ever done (more than giving birth!) but really worth it - especially as I had to drive twice a week to a bf clinic when DS was born. All the best with it! You have some background with your teenage driving. You CAN do it!

Original poster

Gabyrale · 03/02/2011 08:55

Oh gawd! I certainly hope so! I have been a nanny for over 15 years so I know that it is possible to get about with children using public transport but oh, its so much nicer in the rain/winter to be able to hop in a car...

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PipPipPip · 03/02/2011 09:02

Being pregnant shouldn't make it any harder than normal - apart from random bouts of hormonal weeping, perhaps :)

Learning to drive is hard, but being ABLE to drive is wonderful.

SerenaJoy · 03/02/2011 10:48

I'm 20 weeks pg and have been learning to drive since before I was pregnant. It's not easy finding the energy to go out for a driving lesson after working all day, but I'd much rather do it now than later, with a baby to think about, so that's what I keep telling myself! My test is in a few weeks, and I'm hoping they might go slightly easy on me when they see my little bump.

My advice would be to just jump in and try to enjoy the experience of learning something new - I'm surprised at how much I've enjoyed the challenge. I always dreaded learning to drive, so wasn't expecting to enjoy it. Another good piece of advice I got (which I didn't follow, but wished I had) was to put in for your theory test ASAP. That way you can go for your practical test as soon as you're ready, without having to wait to get the theory test out the way.

Best of luck!

citymonkey · 03/02/2011 11:30

Also in the same boat - I can actually drive pretty well (learned when I was a teenager but just never took test) so am hoping I will be able to pass pretty quickly; am going to do one of those intensive courses. Theory booked in for beginning of March.

Only 7+5 so hoping not to have a huge bump by the time I do the test..!

BarbieLovesKen · 03/02/2011 11:30

Hi I took driving lessons during my last pregnancy and sat (and passed!) my driving test at approx 19 week pregnant.

Was fine.

Original poster

Gabyrale · 03/02/2011 21:17

Wow, okay, well i must admit you've certainly given me a bit more confidence to start, @SerenaJoy (isn't that a Handmaids tale ref?) I have another friend that has advised me to do the theory as well. Just arrived for a visit with my mum in France but have brought a 'theory cd rom' for my laptop which I'm hoping to practice on while I'm here... I certainly can't do what I normally do here (quaff wine and eat unpasturised cheese!
Thanks very much!

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Original poster

Gabyrale · 03/02/2011 21:18

..And good luck to everyone learning/doing the test!

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trixie123 · 03/02/2011 21:28

seatbelt issues - I have a thing made ( I think) by clippasafe - got in John Lewis anyway, which holds the lap belt down over your upper thighs rather than your bump. It a bit pricey for what it is (about £20) but was recommended by my MW in my last pregnancy. It just straps round the drivers seat so would be easy to take in and put of your instructors car. Would be good if you are practising emergency stops! Good luck

Caz10 · 03/02/2011 23:06

I passed my test in the September, pregnant with DD who was born early December. Had also driven, failed, wept, stressed etc as a teenager and agaiin in my 20's.

If anything it was easier - I had a sort of renewed calm and determination- knew it was my last chance!! Just got on with it, where I would previously have freaked out/chickened out before.

3yrs on I am still not the best driver in the world, but so relieved to have done it - massively helpful with DD in many different ways.

Good luck!

SerenaJoy · 04/02/2011 10:12

It is a Handmaid's Tale ref Gabyrale - love Margaret Atwood

What a shame, having to learn driving theory when you could have been drinking wine and eating lovely cheese. It'll be worth it though!

Best of luck with your lessons

AmazingBouncingFerret · 04/02/2011 10:15

I took lessons whilst I was pregnant. I also took lessons when not pregnant! There was no difference IMO Apart from I struggled to look out my back window. So I made a big song and dance about it but my instructor said that was good because at least then I was letting any examiner know I was doing the checks!

coco2901 · 04/02/2011 10:22

I passed my test last week (due in April) go for it!! :)

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