Finally clicking

irishgirl19

Hi all,

I'm in my late twenties and learning to drive. This is my 3rd attempt. I done my 12 EDT lessons in 2016 and even though I was driving with my instructor, I just never got it. I would always stop the car in whatever gear I was in and reset to first, for fear of going down the gears.
I gave up but then tried again with 2 lessons with a new instructor who wasn't a good fit.

A few weeks ago I decided I need to try it one more time before packing in or getting an automatic. The new instructor is great and very laid back. I am an extremely nervous driver and my hands would be sweating during lessons. I am finally getting it with this guy and things are coming together. He's thought me how to go down the gears in a way that I just get.

My last 2 lessons were in my husbands car and I was very nervous because I had no control but finally now I think I am understanding it. I never thought I would see myself driving but now I do. Its a huge relief. My instructor thinks I need to give up lessons now until the I have my test booked and just have loads of practice. I still feel like I need the lessons.
I am getting used to my other half's car but sometimes I will accidentally go in 4th instead of 2nd etc and this worries me.
I am brutal at parking but I think I can work on this after I sort out the rest. Hill starts are hard for me but I can get it going now, just need to tone down revving.

My question is, should I keep at lessons/practicing until I feel I feel ready to take test or just take instructors advice and not do lessons unless they are pretests.

I am still very nervous and probably afraid to park try parking on my own without lessons.


Also just a rant but why do people beep when you conk out. It only makes me more flustered and more likely to conk again. 

MascotDec85

irishgirl19 wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm in my late twenties and learning to drive. This is my 3rd attempt. I done my 12 EDT lessons in 2016 and even though I was driving with my instructor, I just never got it. I would always stop the car in whatever gear I was in and reset to first, for fear of going down the gears.
I gave up but then tried again with 2 lessons with a new instructor who wasn't a good fit.

A few weeks ago I decided I need to try it one more time before packing in or getting an automatic. The new instructor is great and very laid back. I am an extremely nervous driver and my hands would be sweating during lessons. I am finally getting it with this guy and things are coming together. He's thought me how to go down the gears in a way that I just get.

My last 2 lessons were in my husbands car and I was very nervous because I had no control but finally now I think I am understanding it. I never thought I would see myself driving but now I do. Its a huge relief. My instructor thinks I need to give up lessons now until the I have my test booked and just have loads of practice. I still feel like I need the lessons.
I am getting used to my other half's car but sometimes I will accidentally go in 4th instead of 2nd etc and this worrts me.
I am brutal at parking but I think I can work on this after I sort out the rest. Hill starts are hard for me but I can get it going now, just need to tone down revving.

My question is, should I keep at lessons/practicing until I feel I feel ready to take test or just take instructors advice and not do lessons unless they are pretests.

I am still very nervous and probably afraid to park try parking on my own without lessons.


Also just a rant but why do people beep when you conk out. It only makes me more flustered and more likely to conk again.

As an instructor, imo your instructor should support you in whatever way you want.
Sometimes I’d advise less frequent lessons. A chance for you to practice but pop back to ensure there’s no habits setting in.

irishgirl19

MascotDec85 wrote:

As an instructor, imo your instructor should support you in whatever way you want. Sometimes I’d advise less frequent lessons. A chance for you to practice but pop back to ensure there’s no habits setting in.

Thanks, I might suggest biweekly like you said. The lessons are great for my confidence.
This is probably a stupid question but do you glance over your shoulder when you are merging on the likes of a dual carriage way?

MascotDec85

irishgirl19 wrote: »

Thanks, I might suggest biweekly like you said. The lessons are great for my confidence.
This is probably a stupid question but do you glance over your shoulder when you are merging on the likes of a dual carriage way?

It’s not a stupid question.

The long answer is, if you make effective observations using your mirrors as you drive along the dual carriageway a check over the shoulder may/might not be necessary, however if may be beneficial.
The short answer is, what harm can it do?

If you do check that blind spot ONLY turn your head slightly. Your chin should only go as far as your shoulder, use your peripheral vision. I’ve heard this referred to as “kissing the parrot” which is a funny wee thing to help you remember. DO NOT twist around in your seat to check.

irishgirl19

That is very helpful. Thank you

pinktoe

Would buying an automatic be possible for you?

They are much easier for learners and are quiet popular.

My fiancee was nervous and anxious to the point of completely giving up until I got her an auto and now she has her license and confidence. Manual can be a bit much for learners.

If you can't go auto you just have to practise loads.

Don't pay attention to the losers beeping at you. They seem to forget they were and quiet possibly still are crap drivers.

irishgirl19

Hi pinktoe,

Yes I would absolutely love an automatic!! It would be perfect for me.

At the moment we can't afford a decent automatic as I heard I'd be looking at probably at least 6k?

I said to myself this is the last try with the manual. If it doesn't all fall into place I will give up and do test in an automatic.
I have come this far though so hoping I will be ready to book the test in a few weeks all going well.

For some reason I find right turns hard. I think maybe it could be my positioning and I am afraid I will hit the other car waiting to come out.

I went out today for an hour and only conked out twice which is good for me. One of the times I got flustered so I think that's why.

Also would like some feedback if you don't mind, I usually will go to 4th gear when I go over 40kph and always have in lessons but today my husband was saying no need for that(stay in 3rd) & I'm going up the gears too quick?

If I am waiting in traffic I would always reset and go to first gear with hand break on to get ready to move off, but I see the tallaght route videos on youtube say you should just be in neutral unless you're first in the lights. I think by doing this it would take me too long to move off?

Edit: I'm driving an avensis now if that makes any difference. Definitely harder than the instructors car I find

pinktoe

irishgirl19 wrote: »

Also would like some feedback if you don't mind, I usually will go to 4th gear when I go over 40kph and always have in lessons but today my husband was saying no need for that(stay in 3rd) & I'm going up the gears too quick?

If I am waiting in traffic I would always reset and go to first gear with hand break on to get ready to move off, but I see the tallaght route videos on youtube say you should just be in neutral unless you're first in the lights. I think by doing this it would take me too long to move off?

Edit: I'm driving an avensis now if that makes any difference. Definitely harder than the instructors car I find

The thing with the 4th or 3rd gear is an Avensis won't rev as fast as small instructor cars. So I'd agree with your husband and when you get more practise you will too. The smaller powered cars may need to be in a higher gear and you need to show use of the gears for your test afaik so instructors would encourage 4th.

It's been a while since I did the test but the YouTube video does sound right. If your second in line put the car in gear as the light turns green not when the car moves. You'd need to check with your instructor as you do things differently when you've passed (like your husband probably doesn't use a handbrake at all).

As for automatics if you don't care about age you'd easily get Audi a5 or bmw 3 series etc around 2007 for under 6k. Insurance might be a problem. My fiancee did her test in a gs450h which you could get for under 6k right now. It cost 300 to put her on my insurance. She also felt alot safer than the small instructor cars and that also helped confidence a lot. She failed 4 times in manual and passed first time in auto.

irishgirl19

Thanks that makes sense alright!
Will have to get out of the habit of going into first all the time when I'm stopped.

Re the handbreak. My friend and husband said the same thing that once you pass your test you'll probably only use it for a hill start.

I would really love to pass the test in a manual but if I cant do it I will have to get a loan for an automatic. My mam has been telling me for months to just go that route.

I got along fine without driving but something came up recently where my husband couldn't change jobs (to one with different hours) because we couldn't get a childminder and I couldn't do the schoolrun because the school is 15 minute drive away so I just thought I will have to learn to drive one way or another by the time the year is out.

I wish I hadve done it when I was younger because I wouldn't have had any fear. Can honestly say its one of the hardest things I've had to learn and im still very much learning

zepman

I am 34 years old. All these years, my wife and I got by fine without driving (although we did try to learn and even took the test many years ago). I have always been nervous to get into the car, so kept putting it off. But we had a baby last year and we decided that at least one of us will need to learn to drive as soon as possible before we get to a point where it becomes imperative.

Luckily, we happened to move closer to my work at the end of last year (my commute is a 5-minute) that freed up a lot of my time. I started taking lessons again, which were initially in the instructor's car but, after a couple of lessons, I bought a car and used that for the rest of the lessons. Also, a couple of days a week, I used to use part of my lunch break to get some practice with a workmate who was keen to help me out. He also came over some weekends so I could practice longer.

Like you said, it was one of the hardest things I've had to learn. The first time I was about to do the lesson in my own car this year, the instructor asked me to bring the car to the surface from the underground car park. The driveway out of the underground car park is pretty steep and there's a Stop line at the brow. I drove up to that point just fine, but then I had to do a hill start and I just couldn't get it right - I kept rolling back. Naturally, I was in panic mode. I just stopped and rang my instructor who came and talked me through it.

That was in February. Merely two months later, I passed my test. My goal was to get my full licence by the end of this year, no matter how many attempts it took. I owe it to my workmate who helped me get the practice that got me test-ready so quickly. I have tried to learn on an off for over a decade, and had mentally given up a few years ago, even though I kept renewing my learner's permit. The practice was what was missing when I had tried to learn in the past.

So, definitely, get loads of practice (with a lesson every two weeks or so) and it will keep getting easier.

FishOnABike

irishgirl19 wrote: »

Thanks, I might suggest biweekly like you said. The lessons are great for my confidence.
This is probably a stupid question but do you glance over your shoulder when you are merging on the likes of a dual carriage way?

There's no stupid questions, only stupid answers. Driving over 30 years and I'll always continuously check rere and side mirrors to be aware of traffic all around me and also check my blindspot with a glance over the shoulder before merging.

The layout of some sliproads can give a restricted view due to vegetation, signage or different levels. A car travelling at the same speed can sit in your blindspot for some time. Both mirrors and a 'lifesaver' look over the shoulder should be used.

irishgirl19

Thanks! I was wondering would I be allowed take my eyes off the road of a split second to check my blindspot. I went to dual carriageway on a lesson on sat and Im nearly sure I checked it. But was very nervous so the merging is kinda blurred in my mind lol. I was sure the car letting me in was right on top of me but I actually had a lot of room.

@zepman, that is great that you've passed!
I am the same as you would've been with hill start. I get totally freaked if a car is behind me in case I roll back into them. I think once I think about it I make it worse in my head and get very anxious.
Its a good idea practice in a car park. I must do that. I haven't done the hill start anywhere steep yet. I'll have to practice so I don't get caught off guard one day with someone behind me

irishgirl19

Well I booked the test. Hopefully it will be the push I need. If I don't feel ready by week coming up to the test, I'll cancel and go back to the end of the queue.
I hope my nerves don't get the better of me

FishOnABike

With the hill start, find the 'bite point' of the accelerator and clutch before releasing the handbrake.
With the handbrake still on, press in the clutch and select 1st gear
Press the accelerator enough to avoid stalling without over revving and release the clutch slowly.
You should feel the the engine take the car weight - in a front wheel drive the front wheels will take some of the weight from the back wheels and you should be able to notice the car lift forwards very slightly. You might have have to press the accelerator a little more to avoid stalling. You're at the balance point.
Release the handbrake and release the clutch slowly as you slowly press the accelerator to move forward.

You can practice finding the balance point somewhere safe off road on a slight slope.
Stop on the slope and with the handbrake on repeatedly try to find the balance point and then putting the gear back into neutral.

Once you're comfortable finding the balance point try a hill start proper. Bring the car to the balance point and release the handbrake while slowly releasing the clutch and slowly pressing the accelerator to move forward without rolling back.

It's all just a matter of practice and familiarity until it becomes second nature.

irishgirl19

Thanks for the advice

I think I must be doing it wrong. I'm normally going to first gear with hand break still on and then trying to find the bite before releasing the handbreak. I don't know if I could release the handbreak and then put it into first if I am understanding correctly. In my mind it would take me ages.

I couldn't get out in the car today but I'm going to an industrial estate tomorrow where there's a hill to practice just doing the hill start. At the minute I'm stuck between stalling and revving too much so need to find the happy medium. I think I am over thinking it a bit

Edit:sorry ignore me. I read your post wrong

FishOnABike

Sounds as if you're doing it right, putting the car into 1st gear and finding the bite or balance point before releasing the handbrake. It's just a matter of practice.

If you've got the balance point right you should be able to hold the car on the slope without moving backwards or forwards when you release the handbrake just by clutch and accelerator control. Then a little more accelerator while releasing the clutch pedal and off you go.

I'd generally aim to use just enough accelerator to prevent stalling - it makes it easier to take things slowly and keep everything under control.

Checking mirrors is not enough on a motorway. Check the blind spot every time you merge or switch lanes.

Not checking could cause a potentially fatal accident.

irishgirl19

Deleted User wrote:

Checking mirrors is not enough on a motorway. Check the blind spot every time you merge or switch lanes.

Thank you. Will probably be a good while before I feel confident enough to drive on one. Will get ask in one of my lessons to go on a dual carriage way again first

irishgirl19

I went out practicing today and had a terrible drive.
Unless I reset to first all the time, I am getting too flustered. I'm finding when in starting off in traffic it is taking me too long to get going unless I'm already in first.
I went to an industrial estate and reversed down the steep slopes for the trucks loading bay to practice hill starts could actually smell the clutch at one stage. I think I got it okish about 2 times. Rest of the times I didn't stall, I reved too much.
I'd say in real life if there was a car behind me I'd crumble.
So disheartened. Regretting booking my test now. I was nearly crying in the car at one stage I was that overwhelmed

FishOnABike

Don't let it get to you. Just practice, start with a shallow slope and work up to a steeper slope as you get more used to it and do as well as you can in your test on the day.

I had to do my test in a car I wasn't used to driving and stalled doing a hill start but still passed my driving test. I didn't panic, stopped safely and then did the hill start without a problem. You don't have to be perfect (nobody is).

zepman

irishgirl19 wrote: »

I went out practicing today and had a terrible drive.
Unless I reset to first all the time, I am getting too flustered. I'm finding when in starting off in traffic it is taking me too long to get going unless I'm already in first.
I went to an industrial estate and reversed down the steep slopes for the trucks loading bay to practice hill starts could actually smell the clutch at one stage. I think I got it okish about 2 times. Rest of the times I didn't stall, I reved too much.
I'd say in real life if there was a car behind me I'd crumble.
So disheartened. Regretting booking my test now. I was nearly crying in the car at one stage I was that overwhelmed

Have you got a test date yet? I booked at the start of January, but only got the test date (April 1st) at the end of February. When I got that email, I was far from ready. So I added a "reschedule test" reminder on my phone to pop up 10 days before the test date. So, don't worry too much about the test itself, since you have the option to reschedule it.

When I bought my car at the end of January, it was my friend who did all the driving for a couple of weeks (the test drive, driving the car to my place, driving it to the dealership again a week later when the battery was flat, driving it back to my place, etc). Therefore, I went from not even being able to sit behind the wheel at the start of February, to passing the test on April 1st.

When I come to a stop at traffic lights, I always go into first gear (after pulling up the handbrake). I stay in first until it looks like it's going to be a while before I have to move off. Some times, I continue to stay in first regardless of the situation. My instructor never said anything about this, and I never gave much thought to it either. As far as I can remember, I started going into neutral during longer waits just to start giving my left foot some rest as well. In any case, the hand brake always goes up after coming to a stop, unless I have to move off almost immediately (roundabouts, Stop lines at clear junctions, etc).

Everyone makes mistakes, even after passing the test. I was on a road trip out west a couple of weeks ago. It was mainly long stretches of regional and national roads, but also had to go through small towns. In one such town, there was a busy uphill road that I stalled on with a noisy jerk. Everyone around was staring at me, which naturally had me flustered and under pressure. But thanks to the practice I have had (that has included lots of stalling), I reacted correctly and took off without much delay. I also immediately forgot about the incident as I continued my journey.

As trite as it sounds, practice really is key, not only to improve your skills but also to learn how to react to mistakes and not dwell on them.

Extra Minty

I am going through the exact same thing. I could have written every post you have put up. I just go into panic mode when a hill start is even mentioned. I over think every part of it and it makes me react stupidly. Rescheduled test for 5 weeks time cos knew I wasn't ready for my original booking but need to just make myself do it this time.

All the tips are brilliant so going to get stuck into them and try get the panic element out of my head.

This is probably a stupid question but is there a chance a hill start won't come about in the test? If no traffic etc or will they just make you stop (if safe) on a hill to check it?

zepman

Extra Minty wrote: »

This is probably a stupid question but is there a chance a hill start won't come about in the test? If no traffic etc or will they just make you stop (if safe) on a hill to check it?

You will definitely be tested on it. Mine was on a slightly uphill street in a housing estate (Finglas test centre). There was no traffic at all on the street at that time.
I suppose every test centre has some not so busy uphill streets around it that they test the hill starts on. It has to be somewhere that you are allowed to park next to the kerb on, so it probably won't be on a busy main road anyway.

Extra Minty

zepman wrote: »

You will definitely be tested on it. Mine was on a slightly uphill street in a housing estate (Finglas test centre). There was no traffic at all on the street at that time.
I suppose every test centre has some not so busy uphill streets around it that they test the hill starts on. It has to be somewhere that you are allowed to park next to the kerb on, so it probably won't be on a busy main road anyway.

Thanks, that makes me feel a lot better about it that it might be a side street or something. I'll hopefully stop focusing on it being the be all and end all of the whole test now.

irishgirl19

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement.
I got a test date emailed today for the end of September, I hope that If I keep up with the drives that I will be alot better by then and maybe ready. If not I will reschedule and go to the end of the queue.

The hill starts in the testing areas I've seen don't even look like hills. I am OK on them.
Its when im on a real hill is where I get nervous. I got nervous yesterday coming to a roundabout that was slightly uphill.
There is also a route I avoid because it is on a (proper hill) with traffic lights. Now I'll be grand if I have the green light but if I had to stop ill be panicking in my head.
I have another lesson on Saturday so going to ask him to bring me to lots of hills because if I'm going to get the hang of it with anyone it'll be him.

I was thinking about buying an 07,08 automatic prius car I seen but then thought no I have to give this a proper go this time.

Zepman your posts actually do give me hope because you explain how I felt. Glad you are flying along now. The freedom must be great.
If it is OK to go into first when at lights then that is perfect! Im going to ask about this at my next lesson. Just that pretest YouTube vid said opposite but I'm thinking if I was doing it wrong then surely my instructor would've said.

My friend is coming over tomorrow so will hopefully get a long drive in.
I think if I keep using my husband as my sponsor we may end up divorced 😂 just kidding.

I am actually having dreams about driving most nights now!

irishgirl19

Extra Minty wrote:

I am going through the exact same thing. I could have written every post you have put up. I just go into panic mode when a hill start is even mentioned. I over think every part of it and it makes me react stupidly. Rescheduled test for 5 weeks time cos knew I wasn't ready for my original booking but need to just make myself do it this time.

Best of luck with the test. I hope you do great.
If I could just relax I think it would be half the battle. I wish I could just switch off my nerves!

zepman

irishgirl19 wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement.
I got a test date emailed today for the end of September, I hope that If I keep up with the drives that I will be alot better by then and maybe ready. If not I will reschedule and go to the end of the queue.

The hill starts in the testing areas I've seen don't even look like hills. I am OK on them.
Its when im on a real hill is where I get nervous. I got nervous yesterday coming to a roundabout that was slightly uphill.
There is also a route I avoid because it is on a (proper hill) with traffic lights. Now I'll be grand if I have the green light but if I had to stop ill be panicking in my head.
I have another lesson on Saturday so going to ask him to bring me to lots of hills because if I'm going to get the hang of it with anyone it'll be him.

I was thinking about buying an 07,08 automatic prius car I seen but then thought no I have to give this a proper go this time.

Zepman your posts actually do give me hope because you explain how I felt. Glad you are flying along now. The freedom must be great.
If it is OK to go into first when at lights then that is perfect! Im going to ask about this at my next lesson. Just that pretest YouTube vid said opposite but I'm thinking if I was doing it wrong then surely my instructor would've said.

My friend is coming over tomorrow so will hopefully get a long drive in.
I think if I keep using my husband as my sponsor we may end up divorced �� just kidding.

I am actually having dreams about driving most nights now!

Oh, great - you have more than two months to go! You will definitely get a lot better by then if you keep the practice going. I only used to be able to do 30-40 minutes, about twice a week, but even that was enough to get me test-ready (got three grade 2's, and no grade 1's). It sounds like you are practising more than that, so you'll be grand! In my free time though, I used to watch YouTube vids from various driving instructors (from Ireland and the UK) - instructional videos, commentary drives, mock tests etc.

I know what you mean about the hill starts in test areas. The hill start on my test hardly felt like one since I was so used to the much steeper incline out of my underground car park. The incline helped me practise the hill start technique without having to worry about what's behind me. It was only after passing the test did I get into situations where I had to do it amidst traffic.

Yes, the freedom is great. Some times, I still wonder how I am able to drive, after spending years thinking that I am just not cut out for it. I owe my friend forever for helping me do it. He would keep encouraging and complimenting me (especially closer to my test date), but also criticise me when needed. It never felt harsh. So, yeah, having a friend accompany you instead of your husband might actually be a better idea.

irishgirl19

Had a much better lesson today. Told him I was struggling with hill starts so he took me on lots of hills. I surprised myself and done ok with them all except one where I revved too much but it was because someone came very close behind me and I got nervous.
I'm glad I got the lesson now because Its helped me feel more confident again

ebbsy

Don't over think. That's what you are doing. You are driving a car. It's not something new. Don't let the test become this monster. Don't put any barriers in your own way.

Actually the best advice I got was from the tester herself as we sat in the car. "Drive the way you normally drive".

When I sat beside the tester I took instructions off her. That's it. Otherwise I pretended she wasn't there. The tester is not your primary focus. Drive your car.

Dane Tyghe on YouTube. Look him up.

Good luck. You can do it.

antix80

irishgirl19 wrote: »

This is probably a stupid question but do you glance over your shoulder when you are merging on the likes of a dual carriage way?

I had an instructor who told me not to glance over my shoulder when changing lanes. His logic was I should be aware what's in the other lanes if I'm indicating to change lane, and also by taking my eyes off the road ahead I wouldn't see if the car in front braked suddenly.

From experience, I know it's best to glance over my shoulder particularly when merging on the motorway. There are too many blind spots, and other drivers can be too unpredictable- One minute behind you in line to merge, next minute attempting to overtake; another example is them moving from lane 2 to lane 1 despite you being ready to merge onto lane 1.

Over revving ain’t so bad. Better than rolling back or stalling.

When you start properly driving, you’ll probably very rarely use the handbrake.

And you’ll probably never use neutral while stopped.

FishOnABike

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Over revving ain’t so bad. Better than rolling back or stalling.

When you start properly driving, you’ll probably very rarely use the handbrake.

And you’ll probably never use neutral while stopped.

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/how-to/how-to-do-a-hill-start-guide/

I'm driving over 30 years and would always use the handbrake and go into neutral if stopped for anything more than a few seconds. It's far safer and helps prevent premature wear on the clutch.

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/learning-to-drive/how-to-drive-a-manual/

"Don’t use the clutch to hold the car on hills or creep forward at junction If you’re waiting at a junction, in traffic or at a roundabout, it’s tempting to hold the car at the clutch’s bite point, allowing you a quick getaway when you can move. But this can cause unnecessary wear, especially if you do it often. Stop, put the handbrake on, and only use the clutch when you’re ready to pull away.

Don’t hold the clutch down when you’re stopped Again, it’s tempting to leave your car in gear and keep your foot on the clutch when you’re stopped in traffic. This puts a lot of pressure on the clutch release bearing, however, which could wear out quickly if you do it regularly."

skallywag

Concerning the shoulder glance, I had a habit drilled into me when I learned how to drive and it is with me to this day, in fact I would find it very hard to break it. Any time I am changing lane / turning I do a quick 'mirrors - glance over shoulder - indicate - move'. Once you get used to it will do it without evening thinking and the whole procedure can be done really quickly and in a way which does not endanger you.

irishgirl19

Thanks for all the advice. I wish I could stop overthinking the whole thing.
I've been watching the YouTube videos and find them helpful.
Coincidentally my husband bought a second hand automatic car. We still have the avensis but I priced insurance on it and almost 3.5k for my own policy so he is going to try sell it because we just don't have the money.
I do like the automatic but want to be confident in a manual. I am going to stick with weekly lessons now but feel under a bit more pressure due to lack of practice. I am determined to pass in a manual though

irishgirl19

skallywag wrote:

Concerning the shoulder glance, I had a habit drilled into me when I learned how to drive and it is with me to this day, in fact I would find it very hard to break it. Any time I am changing lane / turning I do a quick 'mirrors - glance over shoulder - indicate - move'. Once you get used to it will do it without evening thinking and the whole procedure can be done really quickly and in a way which does not endanger you.

I am definitely over thinking the glancing thing now. I found myself overly cautious merging while driving. I was afraid to trust the mirrors in case of a a blind spot but afraid to take my eyes off the road to look.
My husband said I turned my head too much which has made me more wary!

skallywag

irishgirl19 wrote: »

I am definitely over thinking the glancing thing now. I found myself overly cautious merging while driving. I was afraid to trust the mirrors in case of a a blind spot but afraid to take my eyes off the road to look.
My husband said I turned my head too much which has made me more wary!

Do not worry one bit about being overly cautious while you are getting into the swing of it.

Re the shoulder glance, it's much more of a very slight turn of the head and then seeing in your peripheral vision that nobody is nearly right beside you, rather that a thing where you actually turn your head in a way that really looks like you are turning it. I know I didn't describe that so well probably, but for sure you should not actually look behind you.

I tend to have a very short glace as far as the seat post, and then conclude im good.

zepman

skallywag wrote: »

Do not worry one bit about being overly cautious while you are getting into the swing of it.

Re the shoulder glance, it's much more of a very slight turn of the head and then seeing in your peripheral vision that nobody is nearly right beside you, rather that a thing where you actually turn your head in a way that really looks like you are turning it. I know I didn't describe that so well probably, but for sure you should not actually look behind you.

I tend to have a very short glace as far as the seat post, and then conclude im good.

This.

Dane Tyghe has a video on this and he even demonstrates it on a motorway - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VYt0wUl5EBE&t=153s

irishgirl19

Just watched the video! It was so helpful thanks. I know what you all mean now

LorelaiG

I'm a bit like you OP. I'm 32 and learned to drive when I was 19. I drove for a few weeks but then when I was out with my husband one night a taxi overtook me on the straight with a car coming in the other direction and clipped me as he was coming back in. I didn't get back into a car until 2013 then, drove for a few more months, was loving it but then our car died and we got a different one which I didn't feel confident driving, too long, bonnet too long etc. So again, no driving. I have just again renewed my licence and booked my test. I am starting to take lessons again from the 6th of August (closest date the instructor I've chosen has) and I am determined that this time I am going to pass and keep driving forever. We have a 7 seater Renault Grand Scenic now so a big car but I need to get over my fears.

irishgirl19

LorelaiG wrote:

I'm a bit like you OP. I'm 32 and learned to drive when I was 19. I drove for a few weeks but then when I was out with my husband one night a taxi overtook me on the straight with a car coming in the other direction and clipped me as he was coming back in. I didn't get back into a car until 2013 then, drove for a few more months, was loving it but then our car died and we got a different one which I didn't feel confident driving, too long, bonnet too long etc. So again, no driving. I have just again renewed my licence and booked my test. I am starting to take lessons again from the 6th of August (closest date the instructor I've chosen has) and I am determined that this time I am going to pass and keep driving forever. We have a 7 seater Renault Grand Scenic now so a big car but I need to get over my fears.

That makes for sharing. I hope your test goes well.
I done another lesson and done lots of merging and feel better about it now.
After driving the automatic, I forgot to use the clutch when I went to break at the lights!
My instructor says I need to pick now whether to do it in the manual or auto. I would hope to pass in the auto but won't have any practice ( only lessons)

skallywag

It's not so easy moving between the two when you are inexperienced, and even after years of driving myself I also am prone to hitting the wrong pedal when I drive a manual after years of driving automatic etc, so I would take care here.

The main trick I think is just keep your left foot out of play completely when you are in the automatic. When I first started driving an automatic I instinctively went to hit the clutch while braking, but of course there was no brake, so I actually hit the brake, and the car screamed to a halt!

Going back from automatic to manual can also being issues, such as forgetting to change gear (can happen if you have loud music on and cannot hear the engine rev!) or forgetting to use the clutch when taking off etc.

irishgirl19

Yeah the instructor mentioned if I drive the auto a lot before the test, then it would be them mistakes (forgetting im in the manual) that could mess up the test.

I am very nervous about it. Especially the part before the test where they ask the theory questions. I forgot all them so will need to study again.
Will they ask me to point our anything in the engine.

I am actually so nervous I would be afraid that I would be shaking during the test ha.

irishgirl19

Also if I do my test in the automatic, would I need to take 12 lessons again if I ever needed to drive a manual or could I drive a sponsor still

I feel like asking to be on the cancelation list just so I can limit the time I have to dread it and overthink.. I would realistically need a week to 10 days notice though to arrange pre tests and the likes. If I put myself down on the list and the date the gave me didn't suit, could I stick with my original date?

irishgirl19

Have my retest booked again soon but tomorrow is last day to cancel/reschedule. Not sure if I should do that.
Still very nervous and failing test really knocked me the last time. My instructor thinks I should do it but I don't feel ready now. But I'm wondering if it's a thing that I'll never feel ready because I have so much anxiety around driving.
My only worry I suppose is parking. Was having trouble with positioning when turning right before but I think I've corrected that.
I got grade 3 for hitting corner last time

Posy

If you're not successful this time, it will be more experience than putting it off. If your instructor thinks you should go for it, go for it! They usually know their stuff!

I very nearly rescheduled my second test because I felt in no way ready, but ended up (scraping) a pass!

irishgirl19

Posy wrote: »

If you're not successful this time, it will be more experience than putting it off. If your instructor thinks you should go for it, go for it! They usually know their stuff!

I very nearly rescheduled my second test because I felt in no way ready, but ended up (scraping) a pass!

Thanks I will try again. Last time my test was on a Friday and my I was sick in my stomach every day from the Monday 😣

Posy

I 100% hear ya- I was the exact same on the week of my test, which was also on a Friday!