Can anybody learn to drive?

december2019

I'm unsure how to word this thread for starters.
I am approaching 30 and it's about time I eventually got myself together and learnt yo drive.
I'd describe myself as a bit nervous and shy but this passes with most things. (I'd be cautious.) I'm not the sharpest and it generally takes me me longer to pick things up.
About 8 years ago I decided to do some lessons. I went to a well recommended instructor(He has a massive pass rate) and felt comfortable enough going.
I did my lessons in a strange town. So, I wasn't used to the area which may have added to my confusion.
He did two hour lessons.
Lesson one we talked for a few minutes about the car, drove around a industrial estate and he got me onto a busy N road.
In lesson two we did a little in the industrial estate and went onto a R road then N road.
In lesson Three he did similar but we finished early because I just couldn't keep up.
During these lessons he yelled, shouted at me a lot.
He also spent ta lot of the time on his phone talking, booking lessons and writing into his diary.(If I was more competent, I wouldn't have minded this).
I lost what ever confidence I had and basically gave up. I was also tight on money.
I just felt I was going nowhere. (I know I probably gave up to easy but that's how he made me feel).
I never had this issue really with a teacher, lecturer, etc.

Sorry about the rant.
I am now in a better position regarding money, have access to a car, a bit more confident again.
However part of me wonders am I wasting my time and money.
Is it possible that I'm one of these people who may never be able to drive or do they exist?
Or will I just have to get an automatic.
Any advice would be greatly welcomed. Thanks.
Sorry for the rant.

TheBeach

No you are not wasting your money. Go for it - it'll be one of the best things you'll do. The last instructor sounds like a total d-head, don't give him another thought. I would suggest 2 x 1 hour lessons per week, rather than 2 hour lessons though.

TheBeach

No you are not wasting your money. Go for it - it'll be one of the best things you'll do. The last instructor sounds like a total d-head, don't give him another thought. I would suggest 2 x 1 hour lessons per week, rather than 2 hour lessons though.

punisher5112

Go for it, if you feel the instructor is an issue change.

You know 12 lesson minimum and all that...

Water John

Got for it. Def 1 hour lesson is long enough. Since you have driven already, you have the basics. It will come back soon to you, once you start. Best of luck.
My children used Aviva instructors, if the one you get isn't a good fit with you, change.

Spook_ie

Well worth trying again but do remember he's/she's ( which ever instructor ) teaching you to pass a test, learning to drive builds on that.
Good luck with the lessons and test and happy motoring.

Del2005

Until recently an auto only licence would be an issue but now there are lots of auto cars in all sizes to choose from. Try a few manual lessons to see how you get on but don't worry if you have to go auto, the only problem with having an auto only licence is renting auto is more expensive.

Posy

Like the other posters have said, the problem definitely sounds like the instructor, not you!

I was terrified, to the point of phobic about driving (still am, a bit) and so clueless about road markings I genuinely thought I had something along the lines of dyspraxia. Arrows and lines and lights didn't make any sense once I was behind the wheel.
I tried a lesson in an automatic at one point, but didn't find it helped much, tbh. The nerves and issues with reading the road, observation etc were still there. It isn't always a magic cure.
Eventually, my instructor (patience of a saint) got me to the point where I passed my test, something I never thought I would be able to do. Especially since I only learned with him, having no car and nobody to practice with between lessons.

During these lessons he yelled, shouted at me a lot.
He also spent ta lot of the time on his phone talking, booking lessons and writing into his diary.

Read over that quotee, and please tell me that you can see you were not the problem here.

If I could pass a test, anybody can. I say go for it!

Airyfairy12

Go for it, im early 30's and learning to drive, ive been to 3 instructors before finding one that fit, most instructors that ive encountered dont usually teach total beginners, they teach people who have had practice and already know the basics and get practice in between lessons, im not in a position to get practice as I dont have access to a car, it's hard because they dont always have the patience for total beginners. I had a horrible experience with my first instructor where she shouted at me, I was already very nervous and not confident in the driver seat never mind on the road, she really knocked my confidence and I wanted to quit, took a break from lessons for a few months then decided to give it another go and tried a few different instructors.
You wont learn how to drive in 12 lessons, according to the RSA is supposedly takes something like 22 lessons and 45 hours of practice to learn.
I think when people are driving along time they forget how difficult the learning process was for them so people might say its not hard to learn or it didnt take them long to learn but it's easy to say that in hindsight.

Give it another go but dont be hard on yourself, it could take you 6 months or it could take you 2 or 3 years, it will take as long as it takes but you will get there if you dont give up.

the_syco

december2019 wrote: »

During these lessons he yelled, shouted at me a lot.

Sounds like an asshat.

=-=

First instructor I had was useless; would tell me something I did wrong 30 minutes later, and was too passive. Next instructor told me the things I did wrong when I did them, and told me how to improve.

Just get another instructor.

december2019

Thanks, I was okay regarding the road markings, signs, etc. It was mainly the biting point, positioning that was the problem from what I remember.(I'll have to do a bit of refreshing regarding signs, etc)
Yep, I know I need 12 lessons but it will take more. I sort of feel I am at zero and am starting from the beginning and if I could just get used to moving off, changing gear, etc other elements will come on then.

I do have another issue also. I don't medically need to wear glasses for driving but they do improve my vision a lot and I'm wondering how will this work out in a lesson with wearing a mask.

punisher5112

december2019 wrote: »

Thanks, I was okay regarding the road markings, signs, etc. It was mainly the biting point, positioning that was the problem from what I remember.(I'll have to do a bit of refreshing regarding signs, etc)
Yep, I know I need 12 lessons but it will take more. I sort of feel I am at zero and am starting from the beginning and if I could just get used to moving off, changing gear, etc other elements will come on then.

I do have another issue also. I don't medically need to wear glasses for driving but they do improve my vision a lot and I'm wondering how will this work out in a lesson with wearing a mask.

Set demister to face and have air flowing, window open a bit too....

Afroshack

You can get something in Specsavers to use with your glasses, I think it helps to keep them clear. Whereabouts are you based OP and I can recommend an instructor? I went through four (they weren’t all bad, I just moved house a couple of times) and the last one I had helped me pass my test and he was excellent! The right person will make a huge difference to you

december2019

Thanks, I'll try and get to Specsavers, (My optician basically just said wear a shield.)
For the person that asked where I am based I am in Cork.

Water John

Rub soap to the glasses and polish off. From the OH, who's a nurse.

december2019

Water John wrote: »

Rub soap to the glasses and polish off. From the OH, who's a nurse.

I was told this was a waste of time and gave it ago there. Seems to be good. Thanks.

december2019

Just an edit it was six years ago I did my lessons not eight.
I got my permit in 2014 and it expired in 2016.
My new one is valid from 2020 to 2022.
So how many years have I held my permit for is it Six or less than a year?

When I did my lessons in the past I was meant to have been doing the course but he said he left my log book at home each time.

Airyfairy12

december2019 wrote: »

Just an edit it was six years ago I did my lessons not eight.
I got my permit in 2014 and it expired in 2016.
My new one is valid from 2020 to 2022.
So how many years have I held my permit for is it Six or less than a year?

When I did my lessons in the past I was meant to have been doing the course but he said he left my log book at home each time.

You hold on to your own log book, the instructor shouldnt take.
He sounds like he wasnt a very good instructor, it happens and its no big deal, there a re literally hundreds of other instructors to choose from, youre spoiled for choice.
Technically youve had a learner liscence from 2014 - 2016 and how ever long youve had your new one, so 3 years ish?
It doesn't make a difference how long youve held your learner permit for, get your 12 lessons done and work from there.

Strumms

Any instructor who yells at someone who is paying them and trying to learn a skill which is new to them is a cûnt and a useless instructor. If that happened to me I’d park the car, get out, hail a taxi with some of the cash I’d be due to pay the instructor and not pay the instructor a cent.

I’d email the company on getting home with the specifics of what happened, exactly what was said, your replies and how you felt.. (“I felt so shocked, nervous and intimidated that I was not willing to continue the lesson and I won’t be continuing with the services of the company”) and then look for another driving school. Learning to drive can be an arduous and nerve wracking task, without that shît to contend with.... paying some fûcking shîtbag instructor to shout at you ? No chance.

december2019

Airyfairy12 wrote: »

You hold on to your own log book, the instructor shouldnt take.
He sounds like he wasnt a very good instructor, it happens and its no big deal, there a re literally hundreds of other instructors to choose from, youre spoiled for choice.
Technically youve had a learner liscence from 2014 - 2016 and how ever long youve had your new one, so 3 years ish?
It doesn't make a difference how long youve held your learner permit for, get your 12 lessons done and work from there.

Regarding the log book he just said he'd bring it next time.
Everybody praises him so much tough and that's why I sort of doubt myself driving to be honest.
I often think he might be better at fine tuning people for tests.
I was wondering how long I had my permit for looking for insurance. It asks how many years you've held it for.(I'm probably jumping the gun here).
I have no problem paying for 12 lessons. I'd pay for 50 if I found somebody who got me going and driving safety. Without me wanting to cry.

Strumms wrote: »

Any instructor who yells at someone who is paying them and trying to learn a skill which is new to them is a cûnt and a useless instructor. If that happened to me I’d park the car, get out, hail a taxi with some of the cash I’d be due to pay the instructor and not pay the instructor a cent.

I’d email the company on getting home with the specifics of what happened, exactly what was said, your replies and how you felt.. (“I felt so shocked, nervous and intimidated that I was not willing to continue the lesson and I won’t be continuing with the services of the company”) and then look for another driving school. Learning to drive can be an arduous and nerve wracking task, without that shît to contend with.... paying some fûcking shîtbag instructor to shout at you ? No chance.

Maybe it was just me. I don't know.
In my last lesson with him I had a two hour lesson. I just basically just gave up after half and hour. Paid for the two hours and said I'd contact him about another lesson and nearly got sick in a bin.
It's his own company and I'm not one to make a fuss and cause hassle.

Goose76

december2019 wrote: »

Regarding the log book he just said he'd bring it next time.
Everybody praises him so much tough and that's why I sort of doubt myself driving to be honest.
I often think he might be better at fine tuning people for tests.
I was wondering how long I had my permit for looking for insurance. It asks how many years you've held it for.(I'm probably jumping the gun here).
I have no problem paying for 12 lessons. I'd pay for 50 if I found somebody who got me going and driving safety. Without me wanting to cry.



Maybe it was just me. I don't know.
In my last lesson with him I had a two hour lesson. I just basically just gave up after half and hour. Paid for the two hours and said I'd contact him about another lesson and nearly got sick in a bin.
It's his own company and I'm not one to make a fuss and cause hassle.

That was my very problem with my first driving instructor. Although he didn't yell, he was late regularly and didn't make up the time at the end of the lesson, gave me some frankly dangerous advice and was very insensitive to my nerves. Like you describe above, he was a one-man-shop, local guy and all reviews and local online recommendations were glowing, so I blamed myself for a while and thought I just couldn't 'get it'.

Then I realised I was wrong in blaming myself. Maybe there are tons more people just like you/me who didn't get on well with these type of instructors, but who equally didn't want to badmouth a local business online. Sometimes, especially for small local businesses, local people will only post positive reviews. Local people will (understandably) be reluctant to post anything negative about a local business. The whole experience really got me reconsidering the value of local reviews for anything, to be honest!

Anyway, I will PM you a recommendation of my new instructor and their company who are available in Cork. I am the same age as you and (I'm told!) test-ready after some great lessons from this instructor who helped me battle my huge, overwhelming anxiety.

For what it's worth, I recently switched to automatic and it has taken 80% of my nerves away. It definitely isn't a catch-all fix but it's nice to be able to breathe at traffic lights instead of panicking about stalling. It's given me more time to read traffic signs and read the road ahead. It's not a decision for everyone but it has really, really worked for me.

Will PM you now.

Airyfairy12

december2019 wrote: »

Regarding the log book he just said he'd bring it next time.
Everybody praises him so much tough and that's why I sort of doubt myself driving to be honest.
I often think he might be better at fine tuning people for tests.
I was wondering how long I had my permit for looking for insurance. It asks how many years you've held it for.(I'm probably jumping the gun here).
I have no problem paying for 12 lessons. I'd pay for 50 if I found somebody who got me going and driving safety. Without me wanting to cry.



Maybe it was just me. I don't know.
In my last lesson with him I had a two hour lesson. I just basically just gave up after half and hour. Paid for the two hours and said I'd contact him about another lesson and nearly got sick in a bin.
It's his own company and I'm not one to make a fuss and cause hassle.

Im open to correction but from looking into insurance myself length of time of holding licence doesn't matter if you havnt been driving or completed your 12 lessons. Youve been driving for roughly a year with a provisional, thats all that will matter to insurance companies.

dzsfah2xoynme9

Driving is one of the best things you can do in life. The freedom it gives you is unmatched. If I didn't know how to drive I wouldn't have been able to drive all over Australia and New Zealand and explore them on my own.

LorelaiG

Your story sounds quite similar to mine... I was a very nervous driver, still am sometimes. I first learned over twelve years ago, first time I went out with my sponsor I nearly had a bit of a tip and didn't get into a car after.

I drove for a few months around 2013 but didn't like the car we had so gave up again.

Finally last year I decided it was now or never. I found an amazing instructor, she helped to build my confidence up while also teaching my all the basics and how to pass the test. I started lessons with her at the end of July 2019 and passed my test, first time and the end of November 2019.

You can do it OP. If I can, anyone can.

december2019

My plan at the moment is get some lessons in my local town and try a few with one guy and see how they go.
If we don't work out after a few I'll try somebody else and we'll see how it works out.
I'll make sure I get my log book, etc this time or is this all gone online now.

If things work out I'll insure the car I have and continue on and hope it all works out.
If gears, stalling is my main issue and I'm making no head way. I'd consider an Automatic.

Water John

All electric cars are automatic and the world of cars will go that way over time.
Not sure what the testing situation with them is but they don't stall.

Sorry if straying a bit.

antix80

My first driving instructor was exactly as you described. He didnt yell but he'd get distracted taking calls. The first right turn i did i hit the footpath because he was looking at his phone.
Another time he let the lesson go over by 10 mins, then said he wouldn't charge me the extra time because it was his mistake.
Looper.
He clearly wasn't cut out to be a driving instructor. When you're paying good money you should get a good service.

I think when you're 30 taking lessons it will be tougher, if nothing else because you're more cautious and therefore don't have the false confidence Younger drivers have. It's a blessing and a curse.

cherryghost

I'm 33, started last year, doing Automatic lessons, driving an auto car now. Do not regret it one bit. You really get to concentrate more on observation and never have to worry about stalls or uphill starts etc. Auto is the way cars are going. Auto cars in the last 5 years doubled so pricewise its coming down and a resonable price vs manual on same car model.

boomshakalaka

Just here to share some words of encouragement.

Anyone can learn to drive. You may never be the most confident driver in the world, but you can absolutely learn to drive safely and successfully and having a licence will enrich your life.

I learned to drive in a different country 10 years ago, and I was allowed to ONLY practice with an instructor - I took weekly 2 hour lessons for a full year, then passed my test first go.

Now, I really enjoy driving. I do it for fun as much as for practicality. I live somewhere I livenliving and thats only possible because I can drive a car.

But I sucked for a long time, I was a very nervous driver for a long time. I still stall sometimes. To this day I suck at parallel parking (I drove a saloon for the last 4 years and I still don't know how long it is..) but Im fantastic at hillstarts.

All of this to say, I was able to do it, not only that I now enjoy being behind the wheel.

My suggestion would be to find an instructor you click with and take as many lessons as you feel you need. That can be way more than 12 if that allows you to build your confidence. I'd recommend giving manual another go, because that gives you more options down the line.

It's very tricky to get the footwork down in the first while, but once you do you don't even think about it. I found it a real assault on my senses trying to not stall and turn and check speed and other traffic, so much to keep an eye on!

What you're doing with your instructor is building up that muscle memory, memory of where and how to observe the road. It's hard at the beginning because you have to do it very consciously but as you gain experience this will take less cognitive bandwidth.

I'd suggest taking at least 4 lessons doing manual and see how you feel then - if you're still feeling like the footwork takes up all your concentration, you can switch to plan b of automatic. It's a genuine option these days, not so hard as it used to be to find car, insurance etc.

Last but not least: you can do this!

I had lessons 1+2 last March 2019 and I was so shaken I'm only on lesson 3+4 tomorrow... The first instructor I had wasn't mean per se, but I told him from the outset that I had anxiety. He probably didn't understand what that meant for me and he just didn't have the patience. I broke down crying halfway through because we were in a residential estate and there were too many people and too many cars I didn't understand the "biting point" at all which frustrated him. And then at the very end of the lesson he asked me for my logbook which I didn't bring because nobody told me and also my licence(!!) which I also didn't bring - this was my fault but I was so anxious about everything that I didn't even think about it, but the fact that he waited until the end of the lesson to ask for these things was on him. In the end he "didn't have time" to sign my logbook so here I am a year and half later with an empty logbook. Hopefully tomorrow's instructor will be able to do something about it and hopefully he'll be better than the last guy.

I just went 30 this year and I think the pressure to learn how to drive is really on me now because I've put it off for so long. I'm incredibly anxious about tomorrow. I don't even like sitting in the front seat

punisher5112

Hattie Skinny Clothesline wrote: »

I had lessons 1+2 last March 2019 and I was so shaken I'm only on lesson 3+4 tomorrow... The first instructor I had wasn't mean per se, but I told him from the outset that I had anxiety. He probably didn't understand what that meant for me and he just didn't have the patience. I broke down crying halfway through because we were in a residential estate and there were too many people and too many cars I didn't understand the "biting point" at all which frustrated him. And then at the very end of the lesson he asked me for my logbook which I didn't bring because nobody told me and also my licence(!!) which I also didn't bring - this was my fault but I was so anxious about everything that I didn't even think about it, but the fact that he waited until the end of the lesson to ask for these things was on him. In the end he "didn't have time" to sign my logbook so here I am a year and half later with an empty logbook. Hopefully tomorrow's instructor will be able to do something about it and hopefully he'll be better than the last guy.

I just went 30 this year and I think the pressure to learn how to drive is really on me now because I've put it off for so long. I'm incredibly anxious about tomorrow. I don't even like sitting in the front seat

Chill, have a cup of tea,talk to them and just be clear.... Most will be understanding and will be easy going and help you through....

You will know after a few whether manual may be too much and just stick with auto and concentrate on everything else....

I've been driving both for years and to be honest there is nothing better then getting into an auto and just sitting back....

Best of luck and just take your time... Also a industrial estate or car park in one that's closed would be a great place to start once quiet of course.

Posy

I was exactly the same, Hattie Skinny Clothesline. I don't even like being a passenger, either. Motorways also scare the crap out of me!
As a child I got terrible car sickness, which didn't help my hate/hate relationship with cars.

I have compared driving for me, to be like some people's fear of flying. And if you don't have it, you can't really understand it.

I hope your instructor tomorrow is more understanding. Make sure you hammer home to them how anxious you are, and best of luck- let us know how it goes, and remember your log book and licence.

cherryghost

Being pushed through a busy estate on a first lesson is madness imo. It will just bruise confidence no matter how anxious or not you are, a first lesson is a first lesson.

I spent my first lesson in a very quiet industrial estate. It gave me so much confidence just to be in control and aware of the basics before you have to take note of impedences around you.

You can even tell your instructor this, they dont have an obligation to throw you into the deep end, if you prefer to start in a quiet place then it should be encouraged before kicking it up a notch.

LorelaiG

My first lesson back when I started driving again I was so nervous that the instructor drove us to an industrial estate before she made me drive.

Don't be afraid to ask them to do this.

december2019

OP here again.
Just some quick questions.
Who provides the log book?
Do they charge for it if they do?
Can you fail a lesson and they don’t sign or off on it?
If so is it common that people may fail/not learn enough in a lesson?

messrs

Its never too late to learn, i didn't start until i was in my mid 20's had few lessons felt it wasn't for me and gave up. Re started again in my late 30's and passed my driving test at the age of 39. Like your first post i did feel like i was one of those people who just would never drive but i am so glad i started again and got into it.
There is a thread on here for recommending driving instructors, if you go onto it and put in the area you are in then hopefully someone in that location will be able to give you a good recommendation. Best of luck with it, it will be the best thing you do for yourself

Goose76

Hattie Skinny Clothesline wrote: »

I had lessons 1+2 last March 2019 and I was so shaken I'm only on lesson 3+4 tomorrow... The first instructor I had wasn't mean per se, but I told him from the outset that I had anxiety. He probably didn't understand what that meant for me and he just didn't have the patience. I broke down crying halfway through because we were in a residential estate and there were too many people and too many cars I didn't understand the "biting point" at all which frustrated him. And then at the very end of the lesson he asked me for my logbook which I didn't bring because nobody told me and also my licence(!!) which I also didn't bring - this was my fault but I was so anxious about everything that I didn't even think about it, but the fact that he waited until the end of the lesson to ask for these things was on him. In the end he "didn't have time" to sign my logbook so here I am a year and half later with an empty logbook. Hopefully tomorrow's instructor will be able to do something about it and hopefully he'll be better than the last guy.

I just went 30 this year and I think the pressure to learn how to drive is really on me now because I've put it off for so long. I'm incredibly anxious about tomorrow. I don't even like sitting in the front seat

Do you have access to a car before tomorrow? If so, go and sit in the front seat for 30 mins tonight. Turn on the engine. Get used to simply sitting in the drivers seat and NOT panicking. Turn off the engine and fiddle with the pedals and gearstick for a few minutes. Then just continue sitting in the drivers seat doing nothing. Just relaxing. Every little helps when it comes to driving anxiety and small steps like that can help.

Also, as others here have stated including myself, don't be afraid to go automatic. I'm the same age as you and going automatic was the only way I felt I could pass my test quickly without having major anxiety every time I drove. It's one of the best decisions I have ever made and I am absolutely kicking myself that I didn't switch sooner.

MusSpo13

december2019 wrote: »

I'm unsure how to word this thread for starters.
I am approaching 30 and it's about time I eventually got myself together and learnt yo drive.
I'd describe myself as a bit nervous and shy but this passes with most things. (I'd be cautious.) I'm not the sharpest and it generally takes me me longer to pick things up.
About 8 years ago I decided to do some lessons. I went to a well recommended instructor(He has a massive pass rate) and felt comfortable enough going.
I did my lessons in a strange town. So, I wasn't used to the area which may have added to my confusion.
He did two hour lessons.
Lesson one we talked for a few minutes about the car, drove around a industrial estate and he got me onto a busy N road.
In lesson two we did a little in the industrial estate and went onto a R road then N road.
In lesson Three he did similar but we finished early because I just couldn't keep up.
During these lessons he yelled, shouted at me a lot.
He also spent ta lot of the time on his phone talking, booking lessons and writing into his diary.(If I was more competent, I wouldn't have minded this).
I lost what ever confidence I had and basically gave up. I was also tight on money.
I just felt I was going nowhere. (I know I probably gave up to easy but that's how he made me feel).
I never had this issue really with a teacher, lecturer, etc.

Sorry about the rant.
I am now in a better position regarding money, have access to a car, a bit more confident again.
However part of me wonders am I wasting my time and money.
Is it possible that I'm one of these people who may never be able to drive or do they exist?
Or will I just have to get an automatic.
Any advice would be greatly welcomed. Thanks.
Sorry for the rant.

No you are never to old to learn to drive. The best advice I can give is to get a good instructor, a good instructor will put you at ease and will help build up your confidence. You will notice yourself getting more confident the more lessons you do. Once you get an instructor that you find good and you trust, stick with the lessons. Doing one every week if possible and for the first few lessons try to book for a quieter time of the day, try not to book for rush hour. Also if you mention what part of the country you are in, perhaps people could recommend instructors?

I had my lesson today and the instructor was so nice and so understanding about my anxiety. I was nearly ill this morning thinking about going driving. The instructor was really very patient and the whole experience was 100 times better than last time. We even went to the exact same residential estate that the first instructor brought me to! It just shows that everything is down to the instructor. I made lots of mistakes (like everyone does) and I even kept making the same mistake 4 times stopping and moving off a T junction! But the instructor was so pleasant and he had a good sense of humour.

I wouldn't say I'm cured though. I was very nervous during the lesson, and a lot of the mistakes I was making was because of this.

I've got the next three lessons booked for September/Oct so hopefully I'm on a good path now.

Thanks for all the comforting words everyone, it was really helpful.

whatever57219

Hattie Skinny Clothesline wrote: »

I wouldn't say I'm cured though. I was very nervous during the lesson, and a lot of the mistakes I was making was because of this.

Honestly, the anxiety and fear will go away so quick once you're finishing up on your lessons. I had done 11 lessons before I stopped making serious mistakes and my anxiety had gone away.
I even posted on this forum asking for help, with sky-high nerves and that wasn't too long ago!

I've started driving my own car with my mom as my sponsor this monday and my confidence has skyrocketed to the point I've my test booked as of two days ago.

Hang in there and you'll be on the road confident as hell in absolutely no time

MrStuffins

Hattie Skinny Clothesline wrote: »

I just went 30 this year and I think the pressure to learn how to drive is really on me now because I've put it off for so long. I'm incredibly anxious about tomorrow. I don't even like sitting in the front seat

I'm currently 36 and just finished my lessons. Don't worry about what age you are, it doesn't matter. The only pressure you have is the pressure you put on yourself. If you decide there is no pressure, then you're grand

I had the exact same anxiety as you. If I have a lesson at 5pm on Tuesday, I was nervous about it all day Monday. I still had nerves all through the 12 lessons but they got weaker every time. I just had to keep telling myself that the only way to get rid of the anxiety was by driving. I've been practicing a bit and still have nerves but a little less every time.

My advice to you would be this:

- Realise that there's no pressure on you. You're the one putting on yourself. give yourself as much time as it takes to learn to drive. Once you do this, there should be no pressure.

- Remember, the instructor works for you, not the other way around. He's not testing you. you are paying him to teach you to drive. If you don't know what the biting point is, good. He's there to teach you. If you have issues with gear changes, good! That's what he's there for.

If you hired him to teach you French, would he expect you to be fluent already? Absolutely not. You're the boss in that situation. And if he doesn't like it, there are plenty of other capable instructors who will except your business.

punisher5112

Any family that could let you run around off road somewhere, as in not a public road unless insured....

Getting the clutch down will be a stress relief in itself, you get so use to it you won't even notice, radio going none of this listening etc.... A ahead of you but now you know it can be a good experience and just get on.... If you can get lesson closer together I would if possible as if you draw it out it tends to make it harder.

december2019

I have my first lesson next week. I will be in my instructors car and we can just see how I'll get on.
I'm trying not to over think it to much.
They are some elements that seem a bit daunting but I've an instructor and we should get there eventually.
I have watched some videos online and some are helpful and other aren't.(I'm not going to focus to much on these for now).
I've sat in my own car and just practiced fixing my seat, mirrors. etc.
I do need to refresh my rules of the road a little but they are good enough.
Some things worry me a little but when I think about them logically my concerns aren't that bad.

december2019

First lesson was okay. It could have have went better or worse.
I did manage to take off without stalling at times. Funny thing was my best was taking off was on hills.
Stopping was okay but I was breaking to hard at times.
Basically he said I just need to speed things up and practice.
My leg was shaking mad at times.

Samuel T. Cogley

Takes me a while to pick things up too. Just the way it is. Happily driving for a few years now despite doing it later in life. Out of all the 'things' I've learnt to 'drive' the car was the most nerve racking but you'll get there!

Hill starts used to terrify me!

Airyfairy12

Samuel T. Cogley wrote: »

Takes me a while to pick things up too. Just the way it is. Happily driving for a few years now despite doing it later in life. Out of all the 'things' I've learnt to 'drive' the car was the most nerve racking but you'll get there!

Hill starts used to terrify me!

Hill starts are the worst, one of my top most terrifying experiences is trying to drive off on a hill with a car right behind me and my car rolls back :mad:

J_R

Airyfairy12 wrote: »

Hill starts are the worst, one of my top most terrifying experiences is trying to drive off on a hill with a car right behind me and my car rolls back :mad:

Hi

If, every time you move off you follow the sequence, rev the engine slightly, find the "bite" or holding point, hold you feet still, do your obs, release the handbrake, increase the gas, finally smoothly release the clutch fully.

Then when you come to do a hill start, exact same sequence except now you are asking the car to do more work, therefore you must rev the engine a little more, set the bite point a little deeper, most cars you should be able to see the bonnet rise slightly, (also both rev counter drops and engine note deepens more). There is now no possibility whatsoever of rolling back. Calmly release the handbrake, more gas, release clutch smoothly.

I had a driving test pupil once, one of the first things she said was that she hated hill starts. Talked her through a few "Moving off's". Then later in the lesson explained and did full talk through of a few hill starts.

During all subsequent lessons, made sure she revved the engine, found the bite each time when moving off. However every time I asked her to do a hill start or even mention a hill start got the same, "Oh God,I hate hill starts"

She came out from the test centre literally jumping for joy and kept repeating "Thanks be to God I did not have to do a hill start". I was very surprised as the examiner she had went strictly by the book, asked her was she sure, yes "thanks be etc etc". On the way back to the drop off point, asked her "where did you do the hand signals". Her reply "On gallows Hill". Which is the steepest and longest hill in town.

By this time we had arrived in the car park, she saw her Mother waiting, she jumped out ran over to her. I was very busy, had to return immediately to the test centre for another pupil so do not know if the penny ever dropped or whither she is still saying she did not do a hill start in her test.

Moral of the story, practice moving off under full control at all times then sub-conscious takes over.

december2019

I don’t know why I’m posting an update but here goes.
I’ve improved at moving off, finding the bitting point, going into second and third gear smoothly without slapping up the clutch.
Stopping has improved also but needs work.
With my first instructor he used just yell brake and then clutch and I had no idea the car would stall if I didn’t press the clutch now I do.
Now I’m still making mistakes but it’s improving I think. One thing I’m forgetting to do at times is to go back into first after driving for a while but that should come also.