The few, the brave - those of us taking driving lessons right now!

Great idea about having a 2 hour lesson near the test centre right before the test.  I'll suggest it to my DI.  Also, agree with you Mrs R, it really does help to know the area well.  Less chance for confusion. 

Only you know your concentration level, but I know that for me, 2 hours was my limit with lessons (or films, or most things for that matter). I had a one hour lesson before my test (where suddenly all my maneuvers fell apart, but thankfully came together for the test). I think if I had had a 2 hour lesson, I would have been wiped out for the test, or worked myself up into an even more nervous mess.

As I mentioned before, doing the test routes worked out great for me. Granted, I took the test in an area where I don't live (back at the in-laws, rather than in London), so it really helped with recognizing speed limits, non-inuitive intersections, bike/bus lanes, etc. Also, there was one very tricky roundabout which was on most of the routes. I must have gone around that thing 20 times before my test. I also happened to get a test route that I had practiced last thing the day before. Bonus!

My DI said I should book my driving test!  He said by the time the day comes (July 3), I should be ready...that if he doesn't think I am a week or two before then he will let me know and I can postpone it.  YIKES!!

My DI said I should book my driving test!  He said by the time the day comes (July 3), I should be ready...that if he doesn't think I am a week or two before then he will let me know and I can postpone it.  YIKES!!

Yay!  Good luck! 

My practical test is next Thursday -- week from today.

I'm feeling scared and depressed.

I drove for seventeen years in the US.
Here too, I drive every day as part of my work, getting in tons of experience on the roads here (my US licence is still in its one year validity) and I've been taking lessons for the past couple of months at least.

I should feel I've got it all down. But I don't. I feel very bad. I feel under pressure because if I fail this one, there are only a couple months left on my US licence to get on the waiting list for another test (it's always a six week lag where I am) and if I fail that one too I lose my job because I then won't be able to drive unaccompanied.

Feeling pretty messed up about the whole thing right now.

Got my provisional yesterday, booked the theory for next Wednesday ( been studying since I applied for the license) and have my first driving lesson next Friday. I've not driven here in the 3+ years I've lived here so I'm ready to get it overwith now ( as quickly as possible, but well see how I feel after that lesson )

My practical test is next Thursday -- week from today.

I'm feeling scared and depressed.

I drove for seventeen years in the US.
Here too, I drive every day as part of my work, getting in tons of experience on the roads here (my US licence is still in its one year validity) and I've been taking lessons for the past couple of months at least.

I should feel I've got it all down. But I don't. I feel very bad. I feel under pressure because if I fail this one, there are only a couple months left on my US licence to get on the waiting list for another test (it's always a six week lag where I am) and if I fail that one too I lose my job because I then won't be able to drive unaccompanied.

Feeling pretty messed up about the whole thing right now.

Midnight Blue:  Best luck on your test.  Sounds like you really do know how to drive here but your fears are understandable given your job situation.  I downloaded a hypnotic recording which helps to overcome fear of the test.  I'm going to listen to it for a week before mine. 

Tin:  Many thanks for your encouragement and support.  Means a lot.

I should feel I've got it all down. But I don't. I feel very bad. I feel under pressure because if I fail this one, there are only a couple months left on my US licence to get on the waiting list for another test (it's always a six week lag where I am) and if I fail that one too I lose my job because I then won't be able to drive unaccompanied.

Feeling pretty messed up about the whole thing right now.

Keep in mind that while you don't feel confident at the moment, a lot of the people the examiners see are new to driving, and won't have anywhere near the confidence you do.  What I mean is YOU may not feel confident in your ability, but compared to most people these guys see on a daily basis, you're going to look skilled and confident.  Good luck!

NHow and camoscato, thank you for the support, I really appreciate it. 

And I see what you're saying -- I hadn't thought of it that way but now you mention it, I guess I will have something over the inexperienced drivers that the examiners usually see. If I keep this in mind I think it must surely help gather my confidence more.

NHow and camoscato, thank you for the support, I really appreciate it. 

And I see what you're saying -- I hadn't thought of it that way but now you mention it, I guess I will have something over the inexperienced drivers that the examiners usually see. If I keep this in mind I think it must surely help gather my confidence more.

We'll be in Corsica next Thurs but you will surely be in my thoughts.  I'll send some good vibes your way.  I look forward to news of your triumph upon our return.  You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Midnight Blue,

Just a thought..........

Can you make multiple appointments so as to protect your interests (job)?

Just had my first lesson here. ZOMG frustrating! I can cope with the handbrake bit, but their entire philosophy around using the clutch is so radically different. No, the way I use the clutch does NOT leave the vehicle uncontrolled!!!! The chance that the entire engine might stall so far outweighs the risk that you might need to accelerate quickly (which, if you're at 500-1000 rpm, you won't have enough power to do, regardless). Arrgh! Anyways, I know it's a common frustration, but I just had to vent. =) I guess I'll have to retrain myself, if for no other reason than passing the bloody practical. =)

We'll be in Corsica next Thurs but you will surely be in my thoughts.  I'll send some good vibes your way.  I look forward to news of your triumph upon our return.  You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aw thanks -- I'll be catching those vibes!! 

Midnight Blue,

Just a thought..........

Can you make multiple appointments so as to protect your interests (job)?

Thanks Jim, that's an idea, to book another test now. Don't know if their system lets you if you already have one pending, but it's worth looking into. 

Having said that, well the job is now already toast as of a month from now, lol -- still want and need to get my UK licence before my year is up, but I guess some of that time-pressure is off now, which in a twisted way is a blessing. . .

Just had my first lesson here. ZOMG frustrating! I can cope with the handbrake bit, but their entire philosophy around using the clutch is so radically different. No, the way I use the clutch does NOT leave the vehicle uncontrolled!!!! The chance that the entire engine might stall so far outweighs the risk that you might need to accelerate quickly (which, if you're at 500-1000 rpm, you won't have enough power to do, regardless). Arrgh! Anyways, I know it's a common frustration, but I just had to vent. =) I guess I'll have to retrain myself, if for no other reason than passing the bloody practical. =)

Yep I think the worst thing about meeting the test "requirements" for a pass is having to do every little thing "their" way instead of driving the way you want to and always have with no issues.

I guess the best we can do is look forward to the day we pass, after which we can all go back to all those bad habits which happen to work just fine!!

I guess the best we can do is look forward to the day we pass, after which we can all go back to all those bad habits which happen to work just fine!!

Hahaha!  Yeah, aside from when parking the car, I haven't used my handbrake at all since I passed.