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

Woo hoo!!!  I passed the practical test today (on an automatic).  I kept it really quiet before the test and was convinced I was going to fail again.  I think that was the key.  I didn't care if I passed and was planning on failing, so there was no pressure.  I am so relieved that it's out of the way. 

congrats, karin!  way to go

Woo hoo!!!  I passed the practical test today (on an automatic).  I kept it really quiet before the test and was convinced I was going to fail again.  I think that was the key.  I didn't care if I passed and was planning on failing, so there was no pressure.  I am so relieved that it's out of the way. 

That's fabulous!!!  Way to go!!!  Yippee kai yay!!!!

Yay Karin!! 

I have my second lesson today, in two hours. I am getting sort of worked up about it, and I am not sure why, but it can't help. :/

Congrats Karin!

I have my second lesson today, in two hours. I am getting sort of worked up about it, and I am not sure why, but it can't help. :/

I got very worked up and tense before my first 5-6 lessons.  It's understandable.  I quit for over a year then went back to it.  Now it's not as bad even though it's still not my favourite thing to do.  If you keep doing it, it should get easier.  Keep the faith!!

Good to know its not just me! She ended up calling and canceling as she didnt feel well, which I understand - I sort of think that if its delayed any longer, I'll just get more and more nervous, so I hope its rescheduled soon. I need to get the first lessons overwith!

Oh yikes!  I just found out from my DI that I cannot take my practical test in our Saab convertible (apparently the examiners are not able to see out the back window so it's a health and safety issue!  No one says I can't drive it because it's unsafe...)  So we have to see if any of our friends have an automatic they will loan me for the test and a couple sessions to get used to another car....other option is for me to have a few lessons from another DI with an automatic car and take the test with him (now I'm used to my current DI and really don't want to have to start over with a new DI and new car)...Sigh...always something.

w00t! I drove home from the store today! I almost swallowed my tongue when DH suggested it.

I barked the curb with the left rear tire once and never could remember which gear I was in, but I did it. My first drive in the UK. I bet it was all of five miles, straight shot, no turns.

Tens of thousands of miles a year I used to drive, and I can't believe how wrong and scary that felt...

Oh yikes!  I just found out from my DI that I cannot take my practical test in our Saab convertible (apparently the examiners are not able to see out the back window so it's a health and safety issue!  No one says I can't drive it because it's unsafe...) 

Unfortunately, the DSA has been developing a growing list of "unsuitable" vehicles in recent years.  It started with legislation demanding that cars used for tests be fitted with certain things even if those options are not mandatory for normal use of the car, now it's grown to the DSA making rather arbitrary determinations of its own about what constitutes an "unsuitable" vehicle.

Oh yikes!  I just found out from my DI that I cannot take my practical test in our Saab convertible (apparently the examiners are not able to see out the back window so it's a health and safety issue!  No one says I can't drive it because it's unsafe...)  So we have to see if any of our friends have an automatic they will loan me for the test and a couple sessions to get used to another car....other option is for me to have a few lessons from another DI with an automatic car and take the test with him (now I'm used to my current DI and really don't want to have to start over with a new DI and new car)...Sigh...always something.

Oh, that is annoying NHow!   I had to get a certificate from the dealer that our car had recall problems fixed, and I had to have an additional mirror for the tester, but otherwise we were able to use my car.

Congratulations on your first drive Stoatula!  I know what you mean about it feeling wrong but well done! 

I think I earned a couple points towards my *British Driving Award* yesterday when I reversed up a hill on a very narrow (bike trail width) road with a sheer drop down into the valley on one side, and no wall or tree to break the fall.

I think I earned a couple points towards my *British Driving Award* yesterday when I reversed up a hill on a very narrow (bike trail width) road with a sheer drop down into the valley on one side, and no wall or tree to break the fall.

Tin:  I get vertigo just picturing it...aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

I decided to have another practise today with my husband in the car since my driving lesson was cancelled yesterday and she couldn't get me in until next week ( it would have been a month between lessons ) - I was really nervous as I was a bit traumatized by last time. I did much better! I didn't go on any busy roads, but my clutching was pretty ok and I didn't really stall at all. It wasn't perfect but much better, and gave me hope that I can get it eventually yay!

I decided to have another practise today with my husband in the car since my driving lesson was cancelled yesterday and she couldn't get me in until next week ( it would have been a month between lessons ) - I was really nervous as I was a bit traumatized by last time. I did much better! I didn't go on any busy roads, but my clutching was pretty ok and I didn't really stall at all. It wasn't perfect but much better, and gave me hope that I can get it eventually yay!

That's really great, hellojulie.  Each time you go out you will build more confidence...it will get to be more and more routine.  I'm sure with practice you will ace your test.