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

Have you got your provisional license yet?  You do have to have have that before taking the theory test.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_10012514

Yep, what Rubygirl said: you need a provisional license to take the theory test.  Does anyone know if the pictures carry over to the new official license? Mine is sooooooo bad.

Thanks NHow! And Rubygirl, hopefully it's a great day for both of us.

Yep, what Rubygirl said: you need a provisional license to take the theory test.  Does anyone know if the pictures carry over to the new official license? Mine is sooooooo bad.

Yep, the photo on your provisional is what they use for the full driving license.

Yep, the photo on your provisional is what they use for the full driving license.

And for the next 10 years, just like a U.K. passport.   

I start tomorrow.  Sigh.

Yep, the photo on your provisional is what they use for the full driving license.

Oh well, at least looking at the *real* thing will be a hopefully pleasant surprise, then!

Thanks y'all.  

Yep, what Rubygirl said: you need a provisional license to take the theory test.  Does anyone know if the pictures carry over to the new official license? Mine is sooooooo bad.

Thanks NHow! And Rubygirl, hopefully it's a great day for both of us.

Sorry Jen.  I was wrong.  You do get the provisional license first (before you book your theory test).  It's been such a long time since I got mine I'd forgotten.

I took my practical test for the second time today.

You might remember my earlier post on page 19 of this thread where I recounted how I failed the practical the first time around (back on July 24th) because (and only because) my emergency stop was 'not emergency enough'.  Well, I was lucky enough to get a test re-scheduled for today.

I hadn't had a lesson since I failed my practical the first time around, but we did take about 45 minutes 'warming up' before the test this morning. 

But it seemed that the fates were lining up against me again. 

It was pouring rain outside. 

I just happened to get the 'head examiner' for my test center (who has a reputation for being quite strict). 

My confidence was a little rocky because of failing the first time around (even though I still believe it was for a silly reason).

I got the two most difficult maneuvers for me - reversing around a corner and parralel parking.

But despite all of that, I'm happy to say that I passed this time!

Although, I was suprised to hear that I had 9 minor faults.  I actually thought I did better than the first time around when I got 5 minors (with the 1 major that failed me - the emergency stop).  I guess he was pretty strict!

Anyway, it's all done now - so I can:

1.  Stop feeding the steering wheel hand to hand while turning, and just do it the 'right' way - hand over hand.
2.  Stop applying the emergency brake every time I want to shift from first to reverse, or vice-versa. 
3.  Stop looking like an idiot by exaggerating how much I'm looking around while parking or reversing (yes, good observation is of course important, but you people taking lessons know what I mean)
4.  Stop checking all my mirrors every time I signal.  (again, observation and situational awareness are important, but not looking at your mirrors EVERY time the blinker goes on)
5.  Stop having nightmares about going 1 inch over the double white lines at roundabouts and intersections.
6.  Stop having nightmares about 'brushing' the curb when I parallel park.
7.  Never have to reverse around a corner again!
8.  Never have to reverse into a bay parking space again!
9.  Look forward to raised car insurance rates, even though I have MORE experience driving here in the UK than I did before.

and,

10. Never have to do an emergency stop ever again, unless it's actually an emergency!

Robert:  Heartiest congratulations!!!  What a fabulous result.  You must feel about 100 tonnes lighter and dancing on air.  I can relate to all your never to be done agains (even though I pulled the plug on my own driving career in the UK...severe panic attacks on large, no traffic controls roundabouts).  Have a great celebration tonight (but don't drive afterwards.. )

Nancy

Congratulations! Well done! 

Congratulations!

Arghh, so I had a two hour lesson today.  It went well (except for one minor panic on a hillside and first gear issue), but my husband called tonight and wanted me to drive out to his work so he could give a friend a lift home.  Now, I WAS busy, but I admit that about 60% of me not wanting to was the idea of driving in the dark made me supppppppper nervous.  I only went out on my own the first time Wednesday, and I found it really really stressful.  Now, though, I feel cowardly and guilty.  Although my husband was lovely and said it wasn't a big deal and he didn't want to pressure me.

ARGH. WHY can't I just learn to drive here?!!??? In fact, I AM learning to drive here! But when will it not cause me to think of it as some major deal instead of part of life?

ARGH. WHY can't I just learn to drive here?!!??? In fact, I AM learning to drive here! But when will it not cause me to think of it as some major deal instead of part of life?

Jenny, it IS a big deal.  The fact there are so many of us who feel the same must mean something...I thought it was just me (and I guess I was worse than most others because I started having lots of anxiety about heavy fast traffic in the US a long time ago).  But point is it sounds like a very common reaction....so you should just accept it's going to take a while...and let it take as long as it does for you.   I'm convinced noone here understands what Americans experience while learning to drive here.  And I think you shouldn't put more on yourself than you're ready for.  Driving after dark should be the last thing you do...after you've clocked a whole lot more time and have passed your test.  One day at a time.   

NHow, thank you.  I really, really appreciate the support.  A lot! I think you're right--it's almost impossible to explain exactly what I feel beyond: it makes me very nervous--but it's a lot more than that.  I'm fine with my instructor in the car telling me where to go--but when I have to make my own decisions...

It's scary AND frustrating.  What a combination!