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

Jen, my husband has been very supportive from the get go.  He said it was ok if I couldn't go on to get my license.  But, that said, I don't think he ever understood what the problem was.  And I know he was really tired of hearing me talk about my fear.  He (like everyone else) thought just because I'd been driving all my life (a very long time!) in the the States that it shouldn't be all that difficult to drive here.  This only made me wonder why I couldn't and what my problem was!!  It sure didn't help me get past all the strangeness and anxiety, or help me get accustomed to the narrowness, twistiness and speeds of roads, not being able to instantly spot and interpret road signs and road markings  or the terrifying (for me) confusion of big roundabouts.  Clearly having everything in the car and on the road on the side opposite is very disorientating but that was only the beginning of the problem for me.  I had two really good DI's but they couldn't understand why I had so much difficulty or anxiety either.  I dunno.  Take heart in the fact that there are others on this forum who have managed to pass the test in spite of feelings very much the same as ours.  And know, above all else, that you are NOT alone in what you are going through.   

Nancy

I've skimmed through this thread, and even watched a YouTube video about reversing around a corner.  Maybe the example they used was not that great, but I can't for the life of me figure out why that is a standard maneuver.  How often do you have to turn around because the road ahead is too narrow, with no advance warning?  In what every-day situations do you need this kind of skill?

The things I am dreading the most in learning to drive are the constant use of the hand brake, and shuffling the wheel around in my hands.  It's wierd how we experienced drivers feel so nervous about getting a license here.  I'm not actually that worried about driving around itself--if my Dad can do it, then so can I!--but the test is anxiety-provoking, even though I'm not actively planning to do it yet.

I've skimmed through this thread, and even watched a YouTube video about reversing around a corner.  Maybe the example they used was not that great, but I can't for the life of me figure out why that is a standard maneuver.  How often do you have to turn around because the road ahead is too narrow, with no advance warning?  In what every-day situations do you need this kind of skill?

Actually, at least around Manchester, there are often roads that are ridiculously narrow with cars parked along both sides.  Now, that doesn't mean that I think it's a great move, but I've had to use it a few times to turn around in streets that suddenly became dead-ends. Partially, though, this is because I'm driving around aimlessly.  I'm sure once you know an area it becomes less necessary!

I've skimmed through this thread, and even watched a YouTube video about reversing around a corner.  Maybe the example they used was not that great, but I can't for the life of me figure out why that is a standard maneuver.  How often do you have to turn around because the road ahead is too narrow, with no advance warning?  In what every-day situations do you need this kind of skill?

There are some narrow, twisty rural roads where if you realize you are going in the wrong direction, reversing into a side road is the only practical method of turning around.   The road is simply too narrow for a 3-point turn, and the only other alternative might be to drive several miles out of your way.

There are some narrow, twisty rural roads where if you realize you are going in the wrong direction, reversing into a side road is the only practical method of turning around.   The road is simply too narrow for a 3-point turn, and the only other alternative might be to drive several miles out of your way.

Another example would be backing off a street into a driveway (something you might want to do if backing out on egress is dangerous). Or backing into a parking space between cars in a parking lot. Seems to me being able to back in a curved trajectory is a relatively useful general skill to possess even if you're not using it on a daily basis.

Yep so it's countdown time for me - next Friday - yikes! 

My DI says he knows I can pass the thing, but you just never know what'll happen on the test - so a bit of luck please!  I did all the maneuvers just fine yesterday.  The only 'challenge' for me is that I get to blabbing along & then don't pay attention to stuff like making sure I check mirrors before signaling, or the horror(!!!) - I stopped in a box junction before a light yesterday.    Or I miss a change of speed limit sign - although in fairness the last time I did that, it was on a twisty road with lots of traffic & the sun was in my eyes. 

But I'm used to blabbing along with my DI, and I don't imagine I'll be doing that with the examiner.

I have another lesson on Monday, and then the test on Friday. 

Yep so it's countdown time for me - next Friday - yikes! 

I have another lesson on Monday, and then the test on Friday. 

Mrs R:  It sounds like you have a good foundation now.  Without the distraction of chatting with your DI, you will be able to concentrate and focus on the road better.  I think you have a very good chance of passing the test.  I'll be thinking of you Friday and send you some good vibes.  Best of good luck!

Nancy

ps.  I think we Yanks have many of the same problems here.  I regularly missed the change of speed signs when entering new roads...ditto box junctions....sigh

Thanks NHow!  Today's lesson was just horrible, so that hopefully means I'll do fine on the test... 

Thanks NHow!  Today's lesson was just horrible, so that hopefully means I'll do fine on the test... 

Bad dress rehearsal, great opening show!  You'll get it.

Yep, it was bad...wrong, wrong, wrong, and more wrong...(meanwhile, I'm trying not to cry and doing even more stuff wrong).  I misread/misunderstood a couple of junctions, I kept signaling before checking the mirrors (rather I think I tend to do both simultaneously & I usually DO know what's behind me but I guess I'm not obvious enough with the 1, 2, sequence thing on it), I braked when I shouldn't have (thinking I was going to have to stop for a crossroads when I didn't have to), all capped off by finally having trouble jimmying around with the gears which is usually not a problem.  It doesn't help that this is 'hormonal week'.  So I came home and blubbered to DH over the telephone.  Today, I really hate driving in this effin' country! 

And my test is Friday. 

I'm rooting for you Mrs R! I had a terrible lesson right before my test. I was suddenly completely unable to parallel park, and completely fell apart at a roundabout. My instructor actually had to have me pull over so he could give me a pep talk, and get me to calm down. It all worked out in the end, and I hope it will for you too!

Good luck!

Hang in there Mrs. Robinson!  Do you have a little time to practice with your husband before the test on Friday?  Just to boost your confidence?

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that you get a nice examiner!  Good luck!

Thanks for the support everyone.    Yes, DH and I are going to try to get out & practice sometime this week - it's just challenging by the time we're both home from work, cooking & having tea, etc (and I don't really want to practice driving in the dark just yet).  I'm just tired of the whole deal & really hope I pass so it can all be over.  Blah!

I'm just tired of the whole deal & really hope I pass so it can all be over.  Blah!

Amen to that!!!    Here's to the whole flaming system 

Good luck Mrs. R!  You'll do great! 

I also had a terrible lesson last week: which panicked me because this week was my "mock" practical test.  BUT it all turned out all right.  The practical seemed FAR easier than a regular lesson.  FAR FAR easier.  Now, this may be because it only lasts 40 minutes (instead of two hours) or that I was lucky in the test route he chose, but it did make me feel better.

Good luck!