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

Sorry to hear it Petunia!  Total BS.

So due to a cold, on my part, and then the destruction of my driving instructor's car, not my part, my lessons were cancelled for two weeks. I start again on Monday. He has a new car... (I have no idea what happened to his previous vehicle...)

And, argh!, I am not sure that I'll be able to do this. Argh! Last lesson, he says let's try parrallel parking.

Let me clarify: I am from New York City. I also have three years of parking in Beacon Hill in Boston. Parrallel parking in such a US city means doing some pretty technical moves to get you into a super tight spot. I scared the bejesus out of the instructor. I was, however, only 6 inches away from the curb ... After parking the way in which I am familiar, he went over the British-ordained-version of parrallel parking...

So, if this next 10 hour package of lessons does not reveal some significant improvement, I think I'm going to go for the automatic-license. I feel like this is ridiculous. And expensive. Because we live in the city centre we're probably not going to get a car. Unless the heavens part and I manage to get a full-time job. The reason I want the license is that so, when we visit the US, I can drive there. I am happy with public transport in this city.

My husband said he wanted me to get the manual license so, if we ever did get a car, we could get a manual. But, are the prices for automatics that much more these days? Particularly when you consider that it looks like It'll take at least £500 of lessons! Is it more expensive to insure an automatic?

I thought it was just me, Rutabega. I was an excellent parallel parker in the US -- I used to deliver donuts all over downtown Providence in the morning rush hour in a station wagon -- and I was always told that you start by getting as close to the car in front as you can. Both my husband and my instructor freaked when I did that.

When I try doing it their way, I'm turning too wide and hitting the curb.

Geez, Petunia, my instructor told me barking the wheels on the curb during the backing around a corner maneuver is just a minor. If hitting the curb is a minor, why would being too far out be major? It's hard to see how starting in second is a major violation, either. On the other hand, those must be on the books like that or he wouldn't dare mark it that way.

Now I'm sweating again.

Oh, well...one thing at a time. Passed my theory today (yay Thanksgiving!). Got 100% of the multiple choice and 58 out of a possible 75 in hazard perception.

I actually thought I'd aced the hazard perception, too -- the DVLA's version is MUCH easer than the practice sessions on my training DVD. Their camera car is going about ten miles and hour and the hazards are so staged and obvious. I guess you have to spot the hazard just when they want you to to get your full five points.

Wow, bad luck Petunia!    I think your idea of taking the test somewhere else sounds good.  Hope you get a better examiner next time!

My practical test is booked for 3 weeks from today.  I'm taking extra lessons from a different instructor, learning the test route and getting a fresh perspective.

I'm convinced that I won't pass and it's getting the better of me.  My instructor today was all, "so what if you don't pass, you'll try again" and all I could see were money signs (more lessons, another test fee) but I have to let go of this fear.  It does me no good. 

Anyone got any relaxation recommendations?  I'm hoping that the extra time behind the wheel will do the trick, but it seems like there is always some moment that I make a massive fail move, no matter how well I do the rest of the time.
 

...but it seems like there is always some moment that I make a massive fail move, no matter how well I do the rest of the time.  

It is said that the worse your lessons go in the run-up to the test, the better your test will be!    Good luck!

It is said that the worse your lessons go in the run-up to the test, the better your test will be!    Good luck!

Thanks Mrs. R!  I don't understand the rationale behind that, but I'm willing to believe.   

Thanks Mrs. R!  I don't understand the rationale behind that, but I'm willing to believe.   

I think it's to do with getting all the mistakes out of the way before you go to take the test!

So, the husband ordered my theory test booklet & the highway code (couldn't find our copy) and we're off to Boots & the post office tomorrow to get my provisional license sent away...

I'm so nervous! How anyone manages to past it is beyond me. I feel like curling up in the corner rocking back and forth.

I wasn't going to drive while in the US. Yeah, that didn't work. I ended up driving all week, now I am back to lamenting how much easier it is to drive there versus here. I'm hoping I haven't screwed things up too much. I feel like I might be back to square one or something, but we will see.

Brandi, Jewlz and Hollie (and others)

Stop worrying (too much). You gals (no men taking the test?) made it this far in life. This is a small hurdle. Seriously, when it's all done and over, you'll look back and wonder what all the fuss was about.

I agree it's a royal PITA, but just look around you at all the numpties that are out there driving AND they passed. I dare say you've all got a few more brain cells than some drivers I come across on the road.

For the road test, drive as much as you can with your spouse, friend, etc. When the test comes round maybe try think your just driving you father someplace.

If you make a mistake, gulp and move on. Don't get all flustered.

I know it sounds all so easy and to some it is. But try not to worry.

Deep Breaths!

My practical test is booked for 3 weeks from today.  I'm taking extra lessons from a different instructor, learning the test route and getting a fresh perspective.

I'm convinced that I won't pass and it's getting the better of me.  My instructor today was all, "so what if you don't pass, you'll try again" and all I could see were money signs (more lessons, another test fee) but I have to let go of this fear.  It does me no good. 

Anyone got any relaxation recommendations?  I'm hoping that the extra time behind the wheel will do the trick, but it seems like there is always some moment that I make a massive fail move, no matter how well I do the rest of the time.
 

Just practice, practice, practice...and hope.    Good luck Hollyberry!

Thanks for the responses folks.  I went into it today calmly, telling myself not to worry and but I did HORRIBLY.

My lesson yesterday was pretty good (new instructor).  My lesson today was utter crap (with old instructor).  It is 3 weeks until I take the test and we just started doing the roundabouts on the test route today. 

New instructor was very helpful yesterday, asking me where I was having problems, showing me diagrams and giving me ideas (saying things outloud, like "double-roundabout" to help my mind process what is coming up). 

But even the smallest things were difficult.  I kept stuttering on pullouts.  Having to stop and start on hills.  And I realize that I'm not focusing properly.  He says turn left - I put on the left indicator but then go straight.  I'm just freaked out and its making my mind spin.

So I have 4 lessons between now and my scheduled test.  No way to practice outside of that time. 

I'm thinking I should go ahead and postpone the test.  I'm supposed to be driving in January for my teaching job (driving students on field trips in a minibus) but I think its putting too much pressure on me.

If yesterday I was shifting OK with only a few minor problems, and today I was making mistakes all over the place (but actually did OK on maneuvers) - I'm just not ready I guess.  How will I ever be ready if I all I'm doing is driving twice a week.

I'm also starting to think I have the wrong instructor, but I've already scheduled the test with him.  The new instructor seems to be teaching actively vs. passively, which seems to work better for me.

I can't stand it.  I used to love driving and now all I want to do is give up.   

OK so I've decided I need a plan instead of panic.

Option 1.  Keep current test date (3 weeks) and get another set of extra lessons for the inbetween.

Option 2.  The first reschedule date available is Jan 26ish.  (4-5 weeks after original date).  Go back to taking one lesson a week until 2-3 weeks ahead, then decide if I need to double up.  Schedule new test for a Friday or Thursday so I can get some lessons immediately before test.

Option 2 would let me ditch my current instructor, try out the new one a little longer and maybe even find another if it suits me. 

I was in tears twice during my lesson today.  My instructor noticed it but ignored.  I don't blame him for not knowing how to deal with my frustration, especially after I've been OK up til now.  Maybe it just goes to show that he's not trying to teach me how I need to learn.  He's just teaching me how he knows how to teach and we are not a good fit anymore.  It was fine when there was no pressure, but now that it's on, I need something different.

Reckon I'm just writing this to process it through my brain - but I'm leaning towards option 2.  I feel panicked and unprepared which likely means that I am panicked and unprepared.  Option 1 is just going to keep the pressure on.  Option 2 means I can relax and focus on improving with some breathing room. 

Can I just say how much I hate this.    

Awww, hugs to you Holly. I am feeling the same way. I haven't had a lesson in 3 weeks now because of my trip to the states, and I drove while I was there, so now I think I may have confused things. My test is 2 weeks from tomorrow, and I haven't had any time to practice manouevres or anything because it is dark when we get off work now, and we have my stepson this weekend and I can't drive with him in the car. I can't practice alone because my US licence is expired now. But, I do have a great instructor who makes me feel totally relaxed, and I know he will get me back on track. I may have to schedule my next lesson as a 2 hour lesson to get more practice in, and maybe I can get my MIL to watch my stepson on Saturday for an hour or two so I can practice the reverse around the corner, which is the hardest part for me. Hopefully we will both get through it. I understand what you are saying about the wasted money if you fail, but try not to put too much pressure on yourself. My instructor always reminds me that I WILL pass the test, it's just a matter of when.  So if I don't succeed the first time, I will try not to be too disappointed, learn from my mistakes, and try again. It's all we can do. So just give it your best shot and if it doesn't work out, then just try again as soon as you can and keep trying. You are so close now, so keep going! Hopefully we will both start the new year off as UK drivers!!!