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

Now that I've got my ILR, I've decided it's time to jump on the driving bandwagon.

I've had two lessons with an instructor, and started practicing the test routes with my husband. I was out for two hours yesterday, and felt mentally and physically drained afterwards.

Has anyone else taken their practical exam in London? I'm really worried it's going to be so much more difficult. It's great to hear the success stories. I know passing and driving well is all about confidence.

The first time I tried to do manoeuvres with instructor, I completely lost my head. But my husband explained how to use the handbrake and the clutch to find the biting point (no gas needed) and suddenly it was all working like a charm.

I've got a two hour lesson with my instructor today, and I'm hoping that I'll be able to impress him with actually completing a manoeuvre or three!

Does anyone know of a good place to get driving lessons in Crawley where the Gatwick airport is located? I want to take lessons because it is so different from the US driving and plus I am going to be driving manual. I have only driven automatic but I feel here I need to drive manual since my husbands car is a manual and I am getting a manual car. Any suggestions on a cheap 4 door car that is small and does not cost a lot to maintain? I am used to a Honda CR-V but there is no way I want a big car like that here.

I've got my test scheduled for 5 August.  Eeek!!   

Southernchic - I bought a VW Polo which is nice and small, but still 4 doors and great trunk/boot space.  I really like it.  Its only a 1.4 and I wish was a tad more powerful, but it keeps the insurance down with a smaller engine. 

I've got my test scheduled for 5 August.  Eeek!!   

Southernchic - I bought a VW Polo which is nice and small, but still 4 doors and great trunk/boot space.  I really like it.  Its only a 1.4 and I wish was a tad more powerful, but it keeps the insurance down with a smaller engine. 

Good luck!!! You will be fine. 

Good luck to SlicesMissus, across, jmarocks and mirrajay! 

Taking my first lesson in a minute driving a manual for the first time in the uk.... I feel sick....

Hope all went well southernchic02. I can't imagine trying to learn to drive a manual for the first time on the wrong side of the road. But maybe it will be easier, since you aren't used to shifting with your right hand.

My driving test is scheduled for the end of July. Unfortunately, Isleworth is booked up for months. Now I'm worried about failing the first time, and the next test date available won't be until after the new October test comes into affect.

I got up to second gear, reversed, turned, went up and down some hilly roads close to my home. I stalled s few times but she said I did good for my first time.

Thanks!

I got up to second gear, reversed, turned, went up and down some hilly roads close to my home. I stalled s few times but she said I did good for my first time.

Thanks!

Well done! 

Hope all went well southernchic02. I can't imagine trying to learn to drive a manual for the first time on the wrong side of the road. But maybe it will be easier, since you aren't used to shifting with your right hand.

My driving test is scheduled for the end of July. Unfortunately, Isleworth is booked up for months. Now I'm worried about failing the first time, and the next test date available won't be until after the new October test comes into affect.

I'm sure you wont fail, but if you do, you can get a little program that trawls the DVLA site and emails you when cancellation come up, it seems to be the only way to get a cancellation now as so many people are using it.

My driving instructor told me about it, it's £10  - http://www.drivingtestcancellations.co.uk/

I'm sure you wont fail, but if you do, you can get a little program that trawls the DVLA site and emails you when cancellation come up, it seems to be the only way to get a cancellation now as so many people are using it.

My driving instructor told me about it, it's £10  - http://www.drivingtestcancellations.co.uk/

Awesome.. thanks for letting me know

I got up to second gear, reversed, turned, went up and down some hilly roads close to my home. I stalled s few times but she said I did good for my first time.

Thanks!

Woohoo!

I am booking my theory end of next week then on the the drivnig part!

Does anyone know if you can have two tests scheduled at the same time?  Basically, I have my test only a week before my "one-year in the UK date". and dread being unable to drive after driving for some time here now, so I am wondering if I can schedule a test a week after my first scheduled test in case I fail the first one?   (does that make any sense?)

Does anyone know if you can have two tests scheduled at the same time?  Basically, I have my test only a week before my "one-year in the UK date". and dread being unable to drive after driving for some time here now, so I am wondering if I can schedule a test a week after my first scheduled test in case I fail the first one?   (does that make any sense?)

Oh smart move ! Book a 2nd date JUST in case but you wont need it as you will pass no problems ;-)
If you find out let us know!

Good luck everyone!