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

Yay Mirrajay!   

Hooray, Mirrajay! 

Congratulations!!! So happy for you. A celebration is definitely in order   

Congrats Mirajay! 

I passed my theory test today so it's onwards and upwards to the practical in a few months.  Still have a lot of practicing to do.

I am taking my practical on Friday! I am so stressed about it. I am driving a manual and am taking my test alone. No one is coming with me. What do I need to bring for the test? Any tips for the test? Has anyone taken it at Pease Pottage?

I have until the end of Feb to pass.

I am taking my practical on Friday! I am so stressed about it. I am driving a manual and am taking my test alone. No one is coming with me. What do I need to bring for the test? Any tips for the test? Has anyone taken it at Pease Pottage?

I have until the end of Feb to pass.

One thing I would say, I kept saying to DW....RELAX! Did you drive before? If so then you can drive, you know you can, what you have to do is learn how to pass the test. I took DW out on Sunday for a drive (her test was yesterday and she passed) and I just said to her, relax and enjoy it, maybe easier said than done, but I think the encouragement I gave her afterwards (as she was absolutely fine) did help.
She also bought a small herbal spray, I think from Morrisons, but it's for stress. She was recommended it by a couple of people and she said it helped. I'll get the details later and post them up.

I drove for over 10 years but just learned manual while I have lived here. What is the name of the spray?

I drove for over 10 years but just learned manual while I have lived here. What is the name of the spray?

I am guessing it is called Rescue Remedy - it does work.

Make sure to read small print and bring all the doc's you need ;-) If you have a valid US license you dont need L plates (I learned this after since my plates flew off while we were driving) ;-)
RELAX

If you have a valid US license you dont need L plates

Be careful with this one.  You dont have to display L-plates if you have a valid US license AND have been in the UK less than one year when you are driving around or taking lessons, but my examiner would not let me start the test until L-plates were put on the car eventhough I still had a few weeks left of my one year on my US license.   This may vary place to place.

Be careful with this one.  You dont have to display L-plates if you have a valid US license AND have been in the UK less than one year when you are driving around or taking lessons, but my examiner would not let me start the test until L-plates were put on the car eventhough I still had a few weeks left of my one year on my US license.   This may vary place to place.

You also need a provisional licence in order to book your test.

Right about the L-Plates, first year when I went out with DW we didn't use them but we did this year. I think also though it's worth having them anyway because other drivers will be a little more patient with you

I am guessing it is called Rescue Remedy - it does work.

That's the one.

we had a very long drive (almost the entire hour)...went through a ton of traffic in Thatcham (near Newbury), navigated around lots of roundabouts (regular and mini), encountered kiddies leaving school, then drove up and down narrow, winding country roads.  ...

just reading your post now.  I've been driving on US license since April 2010 but I'm now taking lessons in Newbury and have my exam coming up mid December.  How did you find the driving exam here?

  I failed.... two major and they were really stupid... The guy was silent the whole time. I tried to talk to him but he was not very friendly......

Hopefully next time i will pass......

That sucks, southernchic, but here's hoping you get it next time!

I failed.... two major and they were really stupid... The guy was silent the whole time. I tried to talk to him but he was not very friendly......

Hopefully next time i will pass......

That's discouraging.  Fingers crossed you have better luck next time!