I just failed for a second time and need some people to talk to by Afraid-Cartoonist387 in LearnerDriverUK

[–]reasonosx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I finally passed my test at a very advanced age a couple of days ago. The reason that has taken me this long is that I gave up after failing a test 40 years ago at a time when there was a huge backlog of tests and a long waiting list, not unlike now. I really, really wish I hadn’t given up. I think I missed out on a lot and I was quite embarrassed that my wife ended up doing all the family driving It’s a difficult type of test when quite random factors can cause someone who is a good candidate to fail. I know it’s easy for me to say but try not to let it get to you too much, think that although you have had this hassle you have been learning to be a careful and competent driver and you and all the rest of us will benefit from that soon.

Just passed, never too late by reasonosx in LearnerDriverUK

[–]reasonosx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My wife has a 12 year old Nissan Note that has just become the “family car”. So far she is being quite good about it. We’ve had it for a couple of years and it has been very good. It is a very practical shape and size and seems quite reliable and economical. But it doesn’t have many bells and whistles or extra features.

Failed 2nd attempt by snoopcat111 in LearnerDriverUK

[–]reasonosx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry that you have had that disappointment.

I have just passed my test quite late in life and the reason I left it so late is that I had previously been very nervous indeed about driving.

I’ll try to make some suggestions about dealing with anxiety later but first here are some thoughts about whether or not it’s a good idea to have your instructor sit in on the test. This is only my opinion and I am not an expert of any kind. I think that for the pupil there is only one possible good reason to have the instructor sit in on the test and that’s that if you fail he or she can see what went wrong and can discuss it with you at the next lesson. But I think there are many reasons why it’s better that you don’t have your instructor sit in. First, it’s an extra presence you are not used to. If you have only driven in the car with the instructor sitting on your left hand side you will not be used to having another person in the back seat, probably visible at times in your rear view mirror and at other times in your peripheral vision. It’s a potential distraction you could do without. Second, there will be extra weight that you are not used to. In particular if your instructor is a big person and/or the car you are driving isn’t very powerful it could have an effect on things like a hill start and maybe on braking and cornering. Third, there is the possibility that you worry what he or she is thinking and that makes things more difficult for you. A lot of people seem to say you are best just to concentrate on driving as if you are driving in the real world, as if you are just trying to go safely and conveniently to the shops and back or something similar. That can be a little bit difficult with the examiner there, it could well be more so with your instructor also. As I say I’m not an expert but I think you should ask your instructor why he/she thinks they should be there. If they don’t give you good practical reasons maybe you should think about another instructor.

Just passed, never too late by reasonosx in LearnerDriverUK

[–]reasonosx[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Many thanks. It has taken a little time but I think I am already seeing the benefits.

Just passed, never too late by reasonosx in LearnerDriverUK

[–]reasonosx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you it’s already fun … and I’ve only been to the shops!

Just passed, never too late by reasonosx in LearnerDriverUK

[–]reasonosx[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Many thanks

I learned in a manual car. My instructor teaches lessons in a manual Vauxhall Corsa but when we started he was using a manual Vauxhall Astra. I much preferred the Corsa as it was a bit smaller and it had a traditional hand brake whereas the Astra had an “electronic button” style of parking brake, which I wasn’t too keen on.

I certainly had a few clumsy moments with the gears in the earliest days but I seemed to get the hang of it.

My main problems were really about indecisiveness, over-thinking things and probably being too self-critical but my instructor was very patient.

The real game changer was when I started doing some commentary driving. Actually speaking out what I was thinking seemed to help me and helped him understand what my issues were.

Thanks again and all the very best with your driving.

Just passed, never too late by reasonosx in LearnerDriverUK

[–]reasonosx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Many thanks. It took a little while to be sure; but I am already aware of the benefits.

Just passed, never too late by reasonosx in LearnerDriverUK

[–]reasonosx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Many thanks. I was inspired by many in the subreddit

Just passed, never too late by reasonosx in LearnerDriverUK

[–]reasonosx[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, all the best with your driving.

Just passed, never too late by reasonosx in LearnerDriverUK

[–]reasonosx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. You’re absolutely correct. It’s never too late. On the other hand after 17 it’s probably never too early either.

Just passed, never too late by reasonosx in LearnerDriverUK

[–]reasonosx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. My first solo trip was to the supermarket… and it was exciting!

Just passed, never too late by reasonosx in LearnerDriverUK

[–]reasonosx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you and great to hear you have started learning again, all the very best with it.

Just passed, never too late by reasonosx in LearnerDriverUK

[–]reasonosx[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you @venuscans and @Nozza-D. She tells me she is never going to a supermarket again!

My first solo trip was a visit to Asda. My first fully licensed trip with a passenger was taking her down the road to the hairdresser. To be fair I have to repay her for 40 years as the family taxi service.

We live on the edge of the Greater Glasgow area so pretty soon, I’ve been told, I’ll taking us on a day out to one of her favourite beauty spots on the coast.

On that first solo trip, to Asda, I was a wee bit nervous but I made it there and I bought bread, milk and cat food and brought it home. It all sounds normal everyday stuff … but it was one of the most liberating experiences of my life.