[Maza85]

Hi so I'm after a bit of advice/guidance. I started learning to drive again last year after becoming a mum. Didn't get with my first instructor but found another instructor who is patience and encouraging. Due to the back log of tests my instructor adviced to book the test and if I was ready we could move it. I'm now 6 weeks away had my 1st mock test and it went terrible. I made so many mistakes. My instructor said not to worry it is common with when you start independent driving as you aren't having someone helping you. The instructor has said we will carry on working on things and make a decision in a couple of weeks on whether to move the test. I know if I do need to move it that would be the right move in the long run but just not feeling great. I really want to pass my test as it would make my life as a mum so much easier but I'm just nervous that I can't do it. I have starting to go out in my own car but I have limited spare time between work and looking after my child. Also when I do go out my child also comes as we don't have people to watch her. Any advice or gudiance would be apperciated.

[ElCapitain]

@Maza85 I learned to drive at 27, shortly after my son was born.

I took lots of mock tests with my instructor and failed every single one (for different reasons). But, when it came to my test, somehow i managed to put it all together and passed first time with only 2 minors.

I believe that I failed the mock tests because I was often trying to predict what the next thing I was going to be asked to do, rather than concentrating on just driving the car.

Bottom line, I found that it was more down to my confidence than my ability.

I'm sure you'll be able to pass comfortably, but sometimes, our nerves trip us up. Make the decision that is right for you, and don't be too hard on yourself if things don't go perfectly. You deserve credit for learning a new skill at 39.

[Drivingforfun]

I would say practice not only makes perfect but also brings confidence, which is important. Do you have someone who is a qualified driver - a friend or relative - who can just sit in the passenger seat with you and take you out for the odd drive?

I learnt to drive at several years older than 17 as well. What I think seriously helped me was having parents who had a car for me to use and just going out for what would be a routine drive whenever they needed to go out. I would drive them to the shops or to relatives houses etc. Probably did 1000 miles with my parents on top of the driving lessons with an instructor.

[Mark07]

Hi @Maza85,

How are you getting on?

Based on your experience, is there anything you'd recommend for other learners?

[Maza85]

Originally Posted by ElCapitain

@Maza85 I learned to drive at 27, shortly after my son was born.

I took lots of mock tests with my instructor and failed every single one (for different reasons). But, when it came to my test, somehow i managed to put it all together and passed first time with only 2 minors.

I believe that I failed the mock tests because I was often trying to predict what the next thing I was going to be asked to do, rather than concentrating on just driving the car.

Bottom line, I found that it was more down to my confidence than my ability.

I'm sure you'll be able to pass comfortably, but sometimes, our nerves trip us up. Make the decision that is right for you, and don't be too hard on yourself if things don't go perfectly. You deserve credit for learning a new skill at 39.

Hi thanks for the advice. I am finding my confidence is improving still making errors but I am starting to believe I will get there.

[Maza85]

Originally Posted by Drivingforfun

I would say practice not only makes perfect but also brings confidence, which is important. Do you have someone who is a qualified driver - a friend or relative - who can just sit in the passenger seat with you and take you out for the odd drive?

I learnt to drive at several years older than 17 as well. What I think seriously helped me was having parents who had a car for me to use and just going out for what would be a routine drive whenever they needed to go out. I would drive them to the shops or to relatives houses etc. Probably did 1000 miles with my parents on top of the driving lessons with an instructor.

Hi thanks for the reply/advice. My partner has been coming out with me as well as his partner on my non working days which I'm finding is helping. I wouldn't say I'm there yet but I am finding my confidence is improving.

[Maza85]

Originally Posted by Mark07

Hi @Maza85,

How are you getting on?

Based on your experience, is there anything you'd recommend for other learners?

Hi thanks for the reply. I'm doing ok and starting to build my confidence up. I have done some more mock tests and although not passed them made a lot less errors. I would just recommend practicing as much as you can. I can't get out as much as I would like to as I'm juggling between work, looking after my daughter and general life chores but have been going out with my partner on weekends and had his parents come over on my non working days and it has helped build my confience up and also get back out there espically after a not so great drive so I'm not dwelling/over thinking mistakes

[Mdb51]

I passed my car test 2nd time in 2003 ( also the case when I did my bus test 3 years later in August 2006 ), the saying always goes that the best drivers don't pass 1st time ( whether that's true or not I don't know ).

The best advice I can offer is to use your mock tests to their full potential, as I got near to taking my road tests, I started booking 2 hour lessons, the 1st hour being where my instructor took the role of examiner after which he gave me helpful comments based on what he felt I needed to work on.

The 2nd hour would then be used working on the areas my instructor felt needed improvement, it's always best to get as many mock tests done as you can and work on anything that needs it.

I wish you well and the best when you're ready for your test, you've got this.

[Maza85]

Just wanted to provide an update on this. Been quite a journey. I moved my test back after advice from my instructor. 3 weeks before I was due to take my test my instructor told me he was no longer doing lessons due to a family emergency and couldn't take me for my test. I was already following his social media page and saw he had taken some else for a test a week after mine was due. Anyway between moving my test back and finding trying to find a new instructor and all the issues with the test backlog I am pleased to say I passed today on my 4th attempt. Been hard at times but I kept practicing and learning from my mistakes but so happy I got there in the end

[Drivingforfun]

@Maza85 brilliant!!!! 👍 well done for that

Have you got any idea what car you’re going to get??

I imagine being 39 (now 40?) you won’t have the problem 17 year olds have where insurance is getting to 5 digit sums these days 😳

My first year quote was about 40% of what a 17 year old would pay for the same car, and I was 24 or something I think. Hopefully it’s even more saving for you

[Maza85]

Thank you. I already have a car a Vauxhall Astra with my partner which I was already insured to drive. Lucky the insurance stayed the same given my age (now 40) and being the second driver.

[Drivingforfun]

That's great 😃

Have you been out on your own yet? I found the first drive without someone sat next to me was a slightly weird experience, but any anxiety soon disappeared

[NMNeil]

Congratulations; and you'll be fine.
You come across as being very intelligent and that will be very helpful because when you venture onto the roads you will be doing the thinking for many other drivers as well as thinking for yourself. 😉

[Maza85]

Thank you. I went out the on my own for the 1st time yesterday literally 5 mins round the block. Went out for 30 mins today early in the morning and practiced some parking in a cR park. Yesterday was very strange but felt a bit more normal today. Just want to build up my confidence before I take my daughter out in the car on my own