Learning to drive
 

I am going to start learning to drive in June. I'm 18 in September and I just want to drive, I'm scared though.. not of driving, but of other cars because you know accidents do happen! That's all I need to get over, my minds set for the rest.


Any tips? x

i started learning last september and its going ok at first i was scared of the cars too but you soon get used to them

I passed in June last year, first time (woop!). People can be idiots on the road and you have to be just as aware of them and their driving as your own. You'll have a qualified driving instructor with you on your lessons though so don't be too worried - they'll look out for other road users. You'll begin off driving around quiet roads to build your confidence. You'll be fine.

Just try not to be too aware that the instructor is watching you. I know that sounds crazy but I didn’t enjoy the pressure of someone scrutinizing my driving (still don’t). The sooner you learn to relax around them, the better.

Oh and be assertive. Don’t ever hesitate at junctions or if you are letting someone through- ie. Don’t look like you’re about to go, then don’t then almost go again (seems to happen when you‘re most nervous). Just commit to going or don’t because it drives instructors and other road users nuts!

Anyways, good luck :thumbs:

I haven't learned to drive yet, it seems so expensive actually learning - and then there's the insurance, car, petrol etc

I started mine a couple of weeks back (as soon as I could) and I'm loving them. The one thing that I find harder than anything is changing gear ... 4 lessons on and I still can't grasp it atall.

Only reason I'm doing them now is so I can get put on my dads insurance, no way would I get a car so young because of the insurance.

thats the thing i find easiest ant doing gears but i supose i did a bit for my mum so i was kinda used to it. Probably the accelator i find hardest

I drive my sisters car's around our field, but I wont be able to start proberly untill march 09!
I sort of know the basics, clutch control, changing gear etc, but I have the road to learn now!

I just can't get used to it. I can't change gear without looking at the gear stick, I can't keep my eyes on the road so that's obviously no good. :laugh:

My next one isn't untill next week so hopefully I can get to grips with it.

I don't think I will pass my driving test in a few years time.

My mom let me drive about in her car the other week and I couldn't make it go then when I did I nearly hit a wall :laugh:

Good luck! Yeah thats all I have for you :laugh:

My parents said I can learn to drive when I can afford it. I'm gonna be such a bad driver,I can barely drive a go-kart! Actually I could have had lessons with the money I saved up for London,ah well.

hope it goes ok Ant I dont have another one till next thursday

Ant gears seem scary at first, its all that multi tasking, you have to look at the road, change gear by touch and do stuff with your feet all at the same time!!! seriously though it will just suddenly all fall into place for you. I dont even realise that I am changing gears these days, I have a 6 speed box in my car so imagine getting used to that lol.

The best advice I can give anyone about learning to drive is to think of it as an experience, look forward to it, enjoy yourself, learning to drive is great fun. The real learning starts the day you pass your test and go solo.

How many lessons have you had Becca?

Yeah that's what it is Sunny; trying to do more than one new thing at once but I do still enjoy them. It must be hard work to be a driving instructor, I wouldn't have the patience.

erm well ive been learning since last september but i had time off at christmas and only had a few over november so ive had about 7-8 so far

Seriously it will just suddenly click into place for you and you will wonder what you struggled with. They key is to keep driving as much as you can. I made sure I had at least one double lesson a week. 2 hours really gives you time to get used to doing something.