im so frustrated! what should i do?

[mummytoowen]

I'm new to this forum. I haven't been diagnosed with dyspraxia yet, I have all the symptoms tho. I I've got to wait until the end of the month til I c the doctor. Anyway.. I first starting learning to drive at 17 had a horrible instructor who shouted at me n it knocked my confidence so much, that I went in auto as I thought it would be easier. Which it was. I had 20+ lessons and the instructor didn't say anything about a test. So I gave up. He wasn't gd either. Then after a year break I went back to a manual. The instructor was great. Took a theory test and I passed first time! I took 4 driving tests and failed. I had a 5 month break frm driving as my little boy was born and I had a c section. I started having lessons again 3 weeks ago, and I've forgotten how to drive! So my instructor has said I should go bk to auto again. I'm so angry I've been learning 4 so long and feel I'm wasting my time.! I just want to be on the road like my mates. I just think I'm a failure
I get confused so easily! I duno who's right of way it is etc. My theory runs out in june also. What should I do?? I'm sorry this is long!
I'd appreciate it if sum1 could advise me! Thanx
Josie

[agsiul]

If you got the test done in the automatic would you have a restricted licence or would it be a full licence for an automatic? Could you do that first and then do the other test for the manual without having to resit the theory test? What I mean is could you do it in stages so that you don't have to start all over again because of the gap? I got loads of lessons before I went for my test if that's of any help. I was nervous and ended up moving to anothre city before I went for my test so had to learn all the routes again. Didn't like any of the instructors there. Redid the test and got it.

[Corrine]

Hi Josie.......just reading your post, it's all so familiar to me. I am almost 29 years old and I have been attempting to learn to drive since I was 18......I can't get it at all and it is SO frustrating. I have spent thousands on lessons and have never ever come close to even having a test. The problem was always that I could not properly digest what my instructor was telling me....or rather I COULD at the time of him telling me, then 5 minutes later, I'd try and put it into action and I had completely forgotten :-( Also, I never understood any road markings (although again, I did when he first explained it) then straight away I'd be like "oh god, where am I supposed to be again"?) and he'd be like, "Corrine, we just had this conversation"!). Almost as it I just couldn't process what he was explaining....like it went in one ear and straight out the other, it's horrible. I used to get so emotional on my lessons and alsmost crashed my instructors car so many times I dread to think what he used to feel when he would collect me from work for a 2 hour lesson! Sheer panic probably.

I stopped learning to drive in January this year as failing at everything to do with driving was depressing me. My Instructor actually said to me at the end of the very last lesson I had "Corrine, I just don't think this is for you"...I couldn't believe it. I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach. This guy is supposed to be helping and encouraging me, but instead he was suggesting that I either give up or try learning in an Auto! So, just recently I decided I WOULD go back to driving and try in an Auto, where there is no hand/eye co ordination required. Just stop, go and reverse. No clutch to try and remember to use and no fiddly gearstick. I will let you know how it goes. Sorry if the above hasn't helped you at all, but just wanted to let you know that you really aren't the only one having these frustrations with trying to learn how to drive a car :-)


Corrine.

[Catwoman42]

I passed 4th time due to a very sympathetic test. I wasn't diagnosed at the time and my instructor couldn't understand how I could do something one week and have forgotten it next week.... Haven't driven since. Find an instructor who understands and can deal with the challemges we present!

[Shadwell]

I agree with Catwoman, you need an easy going instructor, as the more relaxed you are the better, the problem with automatic test is in the UK then it is restricted to only drive automatics. and usually can't find many of those 2nd hand even.

as for the theory test just let it run out, there is no need to rush it, if you can find a brilliant instructor in lets say August, then it is better to go with that one, than someone that gets you up tight, and books you in for your test next week, and you fail again, as I am sure they get comission on bookings. rather than if the learner is actually ready for the test.

I would suggest getting behind the wheel as much as possible with someone else as well, hopefully someone that isn't too strict. as they say practice makes a dyspraxic!! even if it is just sitting in the car, and doing gear changes, and stuff, then hopefully when you get behind the wheel with the instructor, you know how to change gears.

like I heard one driving instructor say, it takes 3% of effort to drive a car, and 97% to concerntrate on what others are doing. but I found it to be about 50/50 when learning. as I had spacial awareness as my problem. but the more relaxed you are, the better you will drive. so go for the instructor, not the theory test expiry