View Full Version : The Official Learner Drivers Thread
Kirsty :]
02-07-2009, 11:49
I'm on my own insurance policy because no-one would let me go on theirs because it made it too high lol and I've paid £241 for the first installment and for the monthly payments I'm paying £108 or something, for my 1.3 fiesta. It's stupid
Hollie-x
02-07-2009, 14:16
I'm starting driving after jan 1st next year, so got a while yet. But my mum and dad are buying me a car to learn in and that because we have a Kia Sedona and there is noooo way any insurance company would touch me with that. It's got like a 2. something engine. But my dad was looking on ebay for cars cos i only want a little run about to start with and he'sbought a few cars off there to get him to and from work before and they've been fine, but just out of curiosity he put in confused.com a 1.4 corsa cos our next door neighbour is selling hers and he was gonna buy it, but for me, on my mum's policy, putting me on 3rd party fire and theft, they wanted £800. One company even put it as £3000 which i thought was absolutely ridiculous. It's crazy how much it costs just because I'd be a new driver (n)
I am horrified at the cost of car insurance for you newbies :eek: although it costs me £750 a year for a RAV4 and I have been driving for too many years to mention on here :)
I'm trying to book a theory test. It won't take my card or my mum's card because the names are too long :angry:
Passed my theory today :D
50/50 on the questions and 57/75 for Hazard Perception. I was expecting a fail for that, I was far too cautious trying not to get accused of cheating and don't think I clicked enough. I only got 4 on the double clip :lol: Oh well.
DaVeyWaVey
06-08-2009, 18:32
Well done Kim. That's great! :)
di marco
06-08-2009, 18:50
Passed my theory today :D
50/50 on the questions and 57/75 for Hazard Perception. I was expecting a fail for that, I was far too cautious trying not to get accused of cheating and don't think I clicked enough. I only got 4 on the double clip :lol: Oh well.
well done kim :)
CrazyLea
23-11-2009, 23:08
I dunno if anyone knows haha, but I failed my test for the THIRD time the other week! I don't think I'm meant to be driving :lol:.
Kirsty :]
23-11-2009, 23:10
Stick at it Lea! Seriously.. I passed first time, and everyone I speak to doesn't know how I managed it because fair play.. I am rubbish! I can hardly park my car. I've crashed 3 times, twice into a pillar! So just stick with it, you'll do it :)
CrazyLea
23-11-2009, 23:11
:rotfl: Aw bless I bet you are better than you think ha!
I'm not doing more than 10 :lol:.
The first 2 was over silly things. But the last one was my worst test EVER :p. I had 3 serious faults.
Chloe O'brien
23-11-2009, 23:54
Aw bad luck Lea but don't give up. You will pass just keep at it.
just stick at Lea, i havent even bothered yet as i cant afford to learn to drive.
But my friend [passed on her 6th time and shes a really good driver. I heard that sometimes the test centre affects it, because someone i know did it in the manchester one and failed 4 times and then decided to book it in the derbyshire centre where roasd are meant to be quieter and she passed in her first attempt there, dont know how true it is.
I think areas can make a big difference. I failed my first test as the centre was in an area I did not know and had not practiced. I changed the centre and passed a couple of months later. :)
I failed 4 times, passed on my 5th attempt.
I have been driving now for 28 years, and once you pass, it doesn't matter how many times you failed.
Best of luck next time.
My son is sitting his test in December....
moonstorm
24-11-2009, 13:11
Bad luck Lea. I failed 3 times in the UK but passed first time when i tried in Gibraltar, so maybe what everyone's say is correct, where you take it matters?
I agree with that. The test centre I took mine at was notorious for unfairly marking people. I got a serious for doing a turn in the road in five instead of three, which is allowed.
Still haven't passed but I will hopefully do it over the summer.
Kirsty :]
24-11-2009, 17:33
We have a choice of 2 test centres around here. One of them is really busy and is more traffic, with traffic lights and different lanes you need to be in. The place I did my test was quieter, but more narrow roads and lanes, so I would definately agree that the test centre affects your test.
My car is coming off the road soon :( I can't affor to keep it there and my EMA certainly won't cover insurance tax and petrol. I never intended on having anyone but myself pay for my car in this way and my Nan has already helped me out too much with so I'm taking it off the road to save money, until I get another job :)
.:SpIcYsPy:.
13-04-2010, 22:41
Did my theory a while ago, first time and I got 50/50 for the multiple choice part and 58/75 for hazard perception! Totally wasn't expecting to pass as I had only revised 2 days beforehand and the hazard perception was not my friend when I used my computer!
Got my practical on Thursday... I am very nervous! I had a 2 hour lesson today and honestly was getting the simple things wrong :( Even just turning more when approaching a bend to turn left! Messed up my parallel parking and haven't even gone through all the things I need to know about the car properly!
I need to find my practical test confirmation letter and get clued up about what I need to know on the DSA site.. *sigh* I honestly have a bad feeling about Thursday :(
EDIT: Also... When I pass my test, when they take my provisional license away to get the details for the actual driving license, do I get my photo taken there on the day, hand in a passport size photo or do they use the same one as on the provisional?
Good luck with the test on Thursday, Spicy :) Not sure about the photo, why not take another with you just to be on the safe side?
Good Luck with the test.
When i got my provisional i didnt need a picture as they got it from my passport, so i think it could be the same for the actual test. You could take one with you just to be sure though.
moonstorm
14-04-2010, 09:40
Good Luck Spicy - think positive, be positive, drive as if you have already passed.
DaVeyWaVey
14-04-2010, 11:41
Good luck Spicy!
.:SpIcYsPy:.
14-04-2010, 19:57
I worry that if I be so positive I will be even more sad if I happen to fail! Great idea of driving as if I have already passed though - I'll do that! Thank-you :)
Thank-you Perdita, Katy and DaveyWavey for the good lucks's! :)
I am sure you will be ok, Spicy, get an early night and as much rest as possible tonight, will be thinking of you and keeping everything I can crossed :D xx
.:SpIcYsPy:.
14-04-2010, 21:08
Been sleeping quite late recently but will actually try and sleep earlier today! Thanks :)
I appreciate it might be difficult for you but even if you don't sleep. a dark room and silence will rest your body and mind, probably more than you think it does. I am sure you will feel the benefit, I usually do anyway :)
Chloe O'brien
15-04-2010, 00:16
Good luck spicy we're all keeping our fingures crossed.
.:SpIcYsPy:.
15-04-2010, 11:45
Thanks guys :)
I managed to get 10 hours and had a really good dream too.. So in a very good mood! Avoided thinking too much about the test so I am quite calm.. for now! :) x
moonstorm
15-04-2010, 11:58
Lots of deep breaths if you find yourself getting nervous, in through the nose and out through the mouth!
Good luck, positive thinking and what moonstorm said :D
.:SpIcYsPy:.
15-04-2010, 18:45
ALL your advice worked guys! Thank-you sooo much...
I PASSED! 9 minors :)
Fantastic, congratulations Spicy, well done :cheer: :clap:
DaVeyWaVey
16-04-2010, 00:23
Well done Spicy! That's brilliant. Drive safely! :)
Chloe O'brien
16-04-2010, 00:26
Well done spicy we new you would do it.
moonstorm
16-04-2010, 08:16
WELL DONE Spicy - knew you would do it :cheer::cheer:
Well Done Spicy, Congrats!
sorry i ant been on soap boards for a while. Well 6 months ago i started my driving lessons and on thursday i passed my test. Got 6 minors but was well pleased with myself. congrats to everyone else that has passed
Well done, congratulations miccisy :cheer: :clap:
Well done miccisy :cheer: :cheer:
Chloe O'brien
25-04-2010, 23:42
Well done micisy.
moonstorm
26-04-2010, 08:15
Congratulation Micisy - well done. xx
I failed today :crying::crying: I'm so annoyed with myself, it's taken me so many lessons to get anywhere near taking a test and then I fail for something I did perfectly 10 minutes before the test :(
Sorry to hear that Kim. A driving test is one of the most stressful things you can do in life, and lots of people fail because of that, even though they're perfectly good drivers. It's very common and nothing to be ashamed of. Better luck next time :)
I failed today :crying::crying: I'm so annoyed with myself, it's taken me so many lessons to get anywhere near taking a test and then I fail for something I did perfectly 10 minutes before the test :(
Sorry to hear that Kim, I am sure that it was nerves that got the better of you, not your driving skills. Next time you know what to expect and you will sail through, I am sure :) And I agree with Dazzle's comments :)
Kirsty :]
28-04-2010, 21:14
Congratulations Miccisy :)
Kim, it's nothing to be ashamed of at all. The traffic on roads is constantly changing, there is no way we know for definate what will pop out at us on the roads.
If I took my driving test today, I'm almost 100% sure that I would fail, it's just down to nerves, your examiner, and the roads at the end of the day, chin up, you did your best and thats all that matters :) x
Its just bad luck Kim, next time yourll get that manouver right, i can only imagine how stressful it is as i havent even thought about driving.
Good luck with your future lessons.
moonstorm
29-04-2010, 08:48
Ah bad luck Kim but keep trying, it sounds as if you are almost there!!
If it takes me as many times to actually pass as it does trying to book a test I will go bankrupt :lol: There are no disabled tests online at the moment :( Going to have to phone my instructor to book more lessons later as she was so sure I was going to pass she didn't even bring her diary. Thanks for the kind messages everyone.
Im actually really starting to enjoying learning to drive now, I was so nervous when i started and was worried I wouldnt like it
good news, good luck with the driving test when it comes :)
CD Roms? Blimey, times have changed since I took my driving test. There was no practical or theoretical tests, just driving! :D
I passed my test in 1979, although I'd been driving a lot longer than that. It's a long story.
For me, driving is out of necessity and definitely not pleasure as there are so many fools on the road these days, but the only advice I can give is that you stick within the speed limits (lower if necessary) and constantly watch out for traffic light changes, zebra crossings, children and all the obvious things - and definitely no using a mobile phone unless it's hands free, and I don't agree with those either, but se la vie! :)
Best of luck to anyone learning, or about to take their tests. :)
I've come to the conclusion that I HAVE to pass my test within the next year. I simply cannot get a decent job and a place to live and commute on public transport. It just wouldn't work. My theory has lapsed and I haven't driven in over two years so I'll probably have to start almost from the beginning again.
That's so annoying about the theory. I think the two year limit is just a way to keep the money rolling in. I'm sure there are plenty of people that have passed that have forgotten more than learners who took the theory over two years ago. I didn't take the new theory with case studies in myself but my friends that have seemed to think that it was easier to just answer the question and ignore the case study. Good luck :)
I am debating getting a 4th (:lol:) instructor and doing pass plus as the instructor that got me through my test doesn't do it :(
Hollie-x
06-08-2010, 19:22
Okay - so I just received the kick up that backside i needed to book driving lessons! I've had my provisional since i turned 17 in January and only been out in the car once :L but I joined a group on facebook for a local driving school and a month or so ago he had a competition - just drop your name and number in an email and you could win 5 free lessons. Well, I didn't win the 5 but he said I got picked third so won 2. The only reason I haven't booked any yet is because they're so damn expensive! £20 an hour is the cheapest I've found so far - and on a part time job with a wage of 3.70 an hour; im only pulling in about £230 a month and have other things to pay for; not to mention a Vegas holiday to pay for! So never got round to booking any. Anyways! ramble over - I've finally got the ball rolling - gonna get quite a decent wage in Sept as im working just over 100 hours this month insted of around 60 (even tho im only contracted for 10 hours a week..) Ssooo decided that after the two free, I shall book a block of a few lessons.
However! I am - to put in nicely - crapping myself! I went out last week in our little Clio (eBay bargain run about haha) and for love nor money could not get a decent biting point to set off! I kept making it like jump forward. It was my first time ever driving but I'm just convincing myself I'll never get the hang of it. I can change gear whilst like on the move but setting off is a no go.
So basically; I was just wondering if anyone had any tips? Or did any of you have the same trouble at all?
thankssss :D
Relax, there's no rush when you're setting off. Your instructor will take you around the quiet areas of your town to begin with so don't panic that you're going to crash.
The car will have duel controls so the instructor can help you get to the biting point if that's what you're having trouble with.
Each car is different though so just because you're having trouble with your car, doesn't mean it will be the same in the instructors car.
My are £20 a lesson as well
If you're finding it a struggle to pay for the lessons, wait until you get some more experience and see if you can find a driving instructor that will take you out in your own car. The instructor I passed with was the best I had and £15 an hour in my car. Good luck. If I can pass anyone can, I was beginning to think I never would.
How many lessons did everyone have?
I had about a years' worth and failed both of my tests. The first time I deserved to fail but I should have passed second time. I got a serious for doing a turn in the road in five when I apparently could have done it in 3. As my instructor wasn't in the back, I couldn't contend the examiner's decision so I failed. I had about six minors so I would have passed had it not been for a stupid examiner.
Some examiners are b*******, they just fail people for no real reason at all. My sister did her test at the same place and the same happened to her four times before she passed.
I can't afford to do my test again at the moment but hopefully one day I will pass :)
I had 2 hours a week for a year and a quarter plus hours upon hours of private practice. It didn't come naturally to me at all. I had 3 instructors as well and 4 different cars.
I'm looking into doing my driving again. I wish I'd have done it two years ago after I failed instead of giving up. My theory has lapsed so I have to do that again. I've found a company that does the first 3 lessons for £19 plus a course of 10 for £149. I can't have forgotten everything I knew so 13hours will be sufficient I think.
I'm just concerned about this ten minute "do it yourself" bit in the test but I guess its no different to when I went out with my dad in my car.
I'm actually quite excited!
Thanks Perdita :) I've just looked up the cost of the tests, £32 for theory and £61 for practical :eek: The practical was only £52 last time I took it.
Got a 1.5hr lesson booked for Wednesday afternoon :D I'm excited and slightly nervous.
The guy said people generally remember a lot after a long time away from driving and pick things up easier second time round. The test centre is a few miles away so I won't be paying for three hour lessons to take my test in either.
Chloe O'brien
13-09-2010, 11:31
Good luck Abigail. You'll be fine stop worrying.
Good luck, Abigail, I'm sure you'll take to it like a duck to water again. I once didn't drive for three years, and was very nervous when I had the opportunity to get back behind the wheel again. It was fine, though, and I was soon driving like there'd been no gap.
Good luck with it :) The only good thing to say about the current test fees is that they haven't gone up since March 2009 which is a bit of a record. There were rumours about it going up when independent driving was announced but it doesn't seem to be the case.
i really need to do mine, i still not done any theory or any actual tests, im going to get my eyes tested next week cause im due for my 2 year check up and then once thats sorted im booking some lessons! the bus is starting to do my head in and the fact that all my friends can drive and im sick of having lifts of them!
ive never felt ready to do it before but now i think that im old enough and a bit more clued up!
Driving is going really well :) Booked my theory test for the 18th then should be able to book my practical. I had a mock driving test on Wednesday and I passed with 6 minors. I feel so much more confident and in control than two years ago. It seems to come naturally now whereas before I always had clutch trouble.
I've got a bit of road rage though :p My instructor keeps telling me to calm down and not let it affect me but if some idiot pulls out on me then I can't help but comment. "Just pull straight out" just falls out of my mouth every time.
Well done, I have road rage all the time but only when I am on my own, OH does not permit any emotions :( but boy, I let rip at times :eek:
StarsOfCCTV
08-10-2010, 23:52
The horn is a fabulous tool I find..now I have the fiat I can't find it as easily, its on either side of the steering wheel face (whatever you call it). :lol: Haha I try not to get angry behind the wheel.. usually I just swear aloud to myself to let off steam. If its particularly bad like someone cutting me up I hoot the horn.
Never use the horn, just bad language :o
The horn... I was wondering what you were on about :lol: I was thinking of a cow bell/horn for ages.
Kirsty :]
09-10-2010, 12:37
I'm terrible for road rage, I don't toot my horn though, my friend Stacey ALWAYS tkaes advantage of the horn and I tell her off in case I get it in the neck. I just swear a lot, and then carry on singing along with my music.. haha
The best thing is when someone is really up my bum on the road, there's nothing I hate more than that! So to really peeve them off, I slow right down :)
Good luck with the theory Abigail :)
I have road rage at times too. Someone edged out of a side road and looked like they wanted to pull out in front of me.. so I drove round them :lol:
StarsOfCCTV
11-10-2010, 00:28
^ I do that too. :p Depends on the situation really..often I will let them in if I am going slow enough or if there is a queue of cars I only let one in because I'd get grief from the cars behind otherwise.
moonstorm
11-10-2010, 09:42
I am normally so quiet and relaxed but I undergo a personality change when I get behind the wheel, I have no pratience at all!!
i am soo rubbish!!! got another lesson at three so hopefully this one will go better! i am going to be soo skint its so expensive especially since im clearly not going to pass anytime soon!
Good luck with your lesson, don't tell yourself that you are rubbish, because I am sure that you are not. Learning to drive is nerve-wracking with the amount of traffic on the road and so many rules and regulations to remember. Cut yourself some slack, relax and you will get your licence in no time :)
every lesson its always someething different that goes wrong!! its soo infuriating and whenever is ee another car i lose the plot completely which is ALL the time!!!
Im sure it will cllick eventually, ive only had 3 lessons this time round and the other lessons were a long time ago! I was better at pulling away today so hopefully next weeek pulling in will go better!
It will get better eventually, I had over a year of things going right then wrong. Good luck :)
so not had lesson in a long time but recently changed my instructor and things are going a lot better already! Today was my 4th with him and i had the best lesson ive had so far. We went on main roads, roundabouts, there was traffic and roadworks and everything it was proper driving! Felt really weird! if got up to 40 mph on the dual carriageway, looking forward to next week!
Glad things are going better for you Katy. I changed my instructor twice, if I'd have stuck with my original one I fear I'd still be having lessons now!
My driving instructor is the most patience of people... never shouts, never gets angry and is really concerned if I get upset when I don't get thing right... I am finding it really hard as it is all in German and I have to translate in my heads so generally have a 5 second delay to his instructions...
im struggling enough doing it in english Siobhan!!!
but i agree about the patience! i could never do it.
I am glad it is not just me.... hats of to anyone who can drive.. it is not bloody easy to learn
Today was not a good driving day... sometimes I feel like such a dumbass.. loads of people drive, loads learn to drive so why after so long I just can't get the hang of driving.... my head is melted with everything...
moonstorm
14-01-2012, 06:47
Don't get down Shiv. I failed 3 times when I was in Glasgow, only passed when I moved to Gibraltar. All I can say is don't over think it. You probably can drive already but because you have to think about what you are doing you become nervous.
I think that is is.. thanks moonie... Yesterday I was just so annoyed.. I had to take the first exit out of a roundabout.. was in 3rd gear, had to change to second, turn and indicate.. the instructor said I was late with the indication and I just thought I am not a friken octopuss that can turn, change gear and indicate in a second... Next time I will just drive and do what I can...
I have the car, now I have to get the licence.. should have it before I am 40.. (literally think my test is 27th of June and I am 40 on the 30th june)
I have the car, now I have to get the licence.. should have it before I am 40.. (literally think my test is 27th of June and I am 40 on the 30th june)
good luck :thumbsup:
Chloe O'brien
09-06-2012, 23:30
I have the car, now I have to get the licence.. should have it before I am 40.. (literally think my test is 27th of June and I am 40 on the 30th june)
Come on Shiv you can do it. Good luck babes got everything crossed for you xxx
Phase 1 completed.. Theory test passed.. next Tuesday is the driving test.. have my beautiful car ready to drive...
Phase 1 completed.. Theory test passed.. next Tuesday is the driving test.. have my beautiful car ready to drive...
Well done, will keep fingers crossed for next Tuesday, good luck :)
No longer a learner drive.. have my licence but 2 years probation so have to be a really really good girl
No longer a learner drive.. have my licence but 2 years probation so have to be a really really good girl
Congratulations, well done :cheer:
Chloe O'brien
26-06-2012, 20:31
No longer a learner drive.. have my licence but 2 years probation so have to be a really really good girl
Wooo!!! Hooo!! knew you could do it girl. xxx
moonstorm
27-06-2012, 10:40
Very well done Shiv!!! Knew you had it in you - no speeding now!! xxxxxx
So failed my test again third time now
So failed my test again third time now
:(
So failed my test again third time now
Ah sorry to hear that.. keep trying Lizann.. I had over 100 lessons before I did my test so I know it is not easy
keep trying! im still learning. Had a much better lesson lesson. just getting my manouvers up to scratch and then hopefully should be ready to put in for my test. Ive a plan that it will be before the years out that i can pass.
How is everyone getting on with their lessons now? My best friend is about to start learning and all I can say is I'm glad I took mine when I did. The theory test centre I used has now closed, so my friend will have to travel around 30 miles to sit hers, at around half of the test fee in transport costs.
Kind of hoping she forgets that I'm approaching the three year mark to qualify as a supervising driver :lol:
hey, well done you!!! I believe that online tests willl be intoruduced soon for theory testx
still not passed kim!!
Im starting to think it will never happen, I just have no confidence at all when it comes to driving.
still not passed kim!!
Im starting to think it will never happen, I just have no confidence at all when it comes to driving.
still not passed kim!!
Im starting to think it will never happen, I just have no confidence at all when it comes to driving.
Have you thought about giving another instructor a go on a trial basis? I had little confidence with my first two and resorted to telling the second instructor that I'd run out of money to try a lesson with a third. Never looked back after that. A different car may also help you; I was initially with BSM and doing fine in a Vauxhall, but could never park the Fiat and it all went downhill from there.
You will get there. I went to 6th form with my best friend who is about to start learning, and three others. The other three started learning after me and they all passed before me, first time. I got depressed over it and had absolutely no confidence on the day of my 2nd test. I nearly didn't bother turning up for it! That was the test I passed.
Good luck :)
this is my third instructor, he is great, and I think I just need to start believing that I can do it. He thinks I can, its just whe I have a bad lesson, it really shakes me up.
My instructor was great when I had a bad lesson... he was very friendly and reassuring.. I think that is what kept me going
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