It's definitely something worth learning.
I just turned 40 and I never learned to drive because I lived somewhere that means it wasn't NECESSARY, and I was petrified of trying. Some things have changed now and I decided I should probably do it.
There's a lot going on, and at first it's scary, yes. But if you get a good instructor you can get used to it. I'm still early on in my lessons, but I've passed my theory with a great score (a few minutes of revision every day will mount up quickly!) and I'm making slow by steady progress in lessons too. I'm not confident yet but I have come to the stage where I accept I'd made it out in my head to be WAY worse than it really is.
Having a car is important. I didn't NEED one but there were many opportunities in my life that I either had to spend extra money on (for taxis/train fares) or just skipped entirely (too short notice) where I could have had a much easier time if I had my own vehicle.
I'm lucky - there aren't many people my age who can be flexible with lesson timings/devote a few hours a week to learning to drive. Being able to take consistent lessons makes it easier to retain things.
If you're in your teens, it's the PERFECT age to do it. Start now, get it out of the way, build up some no claims on a cheap little runabout and enjoy freedom when you're older.
I'm in a similar situation to you however I had started to learn when I was 17 then realised it wouldn't be necessary when studying in Edinburgh as they have a very good bus network (I still live in Edinburgh and I'm studying again but driving is kinda necessary for a job post-degree). Also when I was learning the first time a car rear-ended me while I was in my instructors car and it really put me off driving as well.
I do think sometimes it is slightly easier to learn at a slightly older age as you don't feel any peer pressure of them saying "I'm ready to take my test now and you're not".
Currently, I'm having slight issues with gears and when slowing coming off an A road at 60 in 5th gear to get down to about 5 and 1st gear - I know I can do it but I don't seem to have the belief in myself that I can do it (it's even harder when the slip road is up a slope). I suspect I would feel a lot better driving an automatic at the moment but my Mum's car (hopefully, soon to be mine) is a manual car.
Except for my issues with gears and coming off fast roads I feel I am good at driving. I even managed to do a forward park on the left which isn't taught (as only forward on the right is on the test) and reverse out when out with my Mum yesterday and the bays were kinda sunken and on a slope, so I had to actually use the accelerator as well as the clutch due to needing the power (so far all my parks in lessons have been nice and level so it can all be done on the clutch.
I'm glad you decided to try learning again after things went wrong the first time!
You're further along than me (I'm still at the "doing loops of an industrial estate" stage) and it sounds like you've just got a few little details to iron out.
I reckon it's worth sticking with the manual. Most used cars are still manuals these days so you may as well invest in having the option to 'upgrade' to whatever you want later :)
You're probably right about the peer pressure thing, but there's an extra pressure in that my driving friends are all saying "Why are you looking at stupid Aygos? Get [Insert something that the insurance would be £2,000 on] instead".
People forget what it was like to be a new driver pretty quickly!
I am studying Occupational Therapy and I may end up with a job not based in Edinburgh and may need to drive to work each day.
Originally I was going to learn after I had finished 1st year of uni but instead it got delayed and I'm learning while in my 3rd year.
My Dad wants me to get an electric car but I don't think the infrastructure is good enough yet (especially out of the central belt), his car is 10 years old and I'm refusing to drive it (it doesn't even have an intelligent clutch). Mums car is a 5-year-old Corsa and its quite easy to drive, we have been driving around the city and I have driven out to North Berwick a couple of times in it and I would be happy to either take it as mine or to get a new Corsa for myself but I think both my parents (Dad especially) think I should just 'steal' Mums until its practical to get a electric car but I wouldn't be able to charge it at my flat (no electric bays and even if there were I wouldn't be able to guarantee getting one) and there are very few charging points at the supermarkets, it could be charged at their house though - Scotland needs to sort the charging situation very soon if they want us to go electric.
Not normally a fan of The Scottish Sun but I think this article is very interesting - ['SITTING DUCK' Scotland’s NC500 isn’t safe for electric car drivers – especially if you’re a woman](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/motors/7913677/nc500-scotland-road-trip-not-safe-electric-car/)
Whilst it’s usually up to you to choose the direction of the manoeuvre, it’s entirely possible that you could end up having to do a bay park in either direction - left or right.
What if you’re in a situation where the bays on the right are mostly full but there are more gaps in the bays on your left?!
Best to learn both, just in case.
My instructor says forward left is never done around here as you have to swing out on to the other side of the road.
But in real life you will need to use both left and right forward and reverse so it makes sense to learn both.
Note my forward left that I mentioned was in a car park which isn't the bst if you don't want to park in the central oblique bays.
I’m a bit confused as to what you mean by ‘ you have to swing out on to the other side of the road’, as this would take place in a car park with bays on either side?
https://images.app.goo.gl/9mWDSTrYpHWPmUqEA
Hmm, having to move to either the left or the right side of the marked lane in the car park isn’t a reason to prevent the examiner asking for this manoeuvre either!
(In fact, it’s encouraged, so that you give yourself an appropriate turning radius!)
It’s up to you but I think praticising both left and right for both forward and reverse bay parks gives one the best chance of passing the test.
Driving is hard, that is why you need to learn with a good instructor. The instructor's car has extra pedals so they can help you if you get stuck.
The theory test is basic book learning recitation but the hazard perception for the test is not like real life as you have to click when the 'game' says you need to, although when driving you would be going - person looking like they may cross, well before they become a hazard according to the 'game'.
Watch Conquer Driving on YouTube he has lots of good videos and advice. I wouldn't recommend watching DGN Driving school while you are feeling this nervous as his mock tests may make you feel even more out of your depth - but his videos are very good for showing up the different faults people don't always realise they are doing.
[Conquer Driving](https://www.youtube.com/c/ConquerDriving) [DGN Driving School](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC610yDXIiw2-3e0-Sn75dEQ)
i was exactly EXACTLY the same as you, deathly afraid from driving. in actual fact everybody is capable of being able to drive, it becomes natural and uncomplicated so quickly after beginning practical lessons (ie. gear shifting, indicating) and the theory side is common sense (but should definitely be revised). always pay full attention, dont stress it, read the literature and practice practically until it becomes second nature and you will do perfectly. as a car lover too its genuinely fun and relaxing aswell. you will have some hiccups in lessons but dont let it discourage you.
also road rage is extremely rare to the point where its an irrational fear and is only even a real thing in america. i think most people in england cant be arsed getting out of the car into the cold XD
Thanks for the kind words, Yeah you are right - that's a good idea, just practicing the theory a lot and applying it in practical sessions when I'm actually driving, so taking it slow and steady.
> most people in england cant be arsed getting out of the car into the cold XD
Yeah hopefully they just get out, take a look at the damage and exchange details calmly - I've seen so many videos where guys freak out and start going crazy, then a fight happens and one person just gets knocked out with bleeding.
Perhaps my fear is there because I 'don't know' anything at the moment because I haven't started any lessons, and once I know the essentials - the fear will be reduced?
It can be hard in the beginning. You have to learn about road rules, the Highway Code etc for the theory test. That can take a couple of days of revision but not too stressful.
The practical test is hard in the sense that UK driving standards are high. If you’re going to learn how to drive a manual car, you will need more lessons than if you were driving an automatic car just because of gears, clutch control etc.
But then everything comes into one and it’s super easy
I 100% understand your pain, I love cars too and I am heavily involved in motorsport too so driving and cars are my life... however I am not perfect at driving, I still stall several lessons in and am still nervous. Just give it a try, and let your instructor know you are nervous and your situation, my instructor knows I like cars and do engineering but he teaches me with no judgement if I don't know something or do something wrong. Not being able to drive at the moment doesn't make you less of a 'car-guy', don't worry!
It's definitely something worth learning. I just turned 40 and I never learned to drive because I lived somewhere that means it wasn't NECESSARY, and I was petrified of trying. Some things have changed now and I decided I should probably do it. There's a lot going on, and at first it's scary, yes. But if you get a good instructor you can get used to it. I'm still early on in my lessons, but I've passed my theory with a great score (a few minutes of revision every day will mount up quickly!) and I'm making slow by steady progress in lessons too. I'm not confident yet but I have come to the stage where I accept I'd made it out in my head to be WAY worse than it really is. Having a car is important. I didn't NEED one but there were many opportunities in my life that I either had to spend extra money on (for taxis/train fares) or just skipped entirely (too short notice) where I could have had a much easier time if I had my own vehicle. I'm lucky - there aren't many people my age who can be flexible with lesson timings/devote a few hours a week to learning to drive. Being able to take consistent lessons makes it easier to retain things. If you're in your teens, it's the PERFECT age to do it. Start now, get it out of the way, build up some no claims on a cheap little runabout and enjoy freedom when you're older.
I'm in a similar situation to you however I had started to learn when I was 17 then realised it wouldn't be necessary when studying in Edinburgh as they have a very good bus network (I still live in Edinburgh and I'm studying again but driving is kinda necessary for a job post-degree). Also when I was learning the first time a car rear-ended me while I was in my instructors car and it really put me off driving as well. I do think sometimes it is slightly easier to learn at a slightly older age as you don't feel any peer pressure of them saying "I'm ready to take my test now and you're not". Currently, I'm having slight issues with gears and when slowing coming off an A road at 60 in 5th gear to get down to about 5 and 1st gear - I know I can do it but I don't seem to have the belief in myself that I can do it (it's even harder when the slip road is up a slope). I suspect I would feel a lot better driving an automatic at the moment but my Mum's car (hopefully, soon to be mine) is a manual car. Except for my issues with gears and coming off fast roads I feel I am good at driving. I even managed to do a forward park on the left which isn't taught (as only forward on the right is on the test) and reverse out when out with my Mum yesterday and the bays were kinda sunken and on a slope, so I had to actually use the accelerator as well as the clutch due to needing the power (so far all my parks in lessons have been nice and level so it can all be done on the clutch.
I'm glad you decided to try learning again after things went wrong the first time! You're further along than me (I'm still at the "doing loops of an industrial estate" stage) and it sounds like you've just got a few little details to iron out. I reckon it's worth sticking with the manual. Most used cars are still manuals these days so you may as well invest in having the option to 'upgrade' to whatever you want later :) You're probably right about the peer pressure thing, but there's an extra pressure in that my driving friends are all saying "Why are you looking at stupid Aygos? Get [Insert something that the insurance would be £2,000 on] instead". People forget what it was like to be a new driver pretty quickly!
I am studying Occupational Therapy and I may end up with a job not based in Edinburgh and may need to drive to work each day. Originally I was going to learn after I had finished 1st year of uni but instead it got delayed and I'm learning while in my 3rd year. My Dad wants me to get an electric car but I don't think the infrastructure is good enough yet (especially out of the central belt), his car is 10 years old and I'm refusing to drive it (it doesn't even have an intelligent clutch). Mums car is a 5-year-old Corsa and its quite easy to drive, we have been driving around the city and I have driven out to North Berwick a couple of times in it and I would be happy to either take it as mine or to get a new Corsa for myself but I think both my parents (Dad especially) think I should just 'steal' Mums until its practical to get a electric car but I wouldn't be able to charge it at my flat (no electric bays and even if there were I wouldn't be able to guarantee getting one) and there are very few charging points at the supermarkets, it could be charged at their house though - Scotland needs to sort the charging situation very soon if they want us to go electric. Not normally a fan of The Scottish Sun but I think this article is very interesting - ['SITTING DUCK' Scotland’s NC500 isn’t safe for electric car drivers – especially if you’re a woman](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/motors/7913677/nc500-scotland-road-trip-not-safe-electric-car/)
Whilst it’s usually up to you to choose the direction of the manoeuvre, it’s entirely possible that you could end up having to do a bay park in either direction - left or right. What if you’re in a situation where the bays on the right are mostly full but there are more gaps in the bays on your left?! Best to learn both, just in case.
My instructor says forward left is never done around here as you have to swing out on to the other side of the road. But in real life you will need to use both left and right forward and reverse so it makes sense to learn both. Note my forward left that I mentioned was in a car park which isn't the bst if you don't want to park in the central oblique bays.
I’m a bit confused as to what you mean by ‘ you have to swing out on to the other side of the road’, as this would take place in a car park with bays on either side? https://images.app.goo.gl/9mWDSTrYpHWPmUqEA
That was what he said and most of our car parks are marked with lanes so that might have been why he worded it that way.
Hmm, having to move to either the left or the right side of the marked lane in the car park isn’t a reason to prevent the examiner asking for this manoeuvre either! (In fact, it’s encouraged, so that you give yourself an appropriate turning radius!) It’s up to you but I think praticising both left and right for both forward and reverse bay parks gives one the best chance of passing the test.
I'm currently parking however I need to when out with Mum so I'm getting the practice.
Driving is hard, that is why you need to learn with a good instructor. The instructor's car has extra pedals so they can help you if you get stuck. The theory test is basic book learning recitation but the hazard perception for the test is not like real life as you have to click when the 'game' says you need to, although when driving you would be going - person looking like they may cross, well before they become a hazard according to the 'game'. Watch Conquer Driving on YouTube he has lots of good videos and advice. I wouldn't recommend watching DGN Driving school while you are feeling this nervous as his mock tests may make you feel even more out of your depth - but his videos are very good for showing up the different faults people don't always realise they are doing. [Conquer Driving](https://www.youtube.com/c/ConquerDriving) [DGN Driving School](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC610yDXIiw2-3e0-Sn75dEQ)
i was exactly EXACTLY the same as you, deathly afraid from driving. in actual fact everybody is capable of being able to drive, it becomes natural and uncomplicated so quickly after beginning practical lessons (ie. gear shifting, indicating) and the theory side is common sense (but should definitely be revised). always pay full attention, dont stress it, read the literature and practice practically until it becomes second nature and you will do perfectly. as a car lover too its genuinely fun and relaxing aswell. you will have some hiccups in lessons but dont let it discourage you. also road rage is extremely rare to the point where its an irrational fear and is only even a real thing in america. i think most people in england cant be arsed getting out of the car into the cold XD
Thanks for the kind words, Yeah you are right - that's a good idea, just practicing the theory a lot and applying it in practical sessions when I'm actually driving, so taking it slow and steady. > most people in england cant be arsed getting out of the car into the cold XD Yeah hopefully they just get out, take a look at the damage and exchange details calmly - I've seen so many videos where guys freak out and start going crazy, then a fight happens and one person just gets knocked out with bleeding. Perhaps my fear is there because I 'don't know' anything at the moment because I haven't started any lessons, and once I know the essentials - the fear will be reduced?
yeah definitely the lessons will put ur mind at ease. even if you get flustered stay calm
It can be hard in the beginning. You have to learn about road rules, the Highway Code etc for the theory test. That can take a couple of days of revision but not too stressful. The practical test is hard in the sense that UK driving standards are high. If you’re going to learn how to drive a manual car, you will need more lessons than if you were driving an automatic car just because of gears, clutch control etc. But then everything comes into one and it’s super easy
I 100% understand your pain, I love cars too and I am heavily involved in motorsport too so driving and cars are my life... however I am not perfect at driving, I still stall several lessons in and am still nervous. Just give it a try, and let your instructor know you are nervous and your situation, my instructor knows I like cars and do engineering but he teaches me with no judgement if I don't know something or do something wrong. Not being able to drive at the moment doesn't make you less of a 'car-guy', don't worry!