2nd Test - Failed

Today was my 2nd test and I failed it yet again.

I had the same driving examiner as last time, he asked me the questions on Handbrake and condition of tyres. Which i got right.

We drove off and avoided the large roundabout I failed on last time.

I had a double take at reversing around the corner, and for that I got a minor

I had a total of 4 minors in total

But my serious faults were for waving a car on to take the same turning as I was, even though I had right of way.
He also said that I indicated the wrong way at the roundabout.
I did have trouble parking the car at the end, where I stalled it three times, but this didnt go down on my form

Anyway next text is booked for mid February, but my instructor will be keeping an eye for any cancellations that come up inbetween now and then.

So fingers crossed - third time lucky

Much better lesson today

I quite enjoyed my lesson today, we did alot of town work, and covered roundabouts again. I have been shown to look past the previous junction and to see what the oncoming traffic is doing there. This did seem to help.

5th December

My driving instructor picked me up about 9.10 as usual. And I drove over to Taunton, about 40 minutes in a light on the dashboard lit up, and my instructor looked frantically to find out what it was in the manual. It didnt appear to be anything important, he said, so we carried on.

Just after all the dashboard died and then no power. I pulled over unable to use indicators or hazards. And the RAC were called.

It was pouring with rain, and after about an hour and a half, they pulled. up. It was decided that the alternator had gone, but this particular RAC man was unable to tow us, so we had to wait for another. After many hours sat in the car, watching the rain falling. I got home at 2.05pm

Two lessons now booked in for next week

Not much to report today

I did two hours of driving around, did some parallel parking (perfectly, i might add) and some reversing around corners (perfectly again) and also an emergency stop.

Just trying to get in as much practise on the road as is possible before the big day.

I will pass, I will pass, I will pass ................................. one day !

Back to old school

I had my first lesson after having a couple of weeks break. And I was really really relax about it today.
Did lots of driving amongst other traffic. Did a few roundabouts and generally got me back into the swing of it.
Next week we will have a lesson on manueveres and just remind me of them all.
My test is booked again - I know when it is - but I am keeping it a secret from you all.
Enjoyed today lots.

Today was my test - failed

After weeks and weeks of guessing when my test was, it arrived today. I had actually guessed it was today, so it wasnt too much of a shock, still had quite a good relationship with the loo prior.

We arrived in Taunton about an hour before the test appointment and we sat in the car, running through the pointers and the questions i would get asked.
We then went for coffee - the first time i really felt relaxed with my instructor

We arrived at the test centre 10 mins before my appointed 10.44 slot. Out came the examiner and checked my paperwork.

And out to the car, leaving my instructor sat in the waiting room.

I was asked about oil, and headlights, as my show and tell questions

We set off and headed off to Town centre.

I had to do a reverse around a corner and a bay park.

But I got a serious fault on a roundabout, where i pulled out, and the examiner felt that a car had to slow down to let me out. Not sure i agree!

Anyway next test will probably be in December, My instructor is gonna take me for a few booster lessons just before it. He will ring me later when he as booked it.

How much longer?

Well another week went past and it wasnt my test.

We drove over to Taunton again today (sorry I mean I drove), around all the little roads by the test centre.

I did ok with the maneuvres, but still managed to stall about 4 times on junctions. Other than that my driving was ok-ish

My instructor ran through all the points of the test to prepare me for the looming big day!

I did double check that there are toilets in the test centre, cos I am sure i will need them!

9th October

Well todays lesson wasnt very good.

I stalled many times, was in the wrong lane at a roundabout and got quite flustered.

Everyone says you have a crap lesson the one before your test, lets hope that was it.

Almost there

Todays lesson was yet another mock test, I would have passed apart from one thing. I forgot to signal as i changed lanes.

Wednesday 26th Sept

We did another mock test today, and although I would have failed again, My instructor said that I had made tremendous improvements over the past few weeks.

I failed as i touched the kerb with the back wheel on a corner, and also allowed the car to roll back whilst waiting for lights to change on a hill.

But my lesson was a good one, next one is next Tuesday. I will start to take my Kalms from Monday as I am sure my test is only a matter of weeks away now.

Tuesday 25 Sept

I was all ready to do a lesson, when the instructor never showed. I phoned him to be told that I had got my days muddled, and it was tomorrow at 9am

Almost there

I had my 54th and 55th driving hour lessons today. I had a good lesson, quite enjoyed it actually.
By certain things that were said, I believe I have my test coming up on Tuesday. Not been confirmed by just a gut feeling I have.
So fingers crossed (plus toes, eyes, arms and legs)

53rd learning hour

Had my extra hour lesson today, I drove in and around town, which was great, cos lots of roundabouts and traffic lights.

I only stalled it once too. REALLY PLEASED WITH MYSELF.

I've been to the seaside

We drove in a completely different direction today, and I ended up at Weston Super Mare. Its quite a fast road out there, but I think I did ok.

I only stalled car twice, and the first time was 10 yards from my house!

I decided that I need a couple of extra lesson, just to build my confidence up. So I am gonna have a couple of extra hours each week. The next lesson is tomorrow at 11.30.

After that its next Wednesday for my 2 hour lesson, and then the following Tuesday.

Dont feel quite so stressed after todays lesson, probably because I wasnt being pulled apart in a test scenario

Arghhhhh!

After a shite afternoon, I have come to a decision.

If I fail my test (which i expect to do), I am going to tell my current instructor that I am gonna take a couple months break.

Without taking a break I am going to rebook with a new instructor with an automatic car. Daves car is automatic, which he will allow me to drive when I pass. To be totally honest, Dave will stick with automatics through choice anyway. So that answers that.

50 Down - hopefully less than 50 to go!

50 hours later, and I still stall the car when trying to pull away at most junctions. Did another mock test, and yet again would have failed.

Perhaps I will never pass my test.

Putting the stalling aside, I also kept wandering too far into the middle of the road.

My test is now put back as far as it can go. It can not be altered again. So sink or swim

Feeling very deflated yet again, each driving lesson gets me more and more pissed off with the whole thing.
Why can 17 year old, drug crazed kids pass, when I, a mature, sensible woman, cant even get the grips of the car right.

Instructor away again next week. So next lesson 12th September at 9am

Driving Lesson (hours 47- 48)

Todays lesson was initially going to be at 6pm. Luckily the pupil who was due to be first today, cancelled so I took their place.

We did yet another mock test. It seemed ages before my instructor had to write notes for himself, but soon enough he was scribbling on his piece of paper

a) my observation today was much better
b) Hillstart was terrible, stalled
c) then had trouble with turn in the road on a hill, as I stalled again about 4 times
d) forgot to change down a gear on a roundabout
e) struggled to get up a hill (because I was in 4th gear)
f) parallel parked perfectly (see I can do it - occasionally)

Next lesson is next Thursday, then instructor is away in Ireland the following week, so missing one that week.

Another Lesson

I was dreading todays lesson, more than any other. I guess it was because, last weeks was so bad.

Anyway, didnt do maneuvres today, we did another mock test. And yet again I would have failed.

1) Reversed around corner badly
2) was in 4th gear when should have been in 5th
3) Wasnt looking in rear mirror as often as i should have
4) Turned right whilst there was a 'fast' oncoming Lorry
5) clipped the curb with back wheel

BUT I did do the park in bay perfectly

Oh well, another £40 down the pan!

Next lesson booked for Tuesday evening at 6pm - Oh dear, bad time of day for me really

Rubbish Lesson

Today should have been my driving test - but wasnt !!

Instructor said we would spend the day in town, doing manoeuvres. I probably had the worse lesson so far today. Could I get anything right - like hell i could

Normally my lessons are 9am, todays was 12 noon. I am much better earlier on a morning, by 12 I am normally considering an afternoon nap. It was hot and sunny and the roads were very busy.

Decided I hate driving ............

Test postponed

I feel a little de-flated after my driving lesson.

I had found out that my test was for 10th August. With two more lessons booked between now and then.

My instuctor now tells me that he is away next week, and will still take me for my lesson on the 10th, but doesnt feel I am quite upto scratch to sit my test on that day.So he is putting it back.

I know it would be better for me not to take it until we are both confident that I could pass. But also feel a bit gutted that if he wasnt away then I would get those couple of extra lessons in, and probably be ready for it by then.

Oh well, it might be September by the time I get one now.

Just hope postponing it will raise the chances of me passing first time.

Jet Lag

I really do seem to have jet lag, concentration is rubbish and by 2pm every afternoon I have wanted to go to sleep. Where as overnight, I am wide awake .... grrrrrr!!!!!

Driving Lesson this morning at 9am, practising lane work. I seem to be able to swap lanes very easily, especially when I am not supposed to. Only stalled the car once!

Told instructor that no other lessons were booked, and he opened his diary and there standing out at me was my test date.

I have told my hubby when it is, but will not tell anyone else, until its done!

Anyway another lesson next Thursday at 9am

Off to Florida

I just had my last driving lesson before Florida. We did a mock test, and guess what I failed..... I am not surprised.
Kept getting cocked up with which lane I should be in and then changing my mind half way around the roundabout - Oh well, I have got my mind on other things.
He did say that my manuevres were excellant, and my observation was good, and if anything those were the two things I was most concerned about.
Next lesson booked for 17th July at 9am
Right i am off to make sure these cases are ready to go!

Show Me Tell Me

Todays lesson was doing maneuvres again, which I am glad to say I think I have got almost sussed now.

We then run through the procedure for the test, and I have been given a list of possible questions for the 'show me tell me' part of the test, to which i have to learn

We are doing a mock test next week in Taunton.

Then I am away for a fortnight after that and have no further lessons booked as yet.

Driving Test Booked

My driving instructor phoned me today, to get my theory pass certificate and my date of birth, so that he can book my driving test.

He then rung me later in the day, to say that all booked, and to take provisional license and theory pass certificate with me for every lesson now.

I had asked him to book it without me know the date, as I tend to get all worked up, and knowing I have 'maybe six' weeks to go until the big day, does me no favours.

He has also cancelled this Thursdays lesson and booked me in for Wednesday at 11.30 instead

Lesson hours 33 & 34

When i jumped into the car this morning, My driving instructor was booking someone elses test. The earliest appointment was 3rd August, quite a few weeks away. He still hasnt booked mine so we are looking at mid August before I get the chance to try.

We spent the whole 2 hours reversing around corners and parallel parking, by the end of the lesson, I almost had it mastered. Gonna give it another go next week, as i really need to feel confident doing them.

Hours 31+ 32

Just came back from my driving lesson (hours 31 + 32).

Only did manoeuvres and found them bloody hard.

But he laughed it off and said he was amazed when I did a three point turn first time perfect, still not booked my test yet, as he didnt ask for money.

More Manoeuvres

I am just crap at doing manoeuvres. We drove all the way to Taunton to practise. So the next two lessons we are staying in my town and gonna do nothing but parallel parking, reversing round corners etc. Which is great cos I really do need more practise.

My instructor is gonna book my test, he is not gonna tell me when its for, I just have to be prepared and take driving license and theory certificate with me every lesson, as soon as he tells me that it is booked. That way I don't have weeks and weeks to worry over it.

He will just pick me up as usual and off to the test centre we will go!

Today was lesson hour 29 & 30

Lesson hour 27 & 28

Really Good Lesson, actually quite enjoyed it.

Drove to and through Taunton, which is much busyier than my town. Yes I still stalled the car a few times by not giving enough gas when pulling away. But I am really proud of how it went today.

Even got to talking about booking my test. Said it wont be long, and there is already a 6 week waiting list, so I recon by the summer holidays are here, I will be attempting it.

Today I even had to park in a public car park for real, whilst my instructor popped into a shop - cheeky monkey!!

No lesson next week, as my instuctor is off golfing, but I have another booked for the following week on the Wednesday

At least I am smiling today, after my lesson, which is a major improvement on last weeks

Driving Lesson, hours 25 & 26

Well it was such a bad lesson, anyone would think it was only hour 3.

I kept forgetting to look in rear view mirror, forgetting to put the clutch down when i was braking, therefore stalling about 6 times.

I couldnt get anything right today.

I think my instructor could tell I was a bit dis-heartened, cos he said that we would still plod on and for me not to loose any sleep over this morning.

I did do staggered junctions today, and I think I did them okay.

Will be driving through Taunton town centre next week, lots of slow moving traffic!!

Good Bye Punto

I have decided to sell my car. I am not giving up learning, its just that my car does not have power steering, it has a larger engine than I am learning in, and I havent even sat behind the steering wheel in it, for 5 weeks now.

It seems such a waste.

So I have a buyer, he is giving me the same price as Hubby paid for it, so we havent lost out there.

I will spend £100 on myself (as the car was a birthday present) and bank the rest, for when i do pass my test and then put it towards another one. One i can test drive myself!!

Hubby bought me that one with the best intentions, but its just not suited to me, and the pain in my foot whilst I am driving it is horrendous.

Driving Lesson hours 23 & 24

Just got back from todays lesson. Didnt go too bad, bearing in mind I havent driven in 2 weeks.
I also havent driven my own car in about 4 weeks. Think I will sell it as I am not comfortable driving it, it has no power steering and the accelorator pedal gives me cramp in the front of my foot. Its such a waste of a car, sat there doing nothing. I can always get another one, when and if I pass my test.

Well today we dealt with narrow roads with cars parked both sides, and having to deal with oncoming traffic. I think i got there in the end.

Much the same next week he says.

Also have a problem going from 5th gear into 4th, keep going into 2nd. Gotta practise that lots too.

Dual Carriageways

I was more nervous that usual today, even contemplated chucking the whole thing in last night, in a moment of weakness.

The main way through town was chock-a-block with traffic. so we went the back roads, down all the country lanes, back over to Taunton.

I did ok today, Only managed to stall 3 times, which is a major improvement on previous weeks.

Didnt do any stupid mistakes today, remembered to use the brakes, and even used the gears as much as I could remember. At one point I was doing 60 miles an hour although, I didnt really feel in control of the car at that point.

Nigel, my instructor, told me to drive a little way only holding the steering wheel with my right hand. As I seem to steer to the left when changing gear, not sure what that proved cos I wasnt changing gear when he told me to do that anyway.

Week off next week as I am in Belfast, at a friends wedding. I'm quite relieved not to behaving a lesson if i am honest

Roundabouts in Taunton

God that was scary!

When I got out the car, my shirt was soaked and stuck to me. I found the whole journey across to Taunton nice and easy, until we hit the multitude of roundabouts.

Twice I forgot to stop the car, with the instructor having to use his pedels.

I was able to judge the gaps, just not always quick enough to actually get in them

*note myself, need more gas*

Then we had a plonker try and cut me up, which threw me into a dither.

More of the same next week ..... great, cant wait *not*!!

And I need to get my speed up and use 'all' the gears, not just sit in 3rd, where I feel comfortable

Last lesson in my town

Today was the last lesson I will be having in my town. Next week we move onto the town in which I will have having my test.

The lesson today, was doing the manoeuvres over and over again. Trying to get them right, failing lots of times.

Three point turn went well
So did emergency stop
Eventually managed to get the parallel parking almost right, and also the parking in bays wasnt quite so good as last week, same with reversing around the corners.

But I do feel full of a cold, and I'm not making excuses, but I was very close to cancelling todays appointment, because I have such a thick head!

Even attempted to pull away, whilst still having the handbrake on - DOH!!!

Anyway, I am still determined to push on with lessons and get that pink license.

Hour 15 + 16

Just come back from my 8th double lesson. Which surprisingly was a good lesson.

I was able to park into bays, with no problems at all. Did it three times brilliantly (even if i say so myself)

Did some reversing around corners to, which was a bit more difficult.

I asked my driver if when it comes to booking my test, could he book it without me knowing. I'd prefer not to know when it was, as I know I will get myself into a right pickle in the lead upto it. He is gonna think on it and get back to me.

Next week is more practise with the manoeuvres and then the following week we are off to to the town where I will be taking my test

My log book for my car arrived today, so she is officially mine

Positive Attitude

Just took the family over to see my eldest son. It was his 23rd Birthday today. He lives about 6 miles away, and I drove. Dealt with two roundabouts and drove on the main A road, managed to keep under the speed limit, just as well as there are two speed cameras on the way. Actually I was quite alot under the speed limit, quite a few cars were over taking me, but hey - I dont care.

I tried to go with a positive attitude, and I think it helped. Hubby drove home, but I was very pleased with what I achieved tonight.

My Birthday

As my Punto was my birthday pressie from Hubby, thought we ought to go for a ride in her. Hubby drove down to a shopping precinct and I drove around the car park, getting used to pulling away from a stop position. This is something that has played on my mind for a while, since finding out the way I am being taught to pull away is not correct. I am being told not to use and gas, so everytime I stall the car. So I drove around for about 20 minutes, stopping and starting, didnt stall the car once - think this proves my point!

Then we popped in Morrisons for a fry-up breakfast - yummy in my tummy

mindgames

I know I have had only 14 hours of driving lessons, but I can not believe how nervous i am getting. I know I am a 41 year old who lacks in self confidence and generally am quite a nervy sort of person. But my nerves are getting the better of me. I dread getting into the car, I dread junctions. I dread driving.

I so want to enjoy my lessons and feel some form of achievement when i get home, except all I do is dwell on the stuff I did wrong or couldnt do.

My next lesson isnt until next Thursday, and if I think about it, I get butterflies in my stomach already

Also feeling a bit of pressure, now that i have my own car, that I should enjoy it and should be doing well. But I am sure I am doing rubbish, I keep having mental blocks, my co-ordination is crap and the whole thing is doing my head in.

Everyone saying "your doing so well" and "you sound like a natural", just makes me feel that I have given everyone the wrong impression about my driving skills. Yes i did fantastically well in the Theory, but practical is proving to be VERY VERY difficult.

Night Driving

Went for a 10 minute drive in the dark yesterday evening. Didnt find the darkness a problem.

Wish the car ran a bit more smoothly, I had moved the seat back a notch, because of the pain I got in my foot last time I drove. And Hubby seems to think I didnt seem to have enough pressure on the gas peddle. Anyway after 10 minutes, I lost my nerve and asked Hubby to take over.

I really hope i can master this, I dont want to start hating my car .... which I am afraid I may do, real soon.

Another lesson cancelled

Just had a phonecall from instructor, to change lesson from 9am to 2pm this Friday. I told him it wasnt convenient and therefore havent got a lesson this week. Cant deal with a 2pm lesson, gives me hours to get myself into a pickle. Next one on Hubbys birthday, 29th March.

Sunday Drive

Well I took Feeby out for a spin, we went about 14 miles. Few hick-ups but then again its a different car, with a more powerful engine. First hick-up was the magnetic L plate blew off the front and we had to stop and chase after it. Then drove off into a little village with a VERY sharp left turning, I almost lost control of the car, nearly ended up in someones living room. Had a bit of a cramp in the front of my right foot, perhaps the seat on the car needs adjusting.

Theory Test

I PASSED
Mulitple Choice 35/35
Hazard Perception 64/75
I cant believe it

Its Arrived

MY CAR IS HERE, havent had a drive in it yet, as it was quite late when it arrived yesterday. Might whizz it round the block later, Hectic day tomorrow with Theory. Sunday morning looks the most hopeful for a proper ride.Managed to drive it from the back of the house to the front, went up over the curb, as it does not have power steering. But that wont beat me.

Reversing

(Learning Hours, 13 + 14) Driving lesson went well. Bit of reversing, three point turns, parallel parking and emergency stops. Brand new car, wouldnt start unless i gave it some excelleration. Didnt have to on old one.

6th Lesson

(Learning Hours, 11 + 12) Back from driving lesson, didnt do any reversing today, thats gonna be next week. Done more roundabouts today. I managed to stall right in the middle of the busiest roundabout in town - whoops. Told him i had a new car, and asked him what i should practise, he said just driving generally, no need to any fancy stuff. Its just a case of gaining confidence on the road.

Chose my Car

I GOT A CAR ..... I GOT A CAR ...... I GOT A CAR I went and saw the Fiat Punto 60S and its lovely, its a nice shade of blue, not too dark, three door and all mine. Just been ringing round trying to get insurance sorted. Looks like Diamond are the cheapest so far at £332 per year. Not bad, bearing in mind i aint passed me test yet!

Car Hunting

We went looking at some cars over the weekend. Found a really nice small DAIHATSU CUORE (never heard of them before), only a 800cc engine, R reg, white, MOT til Sept - looked really nice Also found a Nissan Micra, M Reg, 1000cc engine, MOT till Dec, both were £995 which i told Hubby was much too expensive for my first car. We then looked at a purple Vauxhall Corsa, with Full Mot, L Reg for £795. I think Hubby would prefer me to have a Vauxhall as he has stuck with Vauxhalls and both my boys own then too. Hubby has already told me that if i get a car, it is a Birthday present. I am just so keen to get some practise in now. I really wanna pass my test. Even though i had a dream last night that i was sitting my theory, and the screen on the computer kept going blank, and and i failed.

5th Lesson

(Learning Hours, 9 + 10) I just got back from my 5th driving lesson. So that is 10 hours learning I have had so far. According to the instructor it can take between 30 - 40 hours practise before pupils are good enough to be put in for the test. I kept going from 1st into 4th gear today, Not sure why. I dealt with roundabouts ok, I think. Apart from the time I braked rather than accelerated off the roundabout -whoops! Week off next week, as Instructor is off golfing in Spain. But then we are doing reversing - oh god! Scary thought.

Hill Starts

(Learning Hours, 7 + 8) MY GOD, I just drove right through the middle of town. Hill starts - piece of cake! Next one next Thursday at 9am, Really enjoyed it today Theory Driving Test booked for Saturday 17th March at 8.30am. Hubby bought me an interactive DVD, with the Theory tests on it. first go i got 29 out of 35 (30 being a pass), but since then i have been studying the highway code book. So will have another go in a few days time.

40 miles an hour

Well i have just returned from my 3rd driving lesson (Hours learning 5 + 6). I really enjoyed it again today. Drove out to a little village and went upto 40 miles an hour and into 5th gear. Doing hill starts next week. I explained after the lesson that i was tempted to chuck it in, as i really felt that i couldnt master clutch control, but he actually said i did ok today. He picked me up at 9am, which was much better for me, as i didnt have time to work myself into a lather

Lesson Cancelled

I had a phone call at 10.10am, to say the handbrake on the car was broken, so the lesson was cancelled. He said he would try and fit my in later in the week. So either the car has genuinely broken, or he decided that i was unable to cope with the fog, or he's had a change of heart about teaching me WHO KNOWS!!

Nerves

Well I've got my 3rd driving lesson tomorrow, I have been in a right pickle about it all week. Threatening to chuck it in. I just hope tomorrows goes well.

Crap Lesson

2nd Lesson (Hours 3 +4), Well that driving lesson was shite. Did alot more driving, on the main roads, but managed to stall the car so many times, think the instructor was starting to loose his patience with me. Oh well, he's got me again next week .... not asked me to give up yet!

First Lesson 23rd January 2007

Hour 1 + 2, Well what a BUZZ. I've come back after my driving lesson, feeling really high. He said he was impressed, and that he was sure that i was remembering bits and bobs from when i took my 11 lessons when i was 17. So I've booked up double lessons for the next 4 weeks Watch out Siouxsies about!!!!!