So, day 3 is all about Cars. As soon as I turned 17, I was desperate to get on the road, my mum and dad paid for driving lessons for my 17th birthday present, I put on my ‘L’ plates and I was off, none of this theory test, just read your highway code and get on with it!
At the time I was living in Yorkshire (lots of great hill starts) unfortunately my quest for getting on the road didn’t go very smoothly! One of the main factors was that I actually started seeing my driving instructor (not a good move) so I may not have been concentrating as much as I should when we had a lesson. My first test was in December and it started snowing really heavily, the examiner took me to a village that I had never been to before and where the snow had not been cleared I didn’t realise it was a give way and just carried on round the corner, so that was an immediate fail, but not to be deterred I put in for it the next month and everything was going so well, we were two roads from the test centre on my back, when a car came from nowhere at the T-Junction and I didn’t press my brake quick enough, the examiner pressed his, so another fail! Third time lucky I hoped, I was moving to Norfolk a few weeks later so thought it would be great to drive there myself, but as soon as I arrived at the test centre and I saw which examiner was accompanying me, I knew there was no way I was passing, and I was right. Think of Ann on the Chase and make her three times more scary!!
I gave up on my driving solo dream, I don’t think my dad’s nerves could take much more, so I made the decision to do just a 2 day intensive driving with a test at the end of it. But, alas it was not to be, I only had about 3 minors but I hit the kerb on the three point turn, so another big fat fail. I was determined that this driving wouldn’t beat me, I was just so crap at taking the actual test. This time my driving instructor sat in the back of the car throughout the test, i’m not sure if it was just fluke, or if it really did calm me down, but on 15th February 1995, I passed with flying colours!
So if you haven’t passed your driving test yet, don’t give up!
I had been saving all my money and I bought my very first car, a 1980 Metallic Blue Fiesta Ghia Sports, for £325, she was my pride and joy, for the next few years, she had a sunroof and looks so cool.
Totally worth the wait!
Since her I have had many different cars, I now drive a Peugeot 208 and a 9 seater Tourneo, funny enough my Peugeot is practically the same colour as my first car! But the Tourneo is way bigger…
And there we go, all about cars x
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Just goes to show that you should never give up.
All the best people don’t pass first time… say those who fail at first haha #blogtober17
I never learnt to drive, my only regret. I did make sure that my children both learnt at 17 though
I was the same! I dived straight in at 17… my lessons were a present from my parents but alas it was not to be I did two tests (failed both obvs) and gave up because I was going to uni. I then tried again at 22 and past in 2014 first test round this time! Woop!
Yay I passed 5th time too!! Makes us better drivers I say 😉
I’m still trying to learn – but determined will get there!
I had one of my tests cancelled due to snow, which I was thankful for as I was so nervous x
You certainly didn’t give up! My husband passed on his fifth test, tests make him nervous!
I passed after 4 times – and one other which was cancelled because of the snow (which was probably the best day of my life!!)
I’m 34 and still never learnt. I’d like to but I just haven’t go round to it. My husband drives so though so it’s not a big issue
It took me 4 attempts and my instructor had to join me too… terrible! I still passed within 4 months of turning 17 though!
It took me two attempts to pass my test, the first time the instructor was lovely but I just panicked and messed up big time. Second time the instructor was a misery but that meant he wasn’t chatty, so I could concentrate! I rarely drive now though. I think it’s really harsh that you had to do your first test in snow, my first one was actually delayed for that reason!
Well done you for not giving up. Today is really making me think about trying to learn to drive. x
I like the ‘if at first you don’t succeed’ philosophy! Well done for the perseverance!
I don’t drive either! Think of how much fitter you are.
It took me 3 attempts to pass. I’m just glad we didn’t have a theory test too! #blogtober17
It is worth the wait for the freedom. Bet it was lovely practicing in Yorkshire X #Blogtober17
That’s sheer determination for you. Never giving up.
Glad you carried on……gosh can you imagine 7 kids and not driving?
Well done on sticking it out, don’t realise how scary it is do you?! x #blogtober17
I was totally the opposite to you! haha x
I took 5 attempts to pass my test. I still feel that two of them the examiner was too harsh, haha.
This post fills me with the confidence I need! I’m trying so hard to find the confidence but struggling. Knowing others took time to get to grips with it but didn’t give up helps a lot!
Ah i feel like this will be me too! My lessons are going well but the stress of a test will not be easy
Great to read about your perseverance, had a little chuckle at all those hill starts!
Well done for persevering at learning to drive – although on a couple of occasions it does sound like you were just unlucky
What a brilliant post, I felt like I was there with you! I would have been terrified if my examiner resembled a 10x more scary Ann!! 😮
Good perseverance!! I passed when I was 17 but took my test in an automatic due to back problems. My partner is 34 and I am currently teaching him to drive! He drove me to the hospital to give birth with his L plates on!! #blogtober17
My husband drove me for our first two children with his L plates on and then had to get his dad to pick him up when they induced me and he was needed back at the hospital!