I'm 35 & I'm only just learning to drive. I've been out about 10 times in my own little car & also 2 proper lessons. Im really not enjoying it at all. In my perfect little world I believed people would be understanding & considerate to learners. In reality I've discovered drivers HATE learners. Not only are they NOT considerate they actually do stupid & even dangerous things to not be behind one. It has really put me off learning even more. Its obvious with the age I am staring to learn I have never really wanted to but we want to move to the country soon & how will I get on if I can't drive?! I just drove to the gym & I've got changed but im still shaking. I don't want to give up but Im wondering if it will ever get ant better

Trust me it will get better with time
Not that other drivers will be any nicer to you, but you will become more confident and learn to handle situations
After I passed my test, I paid for another 16hrs of lessons with my instructor because I always panicked when I was on the road and even after that I would never drive without hubby in the car.
I used to be a nervous wreck, and would allow no radio or any movement in the car in case it distracted me LOL
But now I am fine, despite it taking longer than others
You will enjoy it more once the confidence kicks in
And think of all the nice places you and poppy can drive to!

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If you want the best seat in the house, you've got to move the Chihuahuas!

Can you go out away from heavy traffic areas and get comfortable with driving ?

Remember you can't control what people behind you are doing, so don't waste
energy worrying over it or them. All you can do is watch the road ahead and avoid any potential problems that come up.

If there is an accident where the car behind you rams into you, 99% of the time
the person behind you is held responsible, legally. It's their job not to run into other people.

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I didn't really learn to drive until I was 21. I had been driving before, then took a few years where my boyfriend drove me everywhere and I was living in a college dorm and had no need to drive. I have some social anxiety so I almost never went anywhere alone, and that resulted in me never driving anywhere new!

Finally that relationship ended (after 5 years of being together) and I had to learn to be my own person. I just decided one day that I WOULD learn how to drive! I spent time going to places that were short distances and familiar to me. I actually drove on some really busy roads because the area where I lived was non-stop traffic. I actually think that, though it was scarier, it helped me learn to be a better driver than if I had only practiced in "safe" zones. I just took heart knowing that I was a much safer driver than the people who zoomed around me to get to a red light first.

It WILL get better, but only if you practice. It's really rewarding when you're able to drive yourself someplace all on your own!

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Thanks to Jan for my siggy!

When I learned to drive I would get so frustrated. It all seems really overwhelming at first.. I was always really nervous about going outside of the lines of the road. Try to ignore all of the rude people. If someone is making a big deal because they think you are going too slow, just pull over and let them pass, then continue driving. Don't let it stress you out. Good luck!

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Thanks LS!

I do feel for you!
I didn't learn to drive until I was 28!

You are at and added disadvantage in Colchester because the road system there is a nightmare!! Here is my suggestion... when I started learning, I spent weeks just driving nowhere, all around the quiet rds in the evening, lots of residential estates with very little other traffic. I used to get so upset by other peoples behaviour to me as a learner, and then I just kind of realised it was them with the issues, not me!

If people are being arses pull over, let them pass! But if you are building up to things slowly you will never be on a road you cannot handle! Try heading to Layer Rd area, there are loads of residential rds, they are wide and most quiet!

(Hubby and I went to music college in Colchester in the 90's)

I passed my test in the September before I turned 29, first time, with not even a minor fault! Believe me, when you hold that certificate in your hand, it is SO worth it!

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Don't feel bad I am 41 and only drive when forced to..I let my license lapse when I was 19 yrs old. I had only been driving for 6 months and ended up having a terrible accident that totaled my car. Like the kid who fell of their bike and was to afraid to get back on I never drove again until much later. My family has been all over me to take lessons, a defensive driving class and renew my license, but driving scares the crap out of me. As it is I am nervous every time I am in a car which has a tendency to make my husband crazy. It's not my ability so much that scares me , but the unpredictability and stupidity of many of the drivers on the roads. The crap I see these days makes me wonder how little of a value people put on their own lives much less the lives of others. I know getting my license again is a must cause my hubby is getting older but boy oh boy I am not looking forward to it. Good Luck and stay safe.

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Thank you all for your comments!! I haven't told anyone except my boyfriend (as he is taking me out in addition to my lessons) so I can't really moan to anyone so I really appreciate you all I didnt want to tempt fate or hve all my friends saying how's it going, when is your test ec etc! I guess everyone feels the same when they start, it's nice to hear it tho!
You are right Colchester is a nightmare! Its great the u know where im talking about your hubby went to Essex Uni right? So did my fella and i.
And I MUST stop worrying about what peopod r doing behind me, that is my worse fault at the mo!I do let it upset me when people drive so close all I can see it their car in my mirror! One @rse who really upset me came right up as close as he could then actually over took me on a mini roundabout by going around it on the other side of the road, basically the wrong way round thd roundabout!!! He the cut me up & sped off with his finger up at me out the window!!! That really shook me up & upset me!!! It was only my second time out & it was like 10am on a Sunday!!! Luckily my guy got his licence number & we reported him to the police!!! They said they couldn't prosecute because we didn't have a independent witness but she did say they give the reg to traffic cops who can do spot stops & cause him trouble!! At least I get some satisfaction from that!! He he!
Anyway I've decided I'm going to try driving sone if the way to work tomorrow. I'll be stopping before I get on the a-12 (for those of u who know that lovely road!!) tho driving on that feels less daunting than roundabouts right now