hi, i just wanna have a bit of advice from u learners or drivers out there, i just finished my application form online for driving lesson and i (nervously)sent it just now,,(im still nervous lol)i really really want to learn to drive, but im nervous and always thinking that i might not pass it, or i might crash the car,, and so many negative things,, but tonight i just decided to go on and try, although im still nervous,, what i want is ,,,,,, do u think i can make it??? oh please give me a bit of advice how can i do it,thanks alot and i will wait for your advice what ever it is........THANKS!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

hi, i just wanna have a bit of advice from u learners or drivers out there, i just finished my application form online for driving lesson and i (nervously)sent it just now,,(im still nervous lol)i really really want to learn to drive, but im nervous and always thinking that i might not pass it, or i might crash the car,, and so many negative things,, but tonight i just decided to go on and try, although im still nervous,, what i want is ,,,,,, do u think i can make it??? oh please give me a bit of advice how can i do it,thanks alot and i will wait for your advice what ever it is........THANKS!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


i only ever had one
was ****ting it, kept moving into the edge when cars went the other way, kept stalling going round corners and in junctions, almost crashed twice

i hate cars, got no interest in em and was **** scared

but i need to drive, buses are terrible and getting worse round here :(

Being nervous is normal, keeps you on your toes and more aware of whats happening around you. Dont worry too much, we were all nervous when we started driving. :)

i only ever had one
was ****ting it, kept moving into the edge when cars went the other way, kept stalling going round corners and in junctions, almost crashed twice

i hate cars, got no interest in em and was **** scared

but i need to drive, buses are terrible and getting worse round here :(

Nice bit of advice there:rolleyes:

If your like most of us, driving lessons and tests are always going to be un comfortable and yes a bit scary.

All I could say to you is, don't get obsessed by it, listen to your instructor, relax, go through the motions and don't put any pressure or timescale on you passing.

When you do pass that's when you'll begin to feel comfortable driving, it takes a while.

Im sure someone now is going to reply saying I was born driving, but they are just bad drivers that got lucky on their first test ( ducks head ).

M.x.

Mel, you've just confirmed everything I've ever thought would happen if I had a driving Lesson!

There's some things I just know I'd be useless at, and I'm almost always right about it, and driving is one of them.

Being nervous is normal, keeps you on your toes and more aware of whats happening around you. Dont worry too much, we were all nervous when we started driving. :)
thanks nimrod,,,,,,,,,,,xx i try not to,,, he he hehe

:hihi: Nice bit of advice there:rolleyes:

If your like most of us, driving lessons and tests are always going to be un comfortable and yes a bit scary.

All I could say to you is, don't get obsessed by it, listen to your instructor, relax, go through the motions and don't put any pressure or timescale on you passing.

When you do pass that's when you'll begin to feel comfortable driving, it takes a while.

Im sure someone now is going to reply saying I was born driving, but they are just bad drivers that got lucky on their first test ( ducks head ).
well,, thanks,, ill bear that in my mind,, thanks
M.x.:hihi:

Nice bit of advice there:rolleyes:

If your like most of us, driving lessons and tests are always going to be un comfortable and yes a bit scary.

All I could say to you is, don't get obsessed by it, listen to your instructor, relax, go through the motions and don't put any pressure or timescale on you passing.

When you do pass that's when you'll begin to feel comfortable driving, it takes a while.

Im sure someone now is going to reply saying I was born driving, but they are just bad drivers that got lucky on their first test ( ducks head ).

M.x.

I think I was born driving, However I used to panic about 30 mins before every lesson and I passed 2nd time!

hi, i just wanna have a bit of advice from u learners or drivers out there, i just finished my application form online for driving lesson and i (nervously)sent it just now,,(im still nervous lol)i really really want to learn to drive, but im nervous and always thinking that i might not pass it, or i might crash the car,, and so many negative things,, but tonight i just decided to go on and try, although im still nervous,, what i want is ,,,,,, do u think i can make it??? oh please give me a bit of advice how can i do it,thanks alot and i will wait for your advice what ever it is........THANKS!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I was nervous during my driving lessons, the turning point came when I realised that I had a certain authourity on the road. Other road users would realise what I intended to do if I indicated early enough. Most of my lessons were at night which also helped, I drove professionally for about 5 years so it was a skill well worth attaining. But please be aware that passing your driving test only means that you have passed a test, you haven't yet learned how to "drive", that will come with experience.
Good luck

Being nervous is perfectly normal - evryone feels that way, whether they show it or not.

Remember your instructor has full control of the car by having use of the dual controls. He/she can also steer from the passenger seat and change gear for you sd well.

I always tell my pupils that driving is only 50% ability - the rest of it is all confidence. So be confident and good luck.

Everyone is nervous at first, you wouldnt be normal if you wernt.
The best thing is loads of practice on quiet roads
Apart from your lessons, get a car and drive as much as possible.
You will soon start to really enjoy it, and it just becomes second nature.
Driving a car is like riding a bike, once you have learned how to do it, you never forget. All the problems you get at first, like changing gear, roundabouts etc. when youve been driving for a bit, you think 'what was the problem I had with them'.
Anyway Good Luck :thumbsup:

I was nervous during my driving lessons, the turning point came when I realised that I had a certain authourity on the road. Other road users would realise what I intended to do if I indicated early enough. Most of my lessons were at night which also helped, I drove professionally for about 5 years so it was a skill well worth attaining. But please be aware that passing your driving test only means that you have passed a test, you haven't yet learned how to "drive", that will come with experience.
Good luck
ok, thanks ever so much!!

when are u planning to start ur lesson then? ;)

Everyone is nervous at first, you wouldnt be normal if you wernt.
The best thing is loads of practice on quiet roads
Apart from your lessons, get a car and drive as much as possible.
You will soon start to really enjoy it, and it just becomes second nature.
Driving a car is like riding a bike, once you have learned how to do it, you never forget. All the problems you get at first, like changing gear, roundabouts etc. when youve been driving for a bit, you think 'what was the problem I had with them'.
Anyway Good Luck :thumbsup:
thanks!! but i think im going for automatic, coz im so very confuse changing gear!! he he heh!

to all of you people,, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!! i will do and try my best ,, and i will tell you her if i pass my test( maybe yearsssssssss) but i will let you know!! THANKS A LOT !!!!!!!!!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

when are u planning to start ur lesson then? ;)
i just sent my application to them,, just,, so ill w8 4 their reply,,,

thanks!! but i think im going for automatic, coz im so very confuse changing gear!! he he heh!

lol i think u need to post another thread looking for ADI here to help you. found the SF real helpful when it comes to these, there are some people here who are ADI and you can have choices whom you wanna go with.

;)

dada
Everyone is nervous about learning to drive as it can be really difficult to get used to at first.
All you have to do though is look at how many cars are on the road. All these people had to learn at some point as well.
It has taken me a couple of years to be confident behind the wheel but now it's just like second nature.
Good luck and stick at it! :)

If you want automatic, then look no further.;)

I used to dread my lessons, about 30 minutes before hand... then once I got in the car, I loved it :D

Not being a very practical person, I worried about the little things, but soon realised I'd underestimated my ability and could actually do it! (I used to ask people "how do you know how much you need to turn the wheel?" for example)

The first time you drive alone, its such an amazing feeling! Scary, but exciting... and independence washes right over you!
Although it seems a bit scary now, keep at it... Your instructor will tell you when you're ready to put in for the test... keep calm and remember its not the end of the world if you get something slightly wrong, just chill out and correct it!... (This is the lady who passed first time, despite being over the white line on a "reverse round the corner" on exam day :hihi:)

Go you! :D

thanks!! but i think im going for automatic, coz im so very confuse changing gear!! he he heh!

Remember that if you do, the only car you will be licenced to drive will be an automatic.

Remember that if you do, the only car you will be licenced to drive will be an automatic.

Which are also harder to come by, especially second hand...

I didn't "get" gears at all... I thought it was all a load of nonesense... But just learn to listen to your engine and you'll know... Infact, even with music belting out, you'll still know when to change gear... The rev counter tells you for a start, and also it just feels odd when you drive in the wrong gear...

Trust me, all this will come in time... I didn't get my gears at all, and insisted on driving everywhere in second gear... Ocasionally third, on a good day! :hihi: You can "get" everything at once, and you may be driving in the wrong gear for a while until you get the feel for the car and get used to what you're supposed to be doing... :)

If you want automatic, then look no further.;)
why, u got automatic car?

Remember that if you do, the only car you will be licenced to drive will be an automatic.
i know,,,, but,, but,,,:sad: im so confused with that gear!!!

so u mean,, i just do the manual!! sob, sob, sob,,

Relax but SEE everything.

why, u got automatic car?
Certainly have - a nice, new (well its 3 months old now) Mitsubishi Colt automatic.

Quote:
Originally Posted by muran
Remember that if you do, the only car you will be licenced to drive will be an automatic.

Quote:
Originally posted by Caprice
Which are also harder to come by, especially second hand...

Not true any more. There are plenty about. There's even a dealer at the bottom of Chesterfield Road opposite Lavers that specialises in selling automatic cars.

However, if you do want to persevere in a manual, I've also got a brand new Renault Clio....

Learning in an automatic is probably easier, and they are easier to drive, especially around town in traffic.
But they are no good for performance driving. The auto gearbox can only select for current conditions, it cannot see ahead, and only changes when conditions dictate.
It is worth struggling to learn on a manual as driving is more fun :thumbsup:

Saxon, did you used to be the Saxon school of motoring based on Saxon Road in Heeley?

Saxon, did you used to be the Saxon school of motoring based on Saxon Road in Heeley?

No 'fraid not.

My user name is derived from the car I had when I joined the Forum - a Saxo!

The auto gearbox can only select for current conditions, it cannot see ahead, and only changes when conditions dictate.


Not necessarily true. A manual gear box can't 'see ahead' - it relies on the driver to change gear. In the same way, an automatic can be 'kicked down' a gear by the driver if necessary, although I agree they don't usually have the same power. Having said that the Mitsubishi Colt i have is the most powerful auto I've seen (and its a diesel engine)

is it true that if the automatic car broke down its more expensive to repair than the manual car???

dada
Everyone is nervous about learning to drive as it can be really difficult to get used to at first.
All you have to do though is look at how many cars are on the road. All these people had to learn at some point as well.
It has taken me a couple of years to be confident behind the wheel but now it's just like second nature.
Good luck and stick at it! :)


thanks,,,, i will take your advice saylou,,,, :)

[QUOTE=Saxon]Certainly have - a nice, new (well its 3 months old now) Mitsubishi Colt automatic.


how much u thinking to sell it (IF),,???

[QUOTE=Saxon]Certainly have - a nice, new (well its 3 months old now) Mitsubishi Colt automatic.


how much u thinking to sell it (IF),,???

lol dada, i think saxon is an approved driver instructor ;) am i right?

dont think he will sell his car to u he he

but its nice to ask him to book you ur first lesson, then u can think of buying ur first car later ;)

[QUOTE=dada]

lol dada, i think saxon is an approved driver instructor ;) am i right?

dont think he will sell his car to u he he

but its nice to ask him to book you ur first lesson, then u can think of buying ur first car later ;)


yeh, i went to his site,, a pound cheaper that bsm( they havent contack me yet)

well, just asking coz he sed," look no further", so i thought he may sell it!:hihi:

If you decide to go with BSM, then be careful - you might find you get a trainee instructor (ie one who hasn't yet passed all his/her qualifying exams) but pay the same price.

Look for the licence in the front window -
Pink = trainee instructor:(
Green = fully qualified:)

All our instructors are fully qualified, and if you decide on manual, I've got a nice lady instructor who lives at Norton and has a brand new Ford Fiesta.

And by the way, thanks for offering to buy the car! You don't really want to know how much I'd want for it :o (if I were looking to sell it that is - which obviously I'm not:P )

Learning in an automatic is probably easier, and they are easier to drive, especially around town in traffic.
But they are no good for performance driving. The auto gearbox can only select for current conditions, it cannot see ahead, and only changes when conditions dictate.
It is worth struggling to learn on a manual as driving is more fun :thumbsup:

learning to drive a manual wil be harder than an automatic, but once you've passed you'll be able to drive either. if you pass in an automatic, you won't be allowed to drive a manual.
automatics used to be noticeably slower than manuals and used more fuel. this was partly because they sapped power and only had 3 gears instead of 4 or 5 for manuals. These effects were particularly noticeable in small cars with low power engines.
Newer automatics are much better, leagues ahead of the old ones, to the extent that some big performance cars (eg BMW M5, Audi S6) are only available as automatics. others (porsche, Ferrari) have the option, while more (TVR, Noble) only do manuals. manual cars offer more control, but the new 'flappy paddle' autos are quickly improving.

I personally prefer manuals, but can no longer rule out a decent automatic in the future.

thanks!! but i think im going for automatic, coz im so very confuse changing gear!! he he heh!


LOL!
I think everyone I know (including myself) says they want to learn in an automatic before they embark on lessons.

Honestly Dada, learn in a manual. You have much more control over them and although it may take you a few months to get used to the gears, one day you will just get in the car and not even think about it. It is very easy once you get the hang of it, trust me!

If you decide to go with BSM, then be careful - you might find you get a trainee instructor (ie one who hasn't yet passed all his/her qualifying exams) but pay the same price.

Look for the licence in the front window -
Pink = trainee instructor:(
Green = fully qualified:)

All our instructors are fully qualified, and if you decide on manual, I've got a nice lady instructor who lives at Norton and has a brand new Ford Fiesta.

And by the way, thanks for offering to buy the car! You don't really want to know how much I'd want for it :o (if I were looking to sell it that is - which obviously I'm not:P )


hah ha ha ha,ok i thought u are! lol!! thanks for the info,, I now change my mind to book in BSM, as they havent contacted me yet,,,thanks a lot sax,,,i might go on manual,, and i think,, ill book it next month as i realised ive got holiday on 2nd week of august, might as well do it after innit,, i let u know sax,,, xx thanks,, x

LOL!
I think everyone I know (including myself) says they want to learn in an automatic before they embark on lessons.

Honestly Dada, learn in a manual. You have much more control over them and although it may take you a few months to get used to the gears, one day you will just get in the car and not even think about it. It is very easy once you get the hang of it, trust me!
yeh,, now all of you makes me change my mind for manual,, nice work everyone,, thanks,, i might book to sax,, ill think it over,, but yes,, i will do manual now!! :confused:

This stigma with auto cars really gets on my tits.

Everything said on here about manuals over auto is rubbish in this day n age.

EXCEPT for autos are more expensive.

I personally and a few instructors I've talked to don't see why people still take tests in manuals, unless your a young person out for a bit of fun.

You try asking an American if they drive a manual, they'll look at you confused.
It's such a English ladish attitude.

There's no problem with choice either, we've had an Audi diesel, Landrover diesel and Im about to get a BMW 1 series diesel, cant wait.

Id say do what's best for you, certainly don't feel preasureised into doing a manual test for rear of being taunted in the playground.

After all what is your main criteria for driving a car ?

Saxon
I am interseted though whats the law if you want to take a test in a manual if you own a automatic liscence.
Do you have to take your theory again ?

Something I've always wonderd and not asked about.

Cheers M.x.

I'm neither for or against auto's, but I am sure like many others I prefer to have the choice of what type of car I drive rather than have that choice made for me.

Passing in an auto means that's the you can ONLY drive a car with that type of transmission, which (despite your love of auto's) I am sure you will agree is somewhat limiting?

im sure everyone (or nearly everyone) is nervous at first.. just make sure that you find an instructor that you feel comfortable with (know its difficult when you only get to speak to them on the phone or not even that) and just mention to them that you are a little nervous..

..i was nervous though and hve had two different teachers who both tried to combat it in very different ways.. the first just pushed me to get over it, the second tried to take it slowly to gently get me used to it.. mistake i made was not tellin the second one when what he was doing wasnt helping, as soon as he knew i needed to be pushed on a bit i was sorted and passed ma test.. :) find someone who is gonna teach ya how u wanna be taught

I'm neither for or against auto's, but I am sure like many others I prefer to have the choice of what type of car I drive rather than have that choice made for me.

Passing in an auto means that's the you can ONLY drive a car with that type of transmission, which (despite your love of auto's) I am sure you will agree is somewhat limiting?

See what I mean, thanks for pointing out that with an auto licence you can ONLY drive a auto car.

That was my point though the choice isn't limiting, it's 2006 ! Good grief.

Anyway my main 2 pence worth, was about doing what's right for you.

What will you be doing with your car when you've passed ?
Passing in a manual maybe just unnecessary..... or not ?

This rant does seem to make out that it's a walk in the park passing in a auto.
In my experience learning to use the clutch and gears is a small part of learning to drive carefully and with consideration on the roads.

In reply to Modesty's question re having to retake the theory test if you wish to upgrade from a full automatic car licence Category B automatic to a manual licence Cat B, then no, you do not have to retake the theory test.

Further information can be found on the DSA website at
http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=28

American's always look confused when we say manual transmission, but say "stick shift"......Still, having taken a few for lessons before their UK test to make sure they know the various manouevres that are required & advise on any driving habits that can be improved, they quickly adapt their driving techniques. As mentioned previously, clutch/gears are only a part of being able to drive & if the driver is competant & confident on the road, then it means only having to re-learn one skill.

I teach in a manual, drive a manual car when not in my Mini, but equally enjoy driving auto's. Each to their own, but having that unrestricted licence gives me the choice. Some people will always struggle with gears, so why deny themselves the independence of being able to drive, even if it comes at a premium?

One comment I would add is for anyone considering learning to drive as being a skill they can offer to a potential employer. If it was necessary to use the employer's vehicles, is the company more likely to run manual or automatic fleets?

Now, true story time. Many years ago in a former life we had a sweet dear come over from the other side of the pond who hired a car from one of our sites for a few days. Upon arriving at her destination she phoned the office to complain that the engine made a terrible noise when driving. Baffled receptionist eventually dropped the killer question, did she know how to drive a stick shift? Ouch... 200 odd miles in first gear. She knew she had to put the clutch in when braking, etc but had not a clue about different gears. Expensive lesson in customer service.

That was my point though the choice isn't limiting,


It's not limiting for your own car. It is for others though. Like it or not, most cars on the roads are manuals, so if you want or need to borrow a friend's/relative's car, hire one, drive a van, use a company pool car etc, the vast majority will be manuals and virtually all for vans and lorries.

If I had to take my test again, I would still choose a manual.

It's not limiting for your own car. It is for others though. Like it or not, most cars on the roads are manuals, so if you want or need to borrow a friend's/relative's car, hire one, drive a van, use a company pool car etc, the vast majority will be manuals and virtually all for vans and lorries.

If I had to take my test again, I would still choose a manual.

Can I just say first Im not after a cheap argument when I keep replying on the auto issue.

I mean Im not on commission or owt.

Im just simply giving the poster positive feedback on autos because this thread makes out it's really restrictive to drive one here in the UK.

I honestly believe it's not.

Apart from the many choices of car I've already mentioned I would just like to add, my first car was a second hand Merc A class auto form a commercial company that was used by one of it's employees.

Also just the other month I flew to Aberdeen where on landing I hired a auto smart car.

It's not the end of the world.

Thanks to Mr Bridger though that's quite interesting about not having to take your theory again to upgrade to a manual, you know if ever I want to buy an antique for fun stuff.

Anyway I think dada has enough feedback now about autos not being the disability they sometimes appear to be.

Can I just say first Im not after a cheap argument when I keep replying on the auto issue.

I mean Im not on commission or owt.

Im just simply giving the poster positive feedback on autos because this thread makes out it's really restrictive to drive one here in the UK.

I honestly believe it's not.

Apart from the many choices of car I've already mentioned I would just like to add, my first car was a second hand Merc A class auto form a commercial company that was used by one of it's employees.

Also just the other month I flew to Aberdeen where on landing I hired a auto smart car.

It's not the end of the world.

Thanks to Mr Bridger though that's quite interesting about not having to take your theory again to upgrade to a manual, you know if ever I want to buy an antique for fun stuff.

Anyway I think dada has enough feedback now about autos not being the disability they sometimes appear to be.
:)

yes,, and i would like to thank you all for all the advice,, ive really really appreciates each and evry word,, now,, its time for me to decide,,,,,I DO THE MANUAL!!! so help me GOD!!! THANK A LOT GUYS!!! xxxxx

Thanks to Mr Bridger though that's quite interesting about not having to take your theory again to upgrade to a manual, you know if ever I want to buy an antique for fun stuff.

Yeah - he beat me to it :(

This stigma with auto cars really gets on my tits.

Everything said on here about manuals over auto is rubbish in this day n age.

.


I am not against automatics and I am sure in the future I will end up getting one.

However, my point is that everyone should learn in a manual to start and then if they get an automatic fair enough. But by learning in an automatic you are limiting yourself and not learning important driving skills and car control.

sorry Modesty but I have to disagree. I regard clutch control is one of, if not the most important driving skill to learn. Without clutch control and knowing how a car handles in a given gear, you are putting yourself and other drivers on the road at risk.

I am not saying auto's are unsafe, of course they are not, but I do think it's important to learn about gears from the outset and anyone wishing to learn will find this stands them in good stead for the future.

After all, automatics have gears it's just that their use is transparent to the driver!

Being nervous is normal, keeps you on your toes and more aware of whats happening around you. Dont worry too much, we were all nervous when we started driving. :)
I wer'nt.
5 or 6 pints of Black sheep before driving used to calm me down. :thumbsup:

Can I just say first Im not after a cheap argument when I keep replying on the auto issue.

Im just simply giving the poster positive feedback on autos because this thread makes out it's really restrictive to drive one here in the UK.



Hey, nor me. I posted in favour of the new generation of autos earlier. Lots of the new ones are simply brilliant, even converting some of the motoring journos. :)

Mel, you've just confirmed everything I've ever thought would happen if I had a driving Lesson!

There's some things I just know I'd be useless at, and I'm almost always right about it, and driving is one of them.

Ditto, my friend, Ditto! If it was only simple! :(

Sorry Saxon

Was making the anklebiters' teas & was either browse the Forum or listen to Nick Jnr!! Had to do something to keep sane....:wink:

I am not against automatics and I am sure in the future I will end up getting one.

However, my point is that everyone should learn in a manual to start and then if they get an automatic fair enough. But by learning in an automatic you are limiting yourself and not learning important driving skills and car control.

Oh go on then lets carry on disscusing.........Te he!

I think that's a silly point of view, it;s like saying everyone should know how to wind an engine up or even use a choke ( remember them ) I could go on.

Why is it an important driving skill if you have no intention of driving a manual.

Also can I just clear up my own personal image that you may have.
Before I got my car licence I used a Vespa Sprint with 4 gears and a clutch and whilst having driving lessons I had a MG Midget in which to practice.

Now they were gears.

I just found myself in a situation where I had to pass quicker than I was going to.
Whether passing in a auto made it quicker I suppose I'll never know ?

I had every intention of then going on to pass in a manual at a later point but I just havn't got round to it because I can do everything and more that I need to do in a car.