Driving instructors

As you can see from a few messages above, I commented on this thread two years ago. I had horrible anxiety, more so in the run up to actually getting in the car, it was practically unbearable and would have me constantly in tears. It was like I was on a walk to the gallows or something. A few of my lessons were wasted just talking to my instructor because I couldn't even start the car. I just had to push through it, but there were times when I thought I wouldn't make it and shouldn't be in control of a vehicle.

I failed my test three times, mainly because of anxiety. The first time I felt pressured into the test, like "we've done the syllabus, I've taught you everything, TEST TIME!" and it was a trainwreck. I chose the date the second time and was doing well until a couple of minutes near the end when I apparently cut too close to a parked car (I didn't think so!) and then subsequently, and maybe even as a result, lost clutch control when I had to stop on an incline. Third time I was doing well until I nearly ran over a cyclist by accident. Fourth time lucky.

It took me about a year and a half to pass and a lot of money! I did ok learning to a point, but then I hit a sort of plateau, probably anxiety related, where I just couldn't go that extra bit to pass the test. 

I've now been driving in my own car for just over a year and I am more comfortable now that I'm driving alone than I was with the instructor in the car. I've managed to hit a few bushes here and there but thankfully no cars or pedestrians!

As you can see from a few messages above, I commented on this thread two years ago. I had horrible anxiety, more so in the run up to actually getting in the car, it was practically unbearable and would have me constantly in tears. It was like I was on a walk to the gallows or something. A few of my lessons were wasted just talking to my instructor because I couldn't even start the car. I just had to push through it, but there were times when I thought I wouldn't make it and shouldn't be in control of a vehicle.

I failed my test three times, mainly because of anxiety. The first time I felt pressured into the test, like "we've done the syllabus, I've taught you everything, TEST TIME!" and it was a trainwreck. I chose the date the second time and was doing well until a couple of minutes near the end when I apparently cut too close to a parked car (I didn't think so!) and then subsequently, and maybe even as a result, lost clutch control when I had to stop on an incline. Third time I was doing well until I nearly ran over a cyclist by accident. Fourth time lucky.

It took me about a year and a half to pass and a lot of money! I did ok learning to a point, but then I hit a sort of plateau, probably anxiety related, where I just couldn't go that extra bit to pass the test. 

I've now been driving in my own car for just over a year and I am more comfortable now that I'm driving alone than I was with the instructor in the car. I've managed to hit a few bushes here and there but thankfully no cars or pedestrians!