Driving Diaries: I Passed My Driving Test!

 

Yep, you read that right; I PASSED MY DRIVING TEST!!!

I've been a fully fledged pink license holder for almost three months and I absolutely love the independence it's given me. If I'm totally honest, I can't actually believe I did it! 

If you've been following along with my journey, you'll know that learning to drive hasn't been plain sailing. I started lessons in January 2020 and things were going great, until good ol' covid hit and it all went a bit pear shaped. Lockdown restrictions meant lessons were disrupted and tests were cancelled; my first test in November 2020 was postponed to March 2021, which was then further postponed to July 2021.  It was all very frustrating and incredibly disheartening. Even the week before my July test, I was fully expecting an email to come through telling me it had been cancelled again. 

The Build Up To My Test

A few weeks before my test date my instructor told me that her car, the one I'd been learning in for the past year and a half, was going for work done and I'd be taking my test in a courtesy car. I had three weeks to learn how to drive AND park a car that I'd never driven before. Great. 

It helped that I kept my driving test a secret from everyone, except for my instructor and my mum. I felt awful for lying but I personally didn't want the added pressure from family and friends and thought the less people who knew, the better. 

In the build up to my test, I surprisingly felt quite calm. The courtesy car was relatively easy to drive and I upped my lessons to two hours so that I could have as much practice as possible. It was only the lesson before my test that the nerves really started to kick in. I had my last proper lesson on the Monday and my test was on the Thursday morning so for the rest of the week, I was a bundle of nerves. 

The night before I was pacing round the house, revising my show-me-tell-me questions and going over the manoeuvres in my head. I made sure that everything was laid out for morning; my provisional license, theory certificate, glasses, face mask and then I got a very early night. 

The Day of my Driving Test 

I sat my practical at the St Helens test centre and opted for an early morning test, 8:47am to be exact. I also had an hour lesson beforehand, which I'd highly recommend to calm any last minute nerves and talk over anything you're unsure about with your instructor. 

Despite my hopes of an early night, I had the most disturbed sleep, constantly worrying that I was going to sleep through my alarm and miss my test. Thankfully that didn't happen and I gave myself enough time in the morning to have a coffee and a banana (something that became quite a tradition before my driving lessons). It's actually rumoured that eating a banana before your driving test can boost your performance and help you to pass, I don't know what the science is behind that but I think it might have worked. 

When my instructor picked me up at 7:45am, I resembled what can only be described as a walking lucky charm. I was covered in every single sentimental trinket I could find, if it had brought me luck at some point in my life then guarantee I was wearing it. I also had my Grandad's ring on my necklace and a little sunflower close to my heart, so he was with me too!

At this point the nerves had really kicked in but driving around with my instructor, practicing my manoeuvres and going over any questions really helped to calm me down. Having that lesson before your test really does make all the difference. When we got to the test centre my heart was pounding but I knew I was as ready as I'd ever be. 

The Driving Test

The UK driving test lasts for 40 minutes and consists of 2 parts; 20 minutes of independent driving (either following road signs or a sat-nav) and 20 minutes of instructed driving (when the examiner tells you where to go). During this time you will be asked to perform one manoeuvre and sometimes an emergency stop. At the moment, due to covid regulations, if you receive a major fault you will be re-directed back to the test centre and your test will be cut short. 

For some reason, I imagined my examiner to be this scary old man who'd do everything he could to make me fail. I'm pleased to say that actually, he was quite the opposite. From the minute he called my name he put me at ease, he was so lovely and I feel very fortunate that I had such a kind examiner. 

We went through the mandatory eye sight checks (where they'll ask you to read the number plate of a car) and he asked my 'tell-me' question which was 'tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil'. Luckily my instructor and I had just gone over these so it was fresh in my memory. That was the easy part, now I actually had to drive. 

I started by doing 20 minutes of independent driving following a sat-nav and he asked my 'show me' question which was 'when it's safe to do so can you show me how to open the driver window?'. One of the weirdest things about being on your driving test is not having the reassuring voice of your instructor next to you, so I started talking myself through every instruction which helped to calm me down. To be honest, I think my examiner found this hilarious and I don't know how many times I apologised for talking to myself. During my independent drive we also performed an emergency stop which is rare to come up on tests but actually went really well. So far, so good! 

Then I started my 20 minutes of instructed driving which is when things started to go slightly downhill (no pun intended). Firstly, he asked me to do a hill start on one of the steepest hills in the town and I stalled it, not once, not twice, but a grand total of four times. Every time I tried to move the car it would stall.  I went into pure panic mode but my examiner calmly told me to take a deep breath and double-check my gears, turns out I'd put it into third gear instead of first - smart move, Meg *face palm*.  I was convinced I'd failed. 

Could I make any more mistakes? Yes, of course I could because I took us the wrong way at some traffic lights. He asked me to go straight ahead but I was in the right hand lane to turn right. I apologised to let him know that I was aware I'd gone the wrong way, but he was lovely about it and re-directed us back to the route. It's important to note that if you do go the wrong way on your test, don't panic and make sure you continue to follow the rules of the road - they can always re-direct you! 

As we made our way back to the test centre I knew it was make or break time. I'd completely lost track of how long I'd been driving for and was well aware that I hadn't performed my manoeuvre yet. The reverse bay park manoeuvre is performed on the test centre car park at either the beginning or the end of your test. I knew if he asked me to drive straight into a bay then I'd failed, but if he asked me to perform a reverse bay park I was one manoeuvre away from getting that pink license. 

And guess what!? He asked me to do the reverse bay park! 

I parked it perfectly the first time but pulled forward just to make sure I was in the lines because I knew my result depended on it. After this, he told me to turn my engine off and asked if I wanted my instructor to listen to come over. I could see her peeping round the corner so we beckoned her over as I looked away and held my breath. It was decision time.

'Well Megan, I'm very pleased to tell you that you've passed!'

I let out the biggest sigh of relief and then I wanted to cry. It was such a mixture of emotions; happiness, pride, disbelief.  I ACTUALLY DID IT!!! 

I thought that my graduation day was the proudest day of my life, but the feeling of passing my driving test was like no other. The reaction from my family and friends was one of pride, shock and excitement; my Mum cried, Dad let on that he knew about it but he probably didn't, my Grandma was in disbelief, Buster didn't really know what was going on and my friends were shocked that I'd managed to keep it a secret for so long! Dad booked a little family meal to celebrate in the evening and I was so grateful for all the lovely messages and cards I received.

However, there's one person who I know would have been the proudest and that's my Grandad. To be honest, he thought I'd passed my test after my first lesson so the belief was always there. I know he was with me the whole time, guiding and helping me to make the right decisions. I just wish he could have been here to give me the biggest hug when I came home. 

So I guess that marks the end of my Driving Diaries! 

The anxious girl completed her mission; she passed her driving test (even if it did take a little longer than expected). I can honestly say that learning to drive is one of the best decisions I have ever made and if you're putting it off because you're anxious or scared, take a deep breath and get that first lesson booked. If I can do it then so can you! 

If anyone has any questions about my experience learning to drive or wants to talk about all things driving; theory tests, practical tests or lessons, then let's have a chat in the comments! 

Lots of Love,

Meg x 

Driving Diaries: We're Back!

It's been a while since I spoke about learning to drive hasn't it? 

When I last updated you I was just getting my confidence behind the wheel, I was close to booking my theory test and I was looking at cars. Then corona happened and everything came to a standstill. I didn't sit in the driver seat for four whole months and surprisingly, I missed it.

The information on when driving lessons would resume was basically unknown, one minute I'd be back on the roads in a week, the next in two months. It was a waiting game and I hated it. However, you'll be glad to know that I am now back behind the wheel and I have quite a bit to update you on. 

So, without further ado, here's an update on what it's like learning to drive in a pandemic (that is something I never, ever thought I'd have to write). 

The Theory Test

I thought I'd start with some really good news; I PASSED MY THEORY TEST! 

After two cancelled tests (thanks corona) and a whole lot of waiting, I finally took my theory test on 21st July and I passed first time. It was a weird experience and the extra precautions we had to take made it that little bit more daunting. I was really hoping to pass first time as I'd been prepared to take the test since April so I was over the moon when I got the pass certificate. 

I struggled to revise for my theory test at first but I found that using the Driving Test Theory 4 in 1 app really helped. I'd do a quick mock test or flick through some questions when I had a spare moment and slowly but surely, my scores started getting higher and higher. The app is brilliant because it allows you to flag questions you're struggling with and it also helps that they're basically identical to the questions you get on the actual test. 

It's like with anything in life, if you put in the work then you'll get the rewards. Now I've just got to pass my practical! 

The First Lesson Back 

Here in England, driving lessons resumed on 4th July and I was one of the first to be back on the roads (eager, I know). I was both excited and incredibly nervous. On the one hand I was delighted to be back on track to (hopefully) passing my test by the end of the year but I was also scared that I was going to sit behind the wheel and realise that I'd completely forgotten everything. 

Luckily that didn't happen. We had a little refresher lesson and to both mine and my instructors surprise, I pretty much remembered everything. It was like I'd never been away. 

However, there is one slight change to teaching as it's advised that both you and your instructor wear a mask. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the current mask situation but trying to learn to drive in a mask whilst your glasses are steaming up is not a fun experience at all.  I'm already a hazard to other drivers, let's not mention me not being able to see!

After a few attempts and trying several different methods, I've finally conquered the whole glasses steaming up fiasco and now wearing a mask to drive doesn't really bother me - I literally forget it's there. 

I should also mention that no personal belongings are allowed in the car, it's thoroughly cleaned before and after the use of every student, gloves can be worn but aren't compulsory, the car windows remain open for ventilation and hand sanitiser is used throughout the lesson. These are just the rules from my driving school, but it gives you a little idea of what you can expect. 

Manoeuvres

Before we went into lockdown, I was about to start on manoeuvres including a bay park and a parallel park. 

So many people told me that it was easier to reverse a car and I can now fully confirm that they were right. I was absolutely terrified to start reversing (if I struggled to drive the thing forwards, I had no chance doing it backwards) but learning to park and reverse has pretty much been plain sailing. 

I started on my forward bay park which I struggled with at first but eventually mastered after a few attempts. Then I moved onto a reverse bay park which I picked up straight away and then onto parallel parking which I'm not fully confident with yet but I'm getting there. I can do it, I'm just not confident which is okay as I know confidence will come with time. 

Just a PSA to other drivers: when you see a learner driver on the empty end of a car park, don't drive up to them, park next to them, stare at them or beep your horn at them. They're on the empty end of the car park for a reason, there's plenty of spaces right in front of the shop so if you could stop being so rude and just leave them alone, that'd be lovely. Rant over! 

You're All Updated

I've been back behind the wheel for four weeks and I've just started on roundabouts which are a complete new ball game and even talking about them gives me anxiety - it was the one thing I really didn't want to do. 

Overall, it's been really nice to be back on the roads and working towards the end goal of passing my test. It's unknown whether I'll be able to take my test this year with the current backlog of cancelled learners on the waiting list but I'm staying optimistic! 

I'll keep you updated on the roundabouts and the car shopping! 

Lots of Love,

Meg x

Driving Diaries: The First Lesson

A few months ago, I took the plunge and booked my very first driving lesson. At the grand old age of twenty-two I've finally decided that it's about time I get behind the wheel and learn to drive - much to the horror of pretty much everyone I know.

If you're a regular here, you'll know that I've been wanting to learn to drive for quite a few years now but just haven't gotten round to it. Trust me, the intention has been there and I could blame my lack of motivation on my busy schedule or the ever rising cost of driving, but the truth is I've been putting it off. And I've been doing this because I'm absolutely terrified.

The thought of being behind a wheel and in control of a moving vehicle sends my anxiety through the roof because not only am I putting myself in potential danger but other people too. I don't like that kind of responsibility. That being said, relying on public transport and late/cancelled trains has quickly become the bane of my life (Northern Rail, I'm looking at you) and I quite like the idea of having the freedom to go where I want, when I want.

So, now that I've taken the plunge and committed myself to a little blue Renault Clio, whom I'm naming Benny, I thought it'd be fun to document my driving experience on the blog for those of you who are scared/anxious about learning to drive or just curious about it.

Welcome to an anxious, northern girl's mission to pass her driving test.

My First Lesson 

When the text came through to confirm the time and date of my first lesson I was instantly filled with regret- what on earth have you done!? There were so many questions whizzing round in my head; what if I can't do it? What if I hate my instructor? What if my instructor hates me? Will she shout at me? What if I crash? The list was never ending. 

Luckily I had Christmas to take my mind off things and when the day of my first lesson rolled around I was surprisingly calm and a little bit excited. I had my lesson at 9:15 on a Wednesday morning for an hour and a half. 

What Happened?

My driving instructor picked me up outside my house, introduced herself and I made a point to let her know that I was nervous straight away. To my relief, she was lovely about it and drove me to a small, quiet, straight road just five minutes away. We filled in a little bit of paper work and she explained that all we'd be doing is getting to know the car and stopping and starting a few times. Fab, I can do that! 

It was all fun and games until she said, 'so, shall we swap and you can get in the drivers seat?' 

Oh shit, I thought, it's actually happening. 

First I got to grips with the car. I learned how to adjust my seat and my mirrors and then how to start the engine. I'm learning to drive in a keyless car so it's a little different, I'm still getting used to the fact that I only need to press a button and not turn a key. 

Then she pulled out a little pink folder filled with diagrams and explained about how to start a car; pedals, mirror checks, signalling, the lot. It was an overload of information, especially for a novice like me but I nodded along, trying to take in as much as I could. 

'Right, shall we give it a go?' 

I looked at her in disbelief. Oh shit, I've actually got to drive this thing. 

But guess what? I did it and I actually enjoyed it! We stopped and started a few times, each attempt getting better which boosted my confidence a little bit more. Then we somehow went from moving and stopping to changing gears to then doing a three-point-turn in front of a tractor and all without stalling. 

Let me just pause for a moment whilst I give myself a round of applause. Believe me, I'm as shocked as you are right now. 

My Thoughts

The hour and a half flew by and I returned home feeling like I'd actually accomplished something. I was expecting to hate the whole experience and put myself off driving for life but I just couldn't wait to get behind the wheel again! Yep, another shock revelation for you there - I really am full of surprises. 

I know there's a long, challenging driving journey ahead of me but for the first time I'm feeling really happy and excited about this experience. I'm going to keep updating my blog with my progress and my thoughts every few weeks so that you can see both the highs and lows of learning to drive. 

Wish me luck on Junctions next week! 

Lots of Love,

Meg x