Go back about 35 years ( if you can ) and picture the scene...... a straight cobbled road leading to a cluster of white cottages, on the left a hawthorn hedge protecting a field and on the right another hawthorn hedge behind which is a school playing field. At the top of the road is a purple reliant robin ( No, it isn't a strange bird, but a three wheeled motorised vehicle) and at the bottom of the road was my mum's house. New husband persuaded me to sit in the driving seat and to drive the aforesaid car down the road.(illegally I know I had no licence). So I duly sat in and turned on the engine and shut my eyes tight! I quickly decided driving was not for me. Fast forward to the present day. My husbands mobility is getting worse and worse, he has arthritis in his back and neck, can find walking difficult and can have problems holding things. So we had a discussion and decided that the time was getting close to us having to get a car and that meant me having to learn how to drive. I ought to add I have no judgement of distance, am badly co ordinated, can have difficulties with left and right and still have those chemo brain moments. Not a good starting point! Anyway having mulled it over I decided that yes, it would be a good idea and got it into my head to start lessons next spring . However, husband toddled off into town and discovered that a well known driving school had an offer on its simulator and promptlybooked me a block of lessons. Aggh! Well I put them off for a while then the school rang up wanted to know when I wanted the lessons, the outcome of which was I went doen and had some of the lessons. To say I am a slow learner is an understatement! Driving and I are a bit like the Walls sausage advert on the television, the one where they show the best bits, well to date my best bits are turning the engine on ..... and turning it off! ( The bit in the middle you do not want to know about) Anyway, I have sent off for my provisional licence so have committed myself to learning how to drive. I intend having another set of simulation lessons before I hit the road ( not literally I hope) So to all you drivers in the north west if you find yourself stuck behind a very hesitant learner driver please be a little more patient than you usually are... it could just be me!
Take care all
Jazzx
I am a driving instructor and you've done the hard part. You've decided to learn to drive after all these years and that in itself will have taken a huge amount of courage. I specialise in nervous pupils and as a result, the majority of my client list are women in their 20's, 30's and 40's.
When you're looking for an instructor, make sure you have someone who's experienced. I don't know who you've gone to already, but a good instructor will deal with your lack of judgement, your nervousness and your lack of Left/Right understanding in easy ways for you to handle. This only comes with experiencce however.
When I teach pupils with problems like the ones you are concerned about, I help them identify reference points to look out for when they're driving, moving off and pulling up and parking. So even if spatial awareness is rubbish, other things help position you correctly. I also concentrate on building up a student's confidence. This takes time but is essential in order that the pupil can one day drive 'solo'. Finally, left/right issues can be overcome with hand gestures by the intructor. On test an examiner will do the same whilst giving directions if they pick up that you are a little confused. So don't worry.
The fact that you are on this site means that you will have dealt with much harder issues than learning to drive. So enjoy your lessons. Driving is fantastic and will give you independence you never knew about.
Some advice though if you find that your current instructor does not 'understand' your needs. Change instructors. If you do change, speak to them on the phone. If you don't feel comfortable on the phone with them, ring someone else until you do. Ask lots of questions. Ideally you want a 'Grade 5 or 6' instructor, ideally someone independent and not part of a large school and ideally someone with a few years experience. You may also find a female instructor more understanding. Good luck and enjoy the experience. Driving is a fantastic skill to have!
This made me LOL - I started to learn to drive when I was 17, then was diagnosed and haven't drove since. But I think I need to start learning again soon, I am petrified because I was RUBBISH at it lol. x
This made me LOL - I started to learn to drive when I was 17, then was diagnosed and haven't drove since. But I think I need to start learning again soon, I am petrified because I was RUBBISH at it lol. x
