Driving!

I’m going to start driving lessons (manual) in the next few weeks and I’m quite nervous! What are they like? Is it difficult to remember everything? I’m worried I’m going to forget something and crash 😭

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by ILOVEHEINZ

Driving lessons tend to be OK. Most of it is about being able to multitask and developing your confidence.

Is it difficult to remember everything? No. Is it difficult to coordinate everything, probably (depending how good you are at multitasking).

With manual cars, expect a lot of stalling when you first start. Once you have gotten the hang of it, it gets easier.

I think you have more issues with your nerves more than anything else.
You are not likely going to crash if your instructor is sober and have control on his/her side of the car (they have the break and clutch pedals on the left hand side, so they have partial control of how you drive).

(edited 12 months ago)

Reply 2

ILOVEHEINZ

Original post by MindMax2000

Driving lessons tend to be OK. Most of it is about being able to multitask and developing your confidence.
Is it difficult to remember everything? No. Is it difficult to coordinate everything, probably (depending how good you are at multitasking).
With manual cars, expect a lot of stalling when you first start. Once you have gotten the hang of it, it gets easier.
I think you have more issues with your nerves more than anything else.
You are not likely going to crash if your instructor is sober and have control on his/her side of the car (they have the break and clutch pedals on the left hand side, so they have partial control of how you drive).

Yeah I think it’s more nerves than anything. I’m fairly capable of multitasking and doing things so I hope I’ll be fine. Thank you :smile:

Reply 3

camilo_b

Original post by ILOVEHEINZ

Your instructor won’t ask you to do everything on the first day. He has complete control of the car as he also has pedals on his side. After 15-40 hours of practice, you won’t have to think about most of the process—it will be done by instinct. Most instructors are chill, and if you don’t like your instructor for some reason, you can find someone else.

Reply 4

ErasistratusV

It takes time to learn but the bulk of it is almost muscle-memory or automatic. It's simply a case of doing enough hours before it clicks really.

Never forget that any and all road use is a high risk activity. Your actions determine your own safety and that of others around you. Don't have lots of friends in the car. Don't use the radio and definitely do not ever mess with your phone whilst driving.

If it's dark, heavy traffic, mist, rain, cold or you are on unfamiliar roads, just slow down. Until you have considerable driving experience (i.e. years) I would avoid driving quickly on anything but proper A roads or dual carriageways as you just won't have an adequate grasp of braking performance and how the car behaves in turns when the tyres become really loaded up.

Maintain distance from other vehicles at all times.

(edited 12 months ago)

Reply 5