Wednesday 4 March 2015

Driving!

A large part of the reason why I haven't been feeling up to posting much lately has been because I have been very stressed out about something... My driving test! I started driving on my 17th birthday, June 17th last year, and finally decided a few weeks ago with my instructor that I was ready to do my test, which I did on Monday 2nd March.

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen quite a few tweets lately talking about how stressed out I was for the test and after receiving loads of comments telling me to chill out and not let the stress affect my performance, I had basically convinced myself I was going to fail before I even got in the car because of how stressed I was!
In fact, within a few minutes of the test starting, I nudged the kerb slightly, which I had always been told was an instant fail, so I apologised immediately and decided to carry on the test trying my hardest to see what minors I got, so that I knew what areas to focus on for the next time I had to do the test.
However, I'm not sure if it was because it was only a tiny nudge or if it was because I obviously acknowledged that it was a mistake and drove correctly the rest of the time, but somehow....


I PASSED!! And with only 4 minors as well!

I can honestly say that I was not expecting to pass at all and it was a huge surprise - and relief - for me that I did! I had avoided telling people that my test was coming up due to not wanting to have to admit when I failed but somehow I managed it, which built up my confidence about my driving skills a bit!

Even though it has only been a few days since I passed my test, I was insured within minutes of passing so I got out on the road by myself very early on.

I'm glad I decided to start driving independently very quickly because most people say that that is the hardest part about driving your test - getting out on your own for the first time!

However, it's taking me a little while to get used to my car, which I drove very few times during my time as a provisional driver, so it has actually knocked my confidence in my driving abilities quite a lot sadly! I tried driving to school and back yesterday and whilst yes I did it without too many hitches, it was a real shock to the system for me and in general left me feeling very scared and anxious about driving.

I think I'm going to have to spend a bit of time on quiet roads getting used to my car a bit more and getting some more practice in before I try driving to school on dual carriageways and major roundabouts again - the last thing that I want is to be worrying about what could happen whilst I'm driving, rather than concentrating on what actually is happening!

So yeah, I just wanted to write this post to let you all know about this major event for me and to anyone who is learning to drive/is a new driver, have you ever experienced these anxieties about driving? Is what I'm feeling normal? I would really appreciate it if you let me know! 

24 comments

  1. Congratulations! I you definitely deserved that delicious looking hot chocolate there :) So happy for you!

    Karis,
    karisatkinson.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thanks Karis! I was meant to go straight back to school but mum snuck me off for a sneaky hot chocolate beforehand while we sorted out getting me insured haha! x

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  2. Congratulations on passing! When I took my driving test I was an absolute wreck, tears and all sorts before I went out for my drive. I, too, managed to pass first time and with just three minors so I was pretty pleased with myself.
    I haven't got a car (damn money!) so I've not driven since passing back in October, and the prospect of driving independently does sort of terrify me now, no denying. I really do miss driving though, because I really enjoyed my lessons and it was sort of something I could just 'do' without to much fuss. I'm sure that the anxieties about driving independently will go soon! Keep practicing and pushing yourself! Welldone you :)
    Beverley xx | mysensescometolife.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thank you lovely! I've managed to convince one of my friends to come out and 'co-pilot' with me for a while until I build up my confidence in my new car! I hope you get a car - or at least the opportunity to drive - soon! x

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  3. Congratulations on passing! Also I'm just a little bit in love with your design! <3
    Hattie
    hattiehards.blogspot.co.uk

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  4. Congratulations! I passed second time and it took me a while to feel confident driving on my own after that. Two years later and I can see how much I have improved, practise is definitely the answer!

    Bethan Likes

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    1. Thank you! I still can't believe I passed first time haha! Looks like I'll keep at it and keep practising then! x

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  5. Congratulations!!! Take it a little bit at a time, driving is an extremely personal thing, so you'll become comfortable again in your own time!! Practise lots and take little victories :) Well done again, major achievement!!

    little miss fii || Fii x

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    1. Thank you for the advice lovely! I guess I'm just so excited to be able to drive on my own - I just want to be able to actually drive well haha! x

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  6. Congratulations! I still haven't started to learn to drive and my 18th is next month! A couple of my friends drive and they think it's amazing so give it a few weeks and you'll absolutely love it!

    Amy Caitlin xo | cloudcaitlin24.blogspot.com

    P.s. Thanks for the follow!x

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    1. Oh wow! I made sure to start as soon as I could - I loved learning to drive! x

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  7. Congratulations!! Isn't it just the best feeling! I recently passed too and what you're experiencing with the different car is 100% normal! I learnt in a diesel but my own car is a petrol and its brand new too so its very responsive and light compared to the heavy diesel and I found when I first passed i would over rev it and then stall mine a lot which knocked my confidence and left me terrified. My top tips are firstly P plates, when you have them on everyone is more considerate that you need a little extra time at roundabouts and big junctions and usually lots of people let you out too so you don't have to wait too long! I'm still a pretty nervous driver but you find the more frequently you drive it the more accustomed you come. Definitely go out driving quite late at night when roads are quiet to get you used to the engine and biting point of your car. I also found it helped to go out with someone who has passed their test but not for over 3 years and over 21 because then you still feel independent because as a provisional license holder they couldn't be there BUT should you really panic and need someone to be able to tell you 'you need to change gears' or 'reverse and turn the wheel to the left' really helped! Good luck honey, you'll be fine before long!

    Lots of Love,

    Abby || whatabbyloves.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Wow thank you lovely, this is the best advice I've received since passing! It's definitely improved a bit since I've been trying some of these things and I do like having someone with me for situations where I can get a bit nervous so thank you for that tip! x

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  8. Well Done on passing your test. Taking my driving test was one of the most scary experiences of my life.

    GreyWalls 

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    1. Thank you! The actual test itself wasn't too scary for me x

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  9. Well done Megan!! I've got my driving test booked for April and I am so terrified! I only started lessons in December and I'm such a nervous driver - I can't imagine driving by myself! Anyway, congrats!!!
    x x

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    1. Thank you! That's amazing for you to take your test so soon - I started learning in June and didn't even go to book mine until December when I couldn't get a slot until March! Good luck!! x

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  10. Congratulations on passing your driving test! It's such an amazing feeling isn't it? I think it's great to acknowlodge any mistakes you make, I did also and passed. I also drove a lot worse during my 2nd test, than I did the first time x

    missnoodlebug.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thank you! Well done to you too :) I believe that if you don't acknowledge your mistakes, there's no way you're ever going to learn from them! x

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  11. Well done you! I'm 17 too but haven't started lessons yet as I wouldn't have a car, and I still feel like I'm too young to be trusted behind the wheel haha! I bet it's so liberating to be able to drive yourself wherever, whenever though!
    Thanks for leaving your link on twitter, followed you!
    lily x
    jolihouse.com

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    1. It's okay to feel like that, I've been driving for a few weeks now and still feel like I'm way too young to be learning, let alone doing it by myself haha!! I haven't actually gone on any spontaneous road trips yet... It's just nice to not have to take public transport to school and back everyday! Thank you for the follow lovely :) x

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  12. Ahhhhhh this is AMAZING! Congratulations!!!! ps. well done you for buying such a magically awesome looking drink for celebration! hahah
    yaaayyy!

    hannah x

    hannahdelacour.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thank you!! It was a caramel hot chocolate, I would definitely recommend ;) x

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  13. Nice site. Thanks for sharing this information. Its important to have a intensive driving lesson.Its very helpful for the beginners to learn driving lessons. I have found an another site which provides me good information on driving lesson, you can check it at http://www.drivingschoolsnuneaton.co.uk

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© Meguana
Maira Gall