I feel like a learner again.....

[annacruachan]

It's over two years since I last drove our car because of illness and pain, but one of my new year resolutions was to get back in the driving seat again.
Today I drove through the village and up to the farm for eggs. Oh, the nerves! My hands are still shaking. It was a really straightforward journey of just one mile, reverse into the farm gateway and come back. I felt as I did when I first started learning to drive; as if I was on the back of a large animal over which I had no control. Got to do it again this afternoon, but for now it's a cup of tea and a sit down!

[selfraising]

It's over two years since I last drove our car because of illness and pain, but one of my new year resolutions was to get back in the driving seat again.
Today I drove through the village and up to the farm for eggs. Oh, the nerves! My hands are still shaking. It was a really straightforward journey of just one mile, reverse into the farm gateway and come back. I felt as I did when I first started learning to drive; as if I was on the back of a large animal over which I had no control. Got to do it again this afternoon, but for now it's a cup of tea and a sit down!

Oh good for you!!! You have made the first step and I'm sure the more you do it the less nerve wracking it will become. Policy of small steps

[Brengirl]

I did have a driving licence a long time ago. I struggled for years to overcome the nerves. Eventually I did the right thing for my health and sanity and gave it up.

[annacruachan]

I did have a driving licence a long time ago. I struggled for years to overcome the nerves. Eventually I did the right thing for my health and sanity and gave it up.

Hope I don't do that, Brengirl. We are 20 miles from the nearest town, shops etc and I have to be mobile if I am left on my own - please God not for a long time, but at our age you never know.

I used to be a good driver and really enjoyed it. I want to get that back.

[Brengirl]

Quite sure you will too. Any skill we do not practice is likely to fade a little. It just needs a kick start. Within a few weeks it will seem as if you have never been away. Good luck!

[Jeanied]

Anna I sometimes feel like that when I first drive a new car - specially if I have changed the make or model. Good on you though, stick with it!

[rustylady]

I haven't driven for about three years now. My poor little car died on me and I really couldn't justify the expense of getting another. I don't know whether I would want to drive again even if I could afford a car - just watching the other drivers round scares me silly.

[dexterdoglancashire]

It's over two years since I last drove our car because of illness and pain, but one of my new year resolutions was to get back in the driving seat again.
Today I drove through the village and up to the farm for eggs. Oh, the nerves! My hands are still shaking. It was a really straightforward journey of just one mile, reverse into the farm gateway and come back. I felt as I did when I first started learning to drive; as if I was on the back of a large animal over which I had no control. Got to do it again this afternoon, but for now it's a cup of tea and a sit down!

WELL DONE! You've done the hardest bit. Make sure you go out, even for a small run in the car on a regular basis.
When you've got your confidence, hows about visiting the DDL household down here in Lancashire?
Actually, I can understand where you are coming from, even though I drive everyday. I only do about 3 miles a day to and from work (yeah, I know I could walk!). So when I drive any distance I find it a bit intimidating. (Don't tell anyone).
The furthest I have driven in the last 12 months I reckon is Skipton (about 50 miles from here?). I'm due to drive down to Stratford upon Avon on Friday to meet my best mate, just for the weekend, and truth be known I'm *****ing myself. I'll be a total bag of nerves till I set off, but will feel better when Ive set off. I'll feel brilliant when I've gone down and come back. The last time I drove myself down there must be 3 or 4 years ago. I know I can do it, but......
Congratulations on your achievement, I'm really pleased for you, keep up the good work!
Love Bernie

[Bren In Pots]

First congrats on getting back behind the wheel, you've done the hardest part. If you still feel you unsure after your second trip have you thought about paying for a refresher driving lesson that might give you the boost you need.

[Comfreyfan]

Well done you! I haven't driven my car for over 3 months now and I'm not allowed back in it just yet, but I'm already feeling a little apprehensive so after 2 years I can see it would be very intimidating. But the loss of my independence will definitely get me back in the car, I hate being reliant on everybody else!

[jackie j]

Well done. I found it hard when I had an accident years ago. When we change cars it takes me a while to get used to it and I wont drive far, I dont like OH's car cos I have blind spots. When I first passed my test over 30 years ago I was so proud I went out on my own, only up the road to inlaws. I got back in the car by which time it was dark, I couldnt find the light switch lol. I recently got in OH's car to drive and couldnt find the light switch and he wasnt around to ask so I had to get out and get in my own car.

[Glutton4...]

Well done you! I can't imagine not being able to drive, and having to rely on others. I'm sure you'll soon get your confidence back.

[bramble]

I know how you feel. When I first started to drive (over 30 years ago now) it was because my son had to go to speech therapy classes. My hubby was working and couldn't take him so, it was either I learned to drive or take two buses each day to go there and back. I am so glad i did b because now that I am getting older it means a lot to me to be independent. My hubby is retired and there to drive me if need be, but its a good feeling to get behind the wheel and drive myself without having to rely on anyone else.
To anyone who is learning to drive and might be suffering from nerves I would say, go for it and don't give up.

[gojiberry]

I can never understand why the majority of folks think that driving instructors are only there for people learning to drive for the first time. A couple of hours with a professional can make a huge difference and you have the added advantage of safety with a dual controlled car. I know that as an ex driving instructor I am biased but it really is money well spent. Good luck to you.

Ian

[its hilly]

Well done Anna. The first trip is the hardest. Brens idea of a refresher lesson is really good if nerves persist.
I've had three quite serious crashes, when I've had time off the road (I'm not that bad honest. One was one the moterway when I couldnt stop on a greasy surface, one when a deer ran straight out into me, and the other when a coach ploughed into me) and each time I've spent a week clinging to the wheel and braking every time an oncoming car got close, but if I couldnt drive round here I couldn't get to wrk, 56m round trip or have my horses so I had to keep going. You do get over it..honest. Just keep to shorter easy trips till you start to feel a bit more confident.