Starting with the basics, I began my driving lessons in very early December 2015, after turning 17 in October 2015. I originally didn't want to learn to drive because I've always wanted to live in London so I didn't really see the point in learning to drive as, realistically, I wouldn't be doing it in London. However, I thought about it a lot and came to the conclusion that I should just do it while I can because that means it's another skill under my belt, it was something else to say I've accomplished and it would benefit me in general.
So I booked my first driving lesson with RED Driving School. It was a two hour lesson which we spent most of the time talking about the car, learning the basics and going over the main safety points but, towards the end of the lesson, I had my first drive. Traumatic. It was absolutely traumatic. I couldn't work out my reference points properly, I panicked and did not have a fun time - I went on the pavement, almost cried. It was literally horrible and I hated it. Though, in my defense, it was dark, rainy and busy everywhere as my lesson was during rush hour. In all honesty, I was ready to quit and give up after that first lesson but, after a long chat with my driving instructor, I decided to give it another go.
My second lesson went a lot smoother - I booked it during daylight hours so that helped a lot with my reference points and being able to concentrate and see properly. This time there wasn't any going on the pavement so that was a good sign. I continued with my lessons and they continuously were improving and I was gaining confidence every lesson and beginning to enjoy driving much more.
Fast forward to March 2016 and I'd taken my theory test and passed first time. I scored 47 out of 50 on the multiple choice section (you need 43 correct answers) and 54 out of 75 on the hazard perception section (you need 44 for that section) so I was super happy with my scores on that. In fact, a celebratory dinner at the Slug and Lettuce (my fave) was called for.
My lessons were continuing to go well and I was enjoying driving more and more every time I did it. By April I'd booked my test for August and, in August, I failed my test. My driving instructor was convinced that I would pass first time but silly me made a stupid mistake that I would never do normally, both driving my Mum's car and on my driving lessons. I failed because I stayed in the right lane for too long when I should've been in the left lane. On this particular road, I was told by my examiner to follow signs for Nottingham which, on the signs, appeared to be a right turn and so I got into the right lane. However, it later became apparent that you could stay in the left lane but, I didn't get back into the left lane when I should've. In fact, the examiner did say to me that it was because, on that road, they must fail someone if they're in the wrong lane after a certain point, that I failed my test.
With that being said, I'm still putting it down to nerves because it was something that I never had done and would never usually do but I am almost glad that I failed my first driving test because it gave me an idea of what to expect and how to handle it.
After failing my first test, I took a break from driving for a month or so. I did re-book my test for December, originally, but used a cancellation finder to pull it forward a few weeks and eventually took it again in October. I don't think I've mentioned it but I took my test at the Beeston test centre (if that makes any difference to anyone). I only had two lessons before I re-took my test and they were on the Tuesday and Wednesday as I had my test on the Thursday (13th October). I have to say that I was much more confident and relaxed when taking my second test - I knew what to expect, I wasn't worried and, quite honestly, didn't even feel like I was taking a driving test. Luckily, as I'm sure you'll have guessed, I passed and passed with only four minors (though I'm not even sure what they were).
I'm super glad that I decided to go through with learning to drive because it's been so beneficial to me. As everyone says, you get so much more freedom when you've passed your driving test. No, I don't have my own car but I am insured on my Dad's car so we've been sharing that (it's basically mine now!). I've been thoroughly enjoying driving and I honestly could not be happier that I chose to do it. My advice to anyone who is sitting on the fence about whether to do it or not is just do it. If you try it and you don't like it, you can always stop but I genuinely think that it's worth giving it a go. If you enjoy it and you pass your test, it's definitely something to be proud of and it's yet another skill of yours so I really do think it's worth it. I love it.
PS - I would also really recommend Red Driving School as a driving school (obviously) and you get student discount with NUS so it's definitely worth checking out.
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