I'm learning to drive at the age of 46. Pretty much because I spent my entire life in London (bar a few years in Luton), so I could jump on the tube/a bus any time, and I had nowhere to park a car anyway. But now I'm living in the Highlands, I need to drive to get around - the buses suck (and are really inefficient - a massive Stagecoach bus with 4-5 people on it) and taxis are expensive (though easy to order, as hardly anyone uses them).
I'm finding it a fucking 'mare. I'm doing manual, as it's the only local option - I heard automatics are easier, but it's harder to get second-hand ones (and most drivers consider automatics 'not really learning to drive' or something?) One of my problems is I keep drifting without realising, and I'm tired of my instructor making the same joke about how I'm in love with the kerb. I've also made some absolute dipshit moves, like indicating right then making a left turn, and nearly pulling out in front of a cyclist. My instructor's told me that the thought of passing my test before Xmas is "optimistic". Which is a bit humiliating, but guess it's better than me ploughing into a bus shelter. I'm considering shelling out for a week's intensive course, doing an automatic if needs be - I just want to get around ASAP.
Anyway, do you drive? And do you have any tips?
I'm finding it a fucking 'mare. I'm doing manual, as it's the only local option - I heard automatics are easier, but it's harder to get second-hand ones (and most drivers consider automatics 'not really learning to drive' or something?) One of my problems is I keep drifting without realising, and I'm tired of my instructor making the same joke about how I'm in love with the kerb. I've also made some absolute dipshit moves, like indicating right then making a left turn, and nearly pulling out in front of a cyclist. My instructor's told me that the thought of passing my test before Xmas is "optimistic". Which is a bit humiliating, but guess it's better than me ploughing into a bus shelter. I'm considering shelling out for a week's intensive course, doing an automatic if needs be - I just want to get around ASAP.
Anyway, do you drive? And do you have any tips?