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Im a learner driver and find it difficult enough to get to grips with it but if the impatient drivers were more tolerant maybe i could get my confidence boosted and not panick so much. Can the drivers of Caithness please realise everyone has to start somewhere and that maybe one day their kids will be learning and can i ask does everyone know how to use a roundabout?
anneoctober
11-Aug-07, 15:59
I CAN sympathise with you sms. I hated driving, to be honest I still do. I am always aware of learner drivers ,( as I remember it all as though it was yesterday :eek:). Whereas my sons LOVE driving and have now forgotten what their leggies are for. LOL. You hang in there, it will all fall into place given time. keep us posted with your progress.
PS yep! I can use a roundabout, even the one's in Edinburgh........[lol]
YES , IMPATIENCE IS IGNORANCE WE ALL HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE.
I PASSED MY TEST A LOT OF YEARS AGO, THEN I HAD TO PASS THE HGV I TEST. WHAT AN EYEOPENER THAT WAS. LIKE THEY HAD REWRITTEN THE HIGHWAY CODE. THE DRIVING PART WAS EASY. JUST CATCHING UP WITH THE NEW STUFF.THE NEW TEST IS A WHOLE LOT HARDER & LONGER THAN WHEN I FIRST SAT IT. WE ALL AUGHT TO REMEMBER TO GIVE A LITTLE CONSIDERATION FOR THE LEARNER DRIVER,S.
PS. GOOD LUCK WITH THE DRIVING & DONT LET THE BULLIE,S PUT YOU OFF.
YOU WILL END UP A FAR BETTER DRIVER THAN THEY ARE. [lol]
Took me four goes to pass the test by which time I was getting desperate with school runs looming so don't give up and just ignore the impatient idiots -they were learners too once.
And no, many people have no idea how to approach roundabouts so be extra careful and don't assume they'll all do the right thing.
Thanx im hoping to be passed by xmas but ive been driving 4 years with a year gap.
I was in my thirties with three children before I learned to drive. I failed twice and gave up for quite a while, but life was so difficult with me not driving that I started learning again and finally -to my astonishment - passed third time. It really improved my life and I'm glad I persevered with it, but I do understand what you're saying about impatient drivers.
I know it's hard -many's the time I would panic and stall -but try if you can not to let it affect you too much.
All the best, good luck! :)
I was told to drive as if everyone else on the road is an idiot - it works. The fact that most of them are idiots gives you a head start. Don't panic let them wait. As for roundabouts huge numbers don't know how to drive them. I love them especially the really big ones.
I like the roundabouts in Inverness they are easier to use its the ones in the town of Wick that people cant seem to use properly. Ive learnt for a while in Inverness and thought it was easier than Wick.
percy toboggan
11-Aug-07, 20:19
I was told to drive as if everyone else on the road is an idiot - it works. The fact that most of them are idiots gives you a head start. Don't panic let them wait. As for roundabouts huge numbers don't know how to drive them. I love them especially the really big ones.
By a mistaken click of the mouse I have accidentally given you 'good rep' for this post. I wasn't going to bad rep you either before anyone jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Most drivers are NOT idiots. I certainly am not. If you wish to prop up your own lack of self confidence or self-assertiveness by deluding yourself that everyone else around you is stupid then by all means carry on. Just don't expect to declare such views unchallenged.
If you like roundabouts so much might I suggest a holiday in Milton Keynes, Basingstoke or the daddy of them all Hemel Hempstead.
For what it's worth my 'idiot' analysis of all drivers on the road would rate at about one in ten. Which is still a scary figure. Idiots includ epeople who think driving is something to be done while they're daydreaming or listening to loud music, or who cannot bare to ignore the mobile phone they are apparently addicted to.
Keep the good rep for the next sensible post you make.
i am going to be starting my driving lessons soon. looking forward to it, but not to having to drive with the other people on the roads! most people seem tobe nuts down here!
I passed my test in Germnay where there are few roundabouts, so when i came to the uk i went round it the wrong way and had to wait to be escorted off by a near by policeman...i have the knack now..But i agree that there are many drivers that are impatient, and i will say that i give learners a free way..We all start somewhere...
By a mistaken click of the mouse I have accidentally given you 'good rep' for this post. I wasn't going to bad rep you either before anyone jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Most drivers are NOT idiots. I certainly am not. If you wish to prop up your own lack of self confidence or self-assertiveness by deluding yourself that everyone else around you is stupid then by all means carry on. Just don't expect to declare such views unchallenged.
If you like roundabouts so much might I suggest a holiday in Milton Keynes, Basingstoke or the daddy of them all Hemel Hempstead.
For what it's worth my 'idiot' analysis of all drivers on the road would rate at about one in ten. Which is still a scary figure. Idiots includ epeople who think driving is something to be done while they're daydreaming or listening to loud music, or who cannot bare to ignore the mobile phone they are apparently addicted to.
Keep the good rep for the next sensible post you make.
Nah you cant beat Oxford for roundabouts, they are every so many yards. As for Reading, once youve learnt to drive there - as i did - you can drive in any major city, your senses are well developed LOL[lol]
YES , IMPATIENCE IS IGNORANCE WE ALL HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE.
I PASSED MY TEST A LOT OF YEARS AGO, THEN I HAD TO PASS THE HGV I TEST. WHAT AN EYEOPENER THAT WAS. LIKE THEY HAD REWRITTEN THE HIGHWAY CODE. THE DRIVING PART WAS EASY. JUST CATCHING UP WITH THE NEW STUFF.THE NEW TEST IS A WHOLE LOT HARDER & LONGER THAN WHEN I FIRST SAT IT. WE ALL AUGHT TO REMEMBER TO GIVE A LITTLE CONSIDERATION FOR THE LEARNER DRIVER,S.
PS. GOOD LUCK WITH THE DRIVING & DONT LET THE BULLIE,S PUT YOU OFF.
YOU WILL END UP A FAR BETTER DRIVER THAN THEY ARE. [lol]Is your Caps Lock key broken johno? They call typing in capitals shouting around here and I can't hear my little heart beating because of the noise. ;)
Luv crayola.
aka Penelope Pitstop who always keeps at least twice the safe distance from learners.
j4bberw0ck
12-Aug-07, 01:28
I was told to drive as if everyone else on the road is an idiot - it works. The fact that most of them are idiots gives you a head start.
When on a motorbike, add "blind" and "homicidal" to "idiot" and you're just about there. And although I wouldn't want to encourage Percy too much, truckers are generally the only other road users you can trust to behave logically. Unless they've got foreign plates on.
percy toboggan
12-Aug-07, 06:17
truckers are generally the only other road users you can trust to behave logically. Unless they've got foreign plates on.
The truth is so many British registered lorries now have foreign drivers you can no longer tell the difference. The whole industry down here is changing fast, and imported labour is driving up insurance premiums and holding down wages.
I've also ridden motorbikes all over G.B. and into Europe and agree that ones own vulnerability requires a more vigilant , and suspicious aproach - if you want to stay alive!
rockchick
12-Aug-07, 10:16
By a mistaken click of the mouse I have accidentally given you 'good rep' for this post. I wasn't going to bad rep you either before anyone jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Most drivers are NOT idiots. I certainly am not. If you wish to prop up your own lack of self confidence or self-assertiveness by deluding yourself that everyone else around you is stupid then by all means carry on. Just don't expect to declare such views unchallenged.
If you like roundabouts so much might I suggest a holiday in Milton Keynes, Basingstoke or the daddy of them all Hemel Hempstead.
For what it's worth my 'idiot' analysis of all drivers on the road would rate at about one in ten. Which is still a scary figure. Idiots includ epeople who think driving is something to be done while they're daydreaming or listening to loud music, or who cannot bare to ignore the mobile phone they are apparently addicted to.
Keep the good rep for the next sensible post you make.
I think the point of the original post (and it's a point of view I happen to share) is that if you assume that the other driver(s) is an idiot, you practice what we call defensive driving, and take responsibility for your safety onto yourself, instead of assuming the other driver is going to do what is logical.
Case in point: you are waiting to enter a stream of traffic at a junction, when a car approaches with their turn-signal on. Logically, you would think this means "ah ha! that driver is going to turn, which will allow me to enter the traffic stream safely" but, if you assume that driver is an idiot, then you won't trust the turn-indicator and wait until they've committed themselves.
For a beginner driver, especially, it is a very healthy approach to take.
(BTW, I have high respect for the driving standards of British truckers, and this post is not meant to denigrate them in the slightest)
When on a motorbike, add "blind" and "homicidal" to "idiot" and you're just about there. And although I wouldn't want to encourage Percy too much, truckers are generally the only other road users you can trust to behave logically. Unless they've got foreign plates on.
Totally agree with you. Rode horses a lot and bikes of various kinds and I think blind and homicidal are good additions. Thanks Percy for the kind thought(!) I appreciate it. You could add Cardiff to your roundabout list as well especially the magic roundabout anyone know if it is still there?
DeHaviLand
12-Aug-07, 13:56
Thanx im hoping to be passed by xmas but ive been driving 4 years with a year gap.
LMAO, 3 years of driving lessons yet you complain that its us who are the bad drivers?
i really want to learn to drive but as ive always been a passenger(OH drives)
and it scares me as some drivers are so careless. its really put me off
northener
12-Aug-07, 14:07
LMAO, 3 years of driving lessons yet you complain that its us who are the bad drivers?
Learners cannot be bad drivers.
Learners only have skills they have not mastered yet.
DeHaviLand
12-Aug-07, 14:17
Learners cannot be bad drivers.
Learners only have skills they have not mastered yet.
I would suggest that if you cant master driving skills in 3 years, then you may just be a bad driver.
LMAO, 3 years of driving lessons yet you complain that its us who are the bad drivers?
yes 3 years driving but who said i was driving every week day and night i do have kids and have time out to look after them. Yes im complaining that there are inconsiderate drivers out there that cant use roundabouts im getting learnt one thing and other drivers are doing the opposite. All im asking is would the people please be more patient with learners.
percy toboggan
12-Aug-07, 14:39
Learners cannot be bad drivers.
Learners only have skills they have not mastered yet.
I'm really sorry to be picky here but once again we have a crazy statement.
Of course, anyone who is attempting to learn to drive might not have the aptitude. However aptitude is not always required, as the basic skill needed to pas a test can be taught, and absorbed by most people.
You can't 'have a skill' - not a practical one anyway before you have fully learned it. It's only logical to assume that a small percentage of those learning to drive will never be any good at it. The kind of drivers who do not inspire confidence in their passengers.
There are of course a lot of 'bad' drivers on the roads - a minority, but still a lot. Only today I followed a Volkswagen Passat saloon. Urban roads. The driver had his right arm, dangling from the window for half a mile. Just hanging there - it looked like one of those 'jokes' we used to see a few years ago, the artificial ones left dangling from a boot lid. The arm was pallid white and clearly overly fat. There was some kind of thickgold chain at the wrist.Bling, I believe it is called.
He took a sharp left hand bend, steering with the one arm and was so wide in his trajectory that he almost had a head on collision with a Micra coming the other way.
I would rather sit with any learner driver who recognises he/ she has a skill to learn, than this kind of k/head who thinks he's the bees knees (probably) and knows it all.
northener
12-Aug-07, 15:53
I would suggest that if you cant master driving skills in 3 years, then you may just be a bad driver.
Some people find driving a huge challenge. It does not make them 'bad' drivers.
How can you possibly say someone is a bad driver based purely on how long it takes them to learn to drive? Especially seeing how you cannot possibly have any idea how this person is progressing as you've never, ever, sat in the car with them?
Taking a logical step on with your 'bad driver/amount of lessons guff -
According to you, Based purely on the length of time it takes you to learn, surely if someone passes their test with only a few hours 'tuition' they must, therefore, be an absolutely brilliant driver! According to you.
Experience leads me to think otherwise.
Percy, I know what you mean. But I can say that there are people who pass their test who will never have the aptitude to make a good driver. They merely did everything right for 35 minutes. That's why there's a lot of support for a more robust system of assessment, not just a brief 'snapshot'.
BTW we all 'learn' skills.
DeHaviLand
12-Aug-07, 16:05
Oh Northener, if only you could spell I may be able to take your argument seriously. But you cant and I wont.
northener
12-Aug-07, 16:31
Oh Northener, if only you could spell I may be able to take your argument seriously. But you cant and I wont.
because you no yew ar rong.
Tell me what makes a 'good' learner/driver then?
Tell me what amount of tuition is required to reach test standard.
Tell me how YOU would teach someone to drive, what methods you would use and how long it would take. The length of time bit should be pretty easy for you to work out, shouldn't it? Seeing as you've already tried to pull down one student for the amount of time it's taking them.
Tell me how you would keep an extremely nervous or confused student focused and provide a positive learning experience for them.
Tell me how you can justify spouting off about 'being a bad driver' . You obviously feel you have some depth of experience in teaching people to drive.
Back your argument up with facts and figures.
Come on then, I'm waiting...........
Some people find driving a huge challenge. It does not make them 'bad' drivers.
How can you possibly say someone is a bad driver based purely on how long it takes them to learn to drive? Especially seeing how you cannot possibly have any idea how this person is progressing as you've never, ever, sat in the car with them?
Taking a logical step on with your 'bad driver/amount of lessons guff -
According to you, Based purely on the length of time it takes you to learn, surely if someone passes their test with only a few hours 'tuition' they must, therefore, be an absolutely brilliant driver! According to you.
Experience leads me to think otherwise.
Percy, I know what you mean. But I can say that there are people who pass their test who will never have the aptitude to make a good driver. They merely did everything right for 35 minutes. That's why there's a lot of support for a more robust system of assessment, not just a brief 'snapshot'.
BTW we all 'learn' skills.
Oh Northener, if only you could spell I may be able to take your argument seriously. But you cant and I wont.
OK.... I'm confused.
Because spelling mistakes just seem to jump out of the page at me, but I can't seem to find any in that post......
Julie.
DeHaviLand
12-Aug-07, 17:03
OK.... I'm confused.
Because spelling mistakes just seem to jump out of the page at me, but I can't seem to find any in that post......
Julie.
Its all in the name
Its all in the name
Right..... so best I tell Kerri & Nikki, my daughters that I can't spell then!
And as for Burtie Basset, and Tekila the mexican snake.....
northener
12-Aug-07, 18:21
S'funny,
I always thought it was DeHavilland!
Still waiting for some insight on your ability to assess drivers via the internet as opposed to being in the car with them though....
I would suggest that if you cant master driving skills in 3 years, then you may just be a bad driver.
That is one of the most ill-considered remarks I have seen on here for ages since you have no idea how many lessons were involved, whether there were periods without driving for any number of reasons - do I need to go on? Personally I am far more nervous of young drivers who pass first time and are then able to take to the roads with a minimum of actual experience. Give me someone who has failed once or twice, learnt from their mistakes and spent time with either an instructor or another driver dealing with the different circumstances that can be encountered any time.
percy toboggan
12-Aug-07, 19:41
There is a district in south Manchester called 'Northenden' and that's how it's spelt.
No second 'r' you see.
psyberyeti
12-Aug-07, 23:29
You have to try the 'Magic Roundabout' in Swindon to be able to say that you can do roundabouts. I always had my eyes closed when I went through there.
Why do so many people think that they have the right to drive a dangerous weapon? There are a lot of inept drivers on these roads - and they do not all have either 'L' plates or foriegn plates![disgust]
I am a man so I like to think that I am a perfect motorcyclist/car driver. :cool:
Lolabelle
13-Aug-07, 08:02
Unfortunately sms, it is not only with learners that some drivers are rude and impatient. So hang in there, stay calm and try to just do your best and let them get all hot under the collar. They can destroy thier own day, but don't let them bother yours. I am sure you will get there.
I was fortunate enough to have learnt to drive long before I ventured onto the road, so I knew how the car worked. Then I only had to battle the other drivers and road rules, not all three at once.
Good luck and happy driving, it will all be worth it. :Razz
Good Luck With Ur Driving Dont Worry It Will Come Allright In The End.
I passed first time - although i'll put my hands up and say that I really shouldnt have.
It took me a good couple of years I think to fully develop as (I hope) a good, safe driver.
As for the comment about spelling - isn't that just an 'adult' version of shouting "your mum!";)
...........I am a man so I like to think that I am a perfect motorcyclist/car driver......
[lol] The only reason I'll let you off with that comment, is because you used the word think! [lol]
Haha!
Julie
Boozeburglar
13-Aug-07, 10:12
Just a thought on HGV drivers.
I cannot count the number of times I have been tailgated by some idiot in an artic.
They drive with practically no regard for stopping distances, and constantly exceed the speed limits.
I say put as much as possible back on the railways. Restrict trucks to 7.5 tonnes on all rural roads, set limiters to 45mph and ban anyone exceeding the limit.
So there!
People are worried about driving on the roads and then spot this. It makes them feel even worse. SOME people on here really aren't thinking before posting. I will be learning to drive in a few months or so and to be perfectly honest I am extremely worried about it. I already thought the roads were bad here, but now that i've seen how little respect SOME people have for learner drivers it makes the whole experience a lot more daunting.
Boozeburglar
13-Aug-07, 10:24
Don't be worried about what you hear or read; it really is not that bad once you get out there.
I have co-driven a lot of people and they have all passed their tests and become good, safe drivers.
It is not rocket science, which is pretty easy too.
Where are you going to be learning?
;)
You'll be fine Mr Me.
Just remember that you will have good days when learning where everything goes right and you do all the manouvers perfectly then on others it will feel like you've never had a lesson in your life!
The trick is not to give up on the bad days.
Before I started learning I used to have terrible reoccuring nightmares about finding myself at the wheel of an out of control car. These dreams stopped as soon as I strated my lessons.
when i first moved up here i was astonished at the amount of drivers that didnt know how to use a roundabout! i would be sitting in the car screaming at them "GIVE WAY TO THE RIGHT!!".:lol:
Boozeburglar
13-Aug-07, 10:56
when i first moved up here i was astonished at the amount of drivers that didnt know how to use a roundabout! i would be sitting in the car screaming at them "GIVE WAY TO THE RIGHT!!".:lol:
Having driven for years in London my experience is that I find myself flying into every gap there is shouting, "Why are you giving way to anyone you fools!"
;)
Having driven for years in London my experience is that I find myself flying into every gap there is shouting, "Why are you giving way to anyone you fools!"
How very true! I learned to drive in London, & because of my philosophy on cars, have never had a new one, so I head for the gaps & wait for the bump...... but the black cab guys don't want to be off the road for any amount of time & usually find their brakes in time! ;)
Mind, that's mainly in London, I don't have to do it here...... well, not often! [lol]
Boozeburglar
13-Aug-07, 11:19
One of my first enlightening experiences driving in London: joining a roundabout at Elephant and Castle, in the late evening, and seeing everything was clear I started to pull out and all of a sudden a car came flying through at a huge speed with no lights on.
I have seen much worse over the years, some of the driving in Eastern Europe was the funniest. You would be bombing along some pot holed bit of tarmac/gravel minding your own business when suddenly you would notice a Lada driving along the field next to you trying to overtake!
;)
One of my first enlightening experiences driving in London: joining a roundabout at Elephant and Castle, in the late evening, and seeing everything was clear I started to pull out and all of a sudden a car came flying through at a huge speed with no lights on.......
Goodness, that might have been me! [lol]
That's where I was brought up, & it's still quite dear to me - it's a dump, mind but there you go!
How about in Malta, where you beep your horn when you come up to T Junction - if you don't hear a 'beep' back, that means it's all clear & you can just pull out without looking!! They don't tell the tourists that though, so it can be really hairy!
try Paris! what a bunch of kamakazee drivers you will find there & if you have an accident they just carry on driving!
went to Corfu couple of years ago & say a guy get knocked off his moped by a car, the driver got out of the car & proceeded to beat the living daylights out of the biker for getting in the way!!:eek:
Oh Northener, if only you could spell I may be able to take your argument seriously. But you cant and I wont.
Ah... DeHaviland.... cant should be 'can't' and wont should be 'won't'. lol ;)
Lolabelle
13-Aug-07, 13:20
OK.... I'm confused.
Because spelling mistakes just seem to jump out of the page at me, but I can't seem to find any in that post......
Julie.
I'm with you there Julie, I looked and looked, but could find none. I am not a good speller, lol, so I wasn't game to comment until you did. :eek:
I'm with you there Julie, I looked and looked, but could find none. I am not a good speller, lol, so I wasn't game to comment until you did. :eek:
Lolabelle - yep, you can trust me to occasionally stick my head way above ground when the bullets are flying all around! ;)
Penelope Pitstop
13-Aug-07, 15:30
Is your Caps Lock key broken johno? They call typing in capitals shouting around here and I can't hear my little heart beating because of the noise. ;)
Luv crayola.
aka Penelope Pitstop who always keeps at least twice the safe distance from learners.
....give them room....we were all there ourselves once upon a time.
Goodness, that might have been me!
That's where I was brought up, & it's still quite dear to me - it's a dump, mind but there you go!
How about in Malta, where you beep your horn when you come up to T Junction - if you don't hear a 'beep' back, that means it's all clear & you can just pull out without looking!! They don't tell the tourists that though, so it can be really hairy!
I hired a car while on holiday in Malta, they drive on the same side as us, there it stops , it was the worst & most comical driving experiences ive ever had and the cars, ive seen better in scrap yards . one old bedford van i went over to look at had two vice grips where the steering wheel used to be.
quite ingenious i thought. but the buses now thats something else these quaint old brit bomber,s just keep going and going. i suppose that they must make the parts for them themselves.. no 39 thats the one to get on with the old slatted seats[boneshaker,s] but the friendly ness of the maltese more than makes up for their dodgem style driving. [lol] [lol]
Malta now that is an experience isn't it. I drove there years ago and they didn't seem to bother about which side they drove on they just drove. The buses I loved the buses and the lorries anyone know if they still drive sitting to one side? I was told this was so St. Christopher could ride with them, and boy oh boy did he need to!
I don't think there are any spelling mistakes - are there?
I was terrified in Malta (As a passenger ) went over for 2 days from Gozo and it was so placid and peaceful but Malta OH !!!
Could not wait to get the ferry back to tranquility:)
Just to raise an obvious question - but in no way wishing to be offensive - If your are given to panic (your words) whilst learning with an experienced driver along side you - what are you going to do when out on your own?
when i first moved up here i was astonished at the amount of drivers that didnt know how to use a roundabout! i would be sitting in the car screaming at them "GIVE WAY TO THE RIGHT!!".:lol:
Give way to the right only applies to cars actually on the roundabout not half the street away when you are at the junction as some people up here tend to think!! and as for truckers, white van drivers, female drivers, male drivers etc there is good and bad in all the groups but I agree that they all should make allowances for the learner.
....give them room....we were all there ourselves once upon a time.
Earmuff,s Penelope or perhaps in your case dark glasses or both.?
heh heh heh [lol] [lol]
I have my first lesson today. lol, look out
I have my first lesson today. lol, look out
You're a long way away from me.... ;)
Seriously, hope it goes really well -don't forget to tell us how you get on! :D
Good luck for today fluff! I'm sure you'll be fine.
Try a drop of rescue remedy if you get nervous. x
I read that the theory test is to have more questions added and the driving part is to be extended. think that it is coming into force next month.
I read that the theory test is to have more questions added and the driving part is to be extended. think that it is coming into force next month.
yes the theory used to be 35 questions and you had to get 30 right to pass, now there is going to be 50 questions and i think you have to get 43 right to pass it comes in to force on 3rd september
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