Year after year, new students and young people start to learn to drive. In most cases, new driving pupils become excited and cannot wait to get behind the wheel. However, after doing a little research, it seems that there is a small minority of students that really dislike driving. After looking into the volume of Google searches completed we found that more than 100 people are searching for “why do I hate driving lessons” every month!
Now as a driving school that’s quite a worrying figure to see. If you do the maths that means that more than 1200 people are searching for answers every year. Now as a driving school ourselves – that simply is not good enough. These are some answers to why people may be searching “why do I hate driving lessons”.
Why Do People Hate Learning to Drive?
- Little Confidence
- Nervous
- Bad Previous Experience
- Failed Tests (Theory or Practical)
- Not Comfortable With The Transmission
- Anxious
- Feeling the Pressure to Pass
- Fear of Failing
- Costs and Expenses Involved
- Theory Training Itself
#1 Low on Confidence
As a Grade A driving instructor, the driveJohnson’s owner, Anthony Johnson has taught many people to learn how to drive. Some have been complete beginners, whereas some have had more experience than others. He even had the pleasure of teaching Tottenham Hotspur wonderkid Dele Alli how to drive.
Many of the new pupils that take their driving lessons in London are low on confidence simply because they are complete beginners and that is perfectly understandable. Going from public transport to driving on the busy roads in London is a highly stressful process, especially if you are planning on driving during rush hour.
However, have no fear. Being cautious is a typical reaction and over time, your confidence will grow as your driving ability improves. As they say – “Rome was not built in a day”, and you’re certainly not going to be passing your driving test and hammering around the streets of Central London after a handful of driving lessons.
#2 Nervous
Many driving pupils are put off by learning to drive simply because they cannot handle their nerves when they are behind the wheel. However, any approved driving instructor worth their salt will recognise this and will hold back from taking you out onto busy roads until you are both comfortable at the wheel and controlling the vehicle.
You will never be taken out onto main roads and dual carriageways as a complete novice – “It just isn’t cricket” and would not be fair on both parties.
#3 Bad Previous Driving Experience
This is arguably one of the most common reasons that pupils either give up on learning to drive or wait until they are a little older, wiser and “street smart”.
As one of the leading driving schools in the UK, it does hurt us to see that more pupils are delaying their learning experience due to the incompetency of a previous, inexperienced driving instructor. If you want to learn to drive – go for it. Do let a bad experience hold you back. For example, all of the driving lessons Grays that we provide are carried out by approved driving instructors (ADI’s).
These guys go through annual assessments to ensure that they are to a standard that can provide top of range driving tuition for every single one of our pupils, no matter what age or driving ability.
#4 Failed Driving Tests
Unfortunately, not every driving student can pass his or her driving test first time. Fails do occur. However, many myths are lingering around that claim that driving instructors and examiners have to fail a certain number of pupils.
That claim is total rubbish and is completely false. It’s like asking a chef to send out a percentage of his food raw – it just isn’t going to happen. If your ability to drive is considered safe and meets the examiner’s guidelines – you pass.
Obviously, if you have failed your driving test a couple of times, your confidence will be low. However, you are more than capable of passing your driving test. If there is a particular area of the driving test that you feel could hinder your performance, then you are well within your rights to request individual routines and manoeuvres to help build your confidence during your lessons.
#5 Not Comfortable With The Transmission
90% of drivers learn to drive in a manual vehicle. This is always recommended as after you have passed your driving test in a manual vehicle, you then have the opportunity to drive an automatic car too.
However, if you take your driving lessons in an automatic vehicle as well as your final practical driving test – you will only be able to drive an automatic car unless you take an actual driving test for a manual car.
Older people tend to learn how to drive an automatic, whereas younger people stick to the manual controls. The final decision is up to you – we would always encourage you to learn and take your test in a manual vehicle because you can always make the change after.
However, if you are seriously struggling – you could consider learning in an automatic.
#6 Becoming Anxious
Anxiety and mental health have become a significant issue here in the UK – especially around young people, which is incredibly frightening. If you do suffer from anxiety or other stress related illnesses, it is well worth contacting your local GP to ensure that you are safe to learn how to drive.
If you suffer from undiagnosed anxiety, then this could be a reason why you search for “why do I hate driving lessons”.
The important thing to know is that you are not alone. There are many free support groups and treatments available that have been designed to help young people cope and embrace their anxiety.
#7 Feeling the Pressure to Pass
If you have a close group of friends and all, but you have passed your driving test, then there can be a huge weight of expectation and pressure to pass. However, it is worth noting that you should only listen to the pressure that you put on yourself (which should be minimal).
No rule states that you have to pass your driving lessons Manchester in less than 3 months. Many pupils have taken up to a year and more to get to a test standard.
You should only feel comfortable booking your driving test when you feel that you are ready and comfortable with the driving manoeuvres and test routes.
#8 The Fear of Failing
Everyone is scared of something, and to some people, their biggest fear is the fear of failure. This isn’t always driving related and can come into play with some everyday routines.
A lot of people feel that they are judged on both their successes and failures – that is not something that you need to concern yourself with.
Many people fail their driving test every year. There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, there is only a small number of individuals that are capable of passing the first time – and that is not always guaranteed. You can book driving lessons in Watford with driveJohnson’s for a local patient driving instructor to help you through your training.
#9 Costs and Expenses Involved
Some young people are put off of learning to drive due to the costs involved with learning and running a car. There are many things to consider such as driving lessons, a vehicle, tax, car insurance and general maintenance costs – not to mention breakdown cover.
If you want to learn how to drive but save as much money as you can – consider purchasing a bulk-booking offer from a driving school in Preston.
You can book 10 hours of driving lessons and receive a discounted rate per hour – making it a little cheaper for you.
When it comes to vehicle tax and insurance – there are a few things that you can look into which will help reduce costs. Some newer vehicles are so efficient that the annual car tax can be as low as £20 (per annum).
For car insurance – younger drivers can pay for something called a “little black box”. These small boxes are fitted to your car and measure your driving, considering speed, braking, positioning and more.
At the end of each year, your general driving ability is assessed. As long as you have been behaving on the roads, your insurance premium may be significantly reduced.
#10 The Theory Training
Another area that young or new drivers are put off by is the theory training that is needed to take the practical driving test. I have lost count of the number of people that has gone into taking a theory test with little or no revision.
It’s incredible to think that those individuals come out wondering what happened, thinking it would just be a walk through.
The trick to passing your theory training is through regular revision. There are so many tools that you can use to help you pass. Mobile Apps, DVD’s, Audiobooks and more – All will help you pass and take you that little bit closer to passing your practical driving test.
Confidence is Key
To pass your driving test, you need to approach it in a confident manner. If you go into learning to drive with negative thoughts, then there is only ever going to be one result.
Hopefully, you have found an answer to the “why do I hate driving lessons” query. Remember, if you need any help or advice on learning to drive – just give us a call.
All the best with your learning and we wish you best of luck!
