Re: Failed Driving Test
 

I've been driving for over 40 years, and I refuse to drive with OH in the car. :eek:

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

I taught my wife how to drive over 40 years ago. She passed her test first time (admittedly in California where the bar isn't set particularly high, or wasn't then).

Nowadays she prefers to drive with me as the passenger/navigator which is fine by me. On motorways/autoroutes/freeways she drives at least 10-15 mph faster than I feel comfortable doing these days, so we get there more quickly.

I drive in cities though. That's my bottom line. :nod:

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Editha, I returned to Belfast in September 2015. Taxis were relatively cheap and being reasonably close to the city I decided a car wasn't necessary. I was wrong. I really did need a car. Being over 70, and my original NI licence from 1964 no longer valid, I left myself just 2 months to get a car and pass the test. Bought an automatic and had nine lessons before test. Failed with 3 serious and 10 minors 😩 I actually thought I had done pretty well 😬 So rebooked for three weeks later. Took another 10 lessons. I could not believe second time I got the same examiner. I'm sure he saw the sheer fear in my face. Passed with just 3 minors. My instructor said the examiner could see I was a nervous wreck first time around. Second time I went without instructor breathing down my neck and felt much more confident without her in the car. If I could do it, I just know you can! Do you watch videotapes on Utube of actual test conditions?

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Thanks for the encouragement. I've just started lessons in an automatic. The OH is now resigned to changing our car if I pass.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Glad your partner has come around. I had only driven automatic in TX for 43 years. I couldn't imagine driving a stick shift again. It makes a huge difference to have a car. Mind you, I'm still not thrilled about being here.......yet xx

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Nice to hear from you. Are you recovered from your fall?

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Good for you. Glad OH came around to the idea of an automatic. You will be so much happier with it. :nod:

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

:starsmile:

You'll get there. You have the verve.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Hello Mallory, thank you for asking. Yes, well recovered. Little twinges in the neck dome times but it could have been much worse xx

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

:thumbup: And it's not 'if', it's 'when'. You will definitely get there.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Thank you. This evening I got some beta blockers from my GP for the next time I take the test.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

good luck with the test

BTW, are the beta blockers free on the NHS?

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

No. It is paid for partially through NIC and also prescription charge.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

I shall rephrase my question

to post #51

Editha did you have to pay anything out of pocket for the beta blockers at the time you received them?

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Good luck, Editha. It really sounds like you are doing everything you possibly could to maximise your prospects of passing that test soon :fingerscrossed:

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

The prescription charge. Likely from her purse ,not her pocket. :p

Anyway. When we hear Editha has passed her test, I suggest we all send her a good flurry of be careful on the roads BE karma.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

No, I did not have to pay for the beta-blockers. Over 60s get free prescriptions on the NHS, but I got free prescriptions even before I was 60 because of a chronic medical condition.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Exempt. :thumbup:

Never mind all that. I'm waiting all suspenders to read you have passed the driving test & are making like Toad of Toad Hall on the UK roads.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Any news about the test Editha?

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

No, I'm still doing lessons on an automatic.

But I have some health issues at the moment, which is delaying things. I've got to have some hospital tests, but if I get a bad diagnosis, not being able to drive will become the least of my problems.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

That sounds worrying. Best of luck Editha.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Thanks. I don't want to go into details because my symptoms might turn out to be nothing major, and I don't want to cry wolf.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Perfectly understandable. Do talk with those close to you though, they'd be nothing but delighted with a good result. A worry shared, and all that :)

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Hi Editha, just adding my good wishes and hope that your symptoms do indeed turn out to be nothing.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Whatever it is causing concern, I hope it turns out to be completely nothing much at all.

Best wishes to you Editha & bugger the driving lessons for now.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

I have my fingers crossed for you Editha.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Just an update.

I have problems with movement which are getting worse. i need a stick to walk, and I also have difficulty getting out of a chair and turning. I'm also experiencing pain and discomfort in my back and legs. But, the cause is a complete mystery.

My GP has referred me to a neurologist. I've been given an appointment in late May. So, I tried making a private appointment, but was only offered an appointment two weeks earlier than the NHS. So, it is going to be months before I know what is wrong with me.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

I'm sorry the wait is so long Editha, knowing that something's amiss but not knowing what is so difficult. I hope you're managing ok and can get out and about a bit.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

This is hard for you, but you will prevail. You are a strong woman.

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Thanks for your sympathy.

Getting old is a b****r isn't it?

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Better than the alternative- ain't that what they say ;)

Hoping all goes well at your appointment x

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Some days I'd like to meet Father Time, just to give him a good kick.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

You are right with that one! Seriously though, Editha, I hope you get answers soon. We tend to take good health for granted and it is only when we get older and/or sicker that we realize that being healthy is not always possible.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Yep. Often though, a health/medical condition becomes less stressful once there's a name put to it. Not knowing what's happening is so horrible, and we can't help thinking the worst, or even wonder if we're losing the plot if multiple tests can't pinpoint the problem. It takes a lot of mental and physical energy to get through the pre-diagnosis period, at a time when our reserves are low.

Once there's a diagnosis we can pull ourselves up by the boot straps, get ourselves the right treatment/medication/aids, and carry on with our lives. Not saying that's always a walk in the park, but at least we're dealing with a known quantity and can begin living again, instead of waiting and worrying.

A hug for Editha (no hug smilie, so this will have to do) :heart:

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

I gave up driving years ago. Not the end of the world.

Re: Failed Driving Test
 

Editha all the best wishes to you & trust you can get things sorted

:thumbsup:

isn't that because you live on a small island where everyone knows you & that standing on the edge of the curb, thumb waving, the next vehicle along will take to to where you want to go?

Or is it the free travel pass ;)

In fact anyone that qualifies for a free travel pass should use it as often as possible.

No free travel pass should Scotland separate :nod: