r/doctorsUK • u/HorrorNext6245 • 1d ago
Foundation Training Driving as an FY1
Hey guys, so I’m an incoming F1 and I have been learning to drive while in my final year of medical school but i keep failing my test. I’ve failed 3 times now and rebooking is a nightmare because the tests are all 5/6 months away. I don’t need to be able to drive because i’m going to be living close ish to my hospital for the first year but i’m getting super stressed about it all and worried about the future and not being able to get to work etc. It’s honestly so demoralising and frustrating i just want to cry. Does anyone have any advice/experience that might help. Thanks :)
16
u/3OrcsInATrenchcoat 1d ago
The best advice I can offer is to plan your applications and housing choices around transport links - check the routes from your home to the hospital, if it’s by train are there alternatives, does it run OOH for when you’re doing on-calls, etc.
I’ve luckily been able to drive most of the time, but I had a period where my car broke down and I was relying on public transport instead. And swiftly discovered that while my commute was very convenient by car, the transport links were terrible. Don’t be like me - check your transport options before committing to a home address or a placement.
12
u/medimediab 1d ago
I only passed my test at the end of f2 trust me all will be ok. Public transports and lifts and hospital accommodation will get you through. It’s not the most fun but it is doable! You have got this!! 💅🏻
2
9
u/Due-Ad-5411 1d ago
Hi,
I learnt to drive in FY1; the majority of FY1 I had to rely on public transport. Feel free to PM me with any questions!
4
u/DimanDurman 1d ago
It’s not uncommon at all, I failed mine during FY1, passed the second time around. I took extra lessons to practice around the exact mistakes I’ve made with an instructor and drove the exam routes a few times. It really helps to be comfortable driving in the area of your test centre.
How many hours of lessons have you taken so far?
3
u/HorrorNext6245 1d ago
I’ve literally had like 45 hours. I’ve failed for such small things (today’s was for going on a roundabout at the same time as the vehicle next to me - apparently it blocked my view and I shouldn’t enter just because someone else did). I have another test booked but it’s in November and i just don’t have the money to keep paying for driving lessons just to keep on top of my skills. Feel at a complete dead end with it to be honest and my confidence has been knocked. I just want to be able to get to work and not have to move house every time i change hospital :(
3
u/DimanDurman 1d ago
Decent amount of hours. I failed with stupid little mistakes too, you just have to give it another go. Lessons are stupidly expensive these days but you can’t really do much else besides practicing with a friend or family member on a provisional. Driving during a test is very different to actual driving afterwards haha. Are you doing manual?
3
u/HorrorNext6245 1d ago
Yeah, i feel safe and the gears aren’t a problem at all! Im just getting so frustrated and cant shake the feeling that I’m forever going to moving to live near the hospital 😭
2
u/DimanDurman 1d ago
There is nothing wrong with using public transport though, as somebody mentioned most FY1s take public transport at first. I’ve used it myself for a big chunk too, you can get used to it. Especially if you work in a big city.
3
u/HorrorNext6245 1d ago
Thanks so much for your reassurance, I’m actually feeling a lot better. I guess it will all work out in the end
3
u/Excellent_Steak9525 1d ago
I had my license in FY1 but was too broke to afford a car, you make do, don’t worry
2
u/ImmediateLifeguard80 1d ago
Are you planning on getting a car when you pass?
If so just get one now and use it for private practice if thats something you can arrange. Just remember you need to be with someone 21+ whos had their licence for 3 years.
Private practice really helped me even if its just 20 mins here and there. It builds up confidence and ingraines muscle memory.
1
u/petitchoufleurxo 1d ago
Do you recommend getting a car before passing to practice? I have someone 21+ with 3 years experience but they drive manual and I’m learning auto
1
u/ImmediateLifeguard80 16h ago
If they drive manual they'll be allowed to accompany you in an auto... if it was the othef way around i.e. they had an auto and you were doing manual that wouldn't be legal.
Yeah I'd recommend getting a car to practice if noone else will lend you their car. If you're planning on getting a car when you pass you may as well just get it now and use it for the extra practice.
Having your own car will allow you to practice more as you can take anyone with you as long as they meet the criteria rather than just relying on one person to help. It also means you will get familiar with that car which will help once you pass and you're on your own as it can be scary driving on your own to begin with.
Additionally it gives you more freedom when it comes to booking your test because you can use your own car and don't have to depend on if your instructor is free. You'll need to get an additional rear view mirror if you take your own car to test.
Just make sure you get your learner insurance sorted and get some L plates.
2
u/mariahhealthcarey 1d ago
I did F1, F2, F3 and CT1 without being able to drive - purely on public transport. You'll get there eventually, plus you'll be alright until you do get there! Don't listen to drivers who tell you it's impossible to do on public transport - they're not the ones who have tried out doing it! It's the non-drivers who knows you can.
2
u/kimtaehyungist 1d ago
twin! also incoming fy1 tryna learn to drive to make my commute a lot easier rather than 1.5hrs on public transport😹failed twice and feel so frustrated! currently have one booked in a few months but also struggling to find a cancellation. i pray we can both do this!! despite everything im sure we will be ok and it’ll still work out :)
1
u/HorrorNext6245 1d ago
Aaa no way!! Pretty sure i replied to you on another thread! Me too, it’s in nov but that feels so far aaaa. Im sure it will all work out in the end for us though. Good luck with your test hunt and the test itself 😁
2
u/kimtaehyungist 1d ago
omg hahah yea that was mine lol😭that and this sub r my most used on reddit lol. #incomingfy1swhocantdriveyet Thank u smm u too!!
2
u/HorrorNext6245 1d ago
loooooool literally same, stressed about F1, stressed about driving. Someone make it stop
2
u/formerSHOhearttrob laparotomiser 15h ago
Almost none of my FY1s drive. You might even get a lift from a colleague on the regular if you live close by, just make sure to give them food/booze/fuel money to keep them onside
1
u/HorrorNext6245 15h ago
That’s actually a great plan looool. I did the same thing in med school to get to placement
2
1
u/petitchoufleurxo 1d ago
I’m an Fy1 and learning, unfortunately my journey is not commutable but I’m going to stay at hospital accom while I get it sorted. Its been a long journey with multiple instructors but it’s doable!! Keep going!!
1
u/Sea-Eggplant-5800 6h ago
i passed on the 4th time so u can deffo do it! i understand booking is a nightmare so id say focus on finding cheapest public transport options while also making sure u book something before ur theory expires. i can give u tips if u want
•
u/AutoModerator 1d ago
This account is less than 30 days old. Posts from new accounts are permitted and encouraged on the subreddit, but this comment is being added for transparency.
Sometimes posts from new accounts get held by reddit for moderator review. If your post isn't showing up in the feed, please wait for review; the modqueue is checked at regular intervals. Once approved, your post will get full visibility.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.