Motoring ahead

Due to having pulmonary hypertension, I always knew that learning to drive would be an important part of life for me. I knew that it would be a massive part of me gaining more independence.

I started learning all my theory at the age of 18 and started driving lessons shortly after. I really enjoyed learning to drive and sailed through my lessons. However, I did struggle with my driving instructor at the time, as they didn’t help me to feel confident and I felt very belittled sometimes. I feel like I was treated different because of my condition and how small I was (due to my health conditions), and I didn’t like this at all. I really needed to pass my theory before moving forward so I just used this as a bit of an excuse to stop the lessons.

I really struggled to pass my theory, because of the test centre. Firstly, I had to walk three flights of stairs because their lift never worked, and I felt that the people there were so impolite and rude. Again, because I was super small for my age, they just looked at me as if to say, ‘why are you here?’. It made me anxious, on edge and so uncomfortable.

I felt I’d failed before I even started! I tried my hardest to keep going back and being positive and trying to pass but it was just a horrible environment to keep being in, so I decided to take a break away from it all. Then the covid pandemic came along so I couldn’t do anything anyway due to isolating.

When I was allowed to start going back out, I continued to drive short distances with my mum to keep putting my knowledge into practice. But after covid I lost a lot of confidence and had a lot of anxiety about going out, so before I continued my formal lessons, I needed to work on myself and my mental health.

When I felt ready to start up again, it was also time for me to get a new car as it’s provided through the Motability scheme and needs to be changed every three years. So it was exciting that I got to choose a new car ready to restart my driving!

Whilst going through the process of getting my new car, I found out that Motability’s charitable arm, the Motability Foundation, would help cover the costs of all my driving lessons up to 40 hours. This was a massive help!

I found another test centre and went for a visit first with my mum so I could become familiar with it. We explained that I was quite anxious to do my theory, and they were so lovely about it. One of the ladies who worked there took my arm and showed me each room and the lockers I’d have to put my belongings in. I immediately knew I’d be okay to take my theory test here.

The day came for my test, and I went in there feeling confident. The lady I had met on my first visit instantly recognised me and didn’t leave my side. She told me I could come out of the room to her at any time if I felt I couldn’t continue. I had such a positive experience, and I truly believed that is what helped me pass.

So, I was all good to start lessons again! I was really nervous about getting a new driving instructor and it was really holding me back. But when my lessons started, I settled in really quickly. My new instructor Gary made me feel so at ease all the time, and he was constantly boosting my confidence. I was always doubting myself but he really pushed me, in the most positive way. I will always be so grateful to him for encouraging me to do my best. Even if I made mistakes, it was never a problem – we just practiced again until I got it right.

I passed my driving test first time, and it was the best feeling ever – one I definitely won’t forget! After everything, I was super proud of myself.

It has all been worth it as I now have so much more independence. I’m still anxious to do long journeys alone but most of the time my partner Jade and I are always together. We love just being able to jump in the car and go wherever we want, whenever we want! If you are able to, I really encourage anyone with PH to learn to drive. It’s another milestone for us and gives us such independence.  If you’re currently learning to drive, my message is, YOU’VE GOT THIS!