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Mum Has Taken 1,000 Driving Lessons But Never Passed

Mum Has Taken 1,000 Driving Lessons But Never Passed

The 47-year-old becomes overwhelmed when she gets behind the wheel

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

A mum has had 1,000 driving lessons over the past 30 years but is yet to pass her test because she faints when she gets behind the wheel.

Isabelle Stedman, from Ampthill, Bedfordshire, had her first lesson when she was just 17, however, she has struggled ever since.

The 47-year-old suddenly becomes overwhelmed by the experience and finds roundabouts particularly difficult.

Over the years, Isabelle estimates she's spent more than £10,000 on lessons but has never got close to doing her test.

"I've been learning for 30 years, but still whenever I get in a car it feels like I've never been in a car before and it's terrifying," said the supermarket worker.

SWNS

"I don't understand it but it's like I get so anxious and overwhelmed that my brain cuts out and I lose consciousness for a few seconds - and roundabouts are the worst.

"When I wake up, we're at the side of the road because the instructor had to grab the wheel - and I'm so overwhelmed that I end up in floods of tears and have to go home.

"I'm desperate to finally drive so I can take my daughter to university and easily visit my family around the country, but it's so traumatising that I fear I'll never learn."

The mum-of-two added: "My children will probably both pass their tests before me - I can't help but feel I've missed out."

SWNS

Her most recent blackout came as she approached a roundabout during a week-long intensive course.

Isabelle recalled: "It was the most traumatising week of my life. I got to day three of the course and I was nervously approaching a roundabout - and then I felt myself get really light-headed.

"Before I knew it, we were at the side of the road and the instructor was telling me he'd had to grab the wheel after I just slumped.

"I was sobbing from fear and disappointment - I just had to go home and sleep for hours afterwards because the whole experience completely drained me."

SWNS

Her children Dominic, 22, and Stella, 17, are now taking lessons with no issues, and she wishes she was able to give them lifts.

The single mum said: "Friends offer to take my children places when I can't. But it makes me so embarrassed - I'd rather take a taxi than rely on others.

"It's not like I hate driving - I want to, but it feels impossible for me.

"On top of everything else, I hardly drink so I'd be the perfect designated driver - it's such a waste!

"It's been a 30-year-long nightmare but I have to hope that one day I'll get there."

Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Topics: Mum, Driving, Car, Weird