Try to keep hold of the fact that it's not just you, getting used to a gearstick is difficult for everyone. It's like learning to play an instrument or lace a corset (or to do just about anything else, for that matter), it's just a case of practising until you stop thinking about it.
Also, I suspect that learning around Perth will be a bit like learning in Edinburgh was - you'll get so much practise at hill starts that your clutch control will develop really, really quickly!
He did have me on some inclines most of the time, so I would get the clutch control quicker...which certainly is a good thing given how little of Scotland seems to be flat!
Best I can offer is to just take your time and feel your way through it. Start out by letting the clutch out slowly as you apply the gas pedal so that you can feel it engage. Once you get a feeling for that, you should be able to go from there. When it comes to shifting it is all a matter of timing and once you get the timing down it will be a cinch. ;)
Good luck for the driving lesson - I have never learned and never will because I am afraid of cars, so I understand a little of your fear. All I can recommend is lots of deep breathing/meditative thoughts beforehand, and keep reminding yourself that the intructor will be there and he/she will have taught far less capable people than you before now!
Are you taking anything for the panic attacks? One of my friends swears by Rescue Remedy for her's. I don't personally use it, but she always has to take it for getting the underground or going anywhere in a crowd, and you can buy it over the counter so it might be worth giving it a try. Also, if they don't get better at all and you see a doctor, they may be able to prescribe you something called Propanalol in a mild dose, which you can keep with you to take when you feel a panic attack coming on. I always have it in my purse nowadays, and knowing it's there is often enough to stop me from feeling panicky, so I hardly ever actually need to take it.
I haven't tried taking anything, the whole situation is rather new to me. I don't have health insurance in the States, and I can't use the NHS yet, so I probably won't see anyone unless it gets a lot worse. But, I really appreciate the ideas, so I can try over-the-counter if they don't seem to be easing...
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Also, I suspect that learning around Perth will be a bit like learning in Edinburgh was - you'll get so much practise at hill starts that your clutch control will develop really, really quickly!
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I am sure that you will do fine. *HUG*
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Stephen tried to make me drive stick in San Francisco once. I had a little bit of a meltdown ^^;
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Are you taking anything for the panic attacks? One of my friends swears by Rescue Remedy for her's. I don't personally use it, but she always has to take it for getting the underground or going anywhere in a crowd, and you can buy it over the counter so it might be worth giving it a try. Also, if they don't get better at all and you see a doctor, they may be able to prescribe you something called Propanalol in a mild dose, which you can keep with you to take when you feel a panic attack coming on. I always have it in my purse nowadays, and knowing it's there is often enough to stop me from feeling panicky, so I hardly ever actually need to take it.
I hope you feel better soon ♥
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*hugs*
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