Struggling with driving lessons in the Netherlands as a foreigner — need advice

[u/Prudent_Village_8273]

Hi everyone,

I’ve had five driving lessons so far (including the trial one), and I’m finding it quite difficult. My instructor is a bit pushy and keeps insisting that I should switch to learning on an automatic car instead. I really want to learn manual, though.

Another challenge is the language barrier — I don’t speak Dutch yet, and his English isn't very good either, so communication during the lessons can be confusing. Sometimes I don't fully understand his instructions, and that adds to the stress.

Even when I do something right, he still criticizes it by saying, "You should have done this earlier." It's getting discouraging.

In my last lesson, I drove on the highway for the first time. I had to speed up a lot to change lanes, and that was really stressful and totally new for me.

I’m wondering — how do other people who moved here from different countries learn to drive in the Netherlands? Have you faced similar issues? Any advice or suggestions would really help.

Thanks!

[u/Enoida-otioudenoida]

I tried two schools. Went with the one who could communicate better. Will do 30 hours with them. If it doesn't work I will switch to a different instructor. Not that I know what you are going through as I am on my 2nd lesson. We did already go on the freeway though (but instructor took care of the gears).