Simon, I think your fears are common ones. I think maybe those around you forget how nerve racking it was to learn and get our licenses. I know when I first started driving my palms would sweat terribly. The day I took my driving test with the state trooper in the passenger seat I surely thought he could hear my heart pounding. I actually wish I could have tossed my cookies or fainted so I didn't have to go. I was sure I would fail. I didn't. However, there is always a percentage that do...one failed test isn't an abomination. I think the way you have it set up for the five hours at a time, that would work for me...kind of like ripping the bandaid off. And yes, if you can get out to a dirt road, or parking lot on an early morning and practice that would be great. Instructors here actually encourage that. Best of luck. You can do this. You are two years older, two years wiser, and two years more aware. Seventeen to Nineteen is a huge difference in levels of maturity, awareness, and readiness. I have every confidence you can do it. You just need to tell yourself you can, and allow yourself to let go of the past. hugs, Lisa