how should i learn to drive ?

something_totally_different · 24 May 2008 at 05:06

i have a budget of £600. I can drive moderately well although having had no driving lessons i am prone to making mistakes i.e. not checking a mirror, forgetting to signal, parking (dont do this for all the tea in china)

i have 2 options,

option 1, the normal route, lessons @ £24 = 25 lessons, 4 a week over 7 weeks . then pay for a test and pray.

or option 2, go for an intensive course, 40 hours shared tuition + test over 7 days.

Zefan · 24 May 2008 at 05:10

I know I'd be far better at doing a course, that's how I plan to get my bike license soon. It sort of depends what sort of person you are. Do you prefer coursework or exams?

Crizzy · 24 May 2008 at 05:28

I'd go for option 1.

I don't like these intensive courses as imo you don't get the proper experience/confidence you gain from learning over time.

Scania · 24 May 2008 at 05:35

You go for a course with a reputable instructor and hopefully pass, then you really start to learn the craft of driving, these lessons end when you hang up your keys for good.

Zefan · 24 May 2008 at 05:43

Crizzy said:
I'd go for option 1.

I don't like these intensive courses as imo you don't get the proper experience/confidence you gain from learning over time.

Although I agree that it's definitely an issue with intensive courses, he's stated that he's got a grounding already and that it's just certain aspects that are proving difficult.

Crizzy · 24 May 2008 at 05:53

Zefan said:
Although I agree that it's definitely an issue with intensive courses, he's stated that he's got a grounding already and that it's just certain aspects that are proving difficult.

Thats a fair point, but then aren't these courses designed for people who have never driven before? Therefore wouldn't it be cheaper just to get the remainder of experience from lessons rather forking out for the whole intensive course?

Zefan · 24 May 2008 at 05:57

Crizzy said:
Thats a fair point, but then aren't these courses designed for people who have never driven before? Therefore wouldn't it be cheaper just to get the remainder of experience from lessons rather forking out for the whole intensive course?

That's a good point, I would have thought they'd cater for each drivers level of experience and focus on the areas you're having trouble with.

Crizzy · 24 May 2008 at 06:05

In that case it would probably be a good idea to ring around and speak to some course instructors to see what options are available?

richolmes72 · 24 May 2008 at 09:02

I'd go for option 1 - if you have some driving experience, it won't take you the whole 24 hours to learn enough to pass.

Griffo · 24 May 2008 at 14:47

Depends how much the intensive course costs too, i.e. how many lessons could you have for the same price? If I could already drive pretty well i'd go the lesson route as you may be done after a dozen or so. I went from nothing to passing in 18 lessons'ish I think, so unless there's something wrong with you/you go to BSM/AA and get one who wants your money/<sexist comment>, I wouldn't think you'd need too many lessons.

Also yes intensive courses generally for new'uns to driving, though if you go to a good one obviously they'd take into account current experience.

Oh well, whatever you do, good luck!

something_totally_different · 24 May 2008 at 15:06

the inensive course i am looking at has 3 levels, beginners costs 1K, moderate experience is the one im looking at, for £575

Havana_UK · 24 May 2008 at 15:20

IMHO if you have no real world driving experience then you should go for the beginner course.

Driving is not about making the car go & stop, it's about awareness, concentration & experience.

Personally I would go with driving lessons over a 7 week period, but 4 a week is quite a lot if you ask me.

When I learnt to drive I took lessons for 7 weeks, twice a week. In between times I would go out wiht my dad so I could get more hours behind the wheel.

Hav