Driving (dum dum dum)

PeterNem · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:19

I started driving the day of my Birthday in November (going back a few years), and passed on my first attempt during Easter Holidays.

I didn;t have lessons every week, and the guy took 2 weeks off at xmas then another couple of weeks off nearer to Easter.

I think I had around 20 hours of tuition altogether, but here's the important bit... I litterally drove my parents everywhere they wanted to go dueing my few months as a learner.

The more experience you clock up earlier on the better imho.

As my dad had taken me driving on a disused airfield before so I'd about mastered clutch control etc, in my first lesson I got right into the drivers seat and off we went driving around town for an hour (no maneouvers first lesson).

My lessons were £16 an hour, but this was about 5 years ago (edit: passed on 19th April, 2001).

Smiley Man · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:20

i had 6 lessons *willy wave etc etc*

first lesson was basically taking down my details etc, then i got in the car and drove off

i had been driving a lot before though so didnt need to worry aout clutch control etc

Aruffell · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:20

The AA want £23 a lesson lol

Going to find out if my mum's old instructor can do it, he's got the highest pass rate in my area.

Andy

PeterNem · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:21

Aruffell said:
The AA want £23 a lesson lol

Going to find out if my mum's old instructor can do it, he's got the highest pass rate in my area.

Andy

I'd say getting feedback from mates etc is quite important.

None of them are exactly going to say "Sorry, my passrate is poor, you best go elsewhere".

Aruffell · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:22

Should i do my theory test first and get that all out of the way?

Andy

richyfingers · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:23

Could do, its pretty easy.

Aruffell · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:26

richyfingers said:
Could do, its pretty easy.

Recommend any cd-rom's or books or anything?

Andy

andi · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:26

Aruffell said:
Should i do my theory test first and get that all out of the way?

Andy

Do it, get your licence applied for if you've not already, and start practicing. There's loads of books and DVDs and stuff, the Hazard Perception is the only tricky part, the theory bit is pretty simple.

lukechad · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:28

Aruffell said:
Recommend any cd-rom's or books or anything?

Andy

I have the offical CD's and they are a really great tool, they present the practice tests and clips just like the real thing, so its pretty much exactly how it would be at home.

lee87 · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:31

Aruffell said:
Recommend any cd-rom's or books or anything?

Andy

I booked my theory test over the internet and they sent me a free CD with the instructions and practice for the hazard perception. This is the hardest part of the test.

The book I used was the BSM theory test questions for car and motorcyclists. This was £5 from whsmith, also get a copy of the highway code.

Aruffell · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:31

Just found The Official DSA Complete Theory Test Kit on the place named after a jungle.

£17.99

That, the one i want i'm guessing.

Andy

richyfingers · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:32

I think the book I used was by the DSA, it was full of mock tests and I just worked through it, found the test a piece of pee after that! Can’t comment on the hazard perception part because that wasn’t implemented when I sat mine. I’m sure there are some mocks available online too.

**Edit** yep thats the one

thebrasso · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:34

I'll pimp www.2pass.co.uk, really good resource for learner drivers.

I'd get your theory done, its valid for two years IIRC.

spirit · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:37

i did about 20hours of lessons at 16£ manual, its not too difficult.

Mackass · 17 Apr 2006 at 19:06

Good decision to start learning mate!

As for the amount of hours, it depends entirely on the person. I know some people who have had like 50+ hours, and some who have passed with only 10 hours. I done it with just over 20 hours, and passed 2 months and a bit after turning 17.

Tesla · 17 Apr 2006 at 19:10

I had exactly 30hours of lessons.

15 x 2hours per lesson.

It took me 4months to the day to pass and I was the first person to take a test and therefore the first to pass of 2005 in the country. (Other people would have had a test at the same time as me though, so kinda joint-first, lol).

Jan 4th 05 = Pass Day.

DaveyD · 17 Apr 2006 at 19:13

I had ~25 lessons, passed first time. £13.50 per lesson. Can't believe how pricey it is now.

The highway code is for the most part self explanatory, and the test doesn't need too much revision as a lot of the questions are easy and obvious answers, with the odd one or two that may catch you out. The hazard perception test has caught a few people out though.

Bri · 17 Apr 2006 at 21:02

I passed on the 21st of march (2nd time) after about 25-30 lessons. The 1st 10 cost me £140, 2nd 10 £160 & then £17 per lesson after that.

Still need to get a car though

The 1st lesson was a bit crap tbh, was 2 hours long & spent about an hour with him showing me how to fasten my seatbelt, close a door & adjust seating position / mirrors. Then I drove around an industrial estate for about 40 mins & he drove home.

If you're confident with your highway code etc, then there's no reason not to apply for it now, it lasts for 2 years so gives you plenty of time to pass the 'real' test

Blackstar · 17 Apr 2006 at 23:10

I had my 6th lesson today, just learnt how to reverse round corners and 3 point turns. I'm with BSM and its £20 a lesson if you book 10 hours £22 otherwise.
Also i'm being taught by my primary school teachers husband

he's great im doing 4 hours of lessons a week.

Luseac · 17 Apr 2006 at 23:12

Currently had 16 lessons. Hopefully I should only need 20-25. I'm paying £20 a lesson (1 hour).