I've finally decided that I should learn to drive, mainly becuase I've got rather a large incentive to do so from my employers. However I'm rather impatient, I've had lessons in the past but got bored after a few months. So this time I'm considering taking a week off work and booking myself into a 1 week intensive course. Has anyone had any experience of them? I've had two stories one from the guy who recommended the idea, who's daughter passed after doing one. The other is from the missus, who friend did one which sounded like hell with other leaners sat in the back, and she failed. (however I do consider the lass exceptionally dippy). So any feedback at all would be great.
Intensive Driving Courses
- Thread starter branddaly
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I did one and failed my test. I think it was more down to my instructor as I immediately booked some lesson with another company and booked my second test straight away and passed second time. My new instructor gave me loads of really good advice and even showed me things my first instructor had missed! My course was over a week IIRC, started on sunday for a few hours, then about 7 hours on Monday with an hours break, then 9 hours on Tues (same as monday but then 2 hours in the evening in the dark) then 5 or so hours on Wednesday then an hour before my test on Thurs.
Driving for that long (9 hours in one day!) takes it out of you and you just switch onto autopilot. However I'm glad I did the intensive course and failed first time as if I had passed I wouldn't be as good a driver as I am now from the extra advice I was given by my second instructor.
I guess it depends on how badly you want to drive but most importantly how good the instructor is.
Damn, that's quite an essay!
Matt
Driving for that long (9 hours in one day!) takes it out of you and you just switch onto autopilot. However I'm glad I did the intensive course and failed first time as if I had passed I wouldn't be as good a driver as I am now from the extra advice I was given by my second instructor.
I guess it depends on how badly you want to drive but most importantly how good the instructor is.
Damn, that's quite an essay!
Matt
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There's one thing about intensive driving course to which I am dubious.
Sure, an intensive driving course may make you able to pass your driving test, but you won't be a good driver (compartively to someone who has had 30 lessons over a period of time). For that there is no substitute to experience in a whole range of environemts and weather conditions, and you simply won't get that on one of these courses.
Burnsy
Sure, an intensive driving course may make you able to pass your driving test, but you won't be a good driver (compartively to someone who has had 30 lessons over a period of time). For that there is no substitute to experience in a whole range of environemts and weather conditions, and you simply won't get that on one of these courses.
Burnsy
Fine if you want a bit of paper that says 'passed'.
Rubbish if you genuinely want to be capable & experienced to drive on the roads.
I'm not a fan of them, it already seems like to many drivers have bodged there way into a license. Driving's meant to be a skill & an achievement, not something that just happens.
Rubbish if you genuinely want to be capable & experienced to drive on the roads.
I'm not a fan of them, it already seems like to many drivers have bodged there way into a license. Driving's meant to be a skill & an achievement, not something that just happens.
Two words. Road Experience.
And those two were the reason i didnt do an intensive. Yes its perfectly possible to learn the theory in a week but I think you need as much time on the road as possible. Its certainly possible to pass if you are naturally adept but if I compare myself now 4 and a half years on, I am so much more aware and my 'road sense' is so much better.
A rather poor analagy is tennis. You can learn the rules and the shots in a week but will you be any good? No, because you need a shedload of practice. I believe driving is the same.
So my advice? Do the intensive but do not take your test for at least a couple of weeks after. Spend a couple of hours at least everyday practising and perfecting your manouevres. Get your road experience up.
Remember prepare yourself to fail but be confident in yourself. Thus if you fail you were expecting it rather than a big let down if your built yourself up. If you pass its a nice surprise.
Remember, anything can happen, there are too many idiots out there and if you dont act correctly in the examiners eyes to a stupid situation some berk has created then it can be game over. Be calm and confident. If you mess up carry on as normal. Exam experience is invaluable. I still believe I got two majors in my final test but i saw it through and finally passed, so hang in there.
Driving can be one of the most frustrating things in life when you learn and fail. Just keep at it.
Finally, the best of luck to you
And those two were the reason i didnt do an intensive. Yes its perfectly possible to learn the theory in a week but I think you need as much time on the road as possible. Its certainly possible to pass if you are naturally adept but if I compare myself now 4 and a half years on, I am so much more aware and my 'road sense' is so much better.
A rather poor analagy is tennis. You can learn the rules and the shots in a week but will you be any good? No, because you need a shedload of practice. I believe driving is the same.
So my advice? Do the intensive but do not take your test for at least a couple of weeks after. Spend a couple of hours at least everyday practising and perfecting your manouevres. Get your road experience up.
Remember prepare yourself to fail but be confident in yourself. Thus if you fail you were expecting it rather than a big let down if your built yourself up. If you pass its a nice surprise.
Remember, anything can happen, there are too many idiots out there and if you dont act correctly in the examiners eyes to a stupid situation some berk has created then it can be game over. Be calm and confident. If you mess up carry on as normal. Exam experience is invaluable. I still believe I got two majors in my final test but i saw it through and finally passed, so hang in there.
Driving can be one of the most frustrating things in life when you learn and fail. Just keep at it.
Finally, the best of luck to you
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Intensive courses are best if you won't be able to get any practice in without your instructor, as in the end you're just having the same number of hours behind the wheel.
If you can get someone else to supervise your driving for free, then you might be better off going with weekly lessons supplemented by more hours with your mate/parent/whatever.
I did an intensive course myself as no-one I knew could help me learn, and I was getting bored with only having one lesson a week.
If you can get someone else to supervise your driving for free, then you might be better off going with weekly lessons supplemented by more hours with your mate/parent/whatever.
I did an intensive course myself as no-one I knew could help me learn, and I was getting bored with only having one lesson a week.
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Or you could try the american style system, pass a test easily but then have to wait a year or 2 until you can drive at night and a further yoar until you can use the highways (motorways) good experience based system that.