Spec me an intensive driving course

Xelene · 19 Feb 2015 at 22:46

I don't have a license currently but would like to get one, learning to drive in London is both expensive and hard work - anyone have good experience of an intensive residential course?

asim18 · 20 Feb 2015 at 00:34

If learning to drive is hard work I wouldn't recommend passing your test as the learning doesn't actually start until you pass.

A2Z · 20 Feb 2015 at 01:29

I started taking lessons about a month ago, search for some local places, or ask friends who have recently passed, Im paying £21/hour.

Also if you have not done your theory yet then book and do it asap as you can't book the practical until you pass theory.

I only do 2 hour lessons, find them great. Had 4 hours with one instructor but didnt really get on so dropped him, found another and had 10 so far. Booked my practical in just under 3 weeks time, I think 10 more hours and I should be good to go. I know the majority, just need to brush up on a few things and practice.

Xelene · 23 Feb 2015 at 19:18

asim18 said:
If learning to drive is hard work I wouldn't recommend passing your test as the learning doesn't actually start until you pass.

I wasn't clear, I'm out of the house from 8am til 7pm, and live in central London so it's a pain because learning to drive in the dark or rush hour is not ideal. I just want the license for ocassional jaunts into the countryside or trips abroad. No real want or need to drive around in London.

sigma · 23 Feb 2015 at 21:43

Most people would advise against it as it'll no doubt be rushed and also quite tiring too.

What's wrong with learning to drive in the dark? It's probably better than an intensive course and also, the days will be getting lighter soon. If you're only wanting to drive occasionally then surely you have time on your side?

Pretty brave to want to drive abroad with only an intensive course and some occasional driving under your belt.

Amp34 · 23 Feb 2015 at 21:57

Driving abroad is a heck of a lot easier than driving here TBH, this is from someone that passed their test and then did a lot of driving abroad almost straight after.

I still prefer driving abroad.

sigma · 23 Feb 2015 at 22:12

Amp34 said:
Driving abroad is a heck of a lot easier than driving here TBH, this is from someone that passed their test and then did a lot of driving abroad almost straight after.

I still prefer driving abroad.

Pretty broad statement.

Driving in say, India, is not really easier than the UK.

Scania · 23 Feb 2015 at 22:20

I prefer driving in Spain to the UK but still would say overall driving over here is better as far as driving standards are concerned.

Amp34 · 24 Feb 2015 at 07:15

sigma said:
Pretty broad statement.

Driving in say, India, is not really easier than the UK.

Perhaps, but so was your comment.

Let's rephrase mine to say driving in Europe (inc Eastern Europe) and western nations around the world is easier IMO.

Anyway back on topic.

How about seeing if you could do a hybrid, hire out a driving instructor for an entire day a weekend for a few weekends. That way it'll give you a break between lessons but still allow you to do it fairly quickly during the day?

hawker1986 · 24 Feb 2015 at 08:11

Is there anyway someone can give you some informal instruction? My dad did this with me and I did it with the Mrs when she was learning, meant we only needed 10 lessons with an instructor and you can get as much practice as you need without relying on the instructors schedule?

Hawker

lemonade · 24 Feb 2015 at 11:49

It's not hard to drive in London, it's annoying, learning is just about confidence.

Xelene · 24 Feb 2015 at 22:30

hawker1986 said:
Is there anyway someone can give you some informal instruction? My dad did this with me and I did it with the Mrs when she was learning, meant we only needed 10 lessons with an instructor and you can get as much practice as you need without relying on the instructors schedule?

Hawker

Not really, i'm 200 miles away from parents. I can drive a car - it's literally about passing test.

Xelene · 24 Feb 2015 at 22:36

sigma said:
Pretty brave to want to drive abroad with only an intensive course and some occasional driving under your belt.

Driving a car is not the hard part, they are fairly simple machines and looking at how 90% of people are on the road this is purely an exercise in getting some paperwork.

hawker1986 · 24 Feb 2015 at 23:30

kohlditz said:
Not really, i'm 200 miles away from parents. I can drive a car - it's literally about passing test.

kohlditz said:
Driving a car is not the hard part, they are fairly simple machines and looking at how 90% of people are on the road this is purely an exercise in getting some paperwork.

If you feel that you've mastered driving surely you should just book a test?

NVP · 24 Feb 2015 at 23:46

neoboy · 25 Feb 2015 at 00:49

With me working similar hours when I was learning I ended up doing most of my lessons at night during busy times so frankly did find a test somewhat easy as I was now driving during the day with not many cars about. Certainly learn your clutch control in slow traffic

Mart2912 · 25 Feb 2015 at 18:24

I done an intense driving course. BIG mistake. Bare in mind, when you do an intense driving course, it's always helpful that you get on with your instructor, else it becomes more of a dread rather than something to look forward to. That's the benefit of doing a few lessons a week. It also gives you time to reflect on the lesson you've had rather than rushing from 1 thing to the next.