What did you learn to drive in?

BigToe · 4 Dec 2006 at 13:52

I learnt to drive with an independent instructor in a Suzuki Ignis 1.3 GL. It was very... yellow and I didn't like it. It looked like this:-

Perhaps it was because I was used to my 1.8D Fiesta Mk3 at the time (my GF would take me out in it) and also obviously had little experience, but I found it very twitchy. I found the Fiesta much nicer to drive despite the lack of PAS. Maybe I just wasn't used to "modern" cars at the time, but it just didn't feel right. It felt quite nippy, but my trusty Fiesta was more capable uphill. One thing that really bugged me was that my feet kept getting caught on something above the pedals, although that may have been something to do with the dual controls or something.

So yeah - what did you learn in and did you like it?

BigToe · 4 Dec 2006 at 14:55

I wonder why there aren't more instructors using diesels? They're much harder to stall and with the amount of miles they must be doing surely they are more economical? Is it simply the initial increased outlay?

BigToe · 4 Dec 2006 at 15:16

Iamzod said:
Isn't it better to learn in a petrol though because they are easier to stall, get used to them whilst learning rather than after passing.

Well I did think about that, perhaps the pupil ends up a slightly better driver initially after the test is passed, but if I was an instructor I think I'd rather give my pupils the best chance possible once at the dreaded test centre.

BigToe · 4 Dec 2006 at 18:46

West said:
A few actually..

First instructor had an 05 Clio, then a 55...
Second instructor had an 06 Focus
I've also learned in my old Fiat Cinquecento, and the last part of my learning and my test, which I passed in, my Daewoo Lanos SX.

It's probably a good thing to learn in a few different vehicles. That way I suppose you are learning to drive, and not learning how to operate a single vehicle (if you know what I mean).

Your post reminded me actually - I had a few lessons in a Fiat Cinquecento Sporting too. Quite spritely, very eager engine to say it was only a 1.1, good handling. Not the smoothest of rides though!

To the guy who learnt in the 106 Rallye - interesting car for learning indeed! Bet it was fun though