learning to drive?

sammyw

Hi,
I need to learn to drive. I am quite nervous about it all and have no idea how to find an instructor who will understand how scared I am, and at the same time teach me properly. So, where's the best place to find an instructor? I don't know anyone who's recently learnt, everyone I know has been driving for years lol, wish I had carried on with lessons at the age of 17 now lol! Oh the benefits of hindsight!!!

anniecave

whereabouts in the country do you live?

Have you looked in your local phone directory?

sammyw

I'm in Holland area of Essex. There are so many in the yellow pages I didn't know where to start.

f1re_cr4cker

hi i can understand i had to learn to drive recently due to schooling and my children and i have always been terrified. i opted to learn in an automatic as i felt it would be one less thing for me to be stressed about. im glad i did as i did it all in 2 months and passed 1st time with only 4 minors.
i would suggest trying to ring a couple of the big local schools in ur area and explaining how nervous you are as they will then hopefully put you with one of their most reassuring instructors.

angel00079

Perhaps your friends might have a relative that is learning or has just passed their test.

If you ring around and explain that you are nervous perhaps you might get a feeling who right for you.

It might be cheaper to block book but personally I would have one or two lessons to see if the instructor is right for you. If you block booked and you didn't 'gel' that would put extra pressure on you. If you are unfortunate not to find the one straight away remember that it is not you and that you just need to find someone that you 'click' with.

Good luck

sammyw

firecracker - how do you find being only able to drive automatic? Whenever I've mentioned it, I get comments like it'll limit my choice of cars and ability but like you, I feel that it might be the way forward.

HelenYorkshire

Can't advise on specific schools but did have a couple of thoughts -
1 - consider an "intensive" course - I stopped and started a few times but ended up doing one week of four hours a day. This meant I wasn't forgetting what was being learnt, also we could go further and try different roads etc in one session (instead of having to stay closest to home).
From a nerdy biology point of view - terror and adrenalin only last so long, so after the initial nerves I could settle down and relax into it more!


2 - Automatics are I think more expensive to buy? But a friend of mine says she feels safer as she's free to concentrate on the road, not the gears, also things like you can't roll an automatic backwards by accident.
Maybe try a lesson in a manual - it might be easier than you think - then go for auto. Yes it will limit your choice of cars but would that even be a major problem?

A good instructor / franchise will listen to your concerns; also it's important to "click" and be on the same wavelength as your instructor.
Good luck!

SailorSam

Many many years ago that i learned to drive, i had a motorbike at 16, then switched to a car at 17. I've always said that year riding a bike helped me when i started to learn to drive a car, you get confident about going out on thr road.

hissingsid

This website should help.

http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-choose-a-driving-instructor


And this one will give some info on average time to pass, automatic v. manual etc.

http://www.squidoo.com/taking-driving-lessons-and-learning-to-drive-a-car


And finally, for a good chuckle see the vidoes on this website.

http://www.squidoo.com/drivinginstructorsvideoshowcase

f1re_cr4cker

sammyw wrote: »

firecracker - how do you find being only able to drive automatic? Whenever I've mentioned it, I get comments like it'll limit my choice of cars and ability but like you, I feel that it might be the way forward.

there are shed loads of automatics available now and they are only roughly 1k more than a manual, although they can cost more to run and tax HOWEVER even hubby thinks my auto is a great car and will be changing to one in 6months as he says he likes "the lazymans's car!".

I really dont see how it will limit your choice- think of how many yanks drive autos in the US its commonplace there, people just have a bit of a stigma attached ot it over here. If you are worried about the cost of an auto dont be- just go on autotrader and search- there are shed loads in all price ranges. I got an 06 renault modus not many miles for only 4.5k. If you are scared stupid like i was then I would def recommend the automatics!

f1re_cr4cker

i would also suggest if you can afford it, try doing what i did and go for 2 hour lessons twice a week- you get a lot more done that way and start to get better a lot quicker which gives you more confidence. Don't get me wrong it is pretty knackering but well worth doing it that way if poss. I did approx 45hours in 2months b4 i passed first time (with no outside practice)