Intensive Driving Courses

LemonSocks

I was wondering if someone could give me some advice. I've just had my provisional through the door and I'm eager to start driving. I have time and some money put aside so I'm wondering whether it'd be worth taking an intensive driving course.

Does anyone know how much they can start from (in Nottingham area - I'm guessing cost varies from region) and whether you think they work out better value for money or not?

I've been looking on google but I'm not really sure where to start. If anyone could give me a some advice about what I should be looking for that would be helpful. I just need a push in the right direction.

Many thanks


Edit: if it makes any difference (pricewise) I'm technically a student. I graduate next week but my nus card doesn't run out until August so I suppose I could be looking for student prices.

jc808

Best way is to book an intensive course and do some private practice (with a 3 year clean licence holder)

you need to be competent before moving omnto the latter as its not dual control

im doing an intensive and im onto my 80th hour!!! (c1400 gbp)but no private practivce)

be careful you dont kill your enthusiasm for driving by taking the intensive too quick

also depends how quickly you pick it up...

chewynut

Having just passed, I'd say you should concentrate on your personal needs rather than prices. Some things are worth paying extra for and driving lessons is one of them.

If you have the time, money and inclination then go for the intensive course. Do you think you're confident enough to drive so much in a week? Two hours is a long time to be driving and you'll be driving a lot more in a day. If you're in no rush to pass then I think you'd be better having weekly lessons. You get more experience of driving around & simple things like parking which you do all the time once you've passed but not so much whilst you're learning.

Depending on whereabouts in Notts you are (I'm Mansfield/Kirkby), I used Ignition. Hope this helps!

thegirlintheattic

I personally think that unless you need to pass in a week (or need a refresher) your best learning in weekly lessons. There is a lot to learn and practice and you learn best in short bursts.

photome

jc808 wrote: »

Best way is to book an intensive course and do some private practice (with a 3 year clean licence holder)

you need to be competent before moving omnto the latter as its not dual control

im doing an intensive and im onto my 80th hour!!! (c1400 gbp)but no private practivce)

be careful you dont kill your enthusiasm for driving by taking the intensive too quick

also depends how quickly you pick it up...

An 80 hour intensive course...wow

My son is doing 1or 2 hour lessons weekly at £23 an hour he is nearly ready to take his test after 12 hours, he is going to have a couple more yet though just to be sure.

I am guessing that is working out way cheaper than your 80 hours

IMO unless you need a license next week do the lessons over a longer period

pinkdon

I was in a similar position a couple of months ago and the advice I was given was go for lessons over a period of time rather than an intensive course as you wll get more experience. I've had about six lessons at the moment, 1.5hrs each time and thats a long enough lesson for me. It's quite draining and there's a lot to take in. Perhaps you could find an instructor to give you a 1.5 or 2 hour lesson first and see what you decide after that? My instructor offers semi intensive courses where people do 2 hours a day for a week or two - maybe best to contact some local instructors to see what options they offer?

cyclonebri1

I too would say unless there is a very good reason then1 or probably 2 lessons per week will be best.

If you screw up at 8.00 on the 1st morning of an intensive session how long will it take to forget about it?, with weekly lessons it will be gone by next time.

80 hours of lessons, wow, either the test is getting tougher or drivers worse :A:A

HellsGranny

I would not recommend an intensive course for a complete beginner, there is just too much to take in.

Take some regular lessons first, get the Driver's manual and work through it, also get a copy of the latest Highway Code and go through that.

Driving is not just moving a vehicle around, there are road procedures that need experiencing, not just reading about if you want to become a good driver. passing the tests is just the start of learning.

Cheers, HG

jc808

photome wrote: »

An 80 hour intensive course...wow

Due to putting the test back and back... and back...... aaaand back again, its now 3 months since i started the intensive (originally due to be 2 1/2 wks, 40 hrs)

Sharon87

I heard some intensive courses won't actually take on new unexperienced drivers, as they want to up their pass rates. They want people who've actually had some experience in a car, like between 5 and 10 hours experience minimum. This is not all intensive courses, but some.

I took weekly to twice weekly 2 hour lessons. As you can see in my signature, how long it took me to pass, and the hours it took. I went with BSM, which were a bit more expensive than some of the local instructors, but thought it was worth it, and I'm London based, so cost a bit more than most other places in the country.

I couldn't imagine learning on an intensive course. Don't underestimate how tired your leg will get from using the clutch. My legs were always shaky after 2 hours driving in the first lessons.

cyclonebri1

jc808 wrote: »

Due to putting the test back and back... and back...... aaaand back again, its now 3 months since i started the intensive (originally due to be 2 1/2 wks, 40 hrs)

But surely you would only do the 1 intensive stint, then when you were ready for the test, as you were, reduce it to weekly lessons rather than the continued high expense?? :money: