To what extent can you self-study to drive without paying for instructors?

Lum

Probably illegal under disability legislation though.

benjus

I did something similar 10 years ago when I passed my test. I was mainly motivated to get my licence because someone gave me their old banger. So I did the theory part on my own and asked a couple of colleagues to agree to supervise me for some driving practice (I think this worked better than asking family, as there was none of the tension that can arise when you learn with someone you know too well). Then I got a few lessons with an instructor to brush up on the local test routes and so on.

art_for_arts_sake

Can I just recommend Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook which is written for the police but improves road awareness way beyond what theory and the Highway Code teaches you. I learnt to ride motorbike initially using the police motorcyclist's equivalent, it really was a lifesaver and the skills, transferred to driving when I took my driving test months later, were invaluable.

olly300

benjus wrote: »

Then I got a few lessons with an instructor to brush up on the local test routes and so on.

I think they have changed it so that you don't know the test routes.
When I passed my test I was taken before hand to the exact place where they always do reversing round the corner.

They have also have changed the theory test so now you won't get the questions in the book so you can't learn the answers. Though to be honest if you are a student anyway it's not exactly hard to remember the answers to similar questions.

StatisticallyChallenged

I've just passed my test (first time), and I didn't have anything like the recommended number of lessons - I taught myself the theory before I even started lessons, and did a lot of practice with my husband. BUT I personally think, with the way the test is right now, at least a few official lessons are probably worthwhile. My husband is, I think, a very good driver but he doesn't necessarily do everything precisely the way the examiners would like you to. Things like exactly where and how you are expected to "observe" (do you feel like a nodding dog? no? then you are not looking enough ), the precise way they like you to do a parallel park (god forbid you shuffle), quirks of the test routes... the test fee itself isn't cheap, so it is worth having at least a few lessons to make sure you make the best possible use of it.

Billy-no-Money

My wife's a driving instructor, and is always surprised by how little preparation is done by most students; if they spent a few weeks studying their theory and read up on the basics of driving they'd save a fair few lessons. Some do their theory before they even think of getting lessons, and they're generally easier to teach.

It is entirely possible to learn without any lessons at all, but many new drivers lack confidence or don't have someone they can learn from (without arguments breaking out anyway). Dual controls are a good safety net but in practice rarely used by an ADI; ironically it's the friend/relative without teaching experience who's more likely to get into situations where duals would be needed.

If an instructor teaches to do things in a different way from your friend/relative, stick to the instructor's method. That doesn't mean the other way is wrong, and it might even be OK for the test, but it's easier to stick to one approach.

One thing to remember; the accompanying qualified driver is in charge of the car and the same rules apply as to a driver - NO using a mobile phone for instance. Surprisingly, more than one of my wife's students came from instructors who would do things like using their phone or smoking!

Finally, it might be hard switching between cars if they're very different so bear that in mind.

When it comes to the test, you can take it in any car as long as it meets specific requirements (see directgov); you don't need dual controls but you must have an extra rear view mirror and your insurance must cover use on the test.

forgotmyname

I taught my sister and BIL to drive, They had a handful of lessons for the test and both passed 1st time.

The main advatantage was just general driving hours. To get comfortable behind the wheel and clock up hours.

Driving for 3 or 4 hours on fairly easy roads, Sometimes letting them decide the route. Must have worked as they both passed.

Mojisola

forgotmyname wrote: »

I taught my sister and BIL to drive, They had a handful of lessons for the test and both passed 1st time.

The main advatantage was just general driving hours. To get comfortable behind the wheel and clock up hours.

Driving for 3 or 4 hours on fairly easy roads, Sometimes letting them decide the route. Must have worked as they both passed.

You must be a good driver! Most people pick up bad habits that, if passed on to learners, can cause them to fail their tests.

System

simmed wrote: »

I have taken 5 lessons in the past and am already competent on the road.

No you are not.

simmed

Thanks for the replies all. I am looking into getting provisional license insurance.