How long is reasonable for driving lessons?

Macca83_2

Sally_A wrote: »

you will need to drive around for 3 hours on Orkney just to find someone else to hit!.

Haha if you're driving around in orkney looking for someone to hit you're definitely gonna fail your test

*max*

lol @ 46 being an "advanced age".

I was about 25 when I took mine (in France mind you!). I passed the theory test first time, and the driving after about 30 hours of lessons. I passed first time too. It was all in the space of 4 months.

Sooetie

Don't ever let your hubby try to take you out in the car for a bit of practise - kiss of death to your marriage lol

suki1964

I was 42 when I learned. Never ever wanted to drive, then moved to the middle of nowhere so had to

I had to have two hour lessons as it was a 20 min drive to the two itself

After about 5 months my instructor told me to put in for my test but I didn't feel confident enough. It was only when I bought a car and got insurance so I could drive with a passenger outside of lessons did I start to feel confident

I passed first time

The one bit of advice I'd give is don't let anyone other then your instructor teach you to drive. Let others sit in with you so you can practice, but only let your instructor teach you

dorsetlady

I was 33 when I learnt to drive. I hated it and nearly gave up several times - I used to go home and cry after each lesson! I needed 38 but passed first time. I was SO nervous and had no sleep at all the night before the test! I'm not a nervous driver now though - I have driven to Spain on more than one occassion.

neneromanova

daveyjp wrote: »

If you want to advance quickly have at least 2 lessons a week.

I agree but don't have a block of 2 hour lessons as they fit 1hrs worth into 2 and use up more of your money that way.

Funky_Bold_Ribena

Pleaseadvise wrote: »

I'm 43, and I am under some pressure from my husband to learn... but I'm not just going through the motions, I want to put in a genuine attempt.

You don't sound that excited about it! Do you want to do this at all? If not, then I'd spend the money on a bike and bus/train fare.

PoorCharleyBear

Interestingly here in Australia, hardly anyone has formal lessons. (maybe occasionally parents will buy 5-10 starter lessons for their kids).

You get a learner permit, and a log book (now on line). You have to record 200 hours of driving under a variety of conditions before you can take a test. Although you then have to drive on P plates for a year (over 21 ) or 3 (under 21). it seems a reasonable system. Oh and insurance is not stupid for parents adding their kids to their car.

You see hordes of kids in uniform driving themselves to school then parents driving off.

So once you feel more comfortable (maybe 40-60 hours) you could start driving more frequently under other people's supervision. Nothing like loads of practise to make you a great driver.

shiny76

Pleaseadvise wrote: »

I've had 2 lessons so far and the instructor is saying it will be a long process.

Is this based on your driving ability or what he says to everyone?

And what is a 'long process'? 6 weeks? 6 months? 6 years?

Also if you find it tough, you mind find learning in an automatic would be beneficial (although this may restrict you to automatics once you've passed - don't know if this is still the case!)

Dunroamin

shiny76 wrote: »

Is this based on your driving ability or what he says to everyone?

And what is a 'long process'? 6 weeks? 6 months? 6 years?

Also if you find it tough, you mind find learning in an automatic would be beneficial (although this may restrict you to automatics once you've passed - don't know if this is still the case!)

It does, although you can take your manual test later if you want. This is what I did, at the age of 50, and I passed my test after two months, first time.

I'm not keen on 2 hour lessons as I found I couldn't concentrate for that long but I do think loads of practice is important, particularly if you can do it in a normal way like going out for the day, going shopping etc, where the pressure is off.