Intensive driving courses

almost

I've been looking for an intensive driving course to help me knuckle down and pass my test finally! I am 33 and have never taken the test, but I have had about 20 hours of lessons.

I'm thinking about booking with http://www.oneweekintensivedriving.com/ or one of the other schools that specialise in one week courses. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations about using a company like this?

Thanks!

Mercdriver

I did an intensive course with a company based in Swindon 3 years ago. I didn't rely simply on them, I had a few 2 hour lessons more local to me so I didn't start from scratch. Some instructors might be a bit funny about you doing this, but mine had no issues.

Intensive courses aren't for everyone. I have always been good at learning things quickly. You might find the days long and tiring and struggle to take everything in. It's all down to aptitude and attitude.

Pass your theory first and look for a centre that does just practical. Doing a full week of lessons taking your theory and then waiting for a test vacancy can be a challenge. All the Bristol test centres get very busy and you could have to wait weeks for a vacancy. I did my lessons and test in Chippenham.

Like I say, it's not for everyone.

forgotmyname

It has been said they teach you to pass the test and not to actually drive properly.

May sound strange but there is a big difference to being able to do a set known route and drive on unfamiliar roads.

Mercdriver

forgotmyname wrote: »

It has been said they teach you to pass the test and not to actually drive properly.

May sound strange but there is a big difference to being able to do a set known route and drive on unfamiliar roads.

Many instructors teach you to just to pass your test. You'll find cynical teaching anywhere not just in intensive. The solution to the second one is to book it somewhere in a different part of the country and make it a residential course.

Whether it is right for the student depends on their aptitude and attitude. I didn't assume I would be an expert after a week. Good drivers never stop learning. I used an intensive because my work pattern is abnormal - I'm posting at 2am in the UK as am in Asia where it is 10am - so doing a normal driving course was not possible for me. Plus I'm good at absorbing information quickly.