how long would it take to pass my driving test and start driving?

Hedgehog99

I'm glad I learned with weekly lessons because it gave time for things to become second nature to me, but if you have ADD, maybe that's different for you - but then how would you cope with remembering your newly-learned skills long term?

I went with an independent local instructor recommended by friends. Do not whatever you do go with one of the national big name driving schools.

mark1959

Either 2 years 2 months and 6 days or 8 years 4 months 2 weeks and 1 day.
Approximately. :cool:

Joe_Horner

About 10 miles, assuming 30 mins actual driving during a 45 min test slot and an average speed of 20mph.

wapow

Don't take this the wrong way or anything, simply from what ive OP, you come across as someone that's too hard on themselves. Also, certain failures or situations hold you back. In your mind you label it as re-priotisation.


Rushing into it is not the answer. Trust me, I was in the same boat. I was old and unqualified.


So whats the answer?


0. Keep a notebook. Make notes. Constantly.


1. Pass your theory first. Revise for it properly. Download the apps. Revise properly. Read it all. Practice all the hazards. This took me a long time because I just couldn't hold the information.


2. Watch Youtube videos. I can recommend LDC and Bill Plant and ADI Halifax


3. Watch people taking their tests on Youtube.


4. Start to look for a local instructor. Find someone qualified thoroughly. Ask them how many students have passed/failed with them if you want. Try to find someone who will be flexible with you because you seem like you will be changing your appointments often.


5. Don't let the instructor control your progress. You need to control it. Ask for feedback. Always ask questions. If they don't seem too helpful, or they criticese you etc. leave and find another.


6. Don't choose an instructor based on their car. I was in a fancy car and failed 3 times. My 4th time, my instructors car broke down on test day and he bought a small Fiat for me to drive which I never learned in nor did a practise test and I passed.


7. There is a site called "drivingcancellations4all". This is a very good site. You need to pass your theory. Pay them £20 and sign up.


8. Find your best period in the day (are you morning or afternoon person?) and then on that site, select the best time for you. The site is very good and WILL find you cancellations. Have faith.


Final. If and only IF, you are a sensible person, then start looking for a car if your finances permit it. You can insure it on learner driver insurance and only drive it at certain times, certain places and with a passenger with suitable qualifications. Google should explain.

Jackieboy

Learn to drive in an automatic and take your automatic test. Much easier and you can take your manual test later when you're more experienced.

wapow

Im of the opinion this is not a good idea for most, though it can work for a small number.

Jackieboy wrote: »

Learn to drive in an automatic and take your automatic test. Much easier and you can take your manual test later when you're more experienced.

Mercdriver

Jackieboy wrote: »

Learn to drive in an automatic and take your automatic test. Much easier and you can take your manual test later when you're more experienced.

I took mine in an automatic. It is easier and allows you to concentrate on other things. Automatic cars are much better now than they used to be. Learning a manual later might be an option, but failing it might affect the OP's driving in the auto.

Jackieboy

Mercdriver wrote: »

I took mine in an automatic. It is easier and allows you to concentrate on other things. Automatic cars are much better now than they used to be. Learning a manual later might be an option, but failing it might affect the OP's driving in the auto.

I think you'd be unlikely to fail a manual test if you'd been happily driving an automatic for a few years, particularly if you have a couple of lessons in a manual beforehand, specifically to concentrate on changing gears. That's what I did, specifically to be able to drive hire cars abroad in countres where automatics are a rarity.

Jackieboy

wapow wrote: »

Im of the opinion this is not a good idea for most, though it can work for a small number.

Could you explain why you think that - I know several people, beside me, who've done this successfully, whether or not they went on to take their manual test at a later stage.

Rain_Shadow

wapow wrote: »

Don't take this the wrong way or anything, simply from what ive OP, you come across as someone that's too hard on themselves. Also, certain failures or situations hold you back. In your mind you label it as re-priotisation.


Rushing into it is not the answer. Trust me, I was in the same boat. I was old and unqualified.


So whats the answer?


0. Keep a notebook. Make notes. Constantly.


.

Do not attempt this while actually driving.