Driving lessons

jazzyjustlaw

I have had a few lessons and now have changed to a female driver. I have to have an operation on my foot early August. I wont be able to drive for about 3 -4 weeks. Do you think it is still worth me having 10-12 lessons before this as I want to learn to drive and have to for my job but I dont want that 3-4 weeks to mean that what I do up until then to be a waste.

What do you think?

Bossyboots

If you do manage the 10 - 12 lessons, you should be fine having a break. You might feel a bit rusty on your first lesson after your op but it will all come back.

My own opinion is that you shouldn't waste the opportunity to start getting some lessons behind you.

jazzyjustlaw

Brilliant Bossyboots can always rely on you. I had the same thoughts really.

ukbill69

I had a long break and came back to a new driver and company and found it much better. Once you have had the first 10 lessons, you are well on your way. To learn to drive, you need 40 hours of training, I did it in 18 hours, Be stong when it comes to passing your test, If your dirving guy/girl says your not ready and you think you are then book one up and if you get crap from DSA, that they cant get you a test before 6 months, then ring there complaints line and leave a message and guess what, they have a test within 2 weeks. Why they have long waiting periods for tests is becuase BSA/RAC/AA book loads of tests, so there students get test first, just say to the DSA, that you know this and its crap and be sured if you stand your ground, then yourll get a quick test.

ukbill69

o and forgot to say, good luck!!!

jazzyjustlaw

Thanks. I also forgot to say that I have had a break because of my exams already and if I wait until I get no interuptions from life I will be 95!!

I think it is terrible that people books lots of tests. I have just changed from AA as I was not happy with the service.

daveboy

Not sure who you're with obviously, but I found going to a 'one man/woman band' better, rather than the likes of AA, BSM etc. The big companies I found at least are more expensive and aren't that interested in the progress you make.

Having a break from driving will probably be beneficial. You could always do some revision for the theory test if you haven't sat it already.

jazzyjustlaw

daveboy wrote:

Not sure who you're with obviously, but I found going to a 'one man/woman band' better, rather than the likes of AA, BSM etc. The big companies I found at least are more expensive and aren't that interested in the progress you make.

Having a break from driving will probably be beneficial. You could always do some revision for the theory test if you haven't sat it already.

I have gone to a local company and although not a one man/woman band are not very big prob two or three but I wanted a woman as hopefully she wont shout at me if I do something wrong.

Savvy_Sue

jazzyjustlaw wrote:

I have gone to a local company and although not a one man/woman band are not very big prob two or three but I wanted a woman as hopefully she wont shout at me if I do something wrong.

SACK any driving instruction who shouts at you, ever! Also don't stay with any instructor who undermines your confidence. My first was dire, I would never have passed with him, fortunately I went to Uni and passed there. Mind you there was a lot less traffic on the roads in Durham than there'd ever been in London!

jazzyjustlaw

Savvy_Sue wrote:

SACK any driving instruction who shouts at you, ever! Also don't stay with any instructor who undermines your confidence. My first was dire, I would never have passed with him, fortunately I went to Uni and passed there. Mind you there was a lot less traffic on the roads in Durham than there'd ever been in London!

You went to Durham University! You lucky thing. As a law student I always wanted to go there. I visited it last year (BF is from Northumberland) and I loved it.

jabberwocky_3

As a driving instructor I can say that block bookings are not permitted. Although some instructors do so.

BSM = RAC (RAC bought BSM)

Avoid BSM/AA - go by recommendation. I started as an instructor with BSM and know that their pass rates are no better than average. Office managers care little about pass rates. Their only concern is that the instructor works enough hours to pay the franchise. If you do go BSM, then... decline the simulator and do not buy all the books as a package (you only need theory test questions - £4.99).

DO NOT PAY IN ADVANCE. Negotiate a rate and stick to it. Make the instructor work for your money.

Enjoy the lessons - if you don't, then consider changing instructor.

The student is in control - make the instructor work.
Start studying for the Theory Test immediately.
As soon as you pass the Theory Test I suggest you apply for the Practical Test.
Don't let the instructor fob you off with excuses. You can always change the date at no cost provided you give at least 10 working days notice.

Most pupils believe their instructor is god. I am.
Don't believe adverts making rediculous statements such as 100% pass rate.
The national pass rate 2yrs ago was 43%. Mine is nearer 65%.

LEARNING TO DRIVE TAKES AS LONG AS IT TAKES - I recently had a pupil pass after having 4hrs/wk for a whole year, another passed after 20hrs total.

If the instructor shouts at you - CHANGE INSTRUCTOR.

There should be no problem having a break in lessons. Learning to drive a car is like riding a bike - you may be a bit rusty but knowledge returns very quickly.

Good luck.

PS. I charge £19/hr. If you pay more ensure you get your moneys worth.