learning to drive any advice please ? (automatic or manual same routine ?

Diamond78

Thanks theshadow.I start my lessons tomorrow.

anewman is right.There isnt any amount of times you can take your test.Once you have passed your theory its valid for 2 years(unles it has changed).You can buy cd roms for the pc to help you with the theory test which is based on 2 tests.The actual theory which is formed on questions and the 2nd part being the hazard preception.That is short clips and you click when you see a hazard but i defianatly recomend you study these and do the mock test which comes with the cd rom.I got mine from woolworths and its the one with all driving tests.cant remember the name as ive now given it to my brother but if you go in or any shop that sells cd roms and dvs they will know what your after.I also read the book about the highway code which is a must and the DSA offical guide to driving.Its a big and thick book and although i didnt read it all most parts came in useful.I need to get it back off my brother as I feel reading it will help me with my learning to drive.

Goodluck and get your provisonal licence sent off soon as you can.Get your passport pics done as you need to send pics with your application form.

princesspoppypop

Hello,

I would really suggest that those ppl who are learning to drive, really swat up on the theory side of driving first, The CD-roms as mentioned are really good, but you must practice, practice,practice. Once you have your Theory test passed then you are a step closer on your journey towards getting a full licence.
Also learning in a manual car is the best option, then you have the choice when you have a full licence to driver either.

I used to have 1 x 2hr lesson per week at a cost of £40 for the 2 hrs. It worked really well for me.

Good Luck and stick with it... its worth it in the end.

chuckley

Ive got the same dilemma as u OP, but people keep telling me to learn automatic as most centres teach in automatics...

the whole thing baffles me

Diamond78

chuckley, try manaul as you will probaly find it really easy.Where I live most are manual but i am doing automatic.If you pass in manual then you can drive both but if you pass in an automatic your only allowed to drive and automatic.Im not an expert on cars but i have been told automatics are more expensive than manuals-not that I can afford a car but I am hoping oneday i will as I will have to save from my money that i stop smoking with, it will take me atleast a year.

princesspoppypop is right in the pc cd rom things, i used them and studies and i also read the books.When on the bus I looked at the road signs and road markings and tried to work along that way to.So when your out look at the road signs, road markins ect as it will help you.

One tip about the theory,they can ask you the same question twice but in a different way which can be confusing,remember to take your time, dont rush and read the question properly.All the best oh and i had my lesson yday, it was weird and i felt a nervous wreck lol as its been months since my last lesson-dont make the same mistake as me by stopping and starting lessons as it knocks your confidence.

chuckley

Diamond78 wrote: »

chuckley, try manaul as you will probaly find it really easy.Where I live most are manual but i am doing automatic.If you pass in manual then you can drive both but if you pass in an automatic your only allowed to drive and automatic.Im not an expert on cars but i have been told automatics are more expensive than manuals-not that I can afford a car but I am hoping oneday i will as I will have to save from my money that i stop smoking with, it will take me atleast a year.

princesspoppypop is right in the pc cd rom things, i used them and studies and i also read the books.When on the bus I looked at the road signs and road markings and tried to work along that way to.So when your out look at the road signs, road markins ect as it will help you.

One tip about the theory,they can ask you the same question twice but in a different way which can be confusing,remember to take your time, dont rush and read the question properly.All the best oh and i had my lesson yday, it was weird and i felt a nervous wreck lol as its been months since my last lesson-dont make the same mistake as me by stopping and starting lessons as it knocks your confidence.

thanks soooooooooooooo much for clearin that up!

Diamond78

Thats ok chuckley-you wil be fine, just enjoy and let us know how you get on

Oldernotwiser

I needed to pass my test really quickly when my husband lost his licence. In the past I hadn't got on at all well with manuals and had actually given up on the whole idea but I passed my test after about 8 lessons in an automatic(and other practice.) After a couple of years I wanted to hire cars abroad on holiday so I took and passed my manual test after about 6 lessons.

Learning and taking your test in an automatic doesn't preclude driving a manual at a later date. I felt that I mastered all the skills except gear changing the first time round and then added these skills on later to pass my manual test when I needed to. I'm sure that it would've taken me far longer (and cost far more) if I'd wanted to drive a manual straight off. If it hadn't been for holidays I wouldn't have bothered with my manual test and I still drive an automatic by choice.

Diamond78

well done oldernotwiser.Thats what I am going to do.Once i pass my automatic and have got a car and driven a while,I will do a few lessons in manual and then hopefully will do a test and get a licence in manual.

My downfall is I have no one to help me out as in private practise,I have 8 lessons left from my block of 10 that i paid for.It cost me £230-dont think i can afford many more lessons after that.Over the years I have started and stopped and dont want to do that again.Even my driving instructor said with the amount of lessons i have had he thought Id be a bit better-that upset me and knocked my confidence a bit-but not a lot I can do as dont know anyone with an autmatic.I struggle with the manouvers,reverse into a corner and the one when you have to reverse behind a car and the 3 point turn.

tomstickland

I think it's better to start with a manual. Maybe a little more work up front, but worth it in the end.

BrandNewDay

movilogo wrote: »

Automatics are not that bad as many people think. It is definitely easier and faster to learn in automatics. Most people only drive their own cars, so you're unlikely to face any real problem.

Of course the choice is yours. Entire USA drives automatics, they all can't be wrong

I'm an American who learned how to drive on a manual!

I would recommend learning on a manual. Yes, the learning curve is higher, but then you're set from then on.