Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Teenager wants to learn to drive - what are steps?

36 replies

52andblue · 13/09/2021 15:23

Ds, 17 this month, wants to learn to drive.
He has ASD.
MUST he take his Theory test before he has any professional lessons?
HIs Father (exH) says so, therefore it is 'law' but I thought he can have proper driving lessons beginning with his Bday and study for theory over winter? I appreciate he has to pass theory before he actually takes practical test. Also, can I / his Father give him lessons in our cars before he has passed his Theory test?

OP posts:

ItWearsTheBatteriesOut · 13/09/2021 17:30

Wait. He has a mobility car? In which case he won't need his own insurance for his dad's old car, he should get provisional insurance through motability and drive that car, if the car isn't suitable it can be exchanged before the end of the term as his needs have changed.
Also if he is higher rate he could have started to learn at 16 but he does need provisional licence.

MintyGreenDream · 13/09/2021 17:32

@Ozanj I disagree.Ive recently passed my test and passed my theory well before that.Its good to get it out if the way.

FunnyInjury · 13/09/2021 17:53

OP check out Collingwood insurance, they were best for ds on my car.
They do a standalone learner insurance policy, specifically for young people who live with their parent/s and you only pay premiums up to the point they pass the test 😊

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Driving & parking SEN

FunnyInjury · 13/09/2021 17:58

Also, note that the back logs aren't everywhere for tests! DC2 turned 17, took both theory and practical, with some lessons inbetween lockdowns and passed at 17 years and 9 months

DC1 on the other hand was waiting over a year between theory and practical in uni city, failed test and has another 6 month wait now 🤷‍♀️

Embracelife · 13/09/2021 18:13

Look up learner driver insurance e
Where you insure him as a learner
Cheaper than adding to yours
Som e do pay per drive via app

user1471543683 · 13/09/2021 18:21

As my DS has been learning, every so often I take out a months learners insurance with Marmalade. I do it over school holidays so we can get out every day. Cost £70ish

Ivy48 · 13/09/2021 18:23

Having just wasn’t to drive I’d say to either be studying for or passed your therapy before starting lessons as it helps you understand rules of the road. I started learning in August last year, theory was late September. You can teach him in your car as long as he’s insured from the minute he has a provisional license

Original poster

52andblue · 14/09/2021 09:32

He has just been awarded PIP mobility at highest rate so can apply for a mobility car yes (but that costs all of his benefit award so I dont' know if it's worth it as you have to give it back at the end of the 3 years. Effectively you are paying c.£300 a month to rent a car which seems expensive to me). However if it covers his insurance it might be?

much to ponder - thanks for the info though -I knew exH was wrong!

OP posts:

ItWearsTheBatteriesOut · 14/09/2021 09:59

@52andblue

much to ponder - thanks for the info though -I knew exH was wrong!

It is a bargain- everything, tax, insurance , servicing is included, he will just have to put in fuel on a brand new car. No hidden fees, no increase in insurance if he has a prang.

BarbaraofSeville · 14/09/2021 10:09

Yes, it's a complete bargain. £300 for all car expenses covered except fuel. In his first year of driving, if done with a private car, his insurance would be around half that for a start.

Then you've a minimum of around £100 a month in depreciation unless you drive an old car, but in that case, you'd probably have to put close to that amount aside to cover repairs etc, unless you're one of the Mumsnetters who are lucky enough to buy a £600 car every five years that never needs anything spending on it except the occasional tyre and oil change.

Original poster

52andblue · 14/09/2021 13:59

@ItWearsTheBatteriesOut
@BarbaraofSeville

Good points, well made, thank you.
I live in a bit of a rough area and am worried someone will scratch it (on purpose if I know our neighbours) and then he'd be upset / have to pay damages. It's partly for this reason (plus poverty) that I've always driven old bangers (current car bought for £500 3 years ago, but I must have spent 1K on it since then so not always good £ sense).

He doesn't need a car for work etc right now. I think it's best to learn early and it would give him a sense of independence but I know there will be local jealousy if he suddenly has a 'free brand new car'.
(both he and I would rather he didn't have the qualifying disability tbh)

OP posts:

Flip

1 2