Anyone taught their DC to drive from the very start?

[hairybakers]

DS turned 17 in March and due to huge hold ups at DVLA didn't get his provisional for a couple of months, we then moved house etc so we have only just got to the point where he can start driving lessons.
Unfortunately all the driving schools/instructors round here are fully booked for the foreseeable but he really really wants to learn how to drive (and I'd love him to also)

I'm getting a new car in a couple of weeks, changing my automatic SUV beast thing for a manual small engine mini so it feels like it'll be appropriate to teach him in this until we can find an instructor.

I've driven for 20 years+ and am generally confident and calm on the road.

I just don't know where to start?!

Obviously I'll sort the insurance and L plates etc but would I just take him to a big empty car park to start with?

The one thing that surprised me taking them out to practice was the complete lack of understanding from other drivers. DS1 missed an opportunity where maybe an experienced driver would have pulled out but he was more cautious and didn't. Cue tooting from the car behind. Also they think nothing of getting right up the back bumper...

@wallysally You say that but there's nothing stopping you learning to drive with a parent before starting the lessons. My Mam taught me over lockdown when lessons weren't allowed and as a result I was a fairly confident driver by my first lesson. Passed first time last month!

OP I found learning with a parent extremely helpful before doing lessons. When I started finally with an instructor, we could focus more on how to pass the test rather than how to not stall! I started in car parks and industrial estates at night/weekends before progressing to the roads!

@seadreams your right there's not but in order to get a full licence you HAVE to do at least 12.

I know, I did them! Learning with a parent first could end up saving people a lot of money though. Several of my friends had to take way more than the 12 EDT though to pass the test even on the 2nd or 3rd go. If you're confident and have practiced a lot to start off with, there's a good chance you won't have to pay for multiple pre-tests/ repeat driving tests etc. Just an observation though!

My dad started my brother and I off driving on an old airfield. In fact, most of our friends started there too.
It meant that when we had paid lessons, we didn't waste time kangaroo hopping.

DD learned with this driving school LDC. You can buy the book and video from them - might help until you can get some lessons?

I am doing it at the moment with my 17 year old daughter and it is going way better than I ever imagined it would. Started off in big empty car parks and have now moved on to quiet-ish moorland roads. Moving to main roads this weekend.
I do intend to get a driving instructor for her but am finding that they are very busy at the moment. And our pool is smaller as we specifically want a woman instructor.
My insurer would not add her on to my insurance as they only insure over 25s so I bought a specialist learner driver's insurance. It cost about £250 for 5 months and we are really getting our money's worth out of it as go out about three or four times a week.
I would say go for it, OP. You might be surprised at how easy and rewarding it is, as I have been!

DH taught DS over lock down - he passed last week.
He's had hours of driving practice and there are good YouTube videos for what to expect on a driving test.
We wanted to get him some lessons but it proved impossible.
With the money we saved on lessons we were able to buy him a car.
DH does have the patience of a saint though- not sure I could do it.