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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I can learn to drive and pass my test before September?

32 replies

Mamaone · 27/04/2011 17:59

I am starting a course in September. It is only really feasible from our current house if I learn to drive, as there would be some early starts and late finishes, and it is based 1/2 hour drive away. There are buses but they can be unreliable and often take around 50 mins each way.

So... we either have to move OR I need to learn to drive before September. I have never been behind the wheel before. Is this realistic or AIBU? TIA! :)

OP posts:
FabbyChic · 27/04/2011 18:00

You could easily learn before September need around 25 lessons, 2 a week take 12 weeks. Sit your theory as soon as you can.

valiumredhead · 27/04/2011 18:02

Totally depends on what you are like behind the wheel - some people just can't get the hang of it.

I had to wait a month for my theory test and my practical - so put in asap

NoCarbsBeforeMarbs · 27/04/2011 18:02

Yep it's do-able.

I started learning last July, took my test in September (failed that one, but we won't go there Wink) before passing in November.

Took 2 lessons a week I think (2 hr ones)
Minus a few when I was sulking in October!

Good luck!

hairylights · 27/04/2011 18:03

Yanbu. Good luck.

NoCarbsBeforeMarbs · 27/04/2011 18:03

Passed in automatic though, so needed less lessons.

LadyInTheRadiat0r · 27/04/2011 18:04

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Mumwithadragontattoo · 27/04/2011 18:07

How old are you? It takes longer to learn as you get older. Should be possible though if you are determined and a bit lucky. I took about 4 months to pass my test starting from scratch (which is about what you have). Obviously you might not pass first time though so may end up on the bus for a bit.

An intensive driving course might work too - where you are ready to take your test after a week.

ZillionChocolate · 27/04/2011 18:09

My 17th birthday was in mid May and I had passed my (second) practical test before going back to school in September. It's dooable. If you have the money, I'd consider an intensive course asap and then some regular practice until you're test ready.

WholeLottaRosie · 27/04/2011 18:13

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Original poster
Mamaone · 27/04/2011 18:48

Thanks for the replies - feeling a bit more confident I can do it now :)

WholeLottaRosie - do you mind me asking what your intensive course involved and approx how much it was? Thanks!

OP posts:
TurtlesAreRetroRight · 27/04/2011 18:52

I have to learn by September or I can't get dd to school. I've got my provisional and will be driving as much as I can on that. I've just put in for my theory and in July I'm doing a semi-intensive course with the test at the end of it. Will be 3 weeks and probably around 8-10hrs a week. Costing £600 everything included.

MamaChoo · 27/04/2011 19:22

I learnt between the second May bank holiday and the August bank holiday of the same year, i did 2 hours a week and had three weeks off in the middle. I was occasionally allowed to practice - ie get shouted at by DH - in my own car. Plus i was north of 35... So it is possible!

SugarPasteFrog · 27/04/2011 19:25

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SugarPasteFrog · 27/04/2011 19:26

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mousesma · 27/04/2011 19:27

Yes definitely doable especially if you give yourself lots of opportunities to practice. Do you have anyone who can take you out between lessons to get some more practice in?

WhatTheActualFuck · 27/04/2011 19:37

I started lessons in February and passed (first time) in July. Apply for your theory test and get it out of the way ASAP. I was early 30s not 17 at the time and took an average number of lessons (24 or so as I recall)

I looked into doing an intensive course but, on contacting a local driving school who advertised such courses, they advised me not to do it that way as their success rate (pass rate) was very low. The course was approx 20 hours of driving plus test in 6 days (or something like that...might have been 7 or 8 days) and the person I spoke to at the driving school said that they found the course too intensive and too much for most people's attention span to handle. He recommended 2-3 hours of lessons per week as a better approach with good pass rates so that's what I did.

Once I'd gained a bit of confidence, and with my Instructor's blessing, I started to go out in our own car with DP. I only recommend this if your DP/DH has the patience of a saint and the ability not to be hyper-critical unlike mine.

Good luck! I love being able to drive and really wish I hadn't put off learning for so long.

SugarPasteFrog · 27/04/2011 20:29

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5Foot5 · 27/04/2011 20:29

God you are all so sickeningly competent!

I must have had upwards of 50 lessons and went through three different driving schools, at least six instructors and took two tests before I passed.

But then because i didn't have the opportunity to drive regularly I still ended up having to have four refresher lessons several years later to get me behind the wheel again.

I am OK now - but rubbish at reversing.

ClarenceChudbukitThe3rd · 27/04/2011 20:33

I had my first driving lesson 27yrs ago and still have not passed

WidowWadman · 27/04/2011 20:35

Totally doable. My husband just managed it with 6 or 7 sessions of 2.5 hours each, over the space of 4 weeks and passed without a glitch.

I was worried he had left it a little bit late as I had nagged him for ages to get it done before I give birth, and was really impressed.

DoMeDon · 27/04/2011 20:36

Leaned and passed in 4 months- it is do-able

amylou22 · 27/04/2011 21:03

u don't no unless u try it took me a long time and lot money but its worth till no end get theory asap and just stay positve..Grin

ohmyfucksy · 27/04/2011 21:10

Doable, but it depends what kind of driver you are and how much you want it. I passed first time in about 5 months but all the people I know who took a long time and multiple tests were people who didn't really need to drive as they lived in town etc. they were just doing it because they thought they should.

southeastastra · 27/04/2011 21:12

i would say 50/50

befuzzled · 27/04/2011 21:12

Doable I think as long as you're a fairly well coordinated person, nit clumsy, don't get left and right confused etc. Would need to get on with it I think. Good luck.