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

[Mamaone]

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! :)

5foot5, if it makes you feel any better, I can't reverse either or park. No-one was more surprised than me that I passed first time as I didn't feel at all confident driver behind the wheel. I found the confidence only started to come after I'd been driving solo for several months.

Oh, and I struggle with knowing my left from my right. I can't give or follow directions for the life of me and I lack any semblance of coordination. Learning to drive is only really learning you what you need to know to pass your test which is why many people can achieve it fairly quickly, IMO. The real learning comes afterwards, when they turn you loose onto the streets. Where I live, they make you display a big red 'R' plate for the first year after you pass so that other innocent road users can spot the newbies and treat you with extreme caution accordingly.

First lesson 15th January, and passed first time on 17th April, so yes, very doable!

I had 15 lessons altogether and put in for my theory straight away as I had been studying for it for a few weeks before I started my lessons, and got my date for about a month later.

However......2 things helped me pass according to my (BSM) instructor. One is my confidence, it genuinely didnt occur to me that I wouldnt be able to drive! And secondly, practice. I drove everyday, either my friend, my mum or then DH took me out everyday in the car, and if we went anywhere as a family I did the driving. It made a huge difference as when I had my lessons he could focus on the manouvres etc rather than teaching me how to deal with roundabouts, junctions etc as I was already confidently coping with them. Practice practice practice is the key.

Plus, you soon see when you go round a car park that at least 50% of the people there are shit at parking anyway!

Totally agree with this. My mother has been driving for 30 years and her parking, either parallel or in a car park, is appalling!

Of course it's do-able.

I started mine in September and passed in February. Though probably learnt in less time due to all the snow/Christmas hols etc which lengthened the time between starting lessons and passing IYSWIM. 2 hours a week plus a few practice sessions in my sisters car to perfect the manoevers.

I got a parallel park on my test but haven't done one since I passed!