to think that most driving instructors take the mick?

[StuckForWords]

I've been attempting to learn to drive for 15 years. It's actually seriously damaged my career not being able to.

I've done numerous "courses" over the years advertised by various driving schools/instructors and every single one has said at the end of it, more lessons are needed. These courses always seem to include loan of a car for the test and a pre-test lesson, none of which ever materialises. Shouldn't they refund that at the end if you're not going to get it?

And a big school doesn't not give you any gurantees or better tuition.

ALL driving instructors are self employed. They do not work for bsm or the aa. They do not have to pass an interview (well they do but not classic interview) at the end of the day the driving instructors pay bsm/the aa etc a lot of money to put their name on top of their car and be given recommendations which if adhered to can actually hinder pupil progress.

It's also worth finding an instructor you click with. My first couple were older men and they clearly thought I was stupid for not being quick to learn. They couldn't believe I had a masters degree but couldn't parallel park - as if the 2 abilities are at all related! Try to get a recommendation for a sympathetic patient instructor.

Good luck - I know it is hard work! It is worth it at the end, I promise!

In other words, unless I win the lottery, I'm not going to learn to drive.

Seems really rather unfair.

It's expensive. It's not particularly fair, no. But it isn't a con.

Oh I've no intention of buying a car - it's for work (company car) and the transport of elderly relatives who own cars but rarely use them due to health problems. No, they can't teach me to drive either. I'm surrounded by cars that I could drive for free if I had a bloody licence!

Really feeling sorry for myself now. Grrr.

Daft question, but if you cant afford to learn to drive, how would you afford to buy, and insure a car?

And I still think that selling someone a 10 or 15 hour course with a pre-test lesson and loan of car for the test tacked on at the end, is a con as the instructor probably knows that you're not going to use them.

ah, x-posts. But wouldnt there be insurance issues with work cars too?

If you have spent 15 years flitting from one instructor to another, why not just find a normal, regular instructor, who is recommended by someone you know who has learnt with him and passed their test, and then just keep going until they say you are ready for your test.

My driving instructor was fabulous and I trusted her completely.

I had one lesson a week for about 18mths and increased it two 2 a week for the last month. I trusted her to not enter me for my test unless she actually thought i'd pass and she didn't. I passed first time.

I had a trial lesson with another instructor about 6mths before the one i passed with and she was awful right from the off.

Because they'll probably string it out for as long as possible?

the transport of elderly relatives who own cars but rarely use them due to health problems

They would still need to put you on their insurance and it would mean a massive hike in costs. You cant just drive anyones car on their insurance.

It is expensive to learn, but understandably so when you think about the car maintenance and insane insurance instructors must have to pay.

It is also a one off and equips you with a life skill. Once you pass, you won't have to do it again. I didn't enjoy driving for a long time and was never bothered about owning a car, but I am grateful to have the skill.

It took me two and a half years, two different driving instructors, two theory tests and four practicals. Combination of nerves, lack of concentration and things being more difficult when you're older.
I grew up in London and lived within walking distance of public transport links so never needed to drive. It's only in the last few years my lack of ability has been a restriction.
I did look at courses but thought that they were too expensive. I just booked lessons on a regular basis and kept trying. I have no idea how much it cost me over the years but now I am driving, it is costing me less in petrol a week than it did in lessons.

Because they'll probably string it out for as long as possible?

No, they wont. They will have other pupils waiting as soon as you have gone. I do wonder if it could be your negative attitude that is offputting towards the people who are teaching you to drive actually.

I could already drive a car when I started my lessons. I had been doing off road driving on private land for a couple of years until I was 17. I was 17 in the february, and passed my test first time in the April after about 8 lessons.

I know that squeaky, and they would happily put me on the insurance. Company cars would also be insured by the company and much of the fuel covered too - it's an odd set up. Learning drive would also add to my earning potential significantly. I just don't have the initial outlay for 40 or 50 hours of lessons. Maybe I'll get a loan. hmm.

You do have to think carefully about wether you can afford to run a car i think.

I was on benefits when i had my lessons, but had been given money to cover most of them and my dad helped with getting a car, but my god the insurance is a killer. Mine is nearly £100 a month. My car has also been on the garage once, costing over £300. Luckily my dad paid for it all, otherwise it would still be sat on the drive unfixed.

Decent instructors don't string you along. It can't be any less effective or more wasteful than your current method can it?!

Why don't you do the test in your own car/ partner/friend's car and cut out the middle man.

Don't need to buy a car. I'm drowning in available cars.

You have spent 15 years getting nowhere to be blunt.

Why not abandon the idea of crash courses, and just see a regular instructor twice a week.

What reason are they giving you for saying you are not ready to take your test yet?