To think I can learn how to drive by June?

[Lemondrizzlee]

Just that really, and how long did it take you to learn how to drive? And how old were you?

No , statistically it's true that age makes a difference.

Hi OP,
I used to be a driving instructor, rather than the 1 week intense course you're better doing it over about 6-8 weeks and just doing several lessons per week, try not to listen to too much to anecdotal accounts of how it only took people 3 lessons and no practice, its very rare and often misremembered. The key is practice, you don't just want to pass your test you actually want to be able to drive confidently and without any concerns, especially if it is business related, because you'll have other stuff on your mind (rightly or wrongly). Personally I always thought 2 hr lessons was too long, 1.5 hours gives you time to recap, discuss next step, practice next step and then incorporate it into everything else you've learnt, and yes get your theory out of the way first.

It took me three years and three tests to pass. That was two years ago now.

Worst experience of my life! It was so stressful. Now I have my license it's the best feeling ever and I love driving.

ETA I was 21 when I passed.

Following because my New Years resolution is to finally get behind the wheel.
I'm a bit confused, do you need to pass the theory test before booking onto intensive courses? I thought you had to have been having lessons for a while before being allowed to apply for the test?

You have to have passed your theory test before the practical test can be booked. As far as I know to book an intensive course with test at the end you need to have already passed the theory test. Different intensive providers may differ.

Definitely. I did 2x2 hour sessions a week and it took me 4 months. I didn't even know what a clutch was before I took my first lesson

Ds1 has a had 5 months of 1 hour lessons. Driving instructor has cancelled 7 lessons (month and a half) ffs because she was - on holiday, sick, her child was sick, she had parents evening and the list goes on.

I'm giving him a few more weeks, then going to see if I can get another instructor. Apparently he's doing 'really well, his manovers are perfect and he's a confident driver' and every week he's driving around towns and doing duel carriage ways. We would take him out, but the insurance was so high that we were quoted.

Myself, I was 17, about 13 x 1 hour lessons. But was taken out roughly 6 hours each week, which makes such a difference. Had one minor.

I started learning late January, and passed mid July, so around 6 months. I was 19 and complete novice. I probably did 3 months 1 hour a week, then increased to 2 hours for the other 3 months as I'd reached a bit of a plateau only doing 1hr a week. Passed 2nd time.
Get your theory test booked and crack on, but try not to put a timescale on it as it adds to the pressure.

I was in my 30s and started to learn in the February and passed with no minors 7 weeks later in the April. 2 x 2hr lessons a week and occasional practice in my car. You CAN do it. I am not misremembering, it was 3 years ago.

Remember it also for depends on the availability of theory test and practical test in your area, you could have a few months wait.

Show of hands..wow I would love that. 7 weeks

Snow sky.. I'm in London?

DH was 27 in December. He started lessons in May. 1.5hr a week, sometimes fortnight as the instructor was so busy.

He passed his theory test first time.

He has his driving test tomorrow and doesn't feel ready at all. His nerves always get the better of him so he's convinced he will fail.

It took me 5 months, but only because there was a long waiting list for taking the test back then. I was aged 25 and passed first time.

I should add that DH took me out for hours and hours every weekend to a different town for practice.

It took me 4 months when I was 17. I had two lessons a week and passed second time.

Do an intensive course! It's far more effective, makes you commit and often they have a pass guarantee.

I think it's possible to pass after just the one week intensive course, but the people I know who did this were not actually safe drivers for a good while afterwards! They were good enough (and lucky!) to pass the test but it just isn't possible imo to encounter and practice enough of the kind of testing situations you encounter all the time on the road in a week. June is fine, but I would plan a series of lessons and if possible some practice in between with a kind friend - remember your longer-term plan is not to maim/kill yourself or anyone else while driving!

I would do an intensive course and some follow up lessons. It took me 8 months to pass but I took a break of a couple of months for exams. I was only 17. But I ended up taking lessons after I passed and I really recommend that. Especially for motorway driving.

Took me 16 months in my 40s and many pennies. Hardest thing I ever did. Passed first time though

Good luck OP.

I was 23, started in May and passed the following February, so nine months. During that time, however, I had to change instructors twice as the first one was vile and the second kept missing appointments and was impossible to get hold of. If you take that time away, it took me five months with my third instructor with 1.5 hours a week and no additional practice, and I wouldn't call myself a natural.

Thanks Holly
I had some lessons in my early 20s but the instructor said I'd need to have loads of lessons before thinking about booking the theory, I felt like I was getting nowhere.
Driving seems so out of my reach, it's good to read that so many have had success so quickly!

I am 33 and have had 3 lessons so far. I want to do my practical in June, and my instructor reckons this is doable. She thinks I will need 30 hours of lessons.

Book your theory soon cod you need it before practical, and the waiting list for practical can be 18 weeks.

If you get nervous easily, eat one or two bananas about 30 mins before your lessons :)

Oh and if you do practise with a friend make sure they are calm and patient. My father took me out and would shout at me when I stalled and constantly leap out of his seat in panic. It was like driving with an angry Hyacinth Bouquet. Definitely not helpful!

17, 2 weeks, but only because there was a backlog due to the new theory test that year. Was meant to be done in a week.

I did a 1-2hr lesson each day then drive for about the same with my Dad each day. I passed first time.