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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

My friend just told me I will never pass my driving test only doing a 1 hour a week lesson

172 replies

Evangeline1992 · 14/10/2020 22:47

Is she right? :( I am not in a position to afford any more than that right now and feel a bit deflated now. My first lesson is tomorrow and she said I might as well not bother as it isn't enough time.

OP posts:
Krouse64 · 14/10/2020 22:48

I had one lesson a week and passed first time after 17 lessons. So think positive

Windyone · 14/10/2020 22:49

Are you getting practice out with lessons? If not I think she might be right or it might take a long time.

Sloth169 · 14/10/2020 22:49

I passed mine first time doing just one (one hour) lesson a week! Good luck 😉

Sloth169 · 14/10/2020 22:50

And I did no additional practice either, solely the lessons

19lottie82 · 14/10/2020 22:50

It’s possible but tbh I think its a lot more beneficial to have 2 lessons a week.

But no one can really say, it depends if driving comes naturally to you or not.

What does your instructor say?

Original poster
Evangeline1992 · 14/10/2020 22:50

Thanks all. No I won't be getting any other practice other than the lessons unfortunately

OP posts:
19lottie82 · 14/10/2020 22:50

Whoops sorry, I’ve just noticed that you haven’t started yet!

M0rT · 14/10/2020 22:51

I learned to drive on one hour a week lessons and I've been driving more than twenty years.
It might make sense as you get the hang of it to book a double lesson a fortnight so you can get more done in a session.
But it's definitely doable.
Do you have a deadline that she thinks you won't make or something?

MrsR87 · 14/10/2020 22:51

No not at all. I had 29 lessons in total. One a week. Neither of my parents drive so I had absolutely no experience of driving at all and didn’t have the chance to practise in between lessons. I was chuffed but I’m certainly not an isolated case. You’ll be fine!

GetRid · 14/10/2020 22:51

It will take a long time but no reason why you won't pass eventually

Good luck! Learning to drive is scary but also fun

BobGalaxy · 14/10/2020 22:51

I seem to recall I had one hour a week and then in the weeks leading up to my test, had 2 a week, if funds will allow a couple of extras near test time?

Bearnecessity · 14/10/2020 22:52

That's a bit harsh....it would be better to do two a week. But one is fine it might take you a bit longer but is still worth doing and not a waste of money imo. You crack on OP enjoy it and prove your friend wrong.Is there no-one you know who could take you out or a bit of extra practise?

Original poster
Evangeline1992 · 14/10/2020 22:52

No deadline. I would be happy to pass in a year-18 months. Hoping that's realistic?

OP posts:
Elsiebear90 · 14/10/2020 22:52

I had one 50 min lesson a week and passed first time after about 25 lessons, I had no previous driving experience either. My instructor wanted me to take my test earlier, but I was very anxious and so put it off for a while until I felt more sure I was ready.

Ladylimpet · 14/10/2020 22:52

I only had one lesson a week, because it's bloody expensive! I passed. And not in a ridiculous amount of time. Don't listen. You'll be fine.

Bearnecessity · 14/10/2020 22:52

For

PivotPivotPivottt · 14/10/2020 22:53

I passed doing 1 hour a week. It did take 18 months and 4 tests mind you Grin but that was nothing to do with only having 1 hour a week it was down to me personally struggling with my nerves and I found learning to drive really difficult. I could have done 3 hours a week and I would still have struggled as long as I did on 1 hour. I know plenty of people who have passed a lot quicker than me by doing 1 hour as well.

Carrive · 14/10/2020 22:53

Passed first time after about 15 x 1 hour lessons - having confidence is key when driving so as long as you have that then the techniques they critique you on can be learnt and mastered relatively easily and quickly.

PurpleDaisies · 14/10/2020 22:53

Most people I know had one lesson a week and passed fine.

I had two hour lessons. I think in the long run it saved money because I got more than double done in two hours than one.

Good luck and I’m sure you’ll get there. Your friend doesn’t sound very supportive. Is this a one off or is she often like this?

IHaveBrilloHair · 14/10/2020 22:54

I had one lesson a week, as did most people I knew still the same, 20 odd years on.
I think its fairly normal.

19lottie82 · 14/10/2020 22:54

No deadline. I would be happy to pass in
a year-18 months. Hoping that's realistic?

That’s quite a long time!

Is there no way you could stretch to two lessons a week, and aim for a shorter time period?

jm05 · 14/10/2020 22:54

A family member is a driving instructor and he would never give that advice, whatever you can afford and you will pass with dedication - I did having 1 lesson per week within 5 months.

Good luck!

riotlady · 14/10/2020 22:54

I passed first time only doing an hour a week, no practice in between. It took me a little while longer I think but I still did it!

Wheytaminute · 14/10/2020 22:54

I did.

One hour per week, no practice in the family car. I can't remember how many lessons I had as it was 30+ years ago.

I passed first time.

Love51 · 14/10/2020 22:54

A second driving lesson a week is one of the few things I got into debt for. I was mid 20s. Loads of people only need one lesson a week though. I come from a family of slow learners. You might only need a couple of midweek sessions, to make sure that you don't lose your progress. If you have a partner with a car (and a relationship you are willing to gamble) some practice on quiet roads to do manoeuvres might do instead. Or you might be one of those people for whom it clicks quite quickly. You won't know until you are at least 3 lessons in.