Driving crash course

[Cantwait4summer94]

Hi everyone!
I just wanted some advice. I was having driving lessons on/off for years and I’m still no closer to being able to drive. In the past I have taken a couple of years break from lessons, probably because of the expense and I’ve had quite a few instructors for different reasons.
would it be worth doing a crash course and learning automatic? I’ve never been so desperate now as I have two children, my youngest is 10 months and it’s a nightmare getting anywhere. Has anyone done a crash course?

I assume the organisers don't call it that ;-) but yeah, if you can afford it that's what I'd do.

😂That sounds so wrong!

(But sounds like a plan)

lol. It's not called a crash course for obvious reasons, I think you mean an intensive course x

If you haven't had lessons in an automatic so far it would be worth seeing how you get on. I'm not sure it's a good idea to pour do much money in to an intensive course when you might not pass at the end. Some people are not cut of for driving. Whatever had prevented you from progressing might still be present. Try a few auto lessons first before spending big money.

I did an intensive (not crash 😂) course when I was 22, passed in a week and first time. I was dreaming about driving by the time my test came around!

Haha when I type it in to Google it comes up as ‘crash course driving school’

Thank you, that’s good advice. I heard it’s a lot easier with automatic. When I was having my lessons I really struggled with gears

I previously did an intensive course 6 hrs a day for 5 days with homework (reading) then a test on the following monday, passed first time.

Really worth it for me, but it is very tiring and hardwork. I would recommend if you think you can cope it is intensive.

I didn’t do an intensive course, as such, but having had lessons as a teenager and then a long, long break from driving, I booked in lots of lessons with a great local instructor who was willing to take me out 2-3 times week for 2+ hours at a time with the goal of passing within a month (I’d booked the test already!) That worked. I think I prepaid 15 hours to start, with the agreement that if it took longer, fine we’d reassess. The short time scale and need to just keep getting in the car regularly was great for me. Once a week wouldn’t have done it I don’t think as I was also really quite scared of driving.

I don't think it's suitable for everyone. A lot depends on what kind of learner you are and if your brain is suited to learning very quickly and cramming it all in. My driving instructor said some people were really good at learning that way and it did work for them, but the vast majority of learners needed a lot of processing time in between lessons.

Also, and not to rain on your parade, but you might get through the test but that doesn't make you a good, safe or confident driver. Just something to think about.

We are considering this for one of our DC as they had some lessons but didn't continue at the time. It may be the only way to pass at the moment, assuming you have found a course, as the waiting time for tests is ludicrous. In our area there are few lessons available, too, at the moment.

I do agree with Lurking. I did one as a teenager. I passed first time and thought I was the best driver ever. 30 years on I still think that (ha ha) but I am now much more aware of the lack of experience I had. But if you can pass, then drive daily, you will soon gain in experience.

Around here, we have Impact and Aries (the ram) Schools of Motoring!

I learned to drive in fits and starts over a quarter of a century. I would make a concerted effort, fail the test, become discouraged and then leave it for several years and then try again, and so on for four failed tests. About thirty years ago, Hubby encouraged me to have another go before the then-new two-part driving test came in. I went on a two-week intensive course in the summer holidays and it worked!

"That's the end of the test, Mrs Bulge. I'm pleased to say you've passed," were words I never thought I would hear!

I did an intensive course over 5 days and it included theory learning and theory test. I wouldn't do it again but I'm glad I did it to get the confidence. I'd never driven before and I'd underestimated the toll 6 hours of driving would have on me. Since doing more lessons with various instructors I'd recommend doing weekly lessons to see if you get on with the car, instructor, manual/auto then block booking your instructor for an intensive course. 4 hours per day with a break every 2 hours. Maybe even wait until you're close to test level and block book them a few weeks before the test (if you think you'd be okay with that pressure)

Also, and not to rain on your parade, but you might get through the test but that doesn't make you a good, safe or confident driver. Just something to think about.

This is true no matter how you pass be it normal lessons or Intensive course. It's no different than graduating from university with a degree, you only realise afterwards that the real learning starts when your in the real world and actually do it on a daily basis, nothing can teach you experience.

Thank you everyone for the advise xx