Learning to drive - is 1 lesson per week enough? (empty purse)

[oliveoil]

I was in the park with dd yesterday and suddenly felt very fed up and lonely as I now live miles away from all my friends (I moved to live near MIL and cheaper area so I could work p/t) and thought it was high time I learnt to drive.

I did 2 lessons per week last year for about 4 months but gave up when my pregnancy bump got in the way. However, we are now on a budget so I don't think we can afford more than one lesson per week.

Anyone else learnt this way? Don't think it is enough personally but feel the need to do something, anything.

The only time dh and I argue is in the car so there is no way he can instruct me! (car is also automatic).

Message withdrawn

Olive Oil - in an ideal world probably a couple a week would be better. But if you can't afford it you'll have to do just 1 a week. It'll probably take a bit longer but you'll get there.

I really need to learn to drive too, but the whole idea scares the shit out of me! I've failed 3 tests and can honestly say they were the WORST experiences of my life.

Perhaps we can leran together and swap stories? I'd like a 'learning to drive buddy'

why not learn to drive an automatic - i only passed my test when i was 27 - i tried for years to drive a manual but found it very hard - found driving an automatic much easier - passed first time aswell - only down side you only get a license to drive an automatic and also automatics tend to be a bit dearer

I am the worst learner in the world, my problem (acccording to dh) is that I 'won't be told'. My mum said this was on one of my school report cards too, ha what do they know.

Northener - I detested my lessons too, and often felt like decking the instructer.

Twinkie - I think BSM (?) do one, will look into it, not sure I could cope with a week long sentence of right hand turns, arrghhhhhhhhh

I did one lesson a week. It took a year but I finally passed. Also drove with dp (occassionally - we did row but we both think it was worth it). I also used to drive up our (country, deserted) lane and back in the evening.

Learning to drive literally changed my life, so stick at it!

I have been doing lessons once a week for about 4 yrs.
Twinkie I think you mean a crash course.Oliveoil make sure you get one with a guarranteed pass.
Dont get ripped off by these driving instructors that are just interested in keeping you going for the money.like a couple of mine have.

i took one lesson a week, infact i think it was ten lessons and your test in a n all inclusive offer at the time.I had driven before(once or twice) with someone so knew the basics, my instructor said it was great when he got a fast learner and couldjust sit and relax! I used to have to interrupt his conversations sometimes to ask where we were going! I think the first lesson is the worst but it's well worth it in the end! Good Luck

Olive Oil - me and my dh would row constantly when he was helping me to drive the last time. He said I was soooo infuriating he has refused to help me again. He was actually relieved when I failed my 3 tests. In my defense I very nearly passed my last test, apart from going through a redlight on my way back to the test centre. On test 2 I went round a roundabout the wrong way. I was so nervous, as we were aproaching a roundabout the examiner instructed me turn right. So I did! I didn't get far though as he slammed on his brakes and creamed at me.

Ooops ! I meant he screamed at me - not creamed! Imgagine an examiner creaming at you - gross!

I had a huge row with my instructer once when she didn't tell me what lane I needed to go in. Huge roundabout, with my squatting across nearly 3 lanes and she said 'if I don't say anything, you go in the left lane'. My response is not fit to print for such delicate mumsnetter eyes. Suffice to say I was seething and the rest of the lesson was tense with me saying sarcastically 'left hand lane is it?' every 5 mins.

Northerner ROFL

I'm doing one lesson per week with an AA instructor who is fab. Driving has not come easily, but that's ok (most of the time)now and I'm struggling with manoeuvres. Instructor (who's a TV star after teaching the Walton sextuplets) that it now takes an average of 35 hours of lessons before you take your test!

I do drive with DH but TBH I needed to find my feet before going out with him as he is a terrible driver and really yells at me

I keep saying that I should learn to drive, I had lessons years ago when I was 17 but got fed up with them as I never felt in control of the car. Now that I'm older I feel I'd get on better.

I'm in the process of applying for my new photocard provisional licence, since the paper ones are no longer valid and I've worked out that I can afford to have 1 lesson a week and no more. Also I don't have any family or friends with a car so I can't even go out and practise in between lessons.

also I've just discovered that I'm pregnant and since I'm quite small I have to have the driving seat practically as far forward as it will go so I can reach the pedals, so I'm not sure how many lessons I'd manage before the bump gets in the way.

Good luck Oliveoil, if you've had lessons before you won't really be starting from scratch and may learn faster, if you see what I mean.

Linnet i'm v small(5.2) and i passed my test when i was 8 months pregnant........my first car was a mini too and i drove it until about 1 week before i gave birth............just thought i'd share that

Linnet, congratulations! Motherinferior is a petite person too and passed her test about a week before having her baby, so it can be done!

OliveOil - Crash course may not be the ideal thing for you - I have been looking into them for DP and they are coming out at about £580 for 1 weeks driving, test at the end of the week and guarateed pass!

There are some lower price offers for people who have had 10-15 lessons before, this is about £320.

As Doormat said - Be careful of the instructors that just want to take your money - I actually boked my test and then rang round and asked who could pass me in that space of time and it worked!

Failed first time out of nerves but conquered (Sp) it the 2nd!

Good Luck

I had just the one lesson per week...but dont they say all the best drivers past second time around..lol..or was that just me that said that because I did! x

Thanks for all the posts, am going to start with one lesson a week and see how I go on. Dh is in the motor trade (my own Arthur Daley ) and says he will look for a car as an incentive.

Now where's my Highway Code?

I am currentky having one lesson a week and have been doing so since december, now I am more confident with driving I drive about in the week with DH. Nearly ready for my test

I have been doing a lesson a week but don't have a car to practice in during the rest of the week, so have just upped it to two a week. I was finding that my problem areas (clutch control mainly - grrrr) weren't getting any better with just an hour a week behind the wheel. I think I'm gonig to be doing lessons FOREVER at the rate I'm progressing! Hey ho.

Linnet I would go for it if I was you. Think how much harder it will be to get organised and do it once the baby is here. I'm not exactly petite (5 foot 4) but I had a huge bump and managed to commute to work (23miles inc motorway) until 37 weeks. And you never know you mihgt be ready to take your test sooner than you think.

clutch control? is that when you stall at a junction?

Yes, stall at junction or bunny hop down the road making grinding gear noises (or it could be my instructor's teeth grinding...). He has the patience of a saint and a 50 a day smoking habit!