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Original poster

Driving lessons

56 replies

lou33 · 02/04/2006 12:48

Ok, so i finally got my provisional through (yay) and started looking about for a driving school

When did they start only doing 2 hour lessons ffs?! That's 50 quid a go!

I am not happy, i don't think i can stretch to that much every week Angry

OP posts:
charliecat · 04/04/2006 08:27

Oh well done! Hope it goes ok :)

NomDePlume · 04/04/2006 08:55

£50 for 2 hours is really shocking !

I found 1 hour lessons were quite enough to start with, as that's as much time as I could stay focused and not get overwhelmed, IYSWIM. 2 hour lessons are advantageous when you've been driving for a while and have the basics down but just need/want to sharpen up your general driving.

I bought my lessons in blocks of 12, saved me about £30 overall, not massive I know but better than a poke in the eye !

Check out The AA driving school, they usually have offers on (12 for the price of 10 etc).

You will pay through the nose by going with a brand name school (BSM, AA etc), you're more likely to get a better deal from a local school, but if there are none around with autos then that's not really an option for you.

Do you have anyone who can chaperone you driving in between lessons ? That's the best way to pass quickly, get plenty of practise between lessons.

NomDePlume · 04/04/2006 08:56

FABBO !

vkr · 04/04/2006 09:04

Lou33 - am I right in thinking that you are somewhere near Guildford - I'm near Hindhead and have just started learning to drive - again - and in an automatic

Original poster
lou33 · 04/04/2006 14:52

Yes i am between guildford and hindhead

NdeP, the AA didnt even get back to me! This is an independent school. They made me laugh on the phone, he asked how old i was after we had been talking , as he said i sounded too young to learn, lol.

OP posts:
MissChief · 04/04/2006 14:56

hi lou - ever thought about doing an intensive if you're in a hurry to learn? I went to a great school in E Anglia and did a 1 week course with practical test at the end. I also found it really hard to find a school locally in the SE, even more so to book a test (might find it's 3 mths+ waiting list for the practical). I learned in a manual but now only drive an automatic - at least can theoretically drive both now, handy esp if overseas..

NomDePlume · 04/04/2006 14:58

They obviously don't need your business, Lou Angry. How stupid. Glad you've got it sorted now though and Grin at you not being old enough to drive !

Original poster
lou33 · 04/04/2006 15:01

the cost is something i have to factor in as well, i am not sure i can afford it, plus apparantly it is a 2month waitung list for the test right now in these parts

OP posts:
MissChief · 04/04/2006 15:05

good luck with it then, 2 hour lessons work well, IMO - plenty of time to do longish drives and practise the manouevres (oh that reversing round corners!). I guess you already know it's a good idea to book yr theory test asap as you can't apply for yr practical until you've passed it (I think, unless they've changed this)

MissChief · 04/04/2006 15:18

oh btw, if you want to save money, it's worth buying a book/dvd for the theory/hazard awareness as well as the highway code and using these & online websites to prep for these tests - will avoid wasting money/time on going through theory with yr driving instructor. My instructor tried to convince me it wasn't possible to get through the theory/hazard awareness without their help but thankfully I proved him wrong!

Original poster
lou33 · 04/04/2006 15:24

I am going to get one of those in about 30 mins!

Thanks Smile

OP posts:
MissChief · 04/04/2006 15:25

sorry, hope I didn't sound patronising. I just remember what a chase round I had when I did this a couple of yrs ago and how much money people try to make from you in the process!

Original poster
lou33 · 04/04/2006 15:27

not at all, Bob recommended i get them as well

OP posts:
vkr · 05/04/2006 08:01

Autopass ?

It would be great to have a "driving buddy" - ie swap stories/progress as I seem to be 19 years too late for the majority of my friends

lizziefromwifeswap · 05/04/2006 08:45

tell us know how it goes lou :)
vkr what age r u?

Original poster
lou33 · 05/04/2006 11:45

Storm, vkr

my first lesson is at 12!

OP posts:
bakedpotato · 05/04/2006 11:56

Another late learner here. I find it's far easier learning as a grownup rather than a 18-yr old when you're (well, I was, anyway) terrified of everything. I'm doing auto too which really helps.

Took my theory last week, passed first time [swank]. I loved the hazard perception. Am a long way off booking practical though

Good luck Lou. Only advice would be, if you don't like instructor, swap quickly.

Original poster
lou33 · 05/04/2006 14:37

oh wow i had a great time!

bob said he was extremely pleased with what i did, and 10-20 hours of driving and i should pass no worries Grin

i even got to drive on the dual carriageway for a bit

next week we are going to drive to aldershot

i like bob, he used to drive double decker buses from the uk to nepal

OP posts:
NomDePlume · 05/04/2006 14:52

Fantastic ! Sounds like you are natural, well done Smile

Original poster
lou33 · 05/04/2006 14:56

I will have to get someone to take me out in my car now, i don't know if i can wait a week for the next time!

OP posts:
oliveoil · 05/04/2006 15:44

I think I may do a crash (lol!) course and try and get it done in a week.

I did some lessons when pg with dd1 in 2002 and found it ok but that bastard clutch got on my nerves SO I am going the automatic route next time. Like Dodgems surely?

Original poster
lou33 · 05/04/2006 16:11

It's a lot easier in an auto iirc, i had lessons in a manual when i was 18.

OP posts:
nutcracker · 05/04/2006 16:20

Hmm am wondering wether i should learn automatic now.

Original poster
lou33 · 05/04/2006 16:22

well i am doing so because i need to get driving asap, and i have an automatic car sitting in the drive, which i will be driving when i pass.

i figure i can always take manual lessons at a later date if i wanted, tho there are loads more automatics about nowadays, so i dont see why i would need to tbh.

OP posts:
nutcracker · 05/04/2006 16:23

Hmm thing is I am hoping my dad might give me or sell me very cheaply, his car, as he has several, and thats manual.

Perhaps i'll stick to manuel.

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