Driving Lessons

[beenee]

I know the basics of driving but am not confident on the roads. I want to be able to drive properly by July this year. If I take lessons now will I be able to pass a test before then? Is it do-able? Also, will I be elligible to hire a car in this country and America? Thanks

[Gef]

First question - yes it is possible. Second question - I'm not sure, think it depends on age and experience.

[j2buttonsw]

You can pass yer driving test in a week (using an intensive course). However, 3 months is the average time it takes to it takes to crack it (2 lessons a week including the written test). A UK drivers license is accepted in the USA.

[j2buttonsw]

Blimey, I almost invented my own language for the last answer: please read the average time it takes to crack it

[Pinotage]

Considering the waiting list to get a test, you'd better bookone now, don't wait. Take professional lessons as soona s you can. They not only teach you how to drive but also how to pass the test. Get as much driving practice as you can with arelative/friend, starting with say 3/4 hour and working up.

.

You need a full licence to rent a car, but there are also age restrictions,. Its hard to rent a car in the US under 26. Check the car rental websites for their policies.

[Miss Zippy]

Yes, you have plenty of time to pass your test, unless you take three attempts to pass like I did!! With regard to hiring though, very unlikely you'll find a company who will hire a vehicle to you until you have held your licence for at least one year, some ask for longer. Also, there are minimum age limits - usually between 21 and 25. In the states the min age to hire is 25 and, again, you need to have held your full licence for a certain minumim period. Last time I hired in the states the min period was 3 years.

[Miss Zippy]

Oops, my bit re. min age in US isn't entirely correct - some companies will hire to under-25s, subject to a pretty hefty surcharge.

[beenee]

Thank you all - I just found out I need a provisional licence to start learning. That's another week or so gone.

[andy hughes]

Best of luck with your driving test, but beware of driving abroad with the little bit of experrience you will have had by then. I'm a thrity year veteran, and I drive abroad regulalry, but it still takes a great deal of concentration and skill to avoid any accidents - remember, no-one makes allowances for you once your L plates are off! I would advise a few years' experience here, until driving is second nature, before you master foreign roads, and the knack of driving on the right.

[requiem]

I started learning on the 10th December and passed my test on the 21st with no prior training. 2 Hours a day every day for 2 weeks. Easy.