Driving Lessons?

[magicbeatle]

Hi Everyone, I want to start taking driving lessons. However, I am unsure who to go with, and whether or not to take weekly lessons or pay for a weeks intensive course. Any opinions would be helpful. Also, do you have to do your theory test before you take lessons? I am a 37 year old male in North London. Thanks, magicbeatle

[Ethel]

It depends on the sort of person you are.

Have you ever driven before? Handling a car and traffic is a lot to take in and needs a lot of concentration. If you are the sort of person that thrives on pressure, confident in your own abilities, is mechanically minded and picks things up quickly then an intensive course might suit you.

However, for the majority of us mere mortals such a course is only suitable after many traditional lessons.

I strongly recommend driving lessons of two hours, twice a week. An expensive business - but so is running a car.

Good luck.

[Fay Mousse]

It depends on the sort of person you are.

Have you ever driven before? Handling a car and traffic is a lot to take in and needs a lot of concentration. If you are the sort of person that thrives on pressure, confident in your own abilities, is mechanically minded and picks things up quickly then an intensive course might suit you.

However, for the majority of us mere mortals such a course is only suitable after many traditional lessons.

I strongly recommend driving lessons of two hours, twice a week. An expensive business - but so is running a car.

Good luck.

[SeaJayPea]

OK own up. How did that happen? I can see exactly the same answer, word for word, submitted at the same time by two different responders. How can that be?

[Fay Mousse]

Because the two is me.

Ethel was suspended when the site kunterbunten because the answers weren't showing up and I kept pressing submit.

So I posted under my Fay username.

[Brooksy]

As a DSA Approved Driving Instructor since 1974, I offer the following advice. Very few people seem able to handle "intensive" courses of 1 or 2 weeks. I`ve had people come to me who were not allowed to take their practical test after them because they were deemed unsafe or unready. Your instructor will have a green badge on the windscreen if qualified or a pink one if a licensed trainee. Look on the web at the MSA (Motor Schools Assoc.) & the DIA (Driving Instructors Assoc.) for local members. You could do a lot worse than the AA who only use qualified instructors. You can study for your Theory Test while taking lessons. Neither Test is a cake walk, be properly prepared. Good luck & a happy new year.

[magicbeatle]

Thank you everyone. I've decided on the AA. First lesson tomorrow. 12 lessons booked so far as it was cheaper to do so. Happy new year to you all!

[cazzz1975]

Thanks for the update magic, goodluck!!!

Fay mousse aka ethel, loving that name!!

[Jugglering]

Good luck ! Just remember that if you don't *get on* with your instructor, you don't have to complete the block session with him/her - all reputable driving schools understand this - and you should be able to swap to another instructor. I'm not saying this will happen, but if it does, just be reassured that you can change.

I understand that there are some useful on-line *hazard perception* tests you can try but speak to your instructor as to the best time to do these, s/he may feel you might be better off doing them once you've got to grips with the mechanics of the car.
http://www.driving-test-success.com/hazard/haz ard_perception_main.html