Missus learning to drive - options?
Discussion
It's been a few years since I did my test, I did the bog standard, one or two lessons a week for about four or five months, then test. MrsSE is ready to learn, so we're weighing up the options.
First thing is, I'm not going to be teaching her - guaranteed to end in calamity. We do have a friend who's taught a couple of people, the intention would be to use my car for that.
MrsSE and I both agree that it's not just a case of getting her through the test, we want her to learn how to drive safely and confidently. That said, might we be better going for an intensive course or block booking to get her through the test, do Pass Plus, and then get the friend to take her out for some post-test training? Or is it better to get regular lessons and practice in between times in my car?
Any help or advice gratefully accepted
First thing is, I'm not going to be teaching her - guaranteed to end in calamity. We do have a friend who's taught a couple of people, the intention would be to use my car for that.
MrsSE and I both agree that it's not just a case of getting her through the test, we want her to learn how to drive safely and confidently. That said, might we be better going for an intensive course or block booking to get her through the test, do Pass Plus, and then get the friend to take her out for some post-test training? Or is it better to get regular lessons and practice in between times in my car?
Any help or advice gratefully accepted
Half the rules have probably changed by now. I took the girlfriends little brother out to just learn clutch control, corner speeds etc (private roads).
He's now on lessons, so learning what is right to pass the test (and for driving after). Once he's got a few weeks under his belt, I'll take him out again and sit there in silence and let him practise what he's been told. Do the parking stuff etc.
I'd suggest not bothering and just get block lessons for a partner though! For the sake of a few more ££, its not worth it.
He's now on lessons, so learning what is right to pass the test (and for driving after). Once he's got a few weeks under his belt, I'll take him out again and sit there in silence and let him practise what he's been told. Do the parking stuff etc.
I'd suggest not bothering and just get block lessons for a partner though! For the sake of a few more ££, its not worth it.
I don't think those intensive courses and 'pass in one week' things are all that great. I think when you're learning, you need to take it relatively slowly to allow your mind to consolidate what you're learning. Spacing out the lessons also allows you to get experience driving in different weather conditions and times etc etc. I don't think after driving a car for four or five hours for 5 days in a row you're ready for the road on your own, even if you do bluff your way through the test!
I'd look for instructors who care about producing good drives, not just getting you through your test. If your wife has a trial lesson or two with them and get on with them, tell them you want say, ten lessons and try and negotiate a discount for that. Once you've paid for the lessons your wife can book them when she likes to suit her.
I'd look for instructors who care about producing good drives, not just getting you through your test. If your wife has a trial lesson or two with them and get on with them, tell them you want say, ten lessons and try and negotiate a discount for that. Once you've paid for the lessons your wife can book them when she likes to suit her.
Baryonyx said:
I don't think those intensive courses and 'pass in one week' things are all that great. I think when you're learning, you need to take it relatively slowly to allow your mind to consolidate what you're learning. Spacing out the lessons also allows you to get experience driving in different weather conditions and times etc etc. I don't think after driving a car for four or five hours for 5 days in a row you're ready for the road on your own, even if you do bluff your way through the test!
I'd look for instructors who care about producing good drives, not just getting you through your test. If your wife has a trial lesson or two with them and get on with them, tell them you want say, ten lessons and try and negotiate a discount for that. Once you've paid for the lessons your wife can book them when she likes to suit her.
My comment on your opening statement is this. I went from a biker to HGV3 in 2 weeks in the armed services, and passed with flying colours, as did many many others. And they probably still do.I'd look for instructors who care about producing good drives, not just getting you through your test. If your wife has a trial lesson or two with them and get on with them, tell them you want say, ten lessons and try and negotiate a discount for that. Once you've paid for the lessons your wife can book them when she likes to suit her.
On my day of my test, which I passed, I was sent on a 300 mile solo mission to pick up some stores, I found driving quite natural. Either people will make good drivers or not, even some who manage to pass are crap drivers as we all know. One candidate on the same course, who had been driving a car for some years, (A little cocky sod), failed his test, Sergent said he was over confident and taking risks.
So maybe the intensive course do help. (Not for all maybe). Having by-passed the car test, always good for a laugh when having a drive in a showroom car with the salesman with you, and telling him I hadn't actually passed my test in a car, well they don't ask for your licence do they.
OP i'm in the same situation as the OH has asked for driving messiah for her birthday in August
My plan so far is to get her a number of lessons with a local independent guy who comes recommended by friends
I aim to liase with him and when she is ready I'll head to the auctions and get her a ford ka or something and then when we need to go places she can drive, gets her practice, gets her used to the car she will be driving post test
I wouldn't send your missus out with your mate unless he has dual controls, end of
My plan so far is to get her a number of lessons with a local independent guy who comes recommended by friends
I aim to liase with him and when she is ready I'll head to the auctions and get her a ford ka or something and then when we need to go places she can drive, gets her practice, gets her used to the car she will be driving post test
I wouldn't send your missus out with your mate unless he has dual controls, end of
doogz said:
Does this friend have any teaching or advanced driving qualifications? Or is he just a mate that has taught a few people a bit?
A list as long as my arm. And more years driving experience than I have been alive. It's not a case of "my mate Dave from the pub, he'll do".trickywoo said:
How competent do you think she will be behind the wheel?
Fairly, once she gets her nerves under control - she's more bothered about stalling than anything else. She's done one of those off-road taster car control sessions and loved it, and did very well according to the instructor.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff