Talk to me about..... Learning to drive

[tek-monkey]

Despite being 41 I've only ever driven a car twice, and one was last month. It's just never interested me, but due to recent life changes I've decided to look at things I'd like to change in myself and this is possibly one of them. I do still own a motorbike, it's not moved in 4 years and I don't have a license but I'll get that back on the road on L plates regardless so I'll have transport. I'm just starting to wonder about getting a car.

So, who is good? Who isn't? How much does it cost nowadays? I have no idea where to start (or even if I want to TBH) so thought I'd ask you lot. I don't need a car right now, but am aware I may in future and while I have funds available it could be worth a go rather than blowing it all on holidays.

 

[Thehooperman]

Despite being 41 I've only ever driven a car twice, and one was last month. It's just never interested me, but due to recent life changes I've decided to look at things I'd like to change in myself and this is possibly one of them. I do still own a motorbike, it's not moved in 4 years and I don't have a license but I'll get that back on the road on L plates regardless so I'll have transport. I'm just starting to wonder about getting a car.

So, who is good? Who isn't? How much does it cost nowadays? I have no idea where to start (or even if I want to TBH) so thought I'd ask you lot. I don't need a car right now, but am aware I may in future and while I have funds available it could be worth a go rather than blowing it all on holidays.

I've just bought my son a block of 10 lessons with Surepass for £210. There are cheaper instructors but these were recommended.

In addition they are fairly flexible in how they structure the lessons i.e. 1 hour, 2 hour, intensive courses, etc. He hasn't started yet so I'll keep you informed.

The key thing I learned was to set up the lessons to suit you and get them booked otherwise if you have to wait you'll forget what you've just learned. Also pick different times of the day if you can to experience different traffic flows.

If you get a cheap runaround for practicing I can sit with you once you've mastered the basics with an instructor.

 

[Gramaisc]

If you get a cheap runaround for practicing I can sit with you once you've mastered the basics with an instructor.

I have a selection of blindfolds.

So, who is good? Who isn't? How much does it cost nowadays? I have no idea where to start (or even if I want to TBH) so thought I'd ask you lot. I don't need a car right now, but am aware I may in future and while I have funds available it could be worth a go rather than blowing it all on holidays.

I can recommend the Scania-Vabis, mentioned elsewhere - http://www.staffordforum.com/xf/index.php?threads/car-taxed.19319/page-2#post-373758 - changing gear right-handed is probably easier from the start. Mine had the added feature of still having the gun mounted, which did improve the attitude of other drivers, who may otherwise have become impatient.

 

[rudie111]

Try Surepass Training (I think that name is correct) 07801638959, highly recommended. Brilliant instructor

 

[littleme]

I didnt learn to drive till i was 39! Myself, the Carer & one on my sons passed with Nigel Mantle all within 4years of each other - hes a great teacher- tel 01785 214497

 

[That-Crazy-Rat-Lady]

My Mother In Law!

Her name is Jane and she is possibly the nicest lady you will ever meet (and did I mention she's my MIL??! - AND I still think she's awesome!)

She has her own business but doesn't advertise - she doesn't have to - she gets great reviews by word of mouth!

She has a really high pass rate and also taught @Alee to drive!

Pop her a text on 07517481196

 

[Cue]

If you can get a slot In2Gear is great. I learned with the owner. Would have passed first time but I kept making silly mistakes and having rough luck but she was always very supportive and made sure I worked out those issues and I eventually passed only getting 1 minor. By the end of it I was probably her best pupil but kept mucking up the silly stuff like hesitation and accidentally went 37 down Stone Road...

The fact that they’re so booked up despite having quite a few instructors should say it all really.

 

[bunique]

My Mother In Law!

Her name is Jane and she is possibly the nicest lady you will ever meet (and did I mention she's my MIL??! - AND I still think she's awesome!)

She has her own business but doesn't advertise - she doesn't have to - she gets great reviews by word of mouth!

She has a really high pass rate and also taught @Alee to drive!

Pop her a text on 07517481196

She also taught me at the grand old age of 30-something recently and I passed first time despite being a very anxious driver. She is awesome.

 

[Carole]

Myself, the Carer & one on my sons passed with Nigel Mantle

Didn’t know whether to reply to this here or on the “misreading things” thread but I thought it said they had had lessons from “Nigel Mansell”, who is indeed a good driver, although he does have a reputation for going rather fast.

 

[Carole]

@tek-monkey

One of the very best things that you can do is learn to drive, pass your test and get a licence.
Then get a car and go places.

The freedom that driving gives you is wonderful.
No more waiting for trains, buses, or taxis, or other people to give you a lift.
You can go where you want, when you want.

It’s one of those things that once you’ve done it, you’ll wonder why on earth you didn’t do it before.

As an aside, I’m going to say that owning a car doesn’t mean that you stop walking.
You don’t have to take the car everywhere.

Being a driver just opens up the world immensely.

 

[tek-monkey]

I'll have the motorbike still, but cars are much easier when weather is crap or multiple people going etc.

 

[tek-monkey]

Oh, and my desire to keep active is part of the reason I never learnt to drive! Most of mates got fat.....

 

[Tilly]

Just make sure your shag pad has been furnished by a girl

No motorbikes or airfix Spitfires

And no doggy treats ....

 

[tek-monkey]

Doggy treat sounds oddly arousing. ....

 

[Tilly]

Doggy treat sounds oddly arousing. ....

Not if you saw yourself eating one in the Floodgate

 

[tek-monkey]

Not if you saw yourself eating one in the Floodgate

Really need to get back in there, been a while. Various situations have transpired against me.

 

[Withnail]

I like to think of it in rather the same way that my Mum sold me the idea of Higher Education.

If you can do it, you may as well do so - it will be a useful thing to have whether you use it or not.

Driving is considerably easier than writing a 15,000 word dissertation on the poetry of e.e. cummings.

 

[Tilly]

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