Driving Lessons

[MissyA369]

Hey, just wanted to know how many driving lessons you all had before taking the driving test, I've started learning how to drive and I heard that someone got just 12 lessons before taking the test whereas I heard that you should have at least 40.

[JOEYSHABADO]

I remember lots of instructors recommending 40 to me, but they would, I guess. Got 10. Passed 2nd time. Did lots of driving with me dad though. Thanks dad.

[jaydee101]

Same here. Had 10 lessons, but a lot of driving with my dad. Passed 1st time.

[Mattk]

it all depends how good u r.

i bought a cheap car and got friends to 'sit me up' so i learnt cheaply and in my own time.

when the time was right i took lessons and was put in for my after my 1st lesson ! 

[sddsddean]

I believe nowadays that they recommend you have loads of lessons, which I think is a bit of a rip off (especially at todays prices!), but agree that the secret is to get loads of practice, even if its just driving to the shops and back (which I used to do with my Mum). Its over 25 years since I learnt, but I think I had about 10 lessons at only �5.50 an hour!!

[spudqueen]

It's 25 years since I passed my test, but they used to say it was one lesson for each year of your life.

[JOEYSHABADO]

My friend had 360 lessons, and passed 4th time. He has had 4 crashes now. When I go out driving, I remember that there are other road users just like him. Makes me a lot more careful at junctions.

[Thunderchild]

depend on u i live in italy though and took the amount it needed for me to feel secure. by the way driving school may want u to take a minimum amount to make more money but as far as i am concered as long as u pass the test what is the problem

[iwantthatone]

I think the average is about 30-40 hours, so depends how long each driving lesson is.  I took quite a long time, but changed instructors twice as the first two really were rubbish. I passed 2nd time.  It'll be different for everyone, but I reckon practice/experience in between lessons is one of the most important things you can do.

[JOEYSHABADO]

yeah, lot of rubbish instructors out there. If they start giving you grief or shout things like 'stop driving through red lights, stop driving through red lights!', just get someone else. I did, and I never looked back. Except before signalling and manouevering, of course.

[davemerlin]

there are a lot of factors involved in this question - not least of which is the geographical location of the learner.  Although it should not matter it could be easier and quicker to pass a driving test in the wilds of Scotland than in the centre of Manchester.

Secondly - driving is not just about the mechanics of handling a vehicle (whilst that is extremely important) it is about learning to behave correctly, anticipation, forward thinking, understanding how road surfaces affect the vehicle etc.- a lot of which comes down to one vital thing - EXPERIENCE

Personally, speaking as a professional driver of some 20 years heavy vehicle experience and with many thousands of miles under my belt - i don't feel that the average driver gets enough experience before being let loose in what is, in reality, a lethal weapon.

So Missy A take your time and learn the craft properly and remember Practice, Practice, Practice - good luck - DAve

[kiara99]

used to say one lesson for each year of your life.

I passed at the age of 27 after 25 one hour lessons and passed first time.

My friend passed after just 12 lessons and I thought wow until I found out each of her lessons were 2 hours long.

So depends how quick you pick things up.

How much extra practice you have in adition to lessons, I had none!

And how long your lessons are,

Good Luck with it all.

Kiara