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Advice on my Driving Lesson progress
i am confident with turns in the road and reversing round left hand corners after 13 lessons (hours), and pretty good all round with normal driving (lacking a little finesse such as occasionally straying over the centre line, or jerking the car a little when i step repeatedly on the accelerator).
I want to do the test as early as possible... but my instructor says that people normally take their 1st test after 30 hours, and that I still have quite a bit to do.
What do I still have to learn, how many hours will that take, and is my instructor bullshitting about that length of time? if so, how can i persuade him to lessen the number of hours?
I want to do the test as early as possible... but my instructor says that people normally take their 1st test after 30 hours, and that I still have quite a bit to do.
What do I still have to learn, how many hours will that take, and is my instructor bullshitting about that length of time? if so, how can i persuade him to lessen the number of hours?
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I had 10 two hour lessons before my first test, and passed with 5 minors. Some of my friends took around the same time as me, some took slightly less time or a bit longer, and some took nearly a years worth of driving lessons. It all depends how good you are at picking it up I suppose. However I did do a lot of road practise with my dad during the time I was learning, which is probably why I passed first time, because just having more time driving on the roads gives you more experience, and more confidence.
One thing I would ask is, have you practised around the test routes? The reason I had 2 hour lessons was because the test centre was on the opposite side of town, and an hour wasn't sufficient time to drive over there and have a decent amount of practise on the roads where I'd be doing my test. The result of doing loads of practise was that nearly every road I had to drive down in my test, I had been down before with my instructor, and therefore was aware where there were speed bumbs, hazards, and knew the speed limits etc. Maybe if you haven't done that yet, then that's what your instructor is intending to start you on.
How long is the wait for tests in your area? My area had over a 2 month wait, so my test was booked after I'd only had 6 hours worth of lessons (just so it was there if I ready, but it could always be cancelled or postponed if I wasn't ready), so is it worth booking your test now if you have to wait for a while? By that time you might be ready for it. Best advice is to talk to your instructor about it, and ask what you've still got left to do. Good Luck!
One thing I would ask is, have you practised around the test routes? The reason I had 2 hour lessons was because the test centre was on the opposite side of town, and an hour wasn't sufficient time to drive over there and have a decent amount of practise on the roads where I'd be doing my test. The result of doing loads of practise was that nearly every road I had to drive down in my test, I had been down before with my instructor, and therefore was aware where there were speed bumbs, hazards, and knew the speed limits etc. Maybe if you haven't done that yet, then that's what your instructor is intending to start you on.
How long is the wait for tests in your area? My area had over a 2 month wait, so my test was booked after I'd only had 6 hours worth of lessons (just so it was there if I ready, but it could always be cancelled or postponed if I wasn't ready), so is it worth booking your test now if you have to wait for a while? By that time you might be ready for it. Best advice is to talk to your instructor about it, and ask what you've still got left to do. Good Luck!
Reply 2
4Ed
i am confident with turns in the road and reversing round left hand corners after 13 lessons (hours), and pretty good all round with normal driving (lacking a little finesse such as occasionally straying over the centre line, or jerking the car a little when i step repeatedly on the accelerator).
I want to do the test as early as possible... but my instructor says that people normally take their 1st test after 30 hours, and that I still have quite a bit to do.
What do I still have to learn, how many hours will that take, and is my instructor bullshitting about that length of time? if so, how can i persuade him to lessen the number of hours?
I want to do the test as early as possible... but my instructor says that people normally take their 1st test after 30 hours, and that I still have quite a bit to do.
What do I still have to learn, how many hours will that take, and is my instructor bullshitting about that length of time? if so, how can i persuade him to lessen the number of hours?
You can take life into your own hands and book your test date yourself....on the dsa website.
when you type in the requirements it will offer you the dates, pick a date that suits you (use common sense) eg another two weeks time. The instructor cant stop you doing this but obviously let your instructor know the date also as u will need his car. At least then you will have a date & something to work towards.
I passed my test within 4 weeks of starting lessons, did 18hours of driving. BUt do bear in mind that your habit of crossing lanes or centre lane will fail you. They call it lane discipline! lol
Good luck
4Ed
i am confident with turns in the road and reversing round left hand corners after 13 lessons (hours), and pretty good all round with normal driving (lacking a little finesse such as occasionally straying over the centre line, or jerking the car a little when i step repeatedly on the accelerator).
I want to do the test as early as possible... but my instructor says that people normally take their 1st test after 30 hours, and that I still have quite a bit to do.
What do I still have to learn, how many hours will that take, and is my instructor bullshitting about that length of time? if so, how can i persuade him to lessen the number of hours?
I want to do the test as early as possible... but my instructor says that people normally take their 1st test after 30 hours, and that I still have quite a bit to do.
What do I still have to learn, how many hours will that take, and is my instructor bullshitting about that length of time? if so, how can i persuade him to lessen the number of hours?
they can fail you for that, maybe the instructor just want to make sure that you are used to the car? but if you want to take it can't you just say so? he/she can advise you not to, but forbid?
Reply 4
i took about 30 lessons but i booked my test around 24 ish. The best thing to do is book it when u actually feel ur ready. Ask ur instructor to give u a mock test then ull know how ready u r.
By the way if ur instructur thinks ur not ready enuf to used car ina test then he/her can stop u from using his/her car. So talk to ur instructor
By the way if ur instructur thinks ur not ready enuf to used car ina test then he/her can stop u from using his/her car. So talk to ur instructor
thanks for all the advice so far... it's all been really constructive.
i've been having one hour lessons just around the city where i live, since the test centre is a 20 minute drive away. the waiting list apparently can be anything over 6 weeks... so given that i have one lesson a week, would it be ok to book nowish - ie would 6-8 more hours be sufficient? i think i'm fairly confident with what I've learnt so far... i just don't want to be in a situation where i've learnt all the material, and i'm just wasting money doing refreshers while I'm waiting for my test.
i'm just wondering if my instructor might be trying to keep me in lessons awhile longer - since he says that people only take their first test after 30 hours...
i've been having one hour lessons just around the city where i live, since the test centre is a 20 minute drive away. the waiting list apparently can be anything over 6 weeks... so given that i have one lesson a week, would it be ok to book nowish - ie would 6-8 more hours be sufficient? i think i'm fairly confident with what I've learnt so far... i just don't want to be in a situation where i've learnt all the material, and i'm just wasting money doing refreshers while I'm waiting for my test.
i'm just wondering if my instructor might be trying to keep me in lessons awhile longer - since he says that people only take their first test after 30 hours...
I'd speak to your instructor first though, but say to him that even if it is booked, if you're not ready then you can always move the test date back a few weeks to give you some extra time. Have you done all your manouvres, like parallel park and bay park? I definately would speak to your instructor about it, and say you really want to get your test done with. I'd say after 20 hours of lessons, you'd probably be ready, but then I haven't seen your driving!
Reply 7
The average time is 30 hours as people normally take longer to learn as they get older theis brings the average up. If you were to book your ets now you would still have to wait awhile before you got a date which would give you more lessons. You don't mention your parallel park, are you confident with this yet?
You could take your test and see what you get, if you fail it will mean that you know what you need to work on, (eg: if you are straying over the line too much.) Also you probably still need to run over the 'show and tell' questions' so you know where evything is in the car you are using. It will also mean that you know what to expect next time. Bear in mind though that it will cost £39.00 for your test and then the cost of a lesson while you are using your instructors car for your test and probably a lesson before you test so it can work out quite expensive.
Good luck.
You could take your test and see what you get, if you fail it will mean that you know what you need to work on, (eg: if you are straying over the line too much.) Also you probably still need to run over the 'show and tell' questions' so you know where evything is in the car you are using. It will also mean that you know what to expect next time. Bear in mind though that it will cost £39.00 for your test and then the cost of a lesson while you are using your instructors car for your test and probably a lesson before you test so it can work out quite expensive.
Good luck.
Reply 8
Took me between 60 and 70 lessons (hours) (without any practice in any other cars than the instructors).
Have you passed your theory test yet?
Although you say you're fairly confident at the maneuvers etc it's possible that you're still not up to test standard (you might be able to turn in the road without hitting a kerb or stalling but you might not be looking around you enough etc etc).
Also the reverse park is quite tricky to learn (the one I did on my 3 and final test was on a hill as well
clutch control).
If you're happy book your test to coincide with when you will hit the 30 lesson point. A couple of extra lessons is less expensive and less hassle to arrange than a re-test.
Have you passed your theory test yet?
Although you say you're fairly confident at the maneuvers etc it's possible that you're still not up to test standard (you might be able to turn in the road without hitting a kerb or stalling but you might not be looking around you enough etc etc).
Also the reverse park is quite tricky to learn (the one I did on my 3 and final test was on a hill as well
clutch control).If you're happy book your test to coincide with when you will hit the 30 lesson point. A couple of extra lessons is less expensive and less hassle to arrange than a re-test.
4Ed
thanks for all the advice so far... it's all been really constructive.
i've been having one hour lessons just around the city where i live, since the test centre is a 20 minute drive away. the waiting list apparently can be anything over 6 weeks... so given that i have one lesson a week, would it be ok to book nowish - ie would 6-8 more hours be sufficient? i think i'm fairly confident with what I've learnt so far... i just don't want to be in a situation where i've learnt all the material, and i'm just wasting money doing refreshers while I'm waiting for my test.
i'm just wondering if my instructor might be trying to keep me in lessons awhile longer - since he says that people only take their first test after 30 hours...
i've been having one hour lessons just around the city where i live, since the test centre is a 20 minute drive away. the waiting list apparently can be anything over 6 weeks... so given that i have one lesson a week, would it be ok to book nowish - ie would 6-8 more hours be sufficient? i think i'm fairly confident with what I've learnt so far... i just don't want to be in a situation where i've learnt all the material, and i'm just wasting money doing refreshers while I'm waiting for my test.
i'm just wondering if my instructor might be trying to keep me in lessons awhile longer - since he says that people only take their first test after 30 hours...
The amount of time it takes you to pass shouldn't depend on the amount of time it takes other people to pass, but it's a good indicator. You obviously don't trust your instructor though, which might be a major factor if you were to fail - have you thought about changing to a different driving school?
You should also think about whether he's got any reason to lie to you. Is he an independent instructor or does he work for a big company like BSM? If he's working for a big company he can get students any time so he probably doesn't need to string you along to get more money out of you.
When I was learning to drive, I always thought I could do better if the instructor wasn't there, and that I could pass my test no problem if he wasn't badgering me! I took my test a bit early and failed it on loads of minors. But I re-booked straight away, did a few more lessons and actually listened to what he was telling me to do (always a good idea), and then I passed. I think if you stop worrying about it and just trust him you will do fine.
You should also give yourself time to get used to the test routes and do a couple of mock tests, like other people have already said.
You have to do your test in good time or you will end up wasting more money in the long run. Your instructor does know what he's talking about - it's his job!
Good luck!
Reply 10
4Ed
i am confident with turns in the road and reversing round left hand corners after 13 lessons (hours), and pretty good all round with normal driving (lacking a little finesse such as occasionally straying over the centre line, or jerking the car a little when i step repeatedly on the accelerator).
I want to do the test as early as possible... but my instructor says that people normally take their 1st test after 30 hours, and that I still have quite a bit to do.
What do I still have to learn, how many hours will that take, and is my instructor bullshitting about that length of time? if so, how can i persuade him to lessen the number of hours?
I want to do the test as early as possible... but my instructor says that people normally take their 1st test after 30 hours, and that I still have quite a bit to do.
What do I still have to learn, how many hours will that take, and is my instructor bullshitting about that length of time? if so, how can i persuade him to lessen the number of hours?
the thing is the test is all about following the highway code and doing everything safely; your much more likley to be failed for not checking mirrors etc than not being able to change gears. I was like you and could pretty much control the car confidently after about 10 lessons. Are you so confident on big roundabouts etc.
If you think you can manage the test now go for it and book it up online.
Reply 11
I was so sure I would fail my first and second tests that I did (I think it's because I was learning independant of anyone else - I didn't have any friends learning at the same time saying that they passed after 5 lessons...in fact I didn't know anyone else who was learning). When my instructor suggested I book a test after 30 lessons I thought he was talking crap (didn't believe him). It took about another 20 lessons between the first test and getting a space for the second - and about another 10 between the 2nd and the 3rd (2 hours a week) so the hours mounted up pretty quickly after the first 30 lessons (especially because the test centre was an hours drive away so the tests and practice tests were all 2/3 hours).
However on my second test things were actually going pretty well until about 5 minutes before the end when I did something daft (which I knew was daft at the time but still did it) which caused me to fail.
It took failing the test on something that I *knew* I'd done wring to give me the confidence to pass.
My third test I was so much more confident and better at driving that even the examiner (the same one again) noticed (and gave me a second chance on my reverse park after I'd misjudged the hill/bend in the road).
However on my second test things were actually going pretty well until about 5 minutes before the end when I did something daft (which I knew was daft at the time but still did it) which caused me to fail.
It took failing the test on something that I *knew* I'd done wring to give me the confidence to pass.
My third test I was so much more confident and better at driving that even the examiner (the same one again) noticed (and gave me a second chance on my reverse park after I'd misjudged the hill/bend in the road).
Reply 12
I just got my Licence back after getting 3 points 
cant get anymore now for 1.5 years or I'm banned. So I'm driving at the speed limit everywhere. It's wierd cause I dont mind it now, it just takes an adjustment.
cant get anymore now for 1.5 years or I'm banned. So I'm driving at the speed limit everywhere. It's wierd cause I dont mind it now, it just takes an adjustment.
Reply 13
andy_b
I just got my Licence back after getting 3 points
cant get anymore now for 1.5 years or I'm banned. So I'm driving at the speed limit everywhere. It's wierd cause I dont mind it now, it just takes an adjustment.
cant get anymore now for 1.5 years or I'm banned. So I'm driving at the speed limit everywhere. It's wierd cause I dont mind it now, it just takes an adjustment.
what did they catch you doing??
Reply 14
ruthiepoothie
what did they catch you doing??
90 in a 70.
Pi^3
You don't mention your parallel park, are you confident with this yet?
i haven't started learning them yet.. as I mentioned, i've had 13 hours, which have included 9 on normal driving/clutch control, and 2 each on turn in the road and reversing round corners. what are the other manouveres left besides parellel park? and are they difficult?
Reply 16
4Ed
i haven't started learning them yet.. as I mentioned, i've had 13 hours, which have included 9 on normal driving/clutch control, and 2 each on turn in the road and reversing round corners. what are the other manouveres left besides parellel park? and are they difficult?
Emergancy stops, hill starts (both up & down hill)
Trousers
The amount of time it takes you to pass shouldn't depend on the amount of time it takes other people to pass, but it's a good indicator. You obviously don't trust your instructor though, which might be a major factor if you were to fail - have you thought about changing to a different driving school?
You should also think about whether he's got any reason to lie to you. Is he an independent instructor or does he work for a big company like BSM? If he's working for a big company he can get students any time so he probably doesn't need to string you along to get more money out of you.
Good luck!
You should also think about whether he's got any reason to lie to you. Is he an independent instructor or does he work for a big company like BSM? If he's working for a big company he can get students any time so he probably doesn't need to string you along to get more money out of you.
Good luck!
good point, i probably shouldn't think about how long other people take. I've always thought my instructor was pretty good since he explained everything clearly, it's just that he seems to make out that people always take ages before tests! so esp after he said that thing about 30 hours, i've been wondering if i'd be able to finish earlier than he predicts, since i've already learnt 2 out of the 4? 5? manouveures required. although i'm probably jumping the gun a bit.
my instructor's private ... and he is always pretty fully booked up so he's quite popular.
and i passed my theory test a week ago today
Reply 19
4Ed
isn't hill starts just clutch control before you move off? i think i covered that in my 3rd/4th lesson...
what's emergency stops? slamming on the brakes and holding the steering straight?
what's emergency stops? slamming on the brakes and holding the steering straight?
yeah hill starts are standard...
emergency stops,..yeah you do slam on, steer straight...but your not allowed to skid and not allowed to stall the car -
If you skid, quickly 'pump' the brake ans slam the clutch in b4 you stall!! Lots of observation left and right when stopped & obviously again b4 rejoining the road.
God I reckon i should be an instructor - lol !!! : )
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