The Student Room Group

Driving after a long break

I started learning to drive earlier this year. I had some lessons with my father but they didn't go very well - I learnt the basic things but we get frustrated easily with each other so it wasn't working out very well. Then I took a break while my exams were going on. Now it's the summer and I have enough money to pay for about 10 lessons with a local instructor.

My parents are keen for me to take the lessons and get my theory test out of the way, even though I'll be going to uni in September and more than likely will not be passing my practical test before then. I wonder if it's worth me using my money now to pay for lessons, when I might not be able to drive again until next summer. I really lack confidence with driving and need practice - since I have some money now, I kind of want to get back into it and do as much of the manoeuvres as I can before going to uni. If I do have to wait until next summer before actually taking my test - do you think it will take me long to get back into things? Say if I booked my test for some time in August/September next year, and then had the whole of July to get back into things? Basically, I'd have the whole summer to get myself used to driving again which hopefully wouldn't take too long if I grasp the basic things now.
Reply 1
A few months you will be fine. I had a 4/5 year driving break and it was it took me ages to get back into it again.
Reply 2
once you learn to drive, you never forget.
Reply 3
AT82
A few months you will be fine. I had a 4/5 year driving break and it was it took me ages to get back into it again.

Out of interest, how long did it take you to get back into driving?
Reply 4
katejones55
Out of interest, how long did it take you to get back into driving?


At first I was very rusty, but it probably took about five or six hours before I was confident again.
Reply 5
AT82
At first I was very rusty, but it probably took about five or six hours before I was confident again.

How much driving experience did you have before you had the break?
Reply 6
Probably about 50 hours.
Reply 7
AT82
Probably about 50 hours.

Okay. Thanks for your help! :smile:
Reply 8
I got back into it quite quickly. I had about 25 hours with an instructor and then took a 3 year break. I've now had 6 hours of lessons. I drove my new car home yesterday with my dad and felt completely confident driving it. I feel so much better behind the wheel now than i did when i was 17. xx