Any rush?

GrumPy

Recently got first car, and first provisional licence. Been driving around alot since I got it (about 2-3 weeks ago, maybe less) and picking up very quickly. Drive every day to and from work (full licence parent drives the car home, etc..)

I have no intention of applying for my test soon, so was wondering what peoples opinions are on waiting to get lessons say maybe into the new year?

tbh I am very comfortable in the car, and eveyday I get better and better, at this stage, no point getting lessons, maybe a few pre tests before I actually apply for my full test next year?

peckerhead

You'll probably learn as much in the first six weeks as in the next six months, as in the next six years, etc.

But why put it off? The test can only get more difficult/expensive compared to what it is now, and your insurance won't get any cheaper until you get a full licence, regardless of time on the road/free of claims.

And you could end up like this! :eek::D

patrickc

get lessons asap, you might think your doing things right, but you might not be, and isn't it better to have good habits drilled into you now, rather than having bad habits beaten out of you after christmas??

Wishbone Ash

Irish GrumPy wrote:

I have no intention of applying for my test soon

Why? Are you aware that there are long waiting lists?

Irish GrumPy wrote:

what peoples opinions are on waiting to get lessons say maybe into the new year?

It is much better to get lessons as soon as possible.

Irish GrumPy wrote:

I am very comfortable in the car, and eveyday I get better and better

In your opinion! Perhaps you are not as good as you think you are. Complacency is a common problem among new learner drivers. I've been driving for 20 years and have a full, clean and unrestricted licence in all 14 categories but I don't think I'm a good driver. I'd say I'm average. I could be killed or kill someone else tomorrow. Every day is a new experience.

Irish GrumPy wrote:

before I actually apply for my full test next year?

SeanW

The waiting times are quite crazy so you should get your application in ASAP. And start taking lessons. Because even if you can operate a car safely, chances are, your driving is not up to driving test standards.

SeanW

See here http://www.drivingtest.ie/frameset.html
for official wating times

In Dundalk, it's 47 weeks, Navan 59. And in my experience, those official times are very conservative. It wouldn't surprise me if you booked a test and waited a year and a half for it.

Seth Brundle

Irish GrumPy wrote:

Recently got first car, and first provisional licence. Been driving around alot since I got it (about 2-3 weeks ago, maybe less) and picking up very quickly. Drive every day to and from work (full licence parent drives the car home, etc..)

I have no intention of applying for my test soon, so was wondering what peoples opinions are on waiting to get lessons say maybe into the new year?

tbh I am very comfortable in the car, and eveyday I get better and better, at this stage, no point getting lessons, maybe a few pre tests before I actually apply for my full test next year?

You sound far too over confident for someone who has been driving for 2-3 weeks IG and the longer you put off 'professional' training the more bad habits you will develop.
The sooner you pass your test then the sooner you can legally drive on your own. Furthermore, your insurance will decrease once you have a pink licence!

SeanW wrote:

See here http://www.drivingtest.ie/frameset.html
for official wating times

In Dundalk, it's 47 weeks, Navan 59. And in my experience, those official times are very conservative. It wouldn't surprise me if you booked a test and waited a year and a half for it.

See the bottom of the pass rates page:

Pass rate percentage for year ending 31 December 2005.
**Longest weeks waiting on 13th November 2006. Waiting times are approximated and indicative only.

SmashingPilot

Its definitely worth applying for your test asap and getting lessons. I turned 17 last month, got my provisional and the first thing I did was book four lessons. After that my instructor said I was a fine driver and also suggested applying for my test quickly, before I picked up bad habits and also to get it out of the way.

I've now been driving a few weeks and building up my confidence everytime I get behind the wheel. I applied for my full test the day before yesterday and now can't wait to get my full license. I have a lot of practicing to do before then.

I'm going to see if I can get a letter sent in from work to say that I need my test quickly.......I'm going to Australia for a month in December to visit my sister over there. The whole family is going and I would love the opportunity to be able to drive over there.

If I managed to get a letter sent in, do any of you think I could sit my test before December 11th?? I applied for my test in Wicklow.

Wishbone Ash

SmashingPilot wrote:

If I managed to get a letter sent in, do any of you think I could sit my test before December 11th?? I applied for my test in Wicklow.

Half the country are sending employer's letters so it's not as effective as it once was. Tell them that you are willing to be tested at very short notice and they may assign you a late cancellation slot. Include a mobile telephone number if possible.

GrumPy

Will get a few lessons next week, no more than 5.

Driving myself everywhere at this stage, and was in Italy last 4 days and was fine when I got back, which I was worried without practice I would suck for a day or two. Maybe the holiday just relaxed me more, which will help with the improvements.

Wishbone Ash

Irish GrumPy wrote:

Will get a few lessons next week, no more than 5.

Driving myself everywhere at this stage, and was in Italy last 4 days and was fine when I got back, which I was worried without practice I would suck for a day or two. Maybe the holiday just relaxed me more, which will help with the improvements.

Have you still "no intentions of applying for my test"?

Full licence=cheaper insurance.
Why on earth would you put that off? Do you have money to burn?

Nala

You sound really, really arrogant and full of yourself.

TwoShedsJackson

You come across as one of the cocky little gob$hites that end up being a statistic or cause someone else to become one because they think they're incredible drivers after a month where they can get the car around the place without stalling. You're nowhere near as good as you think are, and probably never will be.

Get some proper lessons and apply for your test. What reason is there for not applying?

Wishbone Ash

Nala wrote:

You sound really, really arrogant and full of yourself.

TwoShedsJackson wrote:

You come across as one of the cocky little gob$hites

Steady on folks - no need to get personal!