First Steps in Learning to Drive

Show_me_Safety

Hi guys,

I would like to learn to drive. i have a few questions first:

1. What's the first step? i know it sounds like a stupid question but...

2. How long do you think it would take to become a full licenced driver?

Thanks a Million guys.

SmS

Beau x1

Very first step is buying the Driving Theory Test book or CD to learn the rules of the road. You can get these in a book shop, they're about €20 each. You only need one of them, which one you get is up to you.

Then you have to apply for a date to sit your theory test online.

Then you have to pass your theory test. You will be given 40 questions, you must get 35 correct minimum.

Then you apply for your learner's permit through your local motor tax office.

Then you get your learner permit in the post.

You must wait 6 months before you can sit your driving test, either doing lessons (optional), or going out with someone e.g. parent who has had their full license for 2 years; or even better both. Just because you have a learner's permit doesn't mean you can drive by yourself. If you do, you'll be fined and may lose any chance you have to drive. So it's not worth it, no matter what anyone else may tell you! But you'll most likely want to get a car and sort out insurance, NCT, tax or whatever else you may need so you can practice yourself.

Book your driving test online (you can do this before you have held your learner's permit for 6 months, but it's good to book in advance so you can do it when the six months have past.

And take it from there.

All in all, it takes about 7 months minimum if you learn the theory and pass it the same month while also being issued your permit the same month. Probably 8 months because nothing really works out that smoothly, and you could always fail the test hehe.

I know, it's a long time. It'll be worth it though, and driving is an incredible asset to both yourself and friends, relatives etc.

DriveSkill

Hi,

I'm sure there is a whole separate thread on this but I couldnt find it so the basic steps are :

1. Study for the theory test, apply for it and pass it : www.theorytest.ie

2. After you pass the theory test you apply for a 'Learner's Permit'

3. Start doing lessons either with an instructor or family member - recommendation would be to use an instructor but up to you, no obligation to get official lessons at the moment.

4. You cannot do the driving test until you've held the Learner Permit for at least 6 months. This means, taking an average waiting list of 8 weeks, you could apply for a test after about 4.5 months and the 6 months should be up by the time you get a date - check the waiting times at whatever center you are using - www.drivingtest.ie .

5. Important to point out you cannot drive on your own while on a Learner Permit, you must have an accompanying driver who has held a full licence for at least 2 years with you at all times.

6. Some obvious ones : you must be insured on the car you are driving, you must display 'L' Plates front and rear on the car while driving and you are not allowed to drive on a Motorway until you get the full licence.

So, start with getting the theory test book or CD or both and study, then apply online. The theory test is 40 multiple choice questions and you must get at least 35 correct to pass.

Good Luck!

Declan.

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

Show_me_Safety

thanks everyone! it's my new years resolution, so hopefully i'll be qualified by December!

i'll keep ya's up dated on how it all goes!

***EDIT***
ok, so i have my theory test booked!
my sister has the book and CD at home.

thanks again guys!

Beau x1

I'd say 9 is a more realistic figure providing you pass your driving test first time.

Show_me_Safety

also, how many hours of driving lessons should i put in?

DriveSkill

Show_me_Safety wrote: »

also, how many hours of driving lessons should i put in?

Nobody can give a definite answer to this as there as too many variables : your aptitude for driving, amount of practice you get between lessons, your motivation etc etc. If you are a very nervous driver for example it will take longer to build up confidence.

Ballpark figure is perhaps 20-30 hours starting from scratch to passing a test but some people pass the test with 0 hours of lessons and others can literally take hundreds of hours!!

danzig

i am just about to take the plunge into driving now, am going to apply for my theory test and get lessons sorted. thanks for the information, it was very helpful.

some extra questions that i am unsure of, do you need a permit to get lessons from an instructor? how much does a theory test cost?

DriveSkill

danzig wrote: »

some extra questions that i am unsure of, do you need a permit to get lessons from an instructor?

Yes, you must have a Learner Permit before doing any lesson

danzig wrote: »

how much does a theory test cost?

€35.60 or something like that...

BaRcOe

DriveSkill wrote: »

€35.60 or something like that...

Correct me if im wrong but I dont remember it being that expensive when I did it...

Btw if you are doing it,
Get the Disc so that you can actually practise with the exact same layout its going to be on the day.

Dont go through each section of the disc but Keep doing practise tests. You will find the same questions coming up over and over, these ones that keep popping up will more than likely come up on the day. They did for me!

I passed the 2nd time round because I just kept doing the test until I was getting 38+ every time.

Good luck!

danzig

is it advisable to learn some basics with friends (e.g. starting the car, changing from first to second, stopping smoothly, etc.) or is it better to go to an instructor as a blank canvas? this has been the topic of great debate in my house and just looking for some new opinions!

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

BaRcOe

danzig wrote: »

is it advisable to learn some basics with friends (e.g. starting the car, changing from first to second, stopping smoothly, etc.) or is it better to go to an instructor as a blank canvas? this has been the topic of great debate in my house and just looking for some new opinions!

Learn from a friend or family member!! Dont go to an instructor for lessons with a blank canvas. Drive on the road and get compforatble with the road before getting lessons!

Even up and down your driveway is a help with getting used to clutch,gears, brakes...etc!!

blinding

danzig wrote: »

is it advisable to learn some basics with friends (e.g. starting the car, changing from first to second, stopping smoothly, etc.) or is it better to go to an instructor as a blank canvas? this has been the topic of great debate in my house and just looking for some new opinions!

Try to get an instructor that has been recommended by 2/3 people because like everything there is different standards of instructors out there.

DriveSkill

In my view it is better to go to the instructor as a 'blank canvas'. 2 main reasons :

1. You will learn correctly from day one and not have to unlearn bad habits you may have picked up.

2. Safety! There is a reason instructors cars have dual controls. It is in the very early stages that people tend to mix up the brake and accelerator or panic and forget to come off the gas! Can be a costly mistake if there are no dual-controls to override.

BaRcOe

DriveSkill wrote: »

In my view it is better to go to the instructor as a 'blank canvas'. 2 main reasons :

1. You will learn correctly from day one and not have to unlearn bad habits you may have picked up.

2. Safety! There is a reason instructors cars have dual controls. It is in the very early stages that people tend to mix up the brake and accelerator or panic and forget to come off the gas! Can be a costly mistake if there are no dual-controls to override.

Yes some valid points there, I agree.

But its free to drive around your driveway/learn from a friend or family member first.
You are then getting better value for your money when you get lessons as the instructor will be happy to see that you are already somewhat confident and Ready to go.
Also imagine having a blank canvas when ya meet the instructor, slightly embarrasing not being able to move without stalling loads. Whereas if your with a mate or family member its a laugh at first and the embarrasment is fine, will turn into laughter as you burn out your moms' new cars' clutch

Cover the basics before you get lessons seriously! The sooner you get practising at home and that, the sooner you can hit the road with your instructor!

danzig

see thats why i ask, because no one ever agrees!! i was just sitting back laughing this afternoon when i started this conversation in my house, people just can't decide what is better. its funny, as soon you mention you are starting to learn to drive everyone instantly hands over their keys!

anyway, thanks for all the opinions, and sorry for stealing the thread from the original poster!

Beau x1

I spent the first lesson in the car with my instructor, the second lesson she took me out onto the road. She asked me if I knew anything and I responded negatively. So, she showed me everything and told me how everything works and why I do what I do. It's not embarrassing stalling in front of your instructor at all (at least for me), if anything it helps you prevent making the same mistakes in the future rather than just playing around in your driveway.

Basically what I'm trying to say is, one lesson will cover all the basics and make sure you don't get into any bad habits. Also, you've got to practice in between or your lessons will just become a waste of money.

BaRcOe

Lets say(just using random numbers) its 200euro for 4 lessons.

Would you rather be on the road for the 4 lessons or waste the 1st one covering the basics which you could have done with a parent in one wkend?

I'd rather have 4 lessons on the Road, reversing, parking....etc getting the essential on-road experince required for passing the test.

Wishbone Ash

BaRcOe wrote: »

But its free to drive around your driveway/learn from a friend or family member first.
You are then getting better value for your money!

If you think professionals cost a lot, you should try amateurs!

The instructor may have to get a pupil to 'unlearn' what their family have taught them. I would never attempt to teach someone how to drive!

Beau x1

BaRcOe wrote: »

Lets say(just using random numbers) its 200euro for 4 lessons.

Would you rather be on the road for the 4 lessons or waste the 1st one covering the basics which you could have done with a parent in one wkend?

I'd rather have 4 lessons on the Road, reversing, parking....etc getting the essential on-road experince required for passing the test.

Yes, but driving isn't about saving money and getting on the road as fast as you can. The basics are the most important things and therefore they should be learnt properly, not in your driveway.

BaRcOe

Beau x1 wrote: »

Yes, but driving isn't about saving money and getting on the road as fast as you can. The basics are the most important things and therefore they should be learnt properly, not in your driveway.

Yes it is, we all wana get on the road as fast as we can. None of this dilly dallying.

DriveSkill

BaRcOe wrote: »

Yes it is, we all wana get on the road as fast as we can. None of this dilly dallying.

It all depends on what you mean by 'dilly dallying' !!!

If you consider understanding the basic safety principles of driving in terms of observation, blindspots, correct use of clutch, correct signallying, right of way etc as "dilly dallying" then I disagree with you. This is what I would cover on a first lesson with the aim of the pupil being able to move off from the side of road, change up the gears (into 2nd or maybe 3rd) and then pull in and stop the car safely again. They should be able to do this following a very definite 'system' of Mirror-Signal-Maneouver.

Its not about getting on the road as fast as you can, its about learning to drive safely. Anyone could take a car onto a dual carriageway and probably never having driven before get it up to 100km/hr - question is what happens when they come to a roundabout!!

Remember as one of our previous Ministers for Transport said 'a driving licence is a priveledge not a right!'

NukaCola

BaRcOe wrote: »

Learn from a friend or family member!! Dont go to an instructor for lessons with a blank canvas. Drive on the road and get compforatble with the road before getting lessons!

Ignore this, its really poor advice, get lessons.

NukaCola

BaRcOe wrote: »

Lets say(just using random numbers) its 200euro for 4 lessons.

Would you rather be on the road for the 4 lessons or waste the 1st one covering the basics which you could have done with a parent in one wkend?

I'd rather have 4 lessons on the Road, reversing, parking....etc getting the essential on-road experince required for passing the test.

Would you rather learn how to drive properly or not? A lesson with a good instructor is never "waste".

NukaCola

DriveSkill wrote: »

It all depends on what you mean by 'dilly dallying' !!!

If you consider understanding the basic safety principles of driving in terms of observation, blindspots, correct use of clutch, correct signallying, right of way etc as "dilly dallying" then I disagree with you. This is what I would cover on a first lesson with the aim of the pupil being able to move off from the side of road, change up the gears (into 2nd or maybe 3rd) and then pull in and stop the car safely again. They should be able to do this following a very definite 'system' of Mirror-Signal-Maneouver.

Its not about getting on the road as fast as you can, its about learning to drive safely. Anyone could take a car onto a dual carriageway and probably never having driven before get it up to 100km/hr - question is what happens when they come to a roundabout!!

Remember as one of our previous Ministers for Transport said 'a driving licence is a priveledge not a right!'

Well said

DrivingMad

BaRcOe wrote: »

Also imagine having a blank canvas when ya meet the instructor, slightly embarrasing not being able to move without stalling loads.

Any instructor worth their salt wouldnever let anyone feel 'embarrased' at stalling the car!
It is their job to instil confidence in their pupil.
If you are stalling the car, an instructor will be able to tell you why it is happening, and how to rectify the problem, and things like this can be learnt from.

BaRcOe

Ok how come most people I know are already familiar with the basics before theyve gotten lesson then?

DriveSkill

BaRcOe wrote: »

Ok how come most people I know are already familiar with the basics before theyve gotten lesson then?

I agree that most people are familiar with the basics in terms of knowing which pedal is which etc. Most will know about the gear lever and handbrake etc but you still do get people who've never sat in a drivers seat and just never took notice of the pedals before. Even the people who do know which pedal is which sometimes cannot actually explain what is actually happening when you push that clutch pedal - not looking for a detailed description just an idea of what effect it has on the engine/gearbox. It is important that you have some basic knowledge of the car mechanics.

In general most new learners will not know what the correct sequence is for moving off for example.

Say if I was to create a random list here :

1. release handbrake
2. clutch in
3. check mirrors
4. clutch to biting point and hold
5. signal
6. move off
7. check blindspot
8. select 1st gear
9. clutch out slowly

and ask 10 new drivers who havent done a lesson to put that list in the correct order (and be able to explain why!) I'd be surprised if more than 1 or 2 could do it.

BTW for those 'Pedantic Pats' reading this it was just meant as an illustration, I realise some of these steps may happen simultaneously and we could also get into a huge debate on what others consider to be the definite list. My main point is there is more than just staring out the front window and letting a clutch out to make the car move forward!

Show_me_Safety

thanks a million guys,

don't worry danzig, you asked some of the questions i forgot about!

i was told in work today that i could get a letter to say i need it for work.
will that mean that i can apply before the 6 months or just that i won't be waiting up to 2 months for the test?

thanks
sms

BaRcOe

Ye it usually shortens the waiting time if you get a letter from work!

DancingDaisy

A letter can not help with the six month wait. That is obligatory. It may help with shortening the time you wait for a test, after the six month period, but I can't say for certain that it will.

Alanstrainor

DancingDaisy wrote: »

A letter can not help with the six month wait. That is obligatory.

+1. And just to note, i haven't heard of letters from work etc making any noticeable difference in the last few months. No harm in trying though i suppose.

Show_me_Safety

i thought that would be the case...i dont mind waiting the 6 months (unlike some of posters in another thread here :rolleyes:
it gives me plenty of time to practice!
i dont think the letter would be of much help really cos if goin by other posters i can apply 4ish months into my permit and be on the waiting list for the final 2 months!

DancingDaisy

That is the best idea. I applied at the start of November and couldn't officially sit my test until the end of December. I received my date last week, which is for the start of February. So from the time I can officially sit my test until my test date, I'm only really waiting four weeks.

timmywex

DriveSkill wrote: »

1. release handbrake
2. clutch in
3. check mirrors
4. clutch to biting point and hold
5. signal
6. move off
7. check blindspot
8. select 1st gear
9. clutch out slowly

!

I thought you were putting them in order! :O I was thinking thats an awful dodge way to be doing it!....biting point before first gear and all that!

DriveSkill

timmywex wrote: »

I thought you were putting them in order! :O I was thinking thats an awful dodge way to be doing it!....biting point before first gear and all that!

I should have put a health and safety warning first!!!

For any new drivers reading this thread the list I posted earlier was in random order and not the actual order you should use!!!

For those interested the correct order would be :

1. Clutch in
2. Select 1st gear
3. clutch to biting point and hold
4. Check Mirrors
5. Signal
6. Check blindspot
7. Release Handbrake
8. clutch out slowly
9. move off

Some caveats : as you improve clutch control step 3 could be moved to after step 5 (that way you dont keep it on the biting point for too long and eventually you will be able to get the biting point instantaneously)

Steps 8 and 9 will really happen together, after you release the handbrake the car will most likely start to move gently forward but you would still leave the clutch out slowly until fully out.

Orlee

BaRcOe wrote: »

But its free to drive around your driveway/learn from a friend or family member first.

Jaysus - How big is yur driveway?!?

BaRcOe

Orlee wrote: »

Jaysus - How big is yur driveway?!?

BLeedin massifff

Show_me_Safety

i got by book and cd in the post today!
i tried one test without reading anything and got 32/40...still a fail but not bad!
test is on 26 feb, whoop i cant wait!

also mods, this tread was really helpful for myself and danzig too.
perhaps it should be stickied!?

BaRcOe

Show_me_Safety wrote: »

i got by book and cd in the post today!
i tried one test without reading anything and got 32/40...still a fail but not bad!
test is on 26 feb, whoop i cant wait!

also mods, this tread was really helpful for myself and danzig too.
perhaps it should be stickied!?

32 is good, now just do it loads and loads until u keep gettin 38+
Then your sorted, thats what I did. Going through the sections is very time consuming and not worth the time. Doing the test repeatedly is worth it!

Show_me_Safety

hey lads,

I passed the theory test this morning... 38/40.
Thanks for all the help and advice.

Now, whats next!?

BaRcOe

Show_me_Safety wrote: »

hey lads,

I passed the theory test this morning... 38/40.
Thanks for all the help and advice.

Now, whats next!?

Good job,

now just put all the theory you learned from the 'Theory Test' into practise.

Getting Lessons is the next thing really..

Burtchaell

I applied to the Waterford test centre in November of 2007 and i did not get my test till May 2008!

líreacán

Doesn't an eye test need to be had before applying for your permit?

Or has this changed?

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

danzig

i got my learners permit this week, all i needed was a completed application, 2 passport pictures, €15, my passport, theory test cert, and an eyesight report. i went down to the motor office on a monday afternoon around 3pm and had my permit on wednesday morning, which i think is an amazing turnaround.

heres a handy tip, eyesight tests and reports can be gotten for free by going to schools of optometry. as i am a student in DIT i went to the national optometry centre on kevin st., it is a top notch facility and they have a high degree of professionalism, all this for the handy sum of €0.00.....

Snuggle Bunny

Hi, is that free for students only or free to the public in general. Did you need to make an appointment?

danzig

as far as i am aware, the service is available to the general public as well, and yeah you will need to make an appointment.

here is some general info...

http://dit.ie/services/national-optometry-centre/