Should i get more practice before getting lessons

IpreDictDeatH

So basically, ive been out a few times in my mates car. Got into second gear, around local estates. I know i need properl essons, but i just wanted to atleast get the feel of the clutch/accelerator before i jumped into a drivng instructors car. Mainly because i dont want to be out on a road, stalling till my hearts content, when i can learn that in my mates car before. Thing is though, i just cant get out in his car anymore. Im going to be learning in my dads car too and my only attempt in that car resulted in my first stall, which knocked my confidence. Should i just go book lessons and hope the instructor will help me with the very basics, or should i try get out in the car in going to be using to practice in and try to get used to that first?

Sparkie93

i think its better if you start with an instructor otherwise you might pick up habits i also find that i learn a lot more with my instuctor than a friend or relative

RustyNut

Hi I would think the best thing would be to take a lesson or 2 then practice what you learned. By doing it the other way round you just end up learning bad habits then spending more money unlearning them or under the pressure of a test reverting to them. A few bob spent at the start might lead to a saving in the long run.
Just my €0.02

ADIDriving

If you begin lessons, the instructor should help you understand the clutch, why the engine stalls so that it will happen less and what to do if it does. They will also have dual controls to help when needed.

IpreDictDeatH

Ok thanks folks. I knew that, just wanted second opinions, Appreciated. Looks like i'll just have to go get lessons. Exciting

Compton

If you predict death I'd deffinately recommend lessons.

IpreDictDeatH

HA! We all die in the end.....so my prediction is correct. I never said how and when though:rolleyes:

whydoibother?

I'd say start with lessons immediately, but get plenty practice in between lessons. Aim to have practised and gotten to grips with what you have done in the last lesson before you have the next one or else you are just paying to have the same comments made to you again. I made the mistake of having lessons too close together early on.

overshoot

go for a few lessons, there is only so far driving around a house can get you. plus if stalling is knocking your confidence dont worry about it, its gonna happen to you every so often no matter how much you drive. plus the instructor has his own set of pedals and may step in to stop it

af_thefragile

I first started driving by taking lessons in the instructors car. I didn't have my own car to drive so the only driving I could get was in the instructors car. You learn much better that way imo.

When you've got some good amount of experience driving with an instructor, then you can look into venturing out with your mates or whatever...


Oh and don't worry about stalling. I've been driving a year now and I still stall my car regularly (I blame it on the power deficit my car suffers from time to time!). Its no biggie. Just turn the key, start the engine again and move on.

I had a problem of stalling the car everytime I tried to move off it in when I first started driving. I used to simply release the clutch as soon as the car would get moving and ended up stalling the car. Then I realised to get the car moving a little while on the clutch before releasing the clutch slowly, building enough momentum in the car that it won't stall when you release the clutch. This will make sure you don't end up stalling the car when you just get it moving from a stand still.

IpreDictDeatH

Thansks for all the comments, clearing up a few small issues i had. Much appreciated. I'll keep ye's posted.