Learning to Drive - tips needed

CSC

I am in my thirties and am about to start to learn how to drive.

Never had an interest when I was younger and could always rely on public transport where I was living. I am moving to a more rural area soon so will need to be able to drive to get to work and around in general.

I have bought a second hand car of a friend of mine (he is emigrating so got it at a bargain price).

I have never even taken a lesson before and am feeling pretty nervous about starting.

Any tips from anyone who has learned at this age and overcome nerves. Also, on average how long does it take to learn?

Trhiggy83

Doesnt take too long, i would get a friend to go through the basics first with you then you should go for a few lessons then with a driving instructor to give you a bit of confidence. Then you can start practicing in your own car. It will take a bit of time to start doing things without thinking but just dont worry, everyone goes through the same fears so dont worry about it.

Mister Jingles

First things first get lessons of a qualified ADI as opposed to a friend ect teaching you. It will cos a few hundred but it will be worth it in the end.

Just because you're in your 30s don't your age put you off learning.

As lots of people say you're always learning, just because you pass your test and have a full licence dosen't mean your done. But getting up to test standard could take anything from 2 months to a year depending on how your progress.

Trhiggy83

Only reason i said get a friend to go through the basics is because its a waste of time/money going to an instructor not having a clue what you are at

Mister Jingles

Trhiggy83 wrote: »

Only reason i said get a friend to go through the basics is because its a waste of time/money going to an instructor not having a clue what you are at

I never said that in response to your post, I was still typing when you clicked the submit button.

Trhiggy83

Mister Jingles wrote: »

I never said that in response to your post, I was still typing when you clicked the submit button.

no bother, if she doesnt know what she is doing though, someone should go through the basics before she gets an instructor

Mister Jingles

Trhiggy83 wrote: »

no bother, if she doesnt know what she is doing though, someone should go through the basics before she gets an instructor

True, he/she does have an advantage with their own car to get to understand the primary controls first. Now that I think of it according to the RSA a person is already meant to have an understanding of the primary controls before starting their first lesson.

CSC

I got my first 'lesson' this morning - a family member came out with me in the car for a while. After a few minutes, I didn't really find the nerves and practiced the basics.

I'm going to sign myself up for an intensive course in Kildare in the next couple of weeks.

I don't know what it is though, I just can't imagine myself driving, maybe it's because I have been a passenger for so long.

I determined to be able to do it though as if I don't do it now I never will.

Mister Jingles

CSC wrote: »

I got my first 'lesson' this morning - a family member came out with me in the car for a while. After a few minutes, I didn't really find the nerves and practiced the basics.

I'm going to sign myself up for an intensive course in Kildare in the next couple of weeks.

I don't know what it is though, I just can't imagine myself driving, maybe it's because I have been a passenger for so long.

I determined to be able to do it though as if I don't do it now I never will.

Little tip for when your learning, carry a bottle of water or something in the car with you as your mouth can become dry when your nerves get the better of you. Worked for me when i started my first couple of lessons.

CSC

Thanks, I will do.

The nerves weren't as bad as I though they would be today. It may be different in a couple of weeks time though.

johnmcdnl

just go through the basics with someone so you know what the gear stick and clutch are for after that just get a couple of driving lessons and you'll be flying soon enough...

just remember your still a learner driver so to drive on your own legally your still going to need someone with a full license for 2 years to sit beside you...

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

CSC

I have the permit before then.

Going to do an intensive course next week and am doing a couple of basic lessons with a family member before then.

booksale

if you are driving on the rural roads, be extra careful. i suggest dont do up to the speed limit and dont be pressured by the cars behind, when necessary, pull in and let them pass you first.

i have been driving for around 1 year now. i learned at my thirties as well. i think it did take a bit longer for me to pick things up. up till now, i still am not confident to park in crowded car-parks, trying to avoid them. but other than parking, i am alrite now. just still need to be more aware of the changes on the road and do more anticipation. and know my own limits.

i once drove on a rural road, was driving slowly because there were a lot of bends. but then cars came up and i sped up and when up to the shape turn (that i did not expect it's that sharp), it was a bit too late to slow down, not to mention to change gear. the car just swung to the other side. it's completely my fault. 1. i should drive on a speed that im comfortable with rather than thinking about being an obstacle. and 2. obviously, i should slow down much earlier than i did.

anyway, from the sound of it, you are doing well. all the best!

Marks Motoring

Trhiggy83 wrote: »

no bother, if she doesnt know what she is doing though, someone should go through the basics before she gets an instructor

I prefer my students to come straight to instructor as, friends, family etc mean well but tend to pass on their bad habits. Once the instructor has covered all the basic's and give the proper knowledge I would be happier for a friend etc to go with them to practice. Also not to teach but to offer a extra set of eyes to keep the student safe.

Usually the basic from friends start with how to coast, a major headache to remove later on.............

Fuinseog

CSC wrote: »

I am in my thirties and am about to start to learn how to drive.

Never had an interest when I was younger and could always rely on public transport where I was living. I am moving to a more rural area soon so will need to be able to drive to get to work and around in general.

I have bought a second hand car of a friend of mine (he is emigrating so got it at a bargain price).

I have never even taken a lesson before and am feeling pretty nervous about starting.

Any tips from anyone who has learned at this age and overcome nerves. Also, on average how long does it take to learn?

start off in a car park to get a feel for things. in a vast space you can do no harm

Fuinseog

Mister Jingles wrote: »

First things first get lessons of a qualified ADI as opposed to a friend ect teaching you. It will cos a few hundred but it will be worth it in the end.

Just because you're in your 30s don't your age put you off learning.

As lots of people say you're always learning, just because you pass your test and have a full licence dosen't mean your done. But getting up to test standard could take anything from 2 months to a year depending on how your progress.

a friend can teach you the basics, the instructor the finer points.

MascotDec85

Fuinseog wrote: »

a friend can teach you the basics, the instructor the finer points.

Assuming the friend knows what they are doing. Numerous people out there driving, even with full licences, who drive with loads of faults.

Start as you mean to go on

CSC

I completed three days on an intensive course this week. Very tough going and I was completely wrecked when I finished it.

Well worth it though and I have learned loads.

Now that it is over though, I am feeling nervous about driving on my own (i.e without an instructor and not a passenger with full licence). The fact that the instructor was there for advice and could take control when needed helped my confidence driving, now that he won't be in the car I'm afraid I'll make loads of mistakes.

booksale

if you can afford that, maybe you can get some more lessons once or twice a week. meanwhile, get up very early to practice. i practiced (on my own) very early at around 730am or 8am for a few weekends.

CSC

That's a good idea. I'll start tomorrow morning for a while.

I intend on getting lessons as well but want to not have to depend on them and become more independent.

ThunderZtorm

I'm 32 and had my first driving lesson a few months back. The first couple of lessons I was all sweaty when the hour was up, was really nervous.

It all went tho, and now I'm driving my flatmate (who has a full license) to work in my own car. I still have a few problems managing the clutch properly, especially on hill starts, but I'm not nervous as such.

Point being, more experience helps. Make sure you drive regularly, find any excuse to take the car, really.

capefear

Hi CSC

Were did you do the intensive driving course, can you send me on the details as i need to get my test in a couple of weeks for work and need all the help i can get.

Sm4shbox

Ok there is a roundabout in my town with 5 exits.

From the direction I am entering there is only one lane.

The instructor never says take the '4th exit' (for example), instead say say stay right and take the 2nd exit.

The 5th exit is the lane that I am coming from (two way street), so do I count that as 'go right, take 1st exit' and the actual 4th exit 'go right, take 2nd exit'. ??

What I mean to say do you count the exits from the left to left - 1, 2 ,3 then from right to left - 1 , 2 ?

Help ASAP Thanks!

Sm4shbox

Sm4shbox wrote: »

Ok there is a roundabout in my town with 5 exits.

From the direction I am entering there is only one lane.

The instructor never says take the '4th exit' (for example), instead say say stay right and take the 2nd exit.

The 5th exit is the lane that I am coming from (two way street), so do I count that as 'go right, take 1st exit' and the actual 4th exit 'go right, take 2nd exit'. ??

What I mean to say do you count the exits from the left to left - 1, 2 ,3 then from right to left - 1 , 2 ?

Help ASAP Thanks!

The first exit is the exit on your left. Not as the roundabout lies due north or anything.