Should I get a car before I have my full license or after?

Downlinz

I'm told insurance will be cheaper with a full license, anyone any rough idea by how much?

The problem right now in taking lessons on a learners permit aiming towards taking my test is a general lack of practice and confidence driving. The only opportunities I get is the occasional practice of set pieces in cark parks etc with my dad and my weekly driving lessons for 1 hour. Is this enough practical experience to really be looking to pass a driving test?

I'd plan to buy a car anyway and just a bit worried right now about my chances taking the test with minimal practice of actual driving. Any tips/advice?

Marks Motoring

Firstly with insurance, I've had students who have made good savings after passing the test and others who only saved maybe a 100e. Ring an insurance company and ask for both.

Buying your own car is a personal choice but it will help u gain confidence quickly with daily practice. With your father work out a quiet route in your area, ask your instructor for suggestions

If ur able to, increase your lessons to 2 a week if want to step it up. Practice and patience always work. As for the test it's best to get some experience on the road. Good habits, focus and some confidence is what you'll need! Good luck with it

starlit

Best to get a car of your own if you can or borrow a car to practice in. Maybe a family member could lend you a car to practice in and practice in between your lessons. You can get a great deal in a second hand car. Shop around. You might like to save money but its a good investment to have a car and everything else that goes with learning to drive.

Though car insurance is cheaper when you have your full licence and is higher when you have a learner's permit as you are at a higher risk while learning to drive. Your Age, licence and experience and how old the car is will impact on your insurance.

The best you can do practice wise is have an accompany driver with you, lessons isn't enough but practice is the best way to gain more experience and confidence in driving. You can just have a car sitting in the driveway and learn the basics like moving and stopping, pedal controls and the gears. If you have mastered that much and the clutch/break you be well on your way and you be less likely to loose what you have learnt if you keep doing that much you don't necessary have to be on the road all the time!

Though to gain experience of dealing with situations you need to be on the road as often as possible so have an accompany driver you get just as much practice with them. Since you are practising with your dad its ok to do the basics and practise what your instructor does while your with your dad. Only way to learn is to practice. Once a week with an instructor isn't bad if you can afford one and it be advisable if you have an instructor as well as your dad. An hour once a week with your dad for a lesson isn't enough to pass a test!

The standard is much higher than you could imagine. You need practice, skills, competence, confidence and proper observation and safety procedures as well as being able to handle the car and dealing with situations and doing the manoeuvres the correct way. There is a lot to consider when practising and being prepared for your test and passing it. You need to get in a lot of practice and lessons before contemplating a test! Good luck.

Proxy

doovdela wrote:

The standard is much higher than you could imagine. You need practice, skills, competence, confidence and proper observation and safety procedures as well as being able to handle the car and dealing with situations and doing the manoeuvres the correct way. There is a lot to consider when practising and being prepared for your test and passing it. You need to get in a lot of practice and lessons before contemplating a test! Good luck.

Thanks for that. Now where's my paper bag to breathe into...

Myself I've just bought my first car this week and looking forward to getting a few weekends of solid practice around the town with a friend (definitely NOT with my dad!)

My instructor has told me my manoeuvres, positioning and progress are all fine, I just need to sharpen up my confidence and smoothness, and really that only comes with practice and being in a car where you don't have an instructor helping you along at each junction and point where you'll have to judge for yourself in the test.