advice on getting used to my banger!

ziggy23

Hi
I've gotten a few lessons in my instructer's car but have yet to go out properly in my own little car (96 Micra). Went to bring it out there but actually got a fright of the noise and feel of it and ended up doing a U-turn and parking it again:o Quite a nervous driver! Where and when would I be best practising to get used to it? I'll be mainly on my own practicing.

Del2005

When you say noise was it just noisier or was there a bad sounding noise? Your instructors car will be much quieter than a 96 Micra. If it's making any strange noises bring it to a mechanic, better to get it sorted before it breaks.


Industrial estates after business hours are good for practice. They usually have wide roads and there's never much traffic once the bushiness are closed. Even if you've no accompanying driver I'd recommend having someone in the car with you, as you'll have to drive to where ever you want to practice, who can keep an eye out for turns/junctions.

ziggy23

Thanks Del
Only got it serviced so I think the noise is just down to the car being much older than my instructor's one:o
Another thing that made me nervous was the bloody nosey neighbours on my road twitching the curtains and looking out at me. One man actually stood at his gate watching me!

woodchuck

Would it be possible to have any futures lessons in your own car instead of in your instructors car?

+1 on industrial estates. Get a licensed driver to bring you there late in the evening when it's quiet and you also won't have to worry about neighbours looking at you getting started.

EL_Loco

When I was learning I had a little circuit around where I live, only taking left turns (easier than turning right and crossing a lane of traffic) and coming back to the house. The aul boy drove it first, pointing out what he was doing, what to watch for, how to handle each junction, recommend gear to be in. The whole lot.

I then did the same for my sister after I got my license and she was learning. Gets you used to the car and builds your confidence.

ziggy23

woodchuck wrote: »

Would it be possible to have any futures lessons in your own car instead of in your instructors car?

+1 on industrial estates. Get a licensed driver to bring you there late in the evening when it's quiet and you also won't have to worry about neighbours looking at you getting started.

Yep gonna ring him today and arrange a lesson then might try a new instructor don't seem to be making a lot of progress with him.

ProudDUB

ziggy23 wrote: »

Hi. Where and when would I be best practising to get used to it? I'll be mainly on my own practicing.

OP, I hope I don't come across as being preachy, but you are breaking the law if you drive unaccompanied on a learner permit, even if you are driving in an industrial estate. You'll be hit with a 1,000 euro fine and points on your record if you are caught. That is not even mentioning the risk you pose to yourself and others by driving unaccompanied. You said yourself you are a nervous driver.

Industrial estates are indeed great places to practice your driving, but the two that I go to often have Garda cars patrolling them. I don't know if that is to provide additional security for all the businesses there, or to nab unaccompanied learner drivers, but they are there. If all you are doing is driving up and down the estates roads with no destination in sight, it is going to make it pretty obvious that you are one. Bring someone with you, for your and everyone elses sake.

ziggy23

ProudDUB wrote: »

OP, I hope I don't come across as being preachy, but you are breaking the law if you drive unaccompanied on a learner permit, even if you are driving in an industrial estate. You'll be hit with a 1,000 euro fine and points on your record if you are caught. That is not even mentioning the risk you pose to yourself and others by driving unaccompanied. You said yourself you are a nervous driver.

Industrial estates are indeed great places to practice your driving, but the two that I go to often have Garda cars patrolling them. I don't know if that is to provide additional security for all the businesses there, or to nab unaccompanied learner drivers, but they are there. If all you are doing is driving up and down the estates roads with no destination in sight, it is going to make it pretty obvious that you are one. Bring someone with you, for your and everyone elses sake.

Hi ProudDub
No you are right and I'm actually going to try get a full licenced driver to come out with me for the time being. Does this still apply on a 2nd learner permit? The reason I was asking for places to practise is that I'm not 100% confident on busy roads yet so thats why I'd like somewhere safe and quiet to practice

ProudDUB

If you are on your second learner permit, you still need to have a driver with you who has been a qualified driver for at least 2 years. The rule (that holders of 2nd learner permits can drive unaccompanied) was changed in June 2008. Best of luck to ya !

teR_

ziggy23 wrote: »

Hi
I've gotten a few lessons in my instructer's car but have yet to go out properly in my own little car (96 Micra). Went to bring it out there but actually got a fright of the noise and feel of it and ended up doing a U-turn and parking it again:o Quite a nervous driver! Where and when would I be best practising to get used to it? I'll be mainly on my own practicing.

Hehe!!

Early Sunday morning 8/9 o'clock, before mass. So no drinking the night before

ziggy23

teR_ wrote: »

Hehe!!

Early Sunday morning 8/9 o'clock, before mass. So no drinking the night before

Was going to bring it out now (I woke up and cant get back to sleep), but my neighbour has completely blocked me in:mad: Maybe he seen me earlier and decided it was for my own good:pac:
Nah seriously I spoke to my instructor earlier and he offered me 10 lessons for €300 in my own car so might take him up on it.

teR_

You should. I've done about 9/10 lessons of this new EDT yokey (have to do 12) and found it helped me a lot with the confidence side of things. Go for the bundle of lessons and don't be afraid to ask 100 questions Another thing you could do is ask someone you know (that you think is a good driver) to bring you out. My brother brought me out first day in friday rush hour traffic on a road full of roundabouts :eek: i was ploppin it but it done me the world of good..

ziggy23

well went for a spin in it around the block there was great:D My brother is going to take me out in it tomorrow too