Driving unaccompanied

woodchuck

Sorry, I know there are already other similar threads, but I want the most up to date information on this.

EVERYBODY keeps telling me that I should get more practice in by driving unaccompanied and it will go a long way to help me build my confidence and pass my test.

I know that it's illegal so obviously there is a risk of being caught and fined. I just want to weigh up the risks and benefits accurately. So what are the other potential advantages and disadvantages? Would getting fined effect me come insurance renewal time? Are there penalty points in addition to the fine? Is this really being clamped down on more these days or do they still turn a blind eye in a lot of cases? Will it really make that much difference to my driving ability?

If I was to do this, are there certain times of day that I'm more or less likely to get caught? Is it a case of the later in the evening the better?

I'm a stickler for rules, so this isn't something I'm particularly keen on doing. But I have very little control over whether I'll have somebody to accompany me to the test centre on the day of the test, so if I need to drive alone on the day I will have to. But I don't think I'd want my very first time driving alone to be on a day that I'm already stressed to the nines! So I'm trying to decide if it's worth the risk going out even a few times locally on my own... (I've been driving a year and have been told I'm a safe driver, so it's not as if I've just gotten behind the wheel or anything and depend on the other person for guidance)

Or does anyone else have more creative ideas or know of any loop holes?! For example the main person I have accompanying me has started to nod off in the passenger seat a few times... so would it be legal if he was sleeping while I was driving!? Or even if I just got him to sit there with his eyes closed might that be legal but have the same psychological effect that I'm driving alone?!

novarock

Its definitely illegal, I did it because I felt I had to to learn properly, but only after I asked a qualified instructor did he feel I was safe to do so.

In terms of being stopped, I was stopped at a checkpoint and waved through. They were checking tax. Again, Id say it depends on the Garda how it goes. They are now going to put points on your licence, give you a warning and a hefty fine.

I never took the piss really. I was always in my own area, and never at rush hour. I was very much practice driving, and that is exactly what I would have said to a garda and hopefully he would have let me off.

I really think there has to be a change to the laws in this aspect though. Its a very expensive process to get on the road now. I think that now all instructors have to be ratified by the RSA and ADI that after the EDT lessons are finished, they can sign you off to drive at certain times on your own within a certain radius of your home address. It takes a long time to get second nature abilities at driving a car for reactions etc, and I think it would be very difficult to do this if you were relying on finding people to drive with you all the time.

If you want to take the gamble, take it, but there could be massive consequences.

Red Crow

I did it for a year. Daytime is the best if you must do it. I would say though having your instructor and receiving constructive criticism will only help you pass your test.

I certainly wouldn't be driving around unaccompanied and more and more people are receiving summons for driving without a full driver and/or displaying 'L' plates.

Your best bet would be to get in practise with a qualified instructor as there is no point in driving around at half 11 at night because you're not replicating test conditions.

Mister Jingles

I've been doing it for a few months now and haven't been pulled over yet. That's not to say that it will be the same for you.

I personally think that it is something that all learners need to go through to built up confidence. I used to drive accompanied for months but eventually did it on my own and have become a better driver as a result. I've my test in a few weeks so fingers crossed.

Having somebody (usually a parent) sit in a passenger seat dictating you how to drive (their way) can be very nerve wrecking and dangerous which I sometimes found. I have in fact made most, if all, of my biggest mistakes while being accompanied. To tell the truth my aul fella no longer gets into the car with me as he used to grab the handbrake when coming up to junctions and the likes. Not a nice thing at all when your driving.

Is there a certain time of day to do this ? No not really, however I'd imagine you would have a better chance of being pulled over if you were out late at night or very early in the morning. The car you drive, the people who are in it would play a part on the mood of the guard I'd say.

I've never really understood the whole accompanied thing in this country at all, I really do fail to see how it makes you a better driver. If anybody has an answer I'm all ears. The whole learning to drive system needs to be revamped along with the test. EDT has being the only wise decision by the government/RSA made to date imo.

Now time so sit back and wait for all the ''law is the law'' people who have never put a foot wrong in life nor ever drove unaccompanied years ago when there was the provisional license or those who had their licenses handed to them back in the day.

Red Crow

Mister Jingles wrote: »

I've been doing it for a few months now and haven't been pulled over yet. That's not to say that it will be the same for you.

I personally think that it is something that all learners need to go through to built up confidence. I used to drive accompanied for months but eventually did it on my own and have become a better driver as a result. I've my test in a few weeks so fingers crossed.

Having somebody (usually a parent) sit in a passenger seat dictating you how to drive (their way) can be very nerve wrecking and dangerous which I sometimes found. I have in fact made most, if all, of my biggest mistakes while being accompanied. To tell the truth my aul fella no longer gets into the car with me as he used to grab the handbrake when coming up to junctions and the likes. Not a nice thing at all when your driving.

Is there a certain time of day to do this ? No not really, however I'd imagine you would have a better chance of being pulled over if you were out late at night or very early in the morning. The car you drive, the people who are in it would play a part on the mood of the guard I'd say.

I've never really understood the whole accompanied thing in this country at all, I really do fail to see how it makes you a better driver. If anybody has an answer I'm all ears. The whole learning to drive system needs to be revamped along with the test. EDT has being the only wise decision by the government/RSA made to date imo.

Now time so sit back and wait for all the ''law is the law'' people who have never put a foot wrong in life nor ever drove unaccompanied years ago when there was the provisional license or those who had their licenses handed to them back in the day.

Hey, I agree with you and most people have driven unaccompanied at one stage or another but that's because the law is so lax in this country. But that doesn't make it right. We have a generation of people who can't drive or who were never trained properly who are legal but that's just tough luck. Our test is very basic and if you can't pass it then you shouldn't really be on the road. However, the system is flawed and I don't think it's well run and of course people need to learn on their own but I don't see the issue with that on your test becuase the tester will be in the car with you, then you can drive alone anyway if you pass. I will say that a theory test does not and should not entitle you to drive on your own.

The easy way is to just put your head down, get your driving in order and pass the test.

Mister Jingles

Eli Manning wrote: »

Hey, I agree with you and most people have driven unaccompanied at one stage or another but that's because the law is so lax in this country. But that doesn't make it right. We have a generation of people who can't drive or who were never trained properly who are legal but that's just tough luck. Our test is very basic and if you can't pass it then you shouldn't really be on the road. However, the system is flawed and I don't think it's well run and of course people need to learn on their own but I don't see the issue with that on your test because the tester will be in the car with you, then you can drive alone anyway if you pass. I will say that a theory test does not and should not entitle you to drive on your own.

The easy way is to just put your head down, get your driving in order and pass the test.

I call bull**** on that comment, the test might be easy and what not but a lot of it depends on the tester and his mood and the alleged pass/fail quote which if does exist wouldn't surprise me what so ever. If the testers were as fair as they like to be made out to be I'm sure they'd have no problem having driving tests filmed but sure '' Entrapment of a civil servant ''

Faith+1

[QUOTE=Mister Jingles;80585927
Now time so sit back and wait for all the ''law is the law'' people who have never put a foot wrong in life nor ever drove unaccompanied years ago when there was the provisional license or those who had their licenses handed to them back in the day. [/QUOTE]

I never drove unaccompanied because I never had a car to practice in, I took lessons in my instructors car and passed after only 1 1/2 months training. Even if I had a car I wouldn't of done it, but what I love the most about the learner brigade is that they say they are competent drivers and better than fully licenced drivers.

Well pass the bloody test then! It's not that hard and if you can't afford it then you shouldn't be on the road. There's not one country in the western world that allows learners drive by themselves, but this whole 'Sure it'll be grand attitude' has us in this situation.

What chance have we when our own Gardaí wave on learners as long as their tax/Insurance is in date. You know what, there's no point in having an opinion on this subject because it'll never change. Just wait until the test fee is increased again, another reason not to do your test guys and gals. But I've nothing to worrying about as you say you're better then Licenced drivers albet without actually having one.:mad:

Red Crow

Mister Jingles wrote: »

I call bull**** on that comment, the test might be easy and what not but a lot of it depends on the tester and his mood and the alleged pass/fail quote which if does exist wouldn't surprise me what so ever. If the testers were as fair as they like to be made out to be I'm sure they'd have no problem having driving tests filmed but sure '' Entrapment of a civil servant ''

I don't think you should be allowed to film the test but I do think you should be able to bring your ADI with you. I don't think testers fail people on purpose. There may be a rare case where a tester doesn't like you but I doubt it. They are only doing their job 99% of the time.

I imagine most people fail their test for the first time out of nerves or lack of preperation. I'd say that alone drives up figures for the fail/pass rate. The tester is not out to get you and they aren't out to fail you to keep in line with a graph. A tester is accountable to their superior. If they are passing or failing to many people they are scrutinized if nothing is found wrong with their grading then nothing happens.

It's too easy to blame the tester. Obviously people feel they might not have deserved a certain grade or whatever but this is down to the testers opinion who is accountable to the RSA. There does exist testers however whom are known for hard marking of a certain area (eg. Progress). I don't really see the problem as long as your performing an action incorrectly in a vehicle the tester is correct to mark you down for it.

If you have had a bad experience with a tester report it. People blame the testers far too easily because they fail.

woodchuck

Thanks everyone for the insight!

Faith+1 wrote: »

I never drove unaccompanied because I never had a car to practice in, I took lessons in my instructors car and passed after only 1 1/2 months training. Even if I had a car I wouldn't of done it, but what I love the most about the learner brigade is that they say they are competent drivers and better than fully licenced drivers.

Well pass the bloody test then! It's not that hard and if you can't afford it then you shouldn't be on the road. There's not one country in the western world that allows learners drive by themselves, but this whole 'Sure it'll be grand attitude' has us in this situation.

What chance have we when our own Gardaí wave on learners as long as their tax/Insurance is in date. You know what, there's no point in having an opinion on this subject because it'll never change. Just wait until the test fee is increased again, another reason not to do your test guys and gals. But I've nothing to worrying about as you say you're better then Licenced drivers albet without actually having one.:mad:

Wow, I don't think I mentioned being better than a licenced driver anywhere?! I can only assume that this reply is to do with attitudes from other learners you've encountered? The plan is of course to 'pass the bloody test'. But I want to make the most of the 10 week waiting time. I plan to get a couple of pretests and more practice with licenced drivers, I just wanted to know if practicing on my own would also be a good idea or not from other peoples experiences. Purely from a 'confidence' point of view. I failed the test a few months ago purely out of nerves (made stupid mistakes that I never normally do). I just want to make sure that this time around I do the test to best of my ability on the day and prepare as best I can. There's no way I'd even think about driving alone if I didn't feel I was ready or if other licenced drivers hadn't said it to me.

biko

Driving unaccompanied is of course illegal and for good reason too.
I've sat in with friends and generally just keep my mouth shut unless there is a major error. I don't worry too much about right gear, mirror checking etc - as long as they get to a to b without risking (my) life The driving school should teach them the details.

If you can't handle someone sitting in when you drive - how will you handle the test when the person next to you can fail you?
If you're fully confident with a parent or licensed friend, then it should be easier with a tester.

You will be nervous as hell on the testing day, there is just no getting around that. Good luck but driving alone isn't a good idea imo.

Einhard

I really don't think it's plausible to pass a test without driving unaccompanied unless you have loads of time, or loads of money to take many lessons with an instructor. My dad generally accompanies me when driving, but he's a busy person and can't drop everything whenever I want to practise.I' trying to drive at least an hour a day, and I couldn't do so were I to obey the letter of the law. Obviously I'm not tearing around like a boy racer on crack, and I have my test in a few weeks so if I were stopped I'd hope there would be some leniency.

woodchuck

biko wrote: »

If you can't handle someone sitting in when you drive - how will you handle the test when the person next to you can fail you?
If you're fully confident with a parent or licensed friend, then it should be easier with a tester.

I suppose it's more the confidence that I know I can do it on my own and don't need somebody there as a safety net.

Also the practical side of getting more practice in Most of the practice I do is getting other people from A to B, but I'd really like to spend more time polishing up the turnabout and reversing around corner on my own without having to get someone to come out with me specifically just for that.

RacoonQueen

Mister Jingles wrote: »

Now time so sit back and wait for all the ''law is the law'' people who have never put a foot wrong in life nor ever drove unaccompanied years ago when there was the provisional license or those who had their licenses handed to them back in the day.

And yet you can drive around once you're accompanied by one of these. My dad got his licence that way, used to drive a taxi but had so many minor crashes and what not that he couldn't afford insurance anymore, but I can drive with him in the car. 'Cos that's safer than driving around on my own.

thesimpsons

woodchuck wrote: »

I suppose it's more the confidence that I know I can do it on my own and don't need somebody there as a safety net.

Also the practical side of getting more practice in Most of the practice I do is getting other people from A to B, but I'd really like to spend more time polishing up the turnabout and reversing around corner on my own without having to get someone to come out with me specifically just for that.

I was the supervisor driver for someone last year. basically every day anytime someone in the house needed a drive, the learner did the driving but at the start and end of every drive, there was a practise session of reverse round corner, turnabout and the routes were planned to include hill starts. If anyone wanted a drive, they had to accept this en route to their destination.

I did my test in Australia and there was no culture of driving unaccompanied. It just didn't happen. For my test, my driving instructor was in the car with me together with the tester. The understanding was that people generally drive better with people they are familiar and comfortable with so the test was a replicate of that. Certainly feel it takes away some of the stress and nerves that people can suffer at driving test from having a stranger beside them in car.