Couple general questions

randomstuff

Trying to get my head around obtaining a license, have read through the citizens information website, have a few questions.

First step is to book myself for a theory test, correct?

After I get that, do I have to go through the 12 1-hour lessons with an instructor, before I can drive with L plates and an accompanying driver, or can I drive before these 12 lessons are done?

Also, trying to price it all up... 55 for the license itself, theory test is 45, and then it's the 12 1-hour lessons. Is that all?

Have been looking around at instructors, is the usual going rate between 25-35? And can I mix the instructors up, or do I have to stick with just one instructor for all of the 12 hours?

Thanks.

dublinjen

Not quite,

1. Pass your theory test - they will give you a certificate to state youve passed.

2. Use this to apply for your learner permit

3. Upon gaining this you have permission to drive under the learner rules - with L plates, accompanied by a fully qualified driver (who has held their licence for at least 2 years),

4. You must hold this licence for 6 months before you can apply to sit your full licence test

5. complete 12 EDT 1 hour lessons (these can be completed in blocks)

6. apply for your full test - When YOU feel ready!

7. If you pass youll be given a certificate of competency - use this to apply for your full licence


Also on a side note, it seems to be a lesser know but equally important rule - L-plate and N-plate, drivers have a lower drink drive limit, don't take the risk

dublinjen

Oh and yes thats the going rate for a lesson. You can switch instructors although I wouldn't really recommend doing so - you can usually get a block of 12 lessons for a cheaper rate and having one instructor means you will become comfortable with them and they will be able to pick up on any slowly developing bad habits or particular skills you need to work on.

On a personal note, I paid slightly more for my lessons as my parents insurer offered a discount for completing their lessons. This has worked out fantastically well as they gave 6 months free named driver insurance at the start, once the lessons were completed they insured me on a full drivers rate and upon completing a further 6 months named driver insurance they will now insure me with a 3 year no claims bonus (for only one years named driver insurance)

My advice - make sure you check with your parents/partners insurance company prior to booking your lessons

ProudDUB

randomstuff wrote: »

After I get that, do I have to go through the 12 1-hour lessons with an instructor, before I can drive with L plates and an accompanying driver, or can I drive before these 12 lessons are done?

Until you pass your test, all of your driving should be done with L plates on the car. This applies to lessons that you do with an instructor & practice driving that you do on your own time.

Am not really sure what you mean by "can I drive?" Once you have your learner permit, you can get behind the wheel of a car & drive. You can not drive unaccompanied until you pass your test. Whether your first time driving is with an instructor doing an official lesson, or going out with your dad for a spin while he shows you the ropes, is entirely up to you.

You can do all of your lessons with one person, or you can do them with a variety of instructors. It doesn't matter. As long as they are a certified ADI instructor, you can do your EDT lessons with them. There are conflicting opinions here, on doing all 12 with one instructor, versus doing them with a couple of different ones. You can generally get them at a cheaper price if you pre pay for a block of 12 lessons. But that means that you are stuck having to stay with the same instructor, even if you don't get on with him, or you don't think he is very good. So if you decide to pay for all 12 in advance to get a cheap deal, don't do it unless the person comes reccommended.

Craftylee

From experience I would recommend doing a few lessons with an instructor (once you have your permit) before going out with a family/friend in there car etc. It's just safer and the amount of people that land up in arguments, which puts them off learning. Instructors are always calm and should make you feel comfortable learning with them, plus they have the dual controls should they need to step in

Also, when it comes to booking your EDT lessons, booking them together is normally cheaper (think the going rate is around €340 ish) - but it might be worth doing a one off lesson to begin with to see if you like the instructor etc.

Best of luck!