Passed my theory test. What now?

oceanclub

Having lived in or near the city centre all my life I've never really had need for a car, but at 44 decided I really should leave especially now with a young kid.

So passed my theory test, but what is next step? I could buy an old banger to practise but that would require me to have a fully-licensed driver with me (my wife currently only has a provisional). Should I just rely on driving lessons before I pass my driving test? Is there any practice or lessons I can do outside of being in a car?

P.

SteM

You need to do your EDT lessons next - my understanding is you have to wait 6 months from passing your theory to doing your test. You could buy a banger and practice in that but you'll still have to do your lessons with a qualified instructor before you can do your test.

http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Driver-Training/Car-Training-EDT/The-Lessons/

Your insurance might be expensive for someone on a lerners permit.

blackbird 49

As the above has said you have to do your EDT driving lessons which cost in the region of about E400 give or take depends on what part of country you are in,as there is a waiting list for the actual driving test not sure how long but again depends on what part of country you are in, maybe apply now as it could take the 6 months if it is true that you have to wait this long after you do theory test, You could buy a banger but if you did the test the car must be taxed, insured and road worthy ie Nct tested, examiner will look for these things.

oceanclub

So just to summarise, I'm better off not buying a car for now but just do driving lessons (which I have to do anyway)?

P.

blackbird 49

Yes ,no, maybe it's hard to say, I would do the lessons first and you could ask the driving instructor his opinion,

SteM

oceanclub wrote: »

So just to summarise, I'm better off not buying a car for now but just do driving lessons (which I have to do anyway)?

P.

All depends on whether you can get someone with a full license to go out with you. If you can then the extra practice will definitely help when it comes to your test imo.

Btw, consider buying the car in your wife's name, getting her insured and you get named on her insurance. That may keep insurance costs down a bit. It did for us when we were in your exact same position a few years ago (although we were a couple of years younger than you are now).

Craftylee

If I were you I'd get your permit asap, then book some lessons. See how you get on and perhaps when you have the basics look into getting a car. It's going to be 6 months minimum after the date on your permit (not the pass date of your theory) before you can even take a test. Plus the average waiting time for a test is a good 2 months+

If you have a full license holder that you can drive round with then getting a car would be good practice - but get the basics first from an instructor. Good luck!