Learning to drive without a car/sponsor

keesa

So I've been trying to learn to drive and between my own schedule and my instructor's schedule I've been struggling to get the tuition and time I need as I have no car to practice in.

I've explained to him that I will need extra lessons but I just can't seem to get him to just book a few weeks in advance. Though he seems good, and patient I'm starting to think he's not the best choice and I can't tell if he's being honest with me about his availability or if he's selling to me as he is self employed. Yesterday for example he gave me a 20minute speech in the car about how I should have been practicing since our last lesson a month ago. How I need to be doing at least an hour a day etc. Even though I've told him each time that I don't have access to a car. I felt like a child who forgot their homework in school and tbh I think he realises how much I will need to spend and is trying to keep me with him but I'm not sure it's the best option.

I'd love to hear what other people in my position have done, intensive courses etc. I checked other threads, but it just seems to be people saying not to do it. But I'll never have the option of having a car to practice in.

Alanstrainor

Best try another instructor. No harm in that. If you have no access to a car, then that is that.

It is possible to learn and pass without the use of your own car. However it is difficult to learn without practising in between lessons. It seems excessive for him to harp on about not practising when the answer was very straight, but perhaps this was exaggerated a tad!

keesa

He wasn't giving out but he was definitely making a point of it. Took a lot for me not to speak back. I'm stressed about other stuff and didn't want to damage the relationship.

This is something that I need to do. Day to day no I don't need a car but I'm 26 and it's an important skill to have. The process with him is just slow!! I've never had an issue with him until now. I thought I'd been cleae that when I was back after xmas that I wanted to have a structured regular approach! Not to be told off for not practicing in a nonexistant car

biko

Intensive courses are good. If you're in the pale try http://www.leinsterdrivingcampus.ie/index.php/learn-to-drive-dublin-lessons/kildare-driving-school/driving-school-ireland

keesa

biko wrote: »

Intensive courses are good. If you're in the pale try http://www.leinsterdrivingcampus.ie/index.php/learn-to-drive-dublin-lessons/kildare-driving-school/driving-school-ireland

Have you tried one?

Lia_lia

This is the same thing that happened with my when I first started driving a few years ago. I got about 3 or 4 lessons and was getting nowhere as I had no car to practise with. The instructor pulled me aside and said I wasn't going to progress until I started practising. So I gave up and didn't get drive a car again until 6 months ago.

Personally, I don't think I'd be able to learn to drive and pass my test unless I had a car to practise in. Although many people do, but not me!! I did the rest of my lessons during last summer and bought a car at the end of July. Didn't really get anywhere until I bought the car and started to get practise outside of lessons. Passed my test last week. I would advise getting insured on a car or buying a car if you can. I understand it's expensive though, that's why I only got one last year.

keesa

But even if you have a car, you can't practice without a driver in the car with you. I also live in dublin city centre and I don't have a place for a car.

Lia_lia

keesa wrote: »

But even if you have a car, you can't practice without a driver in the car with you. I also live in dublin city centre and I don't have a place for a car.

I live in cork city centre and got a car. Had to get a parking permit and learn to parallel park. Still a nightmare to park! I don't know how it works in Dublin, probably a lot harder to get parking. So I see where you're coming from now. I got friends and colleagues to go driving with me.