How long to learn?

jessiblah

Hi, I had a four lessons a couple of years ago but due to severe anxiety I just couldn’t keep it up (I was crying in or after every lesson from the nerves). I’m all better now but just wondering how long it roughly takes to learn to drive?

I’m in Dublin but looking at jobs in other counties and couldn’t get the bus long term, so I need a license as soon as I can get it. Was gonna try and get the twelve lessons done in about two to three weeks (and then obviously a few extra and lots of practice outside as well), but then I saw it was likely a ten week wait for a test so would I be mad to book the test before I’ve got the twelve lessons done? Or should I wait until I’ve them all done? Nobody in my family nor my friends have learned to drive since the EDT lessons came in so I’m stuck for advice!

SteM

How can anyone answer this for you? You were in bits a few years ago but you're not now. Only you and the instructor will know how you are progressing after a few lessons.

Alanstrainor

Given your previous experience driving I would think you would be well advised to take your time and do your lessons at a normal pace/cadence and just see how you progress. Start with 1 a week and take it from there. If you feel confident and are progressing well then you can book more lessons closer together.

Kiith

I'm going to try and go the other way and see how it goes. Try to get the 12 done in the next 2-3 weeks, with a few practice lessons in between. Just want to get it done at this stage, and figure the more i practice the more comfortable i'll feel.

Posy

I've seen people take anything from a couple of months to a couple of years- it varies wildly, depending on experience/practice/nerves.

How did you overcome the severe anxiety you had before?

Humour Me

Will you have access to practice driving between the lessons? The 12 EDT are just to cover the basic manoeuvres as set by the RSA. A competent instructor won't let you move onto the more difficult areas before you have gotten comfortable with the basics.

Book the test by all means, especially since the waiting lists are so long, so you will have a target to work towards.

jessiblah

Posy wrote: »

How did you overcome the severe anxiety you had before?

Medication. I had been in therapy for a couple of years with no joy, and my anxiety was largely tied to self-image issues due to my eating disorder. Went on medication to help get rid of the eating disorder and the anxiety went with it.

Humour Me wrote: »

Will you have access to practice driving between the lessons? The 12 EDT are just to cover the basic manoeuvres as set by the RSA. A competent instructor won't let you move onto the more difficult areas before you have gotten comfortable with the basics.

Yep, I've two family members who are more than happy to help me practice. My whole family has wanted me to learn to drive for years. The only reason I tried to learn before was I got six lessons for my 21st! I'd no other desire to learn until the past couple of months (which is when I started saving for lessons).

SamH88

You can't book your test until you have completed all 12 EDT lessons and they have been uploaded to the RSA system.

noodler

SamH88 wrote: »

You can't book your test until you have completed all 12 EDT lessons and they have been uploaded to the RSA system.

You can book the test alright.

I had to in order to renew my permit, did EDT afterwards.

Let me know how you get on OP. I did the 12 EDT in a week about siz months ago (but it was the o my driving I ever did).

This week I got a refresher lesson or two (0 practice in between) and it's quite clear you'll never be able to make progress with out a car you can practice in.

MascotDec85

SamH88 wrote: »

You can't book your test until you have completed all 12 EDT lessons and they have been uploaded to the RSA system.

Wrong I’m afraid. The test can be booked at any stage. You won’t be given a date until after the 12th and final lesson has been completed and uploaded.

is_that_so

All the required lessons and whatever hours you need after that to feel confident and ready. I'd say 20 hours+ but the final number really depends on the individual.

MascotDec85

If you take the RSA recommendation you’ve 12 lessons with 3hrs practice in between equaling 48hrs of driving.

In the UK the average and the DVSA recommendation is 48hrs with an instructor and 20hrs private practice.

is_that_so

jessiblah wrote: »

Medication. I had been in therapy for a couple of years with no joy, and my anxiety was largely tied to self-image issues due to my eating disorder. Went on medication to help get rid of the eating disorder and the anxiety went with it.



Yep, I've two family members who are more than happy to help me practice. My whole family has wanted me to learn to drive for years. The only reason I tried to learn before was I got six lessons for my 21st! I'd no other desire to learn until the past couple of months (which is when I started saving for lessons).

I'd say do training runs with family, a mixture of open road driving and somewhere where you can practise basics i.e. car park, industrial estate , but set some ground rules! I booked 2 hour sessions with an instructor in advance of my test. I think it's very useful and it allows you to settle into the zone properly without worrying about "engaging" with family".