Learner's Question

fireglo2020

Hello,

1. I am doing my mandatory lessons in a manual car with a really good instructor.
2. I don't have access to a car to practice outside of the lessons
3. The instructor's feedback is I am progressing but because I can't practice it's taking me longer which is fair enough
4. I am committed to sticking with him for 12 lessons. I have 6 done.

My question is:

1. Is there any other methods I can use to practice? I can't book a car somewhere down the country for a day and just drive it around for a few hours?
2. Given I won't be able to practice much - would it be advisable to do some lessons in an automatic and then just do the test in an automatic?

Appreciate in advance any thoughts or suggestions,

K

fritzelly

12 lessons should be enough, many people never had experience outside of lessons including me

See how you are after 10 lessons

fireglo2020

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118036921#Comment_118036921

Thanks. Did you pass your test first go?

fritzelly

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118037222#Comment_118037222

Yes - and I wasn't great for the first 6 lessons or so but then things start to click

MikeCairo78

If you do the test in an Automatic you will only have a licence to drive an automatic which limits your options on purchase of vehicles(though this is changing for newer vehicles)

Uncle Pierre

On your questions:

1 - I don't think any car hire place will rent a car to somebody on a provisional licence. Most require you to have held a full licence for at least two years.

2 - It's an option, but not one I'd recommend myself. Bear in mind that if you pass your test in an automatic, you're only licenced to drive an automatic. I know it's probably the way of the future with EVs and all, but still, being able to drive with an "ordinary" gearstick is a big help all the same.