Issue around progressing with driving

driving_question

Hello,

1. I passed the theory test nearly 2 years ago.
2. I have completed the mandatory lessons and gotten additional lessons. I have spent 2k in total so far on lessons and I don't want to spend any more.
3. For a lot of different personal reasons I haven't been able to focus on driving or doing the test over the last 2 years but I am ready again.
4. I have a stress disorder so sometimes I can lose my bearings in the car. I think I will overcome this by practice and time.
5. Unfortunately, I don't have a car to practice in. I don't have any family members in the country.
6. Money isn't a problem. I have enough money for a car and insurance.
7. However, I also don't have any friends in Dublin who would either (i) insure me on their car nor (ii) have the time to sit with me in their car and go driving (it's a lot to ask a friend)

I really have hit a wall and don't know how to progress without forking out a lot of money for more lessons. Any advice or tips to help me overcome this situation?

Thanks in advance,

K

micks_address

if money isnt an issue why not keep going with weekly lessons with an instructor till your next test is due?

driving_question

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120740083#Comment_120740083

I need more practice than hourly lessons. It’s also hard to find an instructor at the moment.

zg3409

I normally recommend people do not do lessons with friends , family and non driving instructors. It leads to bad habbits, wasted time, and increased insurance cost also learning in a different car to lessons.

I recommend only driving the instructors small car and using this car on the test day. Get a minimum of 1 lesson per week and work towards a deadline of applying for test and sitting test and failing test and reapplying. Don't let weeks go past with no lessons. Try find a driving instructor you get on well with.

The test itself can be very stressful and many fail due to nervousness. You should assume you might fail first time around and get lessons and go for test asap just to go through it once as a learning experience.

If you really have trouble and fail multiple tests consider an automatic car as it's less stress and confusion.

Consider applying for the test and using that as a deadline for "pre test" lessons coming up to the test date. 3 lessons a week in the month or two before the test may get you up to speed enough to scrape through.

freshpopcorn

Have you tried a driving test to see how you'd get on?

What exactly is your driving instructor saying to you about your driving?

irishguy1012

Thanks for the help. A little update:

1. I am trying to book in more lessons and use the instructor's car for the test but it's a logistical nightmare. The waiting list for lessons and the test is a long time and there is no guarantee their car will be available when I am called for the test as it's his main business. As I mentioned above I need practice everyday to get over the "stress" of driving.
2. I feel like I will end up in an endless loop before of lessons --> failing the test as not enough practice OR postponing as no access to a car --> more lessons but I have already been through this and spent about 2k or 3k.
3. I think the only way this would work is to practice everyday with a licensed driver until I feel confident enough to take a test i.e. a bit like exposure therapy. As I mentioned it's difficult to find someone who could commit so much time.

I am usually good at solving problems and moving forward but it's difficult to not feel stuck and frustrated on the above without moving forward. Any constructive creative solutions would be very much appreciated. If not I guess I just need to push through and fork out another few grand.

munchkin_utd

I did the test abroad, was only allowed to drive in an instructors car by law (its illegal to practice in a freinds car) and still got through it.

I had a quite strict instructor who loved bringing me to the craziest junctions (one was a Tjunction, but more of a Y, and on a bend with only a mirror to see round) but it stands to you to face such difficult challenges and to have someone who knows their stuff explain the best way to deal with it. So, as above, sticking with the instructor is not necessarily a bad thing.

The only thing I am wondering is whether going to automatic rather than manual might reduce the number of variables / stress for you?

driving_question

Thanks. I am already in an automatic. :)

(Edit: I just realised I had two accounts - oops. I am same as irishguy1012)

freshpopcorn

I did a few driving lessons years ago and didn't like it and didn't really have the cash to pursue it.

I then went back driving a few years later but before I went for lessons I got use to the clutch/bitting point and had a good idea about mirrors/indicators before going for lessons. I did have my own car tough.

Now I did practice but after about 10 lessons my instructor told me I was ready for a test.

What excatly is your instructor saying yo you?

Are you progressing?

Some instructors will happily keep taking your money but you've sort of to be proactive and push them to get you test ready.

I have heard of people passing tests after only using an instructor car.

I have heard of people getting an neigbhour, old person, etc to sit in with them whilst practicing and throw them a few euro.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120786335#Comment_120786335

Why are you worried about failing the test if your driving an automatic?

Find a new driver instructor who will guarantee you can use their car for the test, learn your road signs and just do a a couple of pre tests. Spending €3k+ on lessons in an automatic is crazy.

newmember2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120740324#Comment_120740324

I recommend only driving the instructors small car and using this car on the test day.

You recommend no practising what you learned on your lesson and no gaining driving experience outside of paid lessons?? If so, this is terrible advice IMHO. Nothing can substitute experience.