Is it possible to learn how to drive in less than 2 months?

[supergolden88]

I am shamed to say that at 37 I still dont know how to drive a car. Which would be fine except I am expecting baby no2 end of October and it would be useful to know how to drive by then.

Is it possible for a total novice to learn how to drive in about 2 months? And also take the test in that time? I could devote time to driving lessons since I have 3 days at home during the week. The whole thing is stressing me out. Dont want to spend lots of money and then not take the test (as for not passing it lets not go there).

Advice please!

[OliviaDee]

absolutely! I did the same thing and driving with babies makes life so much easier. Go for it quickly cos when baby number 2 comes you just won't have the time. (I learned with baby number 1 IN the car - nerve-wracking but also possible)

is there someone who can also take you out between lessons? that helps too.

best of luck

you are about to revolutionise your life!

[njc97]

2 months might be difficult depending on waiting lists for tests etc. Some companies do weekend boot camps, so 2 months is possible to get through the practical side. My caveat though - learning to drive isn't really the same thing as learning to pass your test, so may wish to do other lessons before or carry on after to improve your driving, and then use the boot camp to get through the test.

[buggie]

While he didn't learn to drive in 2 mths, My husband ended up passing his test after an intensive course with these guys:

intensive driving courses

It was an instructor based in Sydenham who did all the tuition with him and she was brill - they do a 2hr trial lesson first (for free) to gage how much help you will need and then advise you how long a course to book. While he didn't pass first test he did with them (not fault of the teaching) he was so much more confident, he passed the next test with flying colours even though (he feels) it was the most challenging route he'd been taken on.

[LeilahB]

I've just been in exactly that position! 34, didn't know how to drive, number 2 due in November. Am afraid that I think it will be tricky to do in 2 months - even if you're a natural driver (I definitely wasn't) you first need to book and pass your theory test (think there's a waiting list for that) and only when you've passed your theory test can you book your practical test - when I booked mine (twice - I failed it the first time round) there was a 2/3 month waiting list. But I didn't look into the boot camp option, so that might be a possible alternative?

[womanofdulwich]

if you are already a competent cyclist and have good road sense then it should be possible. the theory test is not too difficult and you should get that done asap - you have -I think 2 years after that to get your practical done. I htink the test changes on 4th october and will get harder? so ther may be a rush for tests before then.?

[supergolden88]

It does not sound like I can do this in such a short time. I am completely clueless when it comes to driving - total absolute novice.

So even if I take the lesson now at nearly 6months pregnant it does not sound like I can actually do the test until later.

[Beagle]

I'd start lessons now and see how you get on. I'm 36, 7 months pregnant and resitting my test (again) in a few weeks. The waiting lists at the centres for the practical are long.

Also I recall getting a flyer through the door last year for a female instructor around the Dulwich area who is insured to take a baby seat in the back of the car for mums who want to learn but have babies - anyone else recall this? It struck me at the time as I thought it was such a good idea.

[ClareC]

There are places where you literally do a day's (or maybe two) intensive driving instuction and then a test! It's going back a few years now but a girl I went to school with (with wealthy parents) bought her a car for her 17th birthday plus the intensive course - she was driving her brand new car within a week of her birthday!!

I will google it and see if I can find the place.

[ClareC]

http://www.intensivecourses.co.uk/information.html

Found this company googling "intensive driving lessons". Quite pricey but then driving lessons are :-(

You could do it in a week or two!

[buggie]

ClaireC - that's the same company I've recommended! x

[ClareC]

oh yes...... so it is :-$

[candj]

Would think that you wouldn't want to rush learning to drive. Perhaps if you can get a friend to let you drive with them in their car so that you can familiarise yourself with it (obviously start in a car park or not very crowded places).

I too was pregnant with my second when I got my licence in the UK but had been driving (albeit on the other side of the road) since I was 16. I used an excellent driving instructor from the AA (he is the instructor for other instructors at the AA) - very calm and patient and it took me a month of lessons and I passed the exam on the first try. I can try to look up his details, but remembered his name was Roger.

Best of luck to you.

[chantelle]

all i have to say is - good luck! I drove for 15 years in another country but needed to get a UK licence to be legal here. I practiced for many hours throughout London and rural areas, had several lessons and aced the theory test, 50 out of 50, but still failed miserably on my practical test!

I did do some lessons (in our car) with DS in the back.

[ana maria]

Two months is enough to learn how to drive, but not sure about geting a licence. The waiting list for the practical test is very long, my husband booked his in April and the test will be at the end of this month.

Best of luck!

[supergolden88]

THanks for the posts everyone. I think if I do it I will do it slowly - I need to take it easy and steady. If anyone can reccommend a local instructor who is especially patient and good for total beginners I would appreciate it.