O/T - Driving tuition

[Sergei Gotsmanov]

Am just about to take the plunge and learn to drive so am looking for a decent instructor in the Hove area. Any recommendations?

Also, can't decide between normal lessons or an intensive course. Had 10-15 lessons 10 years ago and am pretty confident that I can drive but think that the reduced road experience of an intensive makes them less effective although in theory the hours on the road would be the same. Can anyone who has done an intensive course highlight the merits or otherwise of that approach.

Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions.

 

[kingcole]

Happily give you any advice you want. I am a fully qualified ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) and currently operate a franchise with the AA. The big problem with intensive courses are the high expectations and the fact you sometime have to travel, and you may need to give up work time to do the course.

High expectations = The pass rate is currently about 34% for 1st time takers. Some say its even a bit lower for Intensive course takers, so unless you buck the trend, whats the plan if you fail?

Also, you need to pass your theory test, before you can even book your practical. A good ADI can find short notice tests for you if you are ready, so you could still complete it fast, but not as intensive. I recently had someone who called me in November and told me they had 2 weeks between jobs and needed to drive.

My advice to them was: - A) get your provisional (2-4 weeks), B) book your theory (can be arranged in less than a week if you are flexible on times/test centres) and C) Get Studying to make sure you pass.

He did pass the theory on the Monday. We had 12 x 2h lessons booked for 12 of the next 14 days, followed by a test which he passed 1st time. Not intensive, but an example of how quick we can do it.

Im more than happy to give you some free links to help with your theory. I call it theory, but its actually 2 tests in one. There is a hazard perception test too, and both need to be passed at the same time to pass. Once your theory is passed, you then have 2 years to pass your practical.

Send me a PM if you need any more advice. I cover Lancing thru West Hove as well as Beeding/Steyning/Henfield. If you are in one of these areas and would like a 2h trial lesson, I would be delighted.

Good luck with it.

Colin

 

[Foolg]

Having just passed my test i'd definately recommend the instructor i went with. Nice bloke, despite the fact he's a Leeds fan, however as an ex season ticket holder at the Albion it gave a topic for discussion each week.
I passed in about 25 hours of Lessons, and then had two months provisional insurance on my car to practice outside of lessons which definately helped (£95 a month, PM me if you want the promotional code). The lessons were £23 an hour but i was doing 2 hour lessons, as i find with an hour you would probably lose 20 minutes driving to where you were practicing that day.
It was called Billingtons, but he's now joined as part of the AA, but i'll more than happily get you his number if your interested. Lives up in Hurstpierpoint but does lessons in Brighton and Hove.
Good luck.