I haven't driven or a long time and would like a refresher
Discussion
Hello all,
I'm 34 and have been 'off the road' for about 5 years now (passed test at 24). After years of being on public transport have finally got fed-up and have decided to get back behind the wheel, but I am a bit nervous of doing so, especially as my last year of driving was with an auto. Can anyone recommend any courses where I could maybe get my driving skills (or lack of) checked over before I blow my savings on new metal - and possibly stuff it straight into the nearest hedge? What options are available? I was always a very confident driver, but I'm just being realistic and accept that after 5 years I may have gotten a bit rusty.
I'm 34 and have been 'off the road' for about 5 years now (passed test at 24). After years of being on public transport have finally got fed-up and have decided to get back behind the wheel, but I am a bit nervous of doing so, especially as my last year of driving was with an auto. Can anyone recommend any courses where I could maybe get my driving skills (or lack of) checked over before I blow my savings on new metal - and possibly stuff it straight into the nearest hedge? What options are available? I was always a very confident driver, but I'm just being realistic and accept that after 5 years I may have gotten a bit rusty.
Driving instructors are not just for learners.
I have had a number of people in your situation take a couple of drives with me.
You can work on whatever you chose, in your own car if you wish.
Look up a good local driving instructor and have a chat, I'm sure one will set you on the right path.
I have had a number of people in your situation take a couple of drives with me.
You can work on whatever you chose, in your own car if you wish.
Look up a good local driving instructor and have a chat, I'm sure one will set you on the right path.
ScoobyChris said:
May depend what sort of things you're concerned about (and want help with) but another option could be to approach your local IAM/RoSPA group who should offer a "DriveCheck" which is around an hour with an observer who can give you some feedback.
Chris
But in that case the OP would have to provide the car. A driving instructor seems the right way to go if he does not have a car yet.Chris
Thanks for the input, everyone. 
waremark said:
But in that case the OP would have to provide the car. A driving instructor seems the right way to go if he does not have a car yet.
I think this may be the best option as well. I have had a look at the ROSPA website and I would indeed need to use my own car, so for now I think the driving instructor would be the best route forward. However, I would definitely be interested in ROSPA once I am behind the wheel of my own car.wormburner said:
Watch out for that hilarious moment in your Maestro when the wheels stop but the tyres don't. Always a laugh.
Sadly, I don't own a Maestro Turbo - yet - but my username comes from the fact that the old man bought one new back when I was about 11 and it is the one car that he owned that left the greatest impression on me and turned me from a boy who liked cars into a boy who loved cars. It is still one of my favourite motors! 
I've used driving instructors to go out on a refresher drive before my RoSPA tests using their cars, and used hire cars for RoSPA tests. Find a local instructor that instructs to a higher level and if needed perhaps hire a car for the test? I got a gold grade in a hire car.
Perhaps you could join one of those car clubs (talking normal cars here, not hyper cars) where you can book and use a car so many times a month for a minimal fee and/or pay by the hour? That would allow you to book it for observed drives and the RoSPA test?
I'd recommend you go for it, like you I've had gaps of a few years without having a car. I wouldn't say I'm the greatest driver in the world and have passed both advanced tests and the RoSPA one a few times at silver or gold grades. Read a book or two, watch a DVD or two, get some refresher lessons and apply yourself to the task in hand.
Let us know how you get on.
Perhaps you could join one of those car clubs (talking normal cars here, not hyper cars) where you can book and use a car so many times a month for a minimal fee and/or pay by the hour? That would allow you to book it for observed drives and the RoSPA test?
I'd recommend you go for it, like you I've had gaps of a few years without having a car. I wouldn't say I'm the greatest driver in the world and have passed both advanced tests and the RoSPA one a few times at silver or gold grades. Read a book or two, watch a DVD or two, get some refresher lessons and apply yourself to the task in hand.
Let us know how you get on.
Most instructors I'm sure will be happy to help.
I passed at 18, drove for a bit then went to uni and got rid of car (being poor and insurance being steep), on graduating and getting a job which required a motorway commute I had to learn to drive again, sharpish. I used BSM as I did my original lessons with them, only took me 2-3 hours and I was back up to scratch, even got some motorway driving in despite never having done it before. You'll be surprised how quick it comes back.
+1 internets for being sensible about it and not just hopping back in a car.
I passed at 18, drove for a bit then went to uni and got rid of car (being poor and insurance being steep), on graduating and getting a job which required a motorway commute I had to learn to drive again, sharpish. I used BSM as I did my original lessons with them, only took me 2-3 hours and I was back up to scratch, even got some motorway driving in despite never having done it before. You'll be surprised how quick it comes back.
+1 internets for being sensible about it and not just hopping back in a car.
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