Is it worth me getting a driving lesson on the morning I pick up my new car?

Question

I've been driving an automatic since 2001, but passed my manual test on 10th Jan this year, and will be picking up my brand spanking new (manual) car on 1st March. With the exception of the test drive i took 3 weeks ago, I haven't set foot in a manual car for over a month. The test drive was fine (a bit jerky to begin with, but i think that was my driving due to 10 days of using a car without a clutch!). I'm just terrified i'm going to prang it on the day I get it!

Am I just being unnecessarily paranoid and it'll all just come flooding back to me the moment i sit in the drivers seat, or is it definitely worth spending £20 and getting one more lesson just as a sort of 'refresher'?

friends and family either have automatics, estate cars, vans, or cars which are notoriously unreliable/in bits in the garage/have failed their MOT etc. i've just bought a small hatchback, and i'm thinking a volvo estate probably isn't a good car to remind myself how to drive!

Answer 1

take the lesson if you really feel uncomfortable but you souldnt have any major problems getting it home, just make sure you learn how to operate the clutch soon without burning it out in 5000 miles.  

when i purchased my car i had never driven a stick shift car before but i was just fine.  i had driven tractor and motorcycle which was a little bit different, but as long as you know how it works you should be fine.

Answer 2

Get the lesson, save the car and yourself from possible damage.

Answer 3

Not a driving instructor so no gain when I say, get that lesson, get two if that's what it takes.  After all what's £40 compared to a new clutch at the very least?

Good luck

Answer 4

It sounds a sensible enough idea to me.  If you're concerned about getting in a manual car, then booking yourself a quick lesson with a local instructor sounds quite clever.  It's quite natural to be concerned.  Anyone who buys a new car will always be extra careful on their way home from the dealership with their new pride and joy, and if not, then they should be.  Thing is though, although you might not smash into someone, who's to say that someone won't prang you.  It is possible I guess to be too cautious.  Try not to worry too much.  I'm sure it happens, but accidents on the way back from getting a new car must be quite rare!

Answer 5

Sounds like a good idea, but if you are shelling out for a new car maybe you could get the dealer to give you a test drive in a similar model.

Answer 6

If you're considering it and feel the need to ask, then it probably is worth spending the money just for a refresher. The likelyhood is that you'd have no problem getting in and driving away, but there's no harm spending £20 just to set you at ease, good idea to be honest.

Pity half of the boy racers don't follow suit, a few could do with a lesson or two.

Answer 7

Being a driving instructor, people will say I'm bound to say this but your outlook is very sensible. If you are in any way unsure about yourself, take a lesson. For the sake of some peace of mind, what's 20 quid? Well worth the investment.

Hope you enjoy the new car :-)

Answer 8

Before you shell out remedial training money, go to the dealer where you are buying the car and ask the salesperson to let you sit in the same model with a stick...Go through the shifting motions, familiarize yourself with the controls - lights, high beams, windshield wipers/washer, radio and how to select and set stations, mirror controls - everything you want to have control of in the vehicle...When you get your car, it'll be a snap.

All the best.