Preparing to learn to drive. Which SOFTWARE/BOOK should I buy?

Question

Im not actually driving yet, I am planning to start learning in October. In the meantime I want to start practising my theory and reading about it so I dont look and feel completely stupid!

I like the look of this one http://www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/product/index.jsp?pid=50926209&_requestid=96396

but these are the official ones:

http://www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/fredhopper/index.jsp?fh_location=%252f%252fwwgroup%252fen_GB%252fapplication%253ewwsite%252fcategories%253c%257b3%257d&op=search&fh_search=official+driving+&x=0&y=0

Has anyone ever used either and which do you recommend?

Also can you tell me an average price for an hours lesson? The company Im thinking of going with is £21 an hour. Another is £19.50 an hour but they dont do intensive courses, which I really want to do later on.

Also, if anyone has any advice whatsoever, Id be really grateful to hear it! Ive not studied anything for 8 years and I feel nervous about trying this.

Answer 1

Go with the official ones. I bought the official Theory Test book, which contains all of the questions you might be asked, and also contains the Highway Code,which you need to read. Having all of the questions is great because you can really study for that part of the test (I got full marks on that section).

I also bought the official Driving Skills book, which is helpful for reading in between lessons, to reiterate what you've been practising.

I also used a computer game with practice questions and hazard perception clips, but there are not many clips on the disc so I also used http://www.theory-test.co.uk where you can pay a small charge to access up to 72 clips, which was really helpful. I failed my theory test first time because of the hazard perception, but with practice with those extra clips and more driving experience I passed easily the second time. I would advise you not to rush in to doing your theory test: wait until you've had quite a few lessons, so you are used to looking for hazards on the road by instinct.

The theory test consists of 50 multiple choice questions and 14 hazard perception clips (apologies if you already know that!).

Those lesson prices sound about right. I pay £190 for 10 hours.

Don't be nervous - it's not as scary as you expect! I was terrified about learning to drive, but after my first lesson I was fine. I actually enjoy my lessons now! I've had about 24 hours of lessons so far and am planning to take my practical test at the end of August - not sure I'll be ready, but we'll see!

Good luck!

Answer 2

http://www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/prod...

That one is the one I used and I passed no problem. Mine was actually an earlier publication but is till passed (this year). When you are doing your lessons you pick up most stuff anyway but if you have a little read now and again and check up on anything you don't know then you will be fine. I found the theory test surprisingly easy and I was really nervous. I don't think there is that much difference between the people who charge loads and them who charge a little less. I pay £18.50 which is quite cheap yet i can't imagine me getting anything more from someone who charges £21. As for intensive courses i thought that you take them on there own, you pay a lump some for so many lessons and do them within like a week. If you was to go with the cheaper option then to decide you want to do a intensive course then you can always change.

You don't have to stay with the original driving instructor that you choose. I for example changed mine because I was recommended someone who was cheaper. Obviously if you pay in bulk, for example you pay for ten lessons at a time then you are going to want to use these lessons up before you leave as getting your money back may be a bit difficult.

Good Luck x

Answer 3

study the highway code its the best and cheapest way

Answer 4

The highway code.

Answer 5

Your local library should have an interective DVD that you could loan.

I am learning with BSM and use their version.

Also get hold of the highway code and brush up on a few bits.

My lessons cost 23 pounds an hour at the moment.

It aint cheap but it will be worth it!!