Learning to drive the best way?

phoneix

I would like to learn how to drive. A few years ago I got a provisional license at the time I had no access to a car and could only afford a few lessons. This license expired about 5 years ago and I have not been on the road since. My new year’s resolution is to get my full license. Can I take driving lessons with registered instructor without any provisional license? What advice would you give me to get my license as soon as possible taking into account that I still don’t have a car to practise on I want to take maximum lessons. Could I go to UK or France for a residential intensive lessons then sit the test here? I have an approx budget of 3000 towards this, will it be enough? I don’t intend to purchase a car (yet) but would like to have my license so that I can rent a car when abroad and maybe join a carclub like in London or NYC (do these exist in Dublin?)

I have tried phoning the Motor Tax Office but they never reply, who could I phone to talk about the options.

Thanks for help.

patrickc

the one thing i can tell you is that you need a provisional licence to get lessons. at an average price of 30 per lesson and using the testers car etc you should be able to get 10-15 lessons as an absolute beginner and pass the test after that. A driving instructor will best advise you when you are ready to sit your test. look at www.drivingtest.ie for waiting times in your area, plus these are cut a bit if there is a sgs test centre in your location too.

grahamo

AFAIK you can renew your old provisional licence as long as its not expired over 5 years. This will mean you don't have to go through the theory test. you can hire a car from your driving school to take the test in after you feel you've taken enough lessons.

eamon1

I got my info from www.irishmotoring.ie the have a list of driving schools all over Ireland and the instructors are rated also. To me the instructor is the no.1 pick make sure they know their stuff so they can teach you to a high standard so you pass your test asap.
Another website is www.drivingtestinstructor.com.

ninty9er

the simplest way is get a new provisional (you will need it for lessons), apply for your test, get lessons 10-15 should do if you have basic driving abilities already and then apply for a cancellation or get a letter from "your employer" (anyone you know that has a business) to get a quick test..pass and hey presto you're done....

P.S. An Irish provisional is the same as a learners permit in other countries, it's only valid within the state if you are accompanied by a fully licenced driver(unless 2nd provisional) and insured

Stark

What do you mean by apply for a cancellation or get an employer's letter? Can you apply for a cancellation without the employer's letter?

ninty9er

You can apply for a cancellation anyway, but people with employer's letters get preference for cancellations, due to "needing" the licence for work