Posted February 1, 2011 Driving = awesome!Yeah this is probably something that should be emphasised more in this thread Pros and cons aside, it's just fun! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 Oh I agree, driving is fun and when I was originally learning it was great to just get out there and do something that in addition to being useful was actually enjoyable too, sure it has its down-sides too but then so does everything but that feeling of getting behind the wheel for the first time stays with you forever! So on a practical note I will need to retake my theory as... its been a while... and I assume I'm gonna need certain books both for that plus just general learning so does anyone know a) what books I'm likely to need and b) where I can get them for a reasonable price? If anyone has answers to these questions then it'd be greatly appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 You don't need books, just get one of those CDs. Preferably an up to date one because the test now has more questions and these stupid 'scenario' based questions. I've forgotten the proper name for them, but they basically tell a story and ask a question at the end. A highway code wouldn't hurt. Did you know they now also have a 10-15 minute drive in the practical test where you're not directed which way to go? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 You don't need books, just get one of those CDs. See this is why I ask because some people say 'oh you need to spend £50 on books...' which sounds like overkill to me but buying a CD and a copy of the highway code sounds perfectly reasonable. Is there a place that I can buy these items from that won't rip me off or even better is there somewhere that'll give them away? Did you know they now also have a 10-15 minute drive in the practical test where you're not directed which way to go? Yes I've heard about this... apparently it actually makes the test easier though? I'm not sure how but this is just what I've been told... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 You don't need books, just get one of those CDs. Preferably an up to date one because the test now has more questions and these stupid 'scenario' based questions. I've forgotten the proper name for them, but they basically tell a story and ask a question at the end. A highway code wouldn't hurt. Did you know they now also have a 10-15 minute drive in the practical test where you're not directed which way to go? Yeah one of those CDs will have everything you need. And they're better than books because they have mock tests/hazard perception. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 Don't bother with books or the highway code book for that matter. I managed to get a cancellation booking within 3 days. I had no prior study on the test so i got the official disc and just done mock exams over and over and over until i was confident i could pass. Went into the test 3 days later and got one question wrong Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 I'd also say that a book wouldn't be able to teach you how the hazard perception works on the test. Knowing how to best utilise the scoring window. The help and advice section on the following website provides some useful information: http://www.theorytestadvice.co.uk/hazard-perception-test/about-the-hazard-perception-test.php Also some things to avoid, don't do rhythmic clicking or clicking loads of times it will score you 0. Also pass plus isn't really worth it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 That last point is definitely true. Pass plus hasn't been proving an indication to insurers lately that you're any less of a liability, so these days the premium's not improved by it having that at all. Oh btw, while we're on that subject, don't be surprised if your first insurance costs about the same amount again as your first car... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 Oh btw, while we're on that subject, don't be surprised if your first insurance costs about the same amount again as your first car... The fuck are you talking about? My first insurance was about 6 times the value of my car. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 The fuck are you talking about? My first insurance was about 6 times the value of my car. What the fuck were you insuring? I think my first year was about £600 comprehensive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 Insurance in n.ireland is very expensive thanks to different road laws my first year of driving was - (female - 23 yrs - 1 litre yaris (group 1 insurance))... £900 and that was WITH price comparison... actually the only company that would insure me. Most UK companies wash their hands of northern ireland =( its dropped to £500 this year and i'm hoping even further next with my 25th coming up Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 Yep mine was more. Like £1000 first year on a £950 car. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 The best thing about driving? Podcasts. Also: reaching my destination and getting out and stretching my legs! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 Or cycle. Cars remind me of shit people who live in the countryside. Well that's just plain rude. Not living in the city makes people shit apparently. I got rid o' my R plates in September, woo I can go over 45mph =D:yay: Swear to god I think I'd kill myself, or have lost my license if I wasn't allowed to go over 45. That or another driver would have, going 45 done a 55 road (or 70 highway) is a biiiiig no no. Michigan has very angry drivers, and god forbid you go the speed limit when we want to get somewhere (even if time isn't a huge factor). As for learning to drive, it's as simple as cycling really. The vehicle may be larger, but when it boils down to it you just have to be aware of your surroundings and the location of your vehicle in those surroundings. Think of cornering, on a bike it's possible you could get the front tire around and have the back hit the curb or go off the road, so you know to keep the bike far enough away for that to not happen. Same with a car. If you have trouble judging that distance get a spot mirror, they're made with seeing the area directly next to the vehicle in mind. All in all, assume that every other person on the road is a half crazyed maniac that doesn't know how to drive, you'll be have correct and more cautious. Also, drive like you own the road, others will avoid you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 Well that's just plain rude. Not living in the city makes people shit apparently. *sadface* Doesnt make one perfect when their lifestyle suits them to not drive. Students don't neeeeeeeeed to drive. Some people do. I'd have great difficulty getting to work on the bus with my medical circumstance (I take sudden attacks of severe nausea and exhaustion), I can't stay out for long periods of time in the severe cold, and I need to go to multiple specialist appointments. I can't justify NOT having a car. Swear to god I think I'd kill myself, or have lost my license if I wasn't allowed to go over 45. That or another driver would have, going 45 done a 55 road (or 70 highway) is a biiiiig no no. Michigan has very angry drivers, and god forbid you go the speed limit when we want to get somewhere (even if time isn't a huge factor). I'm glad I don't live there... for the first time today my car saw 60 mph (in my possession) so you can tell i'm not a speedy driver :P I'm just not bothered about being rushrushrush everywhere, and im not annoyed or frustrated with traffic. I don't have to do massive journeys a lot (i work about 3 miles from home) so i'm never in a car for a long time anyway! the 45 mph thing as far as i'm aware is a law unique to northern ireland.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 2, 2011 What the fuck were you insuring? I think my first year was about £600 comprehensive. Nearly £2000 on a 1.1 fiesta. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 3, 2011 *sadface* Doesnt make one perfect when their lifestyle suits them to not drive. Students don't neeeeeeeeed to drive. Some people do. I'd have great difficulty getting to work on the bus with my medical circumstance (I take sudden attacks of severe nausea and exhaustion), I can't stay out for long periods of time in the severe cold, and I need to go to multiple specialist appointments. I can't justify NOT having a car. I think you misunderstood me...Chair said cars remind him of shit people who live in the country. It makes it sound like people who live in the country and have to drive (like myself and others) are shit people. I'm glad I don't live there... for the first time today my car saw 60 mph (in my possession) so you can tell i'm not a speedy driver :P I'm just not bothered about being rushrushrush everywhere, and im not annoyed or frustrated with traffic. I don't have to do massive journeys a lot (i work about 3 miles from home) so i'm never in a car for a long time anyway! the 45 mph thing as far as i'm aware is a law unique to northern ireland.. It's not about rushing to where we're going...it's just we drive fast. I have two theories on this, we don't want to spend more time than we have to on the roads (which are absolute crap btw) or we drive fast enough that we only hit 1 of 5 bumps in the road and glide over the other 4. I wish I worked 3 miles away though, I wouldn't have to get up so early or hit the interstate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 3, 2011 Insurance premiums have gone through the roof in the last 8 months. Cheapest quote i've had was for a 1996 Corsa, about £2050 for the first year, and that was based on me already being 25, as i will be if/when i pass. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 3, 2011 Insurance premiums have gone through the roof in the last 8 months. Cheapest quote i've had was for a 1996 Corsa, about £2050 for the first year, and that was based on me already being 25, as i will be if/when i pass. But it'll be your first year so being 25 isn't entirely relevant for you. I always thought the 25 was mainly for those that pass earlier because its more about the few years you've been driving to gain experience not just that you've survived for 25 years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 3, 2011 But it'll be your first year so being 25 isn't entirely relevant for you. I always thought the 25 was mainly for those that pass earlier because its more about the few years you've been driving to gain experience not just that you've survived for 25 years. They're calculated against your premium separately. When you get a quote you state your DOB and number of years since you got your license. Experience doesn't matter because they can't prove that really anyway so they just weigh both these things against you. If you're 25 and had your license a week that's much better than if you're 18 and had it a week, because you're considered a more sensible driver. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 3, 2011 But it'll be your first year so being 25 isn't entirely relevant for you. I always thought the 25 was mainly for those that pass earlier because its more about the few years you've been driving to gain experience not just that you've survived for 25 years. I spoke to my car insurance advisor last month and he said age isn't really the factor insurance companies care about most, it's actually number of years on no claims and your insurance premiums will fall dramatically when you achieve 5 years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 3, 2011 Insurance in n.ireland is very expensive thanks to different road laws my first year of driving was - (female - 23 yrs - 1 litre yaris (group 1 insurance))... £900 and that was WITH price comparison... actually the only company that would insure me. Most UK companies wash their hands of northern ireland =( its dropped to £500 this year and i'm hoping even further next with my 25th coming up Mine was roughly the same £900 for me to drive a 1.25 ford fiesta. It's now about £400 after 2 and a bit years. I'm looking forward to it dropping once I hit 21 and my 3rd year no claims. Hopefully. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 3, 2011 I think you misunderstood me...Chair said cars remind him of shit people who live in the country. It makes it sound like people who live in the country and have to drive (like myself and others) are shit people. It's not about rushing to where we're going...it's just we drive fast. I have two theories on this, we don't want to spend more time than we have to on the roads (which are absolute crap btw) or we drive fast enough that we only hit 1 of 5 bumps in the road and glide over the other 4. I wish I worked 3 miles away though, I wouldn't have to get up so early or hit the interstate. I was quoting you because I couldn't be bothered to find the original post :P Yeah the roads are crap but it still doesn't make it right if someone is up my ass for travelling at a legal limit. (however I do agree with the 45mph limit being silly) Its nice being close to work, i dont even have to go on motorways or anything, yay. Just one straight road basically Mine was roughly the same £900 for me to drive a 1.25 ford fiesta. It's now about £400 after 2 and a bit years. I'm looking forward to it dropping once I hit 21 and my 3rd year no claims. Hopefully. >_> what a gip, im being ripped off :P Mines £200 cheaper cause my ma's on my insurance too. I got a pissy little engine with about as much speed as a pushbike.. & I've got age on you too! Flips sake My insurance is £550 this year, hopefully it'll drop more with me being old n stuff :/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 3, 2011 I can move to france like I want to No you can't. Well, you can, but you'll never be able to drive right if you're using one of your cars in one of our roads, you won't be able to see shit coz you're sitting on the wrong side of the car, which means you'll be constantly scratching your car. By the way, why on earth do you guys drive on the left side of the road? oO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 3, 2011 By the way, why on earth do you guys drive on the left side of the road? oO yeah, I'm curious too. It just seems so arbitrary that some countries drive on the left. Especially one with a direct connection to France. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
