FAQ - Questions Learner Drivers ask us?
As we have said throughout our site, everybody starts to learn to drive as a beginner, and that means every single person on the road. They were ALL like you at one stage when they took their first driving lessons. Some were confident drivers, some were nervous drivers, some found it easy, and some found it not so easy at the beginning.
The students on our Facebook page holding up their passes, all went through the journey with us, and we were able to achieve their driving independence. We thought we would put up the questions nearly all of our beginners have asked us, even before sitting in the car!
This will show you that there are other people that think like you, and possibly put up their own barriers to learning to drive. We will make it our priority, to get you over that barrier...
What do I need before I start driving lessons?
You need to be at least 17 years old to drive in Ireland. THEORY TEST: Before you can take lessons or start practicing driving, you must pass the official driver's theory test. This is basically a test on the 'Rules of the road'. You can click this link to Apply for a Theory Test if you haven't done so already. LEARNERS PERMIT: Once you've passed the theory test, you must apply for a learner's permit. You must hold this learner's permit for at least six months before you can complete a driving test. You can click this link to Apply for a Learners Permit. DRIVING LESSONS: Before taking the official driver's test, you must complete a minimum of 12 lessons with an approved driving instructor. Martin Prendergast is an Approved Driving Instructor in Athlone. Westmeath, Ireland.
I have never driven a car! I am afraid I will go too fast, or hit something on my first lesson?
In 'normal' cars, there are pedals under the driver only. However, in our 'driving lessons car' there is also another set of pedals on our side. We can press the brake also! We very rarely have to do that, as with most people, we take our time with you, and learn at YOUR pace. Thats the way we want to teach you, so you become relaxed in the car, and eventually get a pleasure out of driving!
There is an angry driver beeping behind me because I am going very slow. What should I do?
Well...You are a learner driver, and have every right to be on the road as they have, so you will come across these people from time to time, so just completely ignore them, and concentrate and focus even harder than you did before. They started EXACTLY like you are now!
What are EDT Lessons? and what is the difference with normal driving lessons?
Some people just want 1 or 2 lessons for various reasons but Essential Driver Training (EDT) is a structured training programme for learner drivers consisting of 12 driving sessions with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) These are mandatory if you want to go for your test. They may also get you a discount on your insurance. Martin Prendergast is an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
We have plenty more like these, but this is just to let you know that you are not the first person to ask these type of questions. We reckon we can teach you how to drive better if you DO ask these questions, because THEN your mind is clear to concentrate on your driving skills! Ask us questions ANY TIME!