Electric_Andy
Heavy Metal Fan
- Location
- Plymouth
I started learning with my parents/family in Jan 1998. Had professinoal lessons and booked a test End of March. Failed for going too slowly in the rain (I was probably doing 15 in a 20) and other things amounting to hesitancy. Booked another test and passed on 8th April. It seems that institutions and instructors have been block booking tests way in advance. This is what my motorcycle training school did about 15 years ago - I was suprised when they stated "we have tests booked all through the month".
I think it's a fairly standard story to hear that the DVSA and the Government have only noticed it's a problem years after it started, and now will probably take more years to reduce the backlog.
Depending on where you live, car transport can open up huge avenues for young people. e.g. my stepson tried to use the bus to get to an appointment, he wited 55 mins and then a sign came up saying that all buses to town were cancelled. It was hemmering with rain so bike/walk was not practically doable. Besides which, city riding in the dark and rain is not for the beginner cyclist.
I think we need to give young people a break and not preach that car ownership is lazy. Nor should we compare their modern challenges to those we had. My Dad walked 4 miles a day to school and back on a (now busy) A road, but I would not have been expected to do that even 30 years ago. You never know when you're going to need a driving license, and to get it done quickly is a good feather to have in your cap.
However, scooters can be had for under a grand, CBT is about £120 and waiting lists in the 1-3 week range, insurance half as much as a car. Not as convenient but arguably cheaper and more accesible if you're in a rush.
I think it's a fairly standard story to hear that the DVSA and the Government have only noticed it's a problem years after it started, and now will probably take more years to reduce the backlog.
Depending on where you live, car transport can open up huge avenues for young people. e.g. my stepson tried to use the bus to get to an appointment, he wited 55 mins and then a sign came up saying that all buses to town were cancelled. It was hemmering with rain so bike/walk was not practically doable. Besides which, city riding in the dark and rain is not for the beginner cyclist.
I think we need to give young people a break and not preach that car ownership is lazy. Nor should we compare their modern challenges to those we had. My Dad walked 4 miles a day to school and back on a (now busy) A road, but I would not have been expected to do that even 30 years ago. You never know when you're going to need a driving license, and to get it done quickly is a good feather to have in your cap.
However, scooters can be had for under a grand, CBT is about £120 and waiting lists in the 1-3 week range, insurance half as much as a car. Not as convenient but arguably cheaper and more accesible if you're in a rush.
