learning to drive here

[Donal78 0]

I have never driven as didnt need too in ireland.

As im 28 i dont need to go to a drivers education program.

Am i right in thinking that i only need lessons with a driven school, do the written test, eye test then the road test before i get the licence.

Do i need any drivers permit while i am practicing driving here.

[kirk and Jenny 0]

I would call the Division of Motor Vehicles in your state and ask them those questions.

[john_and_marlene 162]

Every state that I am familiar with has a learner's permit requirement. The learner's permit is issued after successful completion of the written exam and is valid for driving with a licensed driver (usually over 21) in the vehicle while you are driving. The learner's permit is replaced with a driver's license after successful completion of a road test.

[YuAndDan 153]

I hold a CDL class A or Commercial Drivers License, and yes every state requires that you get a learners permit, the DMV usually will have you do the written test. And to practice all you need to do is drive with the learners permit with a licensed driver in the car with you.

If your wife is a patient person she can be your rider, it will be a fun activity for the two of you!

In my family I was the oldest and taught my younger siblings how to drive.

Look here for info in your state. http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/

Edited September 12, 2006 by YuAndDan

[Jasman0717 9]

I would call the Division of Motor Vehicles in your state and ask them those questions.

Great suggestion. Claudeth needs to learn how to drive too. I did find a driving school that would actually pick her up and bring her home so we just need to get her signed up.

[J&D 0]

Donal,

It's up to you, but personally I'd recommend that you get taught how to drive by a qualified instructor, otherwise you could end up learning bad habits by someone that has been driving for years and does silly things while thinking that they know the rules of the road. Just ask my wife, she has been driving for years longer than I in Brazil, Massachusetts and Ireland but she is still unsure what a Yield sign is!! Frightens the hell out of me every time I see one coming up and she barrels on thru without looking!! But thankfully she didn't teach me how to drive! But apart from the Yield signs, I will say she is a very good driver (....especially in case she reads this post...!).

Also, being taught by someone you know can lead to tempers being frayed if you make the odd mistake...to be expected when you are learning, but seasoned drivers tend to forget they made (and continue to make) mistakes too. Having lessons from a patient, qualified driving instructor means you will learn to drive in a safe way, learn the rules for your state and they explain your mistakes to you and how to fix them (not rip your head off while screaming something about you trying to get them killed!).

But not to worry driving in the US is very easy. I know you have not driven in Ireland, but you know what the roads are like there in comparision to the US. Give me a 4-lane interstate highway with no obstructions anyday over a small wet 'n slippery country road with a tractor going 10mph appearing out of no-where in County Galway!

Take a few professional lessons (it might even be easier to drive on the right hand side of the road if you've never driven on the left hand side), read the DMV rules of the road book, take the written, eye and road tests and you'll get your full drivers license very easily and in no time at all.

Best of luck with it!

[aidan80 9]

I have never driven as didnt need too in ireland.

As im 28 i dont need to go to a drivers education program.

Am i right in thinking that i only need lessons with a driven school, do the written test, eye test then the road test before i get the licence.

Do i need any drivers permit while i am practicing driving here.

I was in exactly the same boat as you, back home I didn’t need to drive.. I took a bus, taxi or used my feet. Over here is a whole different story when it comes to transportation, it’s the land of the car alright!

I haven’t a clue what the rules and or requirements are for each state or DMV but I (26 years old) had to do the Drivers Education (basic drug & alcohol course) before I could obtain my learners license! I have to admit one thing, it was the most boring 4 hours of my life but there was a plus to it, I did it online!

I went to the DMV here in Florida today, passed the written exam (quite simple) and was issued with a paper temporary Learners License, I should get my proper learners license within a month in the post.

Total cost was a few hours at most reading over the various rules of the road and the simplistic street signs then a quick stop at the local DMV for the written test and $20 later a license is in hand.. well in the mail at least!

For now at least I can legally learn to drive!

Good Luck!