French mum wanting to drive here - which driving school? Post Reply

[Mimi54]

Hi,

I'm French and I've got a French driving licence. I've been living in the UK for many years but I've never dared to drive here.

Now that I've got two kids, I really want to do it. I'd like to have a refresher course to give me some confidence on the road and to learn the specificities of the Highway Code (compared to the French one if possible).

Did any of you have such refresher course?

Would you recommend any driving school?

How much should I pay for that?

I live in Putney.

Many thanks!

[audrey]

I recently had a refresher course with Naomi from Wimbledon Driving School. I had to pay £21 per hour and took around 10 sessions of 2-hour each. She's really good, very focused on staying safe on the road. If interested, you can reach Naomi on

[Mimi54]

Thanks

Did you learn to drive on the continent?

[audrey]

Yes, but that was 10 years ago. Then, I had to re-do the test and get another driving licence when I spent sometime in the US as well. When I moved to London, I promptly exchanged my European licence for a UK one (to do away with the need of sitting yet another exam), but didn't feel like driving (roads were narrower, driving on the other side was daunting), so I got lazy and let my husband do all the driving. Now with two kids, I felt I needed to get back in the game, so a refresher course did the trick for me.

[gaelle]

Hello,

I'm french too, but my diving lesson is from Switzerland. So first, if you have a french permit de conduire, you have to call the "driver and vehicule licensing agency ".

http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/contactus/dr ... iries.aspx

They will tell you, if you have to take a Uk test or not, I don't have too with mine, normaly you whouldn't need too.

Then, I wanted to learn how to drive in the english side of the road, and not with my husband to avoid any problem, and also because i have a big car !!!

so i found a very nice school in south london, i had only few hours ( 5 hours with driving car ) and (4 with my car with the instructor) and the last part was very important, so now i'm not scared to drive in london with my big car.

my driving instructor was gary. they have automanic ou manual cars. I can't remember the name of the school but you can contact him : 07515 733195.

hope that helps

[carrakane]

My husband (David) recently took his driving test, and passed. He had a great instructor who I highly recommend. Since you know how to drive - just not over here - you don't need to pay so much for the lessons!

Andy Rainford-Nash
Direct Drive
07956150346
andrewr38@gmail.com

best of luck,
Carra Kane

[Mimi54]

Thank you so much for your messages.

xx