Public transport can sometimes give us a headache, whether it’s a late bus or a full train, but learning to drive while you’re a student can present its own difficulties. Even if the end product is a slice of freedom.
More often than not, freedom comes with a price and when it comes to learning to drive, it’s quite a hefty one.
In Ireland, there are two parts to learning to drive. First, we sit the theory test which focuses on the basic rules of the road: what road signs mean, safe speeds, stopping distances, driving in different conditions and all anything else you need to know before getting in the driver’s seat.
The best way to get through this part successfully is to buy the theory test book, which is packed full with all the information you need to sit the test, including a CD-ROM to practice the real thing on your computer.
There are a number of ways to get the book, but the easiest and handiest way is to go to a shop and just buy it. Eason sell a version of the book for €14, which is located on O’Connell Street in Dublin.
Once that’s done, it’s time to book the theory test on theorytest.ie. This will run you up €35. When you pass, an NDLS centre is the place to be in order to get your learner’s permit, which lasts for 2 years. This is the key to starting your lessons and get on the road for your test.
That’s another €35, adding up to a grand total of €84 without even starting your lessons.
A minimum of 13 lessons are required before you can sit your test, and with individual teachers running an average price of €40, it’s a pricey and lengthy process to consider before you even do your theory test.
You’ll need to have a car that is insured, and have permission to drive along with car tax before you can get on the road.
Most driving teachers allow you to do your lessons in their car, but this can pose problems later on when you want to practice with your parents supervising you, or even do your test.
Insurance for learner drivers is another expensive cost, with prices ranging from €800 on the lowest end, up into the thousands even with another experienced named driver on the policy.
Your driving test itself, which can be booked on rsa.ie after completing all of your lessons and having waited 6 months since getting your learner’s permit, costs €85 and, depending on the route you take, it can last from half an hour to an hour.
It’s a bit stressful, but the key parts of the test are an oral test with your tester about the rules of the road and signposts. Various mechanics of your car will be tested, such as being asked about where the oil is located and then, finally, your actual driving test.
You’ll be instructed to follow the road in different routes by your tester as they sit beside you in the car. If you keep calm and have practiced your test routes enough, it shouldn’t cause too much damage to your nerves.
Once this is done, you’ll be back in the test centre where you’ll be told if you have passed or failed. If you failed, not to worry, just pick yourself back up and try again. There’s no shame in giving things in life another go.
If you passed, it’s time to celebrate and head back to the NDLS centre to fork out €55 for your driving licence. For the duration that your licence is being processed, you can’t drive alone in the car.
Once your licence arrives in the post, you’re good to go.
While being able to drive wherever you want and whenever you feel the need to is incredibly freeing, driving a car isn’t the eco-friendliest way to get around.
It’s true that public transport can be overcrowded, unreliable and a drain on your daily expenses, but it cuts your carbon footprint. If you have a local transport system and you can use that for a majority of your needs, such as socialising and commuting to work. Then it might be a good idea to refrain from learning to drive for some time.
If you live in an area, such as a rural town that has a limited amount of modes of transport, then driving might be the only option that lets you get out of the house more frequently. If that’s the case, there’s the new option of getting an electric car.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides grants up to €5,000 for those that wish to buy an electric car.
Various locations in major cities across Ireland have placed charging points to charge electric cars.
Taking all of this into account can be a cause for a headache, but the main point is learning to drive is incredibly expensive. Yes, it’s a handy skill that will at some point benefit you in your lifetime, but as a student, sometimes it can simply cost far too much.
There are plenty of other ways to get around to do everyday things, and while the public transport system can cause stress every now and again, it’s still cheaper and more of an eco-friendly way to travel.
With all things considered, learning to drive is still a great milestone to accomplish no matter what stage in life you are in.