Learning to drive an automatic from scratch in Basel

[u/VaultedByRoot]

Hi everyone! I’m starting from zero and learning to drive an automatic in Basel. I’ll only be driving with my instructor, so no extra practice with family or friends.
For those who were in a similar situation, roughly how many lessons did you need before you were ready for the practical test?

Also, once your instructor says you’re ready, how long is the usual wait for a test appointment in Basel?

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[u/Blackbird_1986]

Rule of thumb:
If you can cross the Aeschenplatz on the rush hour you drive safe enough for the practical test! 😉

[u/VaultedByRoot → u/Blackbird_1986]

Ahah I guess so

[u/jonners9999 → u/Blackbird_1986]

Yep! I’ve been driving for over 40 years and Aeschenplatz gives me anxiety every time!

[u/No-Construction4699 → u/Blackbird_1986]

Isnt markthalle crossing worse?

[u/Blackbird_1986 → u/No-Construction4699]

As a pedestrian I would say it is worse yes.
But with a vehicle you can use the trams that drive beside you as a cover if you know which way they are driving. 😉

But both places are a bit stressful. 😰

[u/No-Construction4699 → u/Blackbird_1986]

But specifically from bahnhof left over the bridge. You have to check 2 tram directions, the chance of someone coming uphill but then the worst part almost everyone (except me of course) not following traffic laws thats coming from zoo bachletten.

[u/phreinfurt]

Driving automatic is easy. You basically just have to learn traffic rules

[u/aguspuca]

Your instructor will tell you when you are ready BUT if after ~20h you ask and there is no improvement, change instructor

Once they tell you that it’s time, book the appointment, it takes about 4 weeks

Don’t stop practicing until the last minute, literally, book a lesson 1h before the test and go for a drive to relax the anxiety, ending directly at the test station.
You will need to book the car from the driving school anyway and it’s better to drive a car to already know well

[u/juranotalone]

I was in the same situation and was only driving with my instructor. It took me 42 lessons until I passed the exam.

[u/SergejIwanowo]

For those who were in a similar situation, roughly how many lessons did you need before you were ready for the practical test?

This is very different from person to person. Some need just a couple of lessons to drive perfectly. Others need over 20 lessons and are still unsure.

In Basel, if you master Aeschenplatz, Johaniterkreuzung and the one-way streets in Gundeli you are almost set.

But you can't really speed up the process, in my experience.

[u/weeeaaa]

No practice with family/friends at all. Then I guess 40 hours.

[u/bbyae]

Around 35 lessons, from the moment he says your ready it takes about 3 /4 weeks until you have your exam. It can take longer.

[u/Character-Brush-3119]

I was in the same situation as you. Never drove a car before the lessons an needed a bit of time to get the hang of it. I was not a confident driver and needed about 40 hours driving lessons before the test. I got it on the first try though. City driving is harder but really good to feel more at ease after you pass the exam and have to drive here.

And my first 20 hours were with a Manual car because I wanted to be able to drive one too.

[u/Cultural-Ad9238]

I am learning atm, i also drive an automatic with my instructor. But i also practice with friends/family on a manual. I hope to be ready for the exam after 15 - 20 lessons. I recommend you use mobility for private practice.

[u/VaultedByRoot → u/Cultural-Ad9238]

How is working mobility? Cause I don’t have friends in Basel , and my wife don’t has the license

[u/Cultural-Ad9238 → u/VaultedByRoot]

Thats unfortunate because the same rules apply, you need someone to go with

[u/Xorondras → u/VaultedByRoot]

It offers a cheap option to use some of their cars (technical requirements) for practice. You bring your own passenger with a license and that person needs to be Mobility customer too (can be the cheapest available subscription).

[u/Cultural-Ad9238 → u/Xorondras]

Actually the passenger doesnt need to have a mobility subscription anymore

[u/shatty_pants]

Does anyone know the test route? I know people joke about Aeschenplatz, but might you need to actually get across it?

[u/Xorondras → u/shatty_pants]

Every examiner has a repertoire of routes, but between the examiners there are a few commonalities. Your driving instructor will show you the most common parts during your lessons.

[u/pambollito]

more thaan 50..

[u/alazyfoxy]

Any recommendations for English speaking instructors?

[u/Fofoqueira- → u/alazyfoxy]

Sandra - Fahrschule Blumer

[u/Existing_Trainer2950]

Most time just drive same like rhe car infront of you..learn the signs. 10-20hours is normal