HI ATCNoob,
I learnt to drive whilst at the college, although that's a few year ago now! Definitely do-able. 2 lessons a week for an hour a go, 20 lessons say, you'd be driving within 3 months....
There are plenty of folk who drive from the Bournemouth area to Swanwick so I'm sure you would be able to find someone to take you initially. If you don't like sponging you could always offer them something towards petrol. If you go by train the walk from Swanwick train station to Swanwick will take you about 25 mins. Trains run quite early, but not sure if early enough, you'd have to check.
As for going to other places, you'd have to check that out. Since I guess you could be posted anywhere you need to have some idea of what you might do if you did get sent to bonnie Scotland.
I understand the dilemma you have with your wife's job; guess the best thing is to bite the bullet and learn to drive! Oh and Chevvron's idea is very good; motorcycle CBT prob quicker, easier and a bike much cheaper than a car....
Cheers,
N
"Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you're up to..."