When talking about learning to drive, everybody is different. Some people pass the driving exam on the first try but there are also people who take more than just the first try. Learner drivers do not have it easy as there is a lot to learn. The path can be long and expensive before you get your full licence. The following are just some things you should know when learning to drive in the United Kingdom.
Top tips for starting out as a learner driver
- Apply for a provisional licence
If you’re interested in learning to drive, it’s best to apply for your provisional licence as soon as you can if you want to start booking driving lessons as soon as you’re able to. Before you begin your driving lessons, you need to apply for a provisional driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application for a provisional licence can be made three months before turning seventeen. If you receive your provisional licence in time, you can begin your driving lessons immediately after you turn seventeen.
- Make sure your eyesight is good
It would be best if you also had your eyesight checked before starting your lessons just to make sure you can see well. The Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) assigned to you will ask for your provisional licence and check your vision. You are required to read a number plate from a distance of at least 20 metres. Having your eyesight checked before booking driving lessons will help save you some time just in case.
- Look for a qualified instructor to teach you
When looking for a driving instructor, establish that they have displayed their badge on their vehicle’s windscreen or check first on their website before booking with them. A fully qualified instructor has a green octagonal badge displayed on their windscreen. They also get assessed every two to four years by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Authority (DVSA) to ensure that their teaching practises are to the required standards. It’s also worth checking out reviews and testimonials on an instructor’s website from other learners to help you decide if a driving school is right for you.
Useful tech resources that can help improve your driving knowledge
- Make the most of mobile apps
Mobile phones are not just for scrolling through TikTok and messaging friends, they can now be used to help in all sorts of ways. Whether you need to practice theory questions, hazard perception, road signs, or learn about the highway code, there are now many useful mobile apps that you can use on the go to help revise and practice for your driving theory test. Learner drivers in the UK can download apps like the Driving Theory Test 2022 UK or the Official DVSA Theory Test Kit, and more, to help them practice.
- Browse for educational driving content on Youtube
Another useful way to make the most out of technology when learning to drive is by utilising apps and websites such as YouTube. YouTube has many different types of videos for users to watch and is also a great resource for learner drivers too. Sometimes, simply reading the highway code or theory questions isn’t enough for some learners. Some learners may need to physically see how to do certain manoeuvres and what to do when approaching roundabouts. There are many qualified instructors who share videos on YouTube of useful techniques, most common mistakes, and how-to walkthroughs.
Useful tips for your first driving lesson
- Ensure that you are comfortable when sitting in the driver’s seat. It is easier to learn when you are relaxed and discomfort can slow the learning process. Make sure that you wear comfortable clothes and also always wear comfortable and appropriate shoes for driving in too.
- Do not be afraid to make mistakes, as it is a normal occurrence. On top of this, do not accept being treated rudely or shouted at as you are paying for the lesson. The ADI should move at your pace and should not get impatient with your progress.
- If there is something that you do not understand, communicate it clearly to your instructor. Ask as many questions as needed. It can be useful to research/practice what you were having trouble with so that you can learn from mistakes and improve in the future.
- Prepare before each lesson. Ensure that you wake up in enough time for your lesson so that you are alert and properly prepared. Don’t forget to take your provisional licence with you on your lesson. Before taking your next driving lesson, think about your previous lesson and what you will learn in the next one.
