Top Tips
1. Study your theory
It’s never too early to study and pass your theory test. This will help you in two ways. Firstly, it gives you the heads up on what to expect on the road and secondly, if you are learning fast, you could have your test sooner.
2. Learn for life, not for test
Learning to drive is not all about the final test. I pride myself on making sure you have a life skill. The more you think of it in this way, the easier things will become.
3.Give yourself a head start
It pays to know the basics before your first lesson. The chances are that someone close to you owns a car, so get them to show you the key parts before your first lesson. Knowing your way around a vehicle beforehand might make it easier when it comes to explain to you how to drive a car.
4. Listen to the instructor
Generally speaking, qualified drivers have picked up a few bad habits. Although they may drive okay, there could be signals in error, or missed mirrors checks, or the occasional speeding. These are not going to help you pass your test or keep you safe on the road.
5. cars
While it is not always practical/affordable, it is worth having wheels of your own or even the availability of borrowing someones car. The DVSA states that to pass a test, the average student needs 44 hours with a qualified instructor, and around 20 hours private practise. Therefore the more you can practise yourself the quicker you should pass. Remember, that although you are in the driving seat, you will need ‘L’ plates (front and back) and someone who is over 21 in the passenger seat. This person must hold a driving licence for 3 years.
6. Learn from your mistakes
We all make them, we're only human after all. The important thing is to not dwell on them. While with your instructor its okay to make a few. Thats what we are there for. Your instructor may well ask you to pull over to discuss these. There is always time to talk, reflect, practise and improve. As your instructor, it is my job to make sure you learn these life skills, in the best way suited to your learning method.
7. Block book your lessons
Again, generally speaking, instructors will offer you a discount if you book more than one lesson at a time (including me). So not only can you get your lessons in the diary nice and early but you'll also save yourself money.
8. Take your time
This applies to everyone.. Firstly, everyone learns at a different pace, so don't get annoyed when all your mates are passing and you’re not. Secondly, it’s not a race! So when you’re learning a new skill, don't rush it straight away. Take your time, the slower you do things the easer it is to learn. Once learnt, you can start to doing it quicker. Thirdly, don't rush the test. It’s the examiners responsibility to get everything done in the time frame allowed.
9. Test with confidence
There is no point going in to the test full of nerves. I know its easier said than done. However, if you change the thought of test to it being just another lesson, you might find it a more comfortable experience. At the same time you don't want to be over confident as that could lead to making an uncharacteristic mistake. Also, don’t put the pressure on to pass first time. Some of the best drivers pass second or third or more.
10. Never stop leanring.
Once you have passed, you can drive. This does not mean you know it all. There are billions of different scenarios and circumstances that can still happen. The best drivers never give up learning new things, especially as they travel further afield and out of their comfort zone. Maybe think of doing another course, that may lower your insurance and that should give you plenty of added experience that you won’t have had before.