Top tips for learning to drive
Learning to drive can be an exciting step towards independence, but it can also be fairly intimidating. No matter what age you start learning, it’s natural to feel apprehensive about your first lesson, but there’s really nothing to worry about.
So, to help allay your fears we've put together a guide for learners and new drivers, including some great tips for learning, ways you can prepare for passing, and some frequently asked questions.
Our top tips
Get your licence sorted
You’re going to need your provisional licence in order to get behind the wheel and you can apply for that through the government website. It typically takes around three weeks to arrive, so make sure you’ve given yourself plenty of time before booking that first lesson.
Pick your instructor
When you're learning to drive, it's important to get an instructor who works with both you and your budget. Don't just head straight to the main driving schools; ask friends and family to see if there's a local instructor who they can recommend. These instructors tend to be cheaper too, so they're a good option to consider.
Revise for your theory test
There’s another important test to consider alongside your actual driving test. You can take the theory test as soon as you get your provisional license, and it can be booked online. The theory test is important and should be taken seriously; it’ll give you knowledge about road awareness, safety, and hazard perception to accompany your practical skills, to keep you and others safe on the roads. Here at Halfords, we’ve got plenty of revision tools to get you fully prepared.
It’s also worth noting that theory tests are only valid for two years, so bear that in mind if you’re in no hurry to pass your practical test.
Set a realistic timescale
Learning to drive can be expensive and time-consuming, so it’s important to be realistic about how long it might take to pass. Make sure that you’ve got the funds and spare time to invest before you get started.
In terms of money, you’ll need to consider the cost of lessons, insurance, theory and practical tests, and more. In terms of time, have a talk with your driving instructor and family to work out a realistic and achievable timescale. Starting lessons now and then having to stop because you’re too busy is far from ideal and can set you back in the long term.
Practise, practise, practise
The more you can practise, the more comfortable you’ll get with those tricky manoeuvres and the more familiar you’ll get with real-life driving situations that you might not come across in your lessons.
This is where friends and family members come in. As long as they’re over 21 and have had a full license for 3 years, you can get insured on their car and practice driving between your lessons under their guidance.
You can use this time to focus on elements that you’re struggling with during your lessons. Try making a checklist of the aspects that you need to improve, to help you to develop well-rounded driving skills in preparation for your test. Your instructor can help you to identify the areas you should focus on, and you can tackle them one by one.
Work on the test routes
Your driving instructor will probably take you on some of the routes that you may be tested on. This is a great way of familiarising yourself with the area and can help to make the real test a little easier.
Be patient
Be patient and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t always go your way. Everyone learns at different rates, and driving comes more easily to some people than others. Take it at your own pace, don’t rush yourself and you’ll be rewarded for your patience.
FAQs
If you’re new to learning, then you may be wondering how lessons will work, how many you’ll need, or what the test consists of. We’re here to answer some of the most common questions.
When can I start taking driving lessons?
You can start learning to drive on public roads from the age of 17, as long as you have a provisional license.
You can apply for a provisional licence at 15 years and 9 months old.
How do I apply for a provisional licence, and how much does it cost?
You can apply for a provisional licence on the government website here. You’ll need to be at least 15 years and 9 months old, and be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.
It costs £34 to apply, which you can pay by credit or debit card.
Can I start practical lessons before passing my theory test?
Yes, you can start driving lessons while you study for your theory test. Generally, learning practical driving skills alongside driving theory should improve your overall knowledge.
How many lessons should I have per week?
This is dependent on your budget, time and preference, as well as your instructor’s schedule. Most learners will have between one and two lessons a week, but the most important thing is consistency – try to stick to the same amount every week.
How many lessons will I need to pass?
There is no minimum number of hours legally required to take your test and no fixed number of lessons to pass. It’s entirely subjective and will depend on your abilities, confidence and free time.
For a rough idea, the DVSA says that the average learner driver will need 45 hours of driving lessons alongside 22 hours of private practice.