4 Things you need as a Learner Driver

Getting out onto the road for the first time can be a little bit dauting. It might seem that there are hundreds of different customs, conventions and physical skills to master. As such, it’s a good idea to take a step back, and consider the bigger picture. We’ve picked out four things you need to remember as a learner driver.

Patience

Learning to drive can be difficult. But it can seem impossible, especially when you’re just starting out. This problem can usually be solved by managing your expectations. Don’t think that you’re going to master the three-point turn by the end of the first lesson.

You might also need to exercise patience while waiting for your lessons, or your tests. The availability of examiners and instructors in the UK is low, at the moment. As such, it’s a good idea to head out on your own steam and get practising.

Practice

Practice, as they say, makes perfect. Or, at least, it will help you to be a better driver than you were yesterday, provided that you’re focused, and you have the right guidance. You can practice your key manoeuvres, and get some experience behind the wheel, by heading out onto the road with a friend or family member in the passenger’s seat. You can cover yourself for these sessions with the help of some provisional insurance.

A grip on the costs

The cost of motoring is going up, and this extends to learning to drive. You can expect to pay more for lessons than ever before, but you can try to bring this cost down by booking in bulk, and trying to negotiate a discount. You might also look into making savings elsewhere.

A grasp of the theory

Practical experience matters a lot – but you’ll also need to be able to pass your theory test, if you want to get that license. You can use online resources to test yourself, and make sure that you’ve built up the required knowledge. You might look at driving theory as like any other kind of homework – except there really isn’t all that much to remember. Spend ten minutes studying a day for a few months, and you’ll know everything there is to know. Ideally, you’ll want a family member or friend there to motivate you. If you’re learning at the same time as other people you know, then you might form a mutual support group, and test one another!