There are some main things to consider when getting started with driving lessons. Here is a simple guide with tips which outlines effective ways to begin learning to drive.
1) Getting a provisional licence
Prior to beginning practical car tuition, you must have a valid provisional driving licence. You can obtain one by applying to the DVLA.
Application forms are available at the post office, or you can apply online at :
Usually you will need to be 17 years of age or older to learn to drive. However you can apply for a provisional licence for a car from up to 3 months before becoming 17 years old.
There are cases when people can start driving at aged 16 year. This is if you receive :
- Mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and the higher rate.
- An enhanced rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
You can find out more about this here.
2) Essential driving materials
Learning about driving is a combination of knowing the rules, theory and knowing how to apply these things to practical driving lessons. Below are a list of resources to help people to when getting started.
Even before starting your very first lesson, it is a good idea give yourself an advantage by understanding the rules of the road and some of basic theory about driving beforehand. This could help you to learn quicker and cheaper when you start with your instructor.
3) choosing lessons
There are many different ways to learn to drive. Some things to take into account are :
Your budget
Are you looking to pay as you go, block book or are you looking to get it your learning done with an intensive driving course?
Do you have a weekly or monthly budget for taking tuition?
Weekly sessions are very popular. Normally a payment is required after each lesson. Block bookings are a way to purchase a package of 10, 20 or more lessons in advance and receiving a discount for doing so.
For an affordable pricing guide go here.
Availablity
How much time do you have each week to take driving lessons? How many hours of training are you likely to take in a week?
Setting targets can be very effective when it comes to achieving goals. A good way to do this is by having consistency with your driving lessons.
Instructors normally work at flexible times to accommodate pupils wanting to learn in the daytime, evening or weekend. They can help you to set achievable goals either on a daily, weekly or monthly basis depending on how frequent your lessons are.
If possible, by booking weeks ahead in your instructors diary you can keep your preferred same appointment time. Often, good trainers are teaching multiple pupils. So, this offers an effective professional approach for well planned out tuition.
How you learn
People learn at different rates an this also applies to learning to drive. They also have different preferences of how they would like to be taught. Are you quick at gaining new skills and knowledge? Or, are you better making progress at a steadier rate which gives you more time to take in the required information and reflect on what you have learnt.