Top Tips for Learner Drivers

It’s that time of year again, where everyone’s pledging to eat healthier or promising to do more exercise in the New Year – unfortunately 66% of New Year’s resolutions fail within just one month.

Maybe your New Year’s resolution is to learn to drive. Maybe you got driving lessons for Christmas and can’t wait to get out there on the open road. If you’re planning to learn to drive in this year, don’t fall victim to a broken resolution. Try these tips to keep you both safe and motivated on the road in 2017 and thereafter.

Set yourself goals

It’s important not to try and cram everything in too quickly. Learning to become a safe driver is going to take time, and it’s important to realise that from the offset before you even get behind the wheel. Instead of trying too much too quickly, try setting yourself goals and work towards achieving each goal individually. This way you can concentrate properly, ensuring you become safe and competent in each area.

Invest in some reading materials

Obviously you’re dying to get out there on the road as quickly as possible, but taking the time to read up on road safety and the Highway Code could really pay off. Don’t just learn enough to scrape by on your theory test, invest some more time into making sure you know what you should do to be a safe driver. Even when you’ve passed your theory test, you still have to be up to speed in road safety signs and information to get you through your practical test. Do you know how to safely overtake a cyclist? Are you aware of your local speed limits? Yes, these are all things your driving instructor will teach you, but let’s face it, you can never be too knowledgeable – especially when it comes to road safety.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

As mentioned above, you should definitely be taking the time to familiarise yourself with the Highway Code and other safety information, but you’re not expected to learn everything on your own – that’s what your instructor is for. Make sure you quiz your instructor until you fully understand the question at hand, even if you feel silly asking the question – it could be the difference between you passing or failing your test. If you think of a question when you’re at home, write it down and ask at your next lesson. Remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question.

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself

Yes, your driving test is probably one of the most nerve-wracking things you’re going to do, but the last thing you need is added pressure from unnecessary nerves. To help ease the pressure, make sure you get enough practice. There’s no point cramming too many lessons in per week to fast-track your test, you will likely end up failing this way and adding additional time onto your learning journey anyway. Try also limiting the amount of people you tell when you book your test. You’re likely to feel more pressure by worrying about telling people if you fail – this will put you off before you’ve even started.

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