The cost of learning to drive is a very expensive business, from applying for your provisional license and hiring a qualified and approved driving instructor to passing your theory test and getting yourself insured!
It was 16 years ago that I managed to pass my driving test first time and now I am using this platform to let you know my secret! Well, in fact, there is no secret here as there never has been one. In order to pass the test, you must be confident with the road signs, have the determination to learn from your mistakes and most importantly practice on the road!
As a young adult, I never felt the need to drive, especially as I lived in two big cities (Singapore and London) that were packed with extremely good public transport links. I took up driving only after my husband was ill and I was not able to drive him to the hospital. It made me feel so helpless and dependent. So I decided to take up driving to be more independent and it is a great life skill to have!
Theory Test
I studied the theory book to make sure I knew the questions inside out and made sure I kept practising the online test every day. I paid more attention to the road signs wherever I went. I was the first batch to take the hazard perception test. During my time, there was no luxury of practising it online but now you can revise it online!
Practice Test
Getting the right instructor is vital! I hit it off really well with my first instructor but all she did was talk and not teach so I had to make the decision to stop learning from her. Next, I went with a male instructor and he was a real no-nonsense man. I liked the way he taught well and I took in everything he said. So never be afraid of swapping instructors!
Practice makes perfect! Practising driving is very expensive as part of the fee covers the insurance that your instructor has to take out as they are required by law to be insured. Each time, I booked a two hour slot with my instructor to get plenty of practice. I also got some practice with my husband on the weekends.
Before you get any family members and friends to practise driving with you, you must know the law. They must be over 21, be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in and have had their full driving licence for 3 years or more (from countries in the European Union or European Economic Area). Also, not forgetting to take out learner driver insurance if you are practising in a car you own. This insurance also goes with if you are practising in someone else’s car and their insurance policy does not cover you as a learner driver. For any extra lessons you have, do record it down!
I have managed to clock in 22 hours with my instructor and over 20 hours with my husband! So I had plenty of lessons before I took the test and I was delighted to pass first time! Never rush yourself into taking the test and have plenty of practice not only in the day but try during busy hours and rainy days too! I hope my experience will help you in many ways. Good luck!
Disclosure: This is a featured post.