Learning to Drive
The Driving Standards Agency , (the government department responsible for national driving standards), which carries out driving tests states that "Learning to drive is not just about passing a driving test, modern drivers must learn to be safe drivers for life "
The Driving Standards Agency recommends that learner drivers take tuition with an Approved Driving Instructor (known as an A.D.I.). It is possible to learn with a friend or relative BUT it is unlikely that anyone other than an ADI will have the experience, knowledge and training to teach driving correctly. All ADIs undergo special training and are examined regularly by supervising officials of the Driving Standards Agency to ensure a very high standard of ability to teach learner drivers.
What must be learned
Some ADI’s teach the bare minimum to enable the learner to pass the driving test. Today with so much traffic on our roads for the driver to cope with after the driving test it is necessary not only to learn how to drive but also to gain sufficient experience of driving in traffic on various types of road and in varying weather conditions before the driving test.
A good ADI will help the learner to learn and experience all these things. The Driving Standards Agency has issued a syllabus for learner drivers. This is a list of all the items which a learner should know or be able to do safely. Learners should make sure that their ADI covers everything it contains. An ADI should be prepared to give you a copy of the syllabus if you request it.
How you should learn
The Driving Standards Agency states that learner drivers should be taught by means of a properly planned learning method. This consists of a series of logical, systematic lessons. The lessons progress in easy stages from simple exercises to the most complex. The instructor should take into account the fact that different learner’s progress at different rates.
The written theory test
Most learner drivers are required to pass a written theory test before being allowed to book a practical driving test although they are allowed to drive before applying for the theory test. An ADI is qualified to teach the requirements of the written theory test and should be prepared to assist learner drivers to study and achieve the standard required to pass the theory test.
Practical driving lessons
These will take place in a car. The car will preferably be supplied by the instructor. It is important that it is fitted with dual controls for safety. It must be safe and reliable. If it is modern, clean, tidy and appears well cared for, it will probably be safe and reliable. It will therefore be ideal for learning comfortably, safely and efficiently.
Home learning
A learner should be asked to study in between lessons. The instructor should set specific topics to be studied. The learner’s knowledge should be tested during the next lesson before proceeding to the next topic. It is essential that learners obtain and study a copy of the "Highway Code" , and the official Driving Standards Agency book entitled "Driving - the Essential Skills " , published by H.M.S.O., at £12.99 or less ,available at good bookshops, this study will help the learner driver with both the practical lessons and preparation for the written theory test.
What it will cost
Like many things in life - you get what you pay for . If you pay for an properly delivered course of driving tuition you will learn to drive safely. You will need fewer lessons and be less likely to be involved in a road accident. In the long term this is the less expensive option. Learners are individuals and learn at different rates to one another; therefore the number of lessons varies between learners. In general the younger you are the easier it is to learn.
The practical driving test
The practical driving test is conducted by the Driving Standards Agency at Driving Test Centres. See the separate page about the Practical Driving Test.
After the driving test
After passing your practical driving test additional driving tuition is very strongly advised by the Driving Standards Agency as a means of reducing the number of road accidents suffered by inexperienced drivers.
Pass Plus is a government approved course covering such things as motorway driving, rural roads, bad weather conditions etc. and which may save you money on car insurance premiums. Find out more by asking your instructor.
Call Ivor for Driving tuition in South East London
07956258306
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