THEORY TEST-
As soon as I booked my first set of driving lessons I also booked in for my theory test so I could get it out the way and focus on the practical side. At my local theory test center there was around 3/4 weeks before the earliest date so this might be something to consider if you leave it till later as it could hold back your progression if your instructor thinks you're ready to book your driving test. Although a lot of people say this is the easiest part of learning to drive it still requires you to actual do some revision, even if that is just looking up the road signs and stopping distances. However it does involve a lot more than that and would be worth looking through one of the many theory books you can purchase or like I did downloading one of the apps. All in all it is definitely worth practicing even if its only the last few days before your test because there is so much varied content that can come up unless you are very intelligent I doubt most would know as common knowledge. Although some are common sense others require actual research and it is better to do it before than have paid I think its £36(don't quote me on that) and be sat there lost and at more chance of failing and having to pay again! I passed mine first time but that was only because I lived and breathed the app running up to it. Don't worry to much if you fail because if you do it early on in the learning process unless you're one of those natural drivers who pass in a matter of months you will have time to redo it without holding yourself back on the practical side.
DVSA THEORY APP-
The app cost around £4.99 but the amount I used it the price tag is nothing. I would highly rate it as it has study section which splits the learning into 14 topics and each topic has around 5 or so subtopics, after you complete the whole topic it will move you onto the practice section which includes I think(do not quote me on this) every possible question that may come up regarding that area. Some has as little as 12 questions and others over 140 but your knowledge will be sound after completing each study section and each pratice section. It also lets you do mock tests, you can do as many as you want whenever you please which is great to keep testing yourself running up to the real thing. Also as part of the theory test you get tested on Hazard Perception and the app has a separate section for that. It has 10 videos like the ones shown in the real test and you have to click on the hazards.
If you would like to purchase this app here is the link. Otherwise type into your app store(on Apple not sure about android or other) The official DVSA theory test.
If you want more in depth information regarding the theory test follow this link here to the GOV website which covers everything you may need.
As soon as I booked my first set of driving lessons I also booked in for my theory test so I could get it out the way and focus on the practical side. At my local theory test center there was around 3/4 weeks before the earliest date so this might be something to consider if you leave it till later as it could hold back your progression if your instructor thinks you're ready to book your driving test. Although a lot of people say this is the easiest part of learning to drive it still requires you to actual do some revision, even if that is just looking up the road signs and stopping distances. However it does involve a lot more than that and would be worth looking through one of the many theory books you can purchase or like I did downloading one of the apps. All in all it is definitely worth practicing even if its only the last few days before your test because there is so much varied content that can come up unless you are very intelligent I doubt most would know as common knowledge. Although some are common sense others require actual research and it is better to do it before than have paid I think its £36(don't quote me on that) and be sat there lost and at more chance of failing and having to pay again! I passed mine first time but that was only because I lived and breathed the app running up to it. Don't worry to much if you fail because if you do it early on in the learning process unless you're one of those natural drivers who pass in a matter of months you will have time to redo it without holding yourself back on the practical side.
DVSA THEORY APP-
The app cost around £4.99 but the amount I used it the price tag is nothing. I would highly rate it as it has study section which splits the learning into 14 topics and each topic has around 5 or so subtopics, after you complete the whole topic it will move you onto the practice section which includes I think(do not quote me on this) every possible question that may come up regarding that area. Some has as little as 12 questions and others over 140 but your knowledge will be sound after completing each study section and each pratice section. It also lets you do mock tests, you can do as many as you want whenever you please which is great to keep testing yourself running up to the real thing. Also as part of the theory test you get tested on Hazard Perception and the app has a separate section for that. It has 10 videos like the ones shown in the real test and you have to click on the hazards.
If you would like to purchase this app here is the link. Otherwise type into your app store(on Apple not sure about android or other) The official DVSA theory test.
If you want more in depth information regarding the theory test follow this link here to the GOV website which covers everything you may need.
PRICE-
Learning to drive is very expensive. There is no way around the fact it will be quite an investment but obviously once it is done that is it forever and it will probably be one of the best things you have ever put your money into.(Although running a car isn''t the cheapest thing either haha!)
- LESSONS-A lot of instructors allow you to buy lessons in 10 hour blocks but the price can vary depending on each individual instructor or driving school. My first 10 were £150 however my cousin paid £220 for his first block with a different instructor! On average then you are looking at lessons costing about £20/25 per hour and £40/45 per two hour if you pay individually. Overall I spent about £650 on lessons, this was for 34 hours of tuition. Bloody hell that is a lot now I have worked it out!
- TESTS- The theory test is around £35 which is a one off payment. You have to pay every time you take it so if you fail the costs add up quickly. This is the same for the practical, the test itself it £65 each time you take it. Also if you are using an instructors car you have to pay for the two hours at the normal rate they charge.
- PROVISIONAL INSURANCE- Although it isn't essential to have independent driving outside of paying for driving lessons if you are lucky enough to own a car or can get insured on somebody you knows car it might be worth it. I luckily owned my own car and for 8 weeks full provisional insurance it cost me £180. If you plan to use a car which is already fully insured you can get it much cheaper from as little as £2 a day. This set however could defo be missed if you want to save money as lessons alone are just as good.
FINDING AN INSTRUCTOR-
Whether you go with a driving school or independent instructor it is worth looking around and doing your research regarding pass rates and past pupils, do NOT just go for the sake of someone being cheap or someone being expensive. You could pay a lot for lessons as you think that must mean they are the best, in most instances in life this is true but with something like learning to drive that isn't always true. Sometimes you may be paying so much because someone simply uses an AUDI or BMW for their car, therefore lessons cost more as it costs more to fuel and insure. However that being said also do not just go for someone because they are cheap as it works the opposite. Basically what I am trying to say it find someone with genuine reviews and preferably go with someone who your friend or relative learnt with. In this case the price does not reflect value.
TIME/DEDICATION-
A very important thing to consider especially if you are very keen to drive is that you need to be able to have the time and dedication to stick at it. If you want to try and limit how much you spend on learning(although regardless it will cost a lot) knowing you will be in the same place long enough to allow for a lesson each week for at least 3/5 months.(for instance if you move to UNI in say 2 months it isn't very likely you will be passed and then if you can't have any lessons for a while will basically be back at square one spending even more money) Everybody takes a different amount to be ready for their test but as long as you have the time to see it through without having major gaps in between will make for the best and most efficient learning experience. It is also very important you want to do it!!! If you have the drive to do it and the want for it then you will succeed a lot better than not being fussed. It can get very challenging sometimes(well it did for me) and the want to give up was real but if you can just get over that bad lesson every now and have enough want to carry on then that is the best mindset to have if you are considering learning.
CONFIDENT/PRESSURE -
I think this is a big area that many people face when learning to drive, not feeling confident enough or putting to much pressure on themselves to pass or already be at a certain point after a certain amount of time(not so the confidence but I know the pressure part was a big thing for me). As hard as it is just relax and know you will get there when you are ready, some people take months some take years, some take one test some take 5! The main thing is do not compare your learning process to anyone else or to the expectations you think you should be reaching. I know peer pressure and competition can also come into play especially when everyones turning 17 and learning but try and focus on yourself. For me I was 18 when I started so most people who wanted to drive had already done it and I am never really phazed by the pressure of others but more effected by my own self! I doubted my ability to drive so much and I really was my own worst enemy when learning. It wasn't the fact I wasn't confident driving I just doubted myself. I passed first time in about 6 months, I was so shocked when I passed I went in convinced I had failed but nope I surprised myself and I think its taught me I need to have more faith in myself! Just do not give up regardless how hard it may seem sometimes because it is sooo worth it in the end.
I hope this post was helpful as I know I found learning to drive horrible! But once it is done its over forever. If there are any more questions or want another post on anything to do with driving just let me know.
Have a nice week.
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