Becoming a New Driver – Breaking Down the Steps
Driving is an essential skill for many in the UK, forming the basis for their daily transport and enabling wider overall accessibility. But, while becoming a new driver is a relatively straightforward process, it can be a daunting one for those unfamiliar with the process. What are the steps involved in learning to drive?
Applying for a Provisional License
The first step in your journey to becoming a new driver is to apply for a provisional license. A provisional driving license is, in essence, a form of ID that enables you to learn to drive a vehicle. It legally covers you to drive a vehicle with supervision, with the exception of motorways.
Applying for a provisional license is inexpensive, and can be done online using your passport and proof of address. In order to be eligible for one, you must be 15 years and 9 months old at least; you must also be able to demonstrate an ability to read a number plate from 20 metres away, to prove you have adequate eyesight to drive safely.
Insurance
In certain situations, you will also need to consider getting yourself insured before you start the learning process. The vast majority of driving instructors will have insurance policies that protect you in their vehicle, however, you may opt to learn in your own vehicle or receive tuition from a friend or family member in their car.
In these situations, it’s important that you seek out learner driver insurance in order to cover yourself for any potential incidents occurring while you drive. Insurance is a legal requirement for any driver, and learning to drive is no different.
Lessons
Driving lessons are more or less indispensable to budding new drivers, providing expert tutelage and guidance as you get to grips with handling a vehicle and adhering to road laws. Choosing the right instructor can be harder than it seems, though; don’t try to muddle through with one instructor if you feel progress is slower than it should be!
Lessons also face you with an early choice for your long-term driving habits: manual or automatic? Manual transmission driving lessons are a little less expensive, but also may incur more hours of learning to get your head around the gears. Automatic lessons are more expensive, but with the growth of electric vehicles spelling the end for manual transmission, this may be a cost worth swallowing.
Tests
When you feel confident enough as a driver, you are ready to take your driving tests. There are two principal components: theory and practical. The theory test is a sit-down exam that sees you answering questions on road rules and hazard perception. The practical test is a guided drive around a neighbourhood by a licensed tester, who will ask you to perform manoeuvres in between travel around the area.
Passing your driving tests and gaining your driver’s license is not necessarily an easy task, even with the knowledge and confidence; the pass rate for drivers hovers around 50%. Sometimes another driver’s mistake can cause you to incur a fault, and some examiners may be stricter than others. It’s important to take practice tests and ensure you are fully comfortable before you take your test proper.