Turning 17 and becoming legal to drive is an exciting time, but are you fully prepared to take to the wheel? Here are a few things that you might want to know before starting your driving lessons.
1. Price
With average driving lesson prices reaching £24 for an hour, and the recommended amount of driving hours before a test being 47, learning to drive can be a pricey affair. Make sure you have the funds before you start, even if it means starting to learn a little later - this will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
2. Driving and theory test prices
Your theory test will cost £23 per time, so make sure you practise plenty before you go. Also, your driving practical test will cost between £62 and £75, depending on which day you choose. Make sure you’re well prepared to save yourself losing money!
3. Take things slowly
Your driving instructor won’t ask you to drive straight away – you’ll go through the basics first. They’ll make sure that you know everything you need to know before you get going, so don’t worry about being thrown into the fast lane too early.
4. Choose your license type carefully
Getting yourself a manual license means that you can drive any car – manual or automatic. However, if you pass an automatic test, you are not legal to drive manual cars, and will have to retake your test if you decide you want to later on – so choose which you want carefully.
5. Pass your theory test as soon as you can
You can’t do your driving test until you have passed your theory, so focus on practicing and passing this early on in your driving. It can take some people a few attempts to pass, so the earlier you begin, the better.
6. Practise with the radio on
If your instructor allows it, practise driving with the music on, particularly if this is something you’re likely to do when you have your own car. It’s a good idea to get used to what it’s like to drive after you’ve passed your test, and it might even calm your nerves.
7. Wear the right shoes
Don’t wear heels or restrictive shoes when driving, whether that’s in your lessons or your test. Wearing restrictive shoes can impede your ability to work the pedals properly. Relatively thin-soled shoes are the best, allowing you to feel the pedals properly and stay comfortable.
