subject: 'Skill Up' by Driving Into The New Year! [print this page] Author: Sharn Franghiadi Author: Sharn Franghiadi
The New Year is upon us and now is the time thatmany of us resolve to learn to drive! Young adults aged 1718 years old may be the more obvious group oflearner drivers, but there are many adults aged 25 years and over who havent learnt yet. Given the current economic climate, there are real benefits anda true valueto 'skilling up' ...being able to drivein a competitive job market! If you are looking to learn to drive then the firststep is to contact a driving school or tutor in your area, as recognised by the Driving Standards Agency,(DSA).There are many options available to help track down a good Instructor or driving school: Friends Recommendations/ word of mouth Internet search within your local area Local pages and telephone directories Local newspapers Watch out for driving school cars in you area Schools may offer a free first lesson so that you can check them out before committing,and such a 'trial' lesson can be very useful! As with all professions, gooddriving Instructors tend tobe busy Instructors! Be wary of Schools that offer loads of'freebies' or'bargain basement' priced lessons...why do they needto do that? You will need to pass your Theory Test before you can apply foryour Practical Test, but you can start driving lessons beforepassing your Theory Test. It is sensible to study the Highway Code before setting offon your first lesson,but actually being on the road will help put your theory into real life practice. A good Instructor will include theory practice in your lessons, and can recommend the correct support aids. The DSA offers further advice on www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Motoringtransactions/DG_066356. Now you are ready to take your first lesson. When taking this lessonuseit as anideal opportunity to see if you are happy with your chosen Tutor. Many Instructor's have different styles of teaching, so when taking that first lesson, after the inevitable nerves have settled, make sure that you feel comfortable and at ease. This way you will be at your best to learn and take on the Instructors advice. You can help take the pressure off yourself by writing down any questions or concerns that you may have in advance, andputting that piece of paper somewhere where you will remember it! Learning to drive should be a positive experience, and even a fun thing to do, no matter what your age. Many people feelanxious aboutlearning, and especially learning to drive. Agood Tutor will help rid you of your fear and make the experience an enjoyable one, which you will never regret. The aim is not only to get you through your driving test, but to make you a safe driver for life. The DSAstates that the average Learner Driver will need about 45 hours of professional lessons, plus 22 hours of privatepractice beforebeing ready for their practical test. However, your Instructorwill let you know when you are ready to take your driving test. Nerve racking I know ...but it really wont be that bad! If you werent ready your experienced Tutor wouldnt have put you there. Just use those nerves efficiently, and show the Examiner that you know your stuff! The big bonus is then finally passing your test and receiving your well deserved driving licence FREEDOM!! There really arent many things in life thatbeat the feeling of being told you've passed your drivingtest! The DSA also encourages and promotesthe Pass Plus Scheme for newly qualified drivers. Ask your Instructor about the benefits of the Scheme, which takes you beyond the test, to experience motorway and countryside driving, adverse weather conditions and night time driving. Further information may be found on http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/Passplusdrivingcoursefornewdrivers/DG_4022426. Thereis no test, but you must complete at least six hoursof tuition assessed by the Instructor. The cost of the Pass Plus course can often be recouped from the discounts offered on your car insurance! Most driving schools will also offer gift vouchers, ideal as birthday or Christmas presents, or as a reward. Vouchers can help towards the cost of learning to drive or obtaining refresher lessons. The ideal gift for a loved one, vouchers can be bought for a single lesson or block booking, and often take the form of a personalised card, at no extra charge. So make 2010 the year you learn to drive, whether its your 17th birthday coming up or 60th! Make time to learn a new skill and reap the rewards and enjoyment of driving. Findtheright Instructor and you wont regret it! About the Author:
Sharn Franghiadi runs JSF Driving School based in Lydney, Gloucestershire with husband Jim and an experienced team of instructors.
They cover test areas in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Monmouth and are on hand to help learner drivers and drivers wishing to add to their current skills.
