Just last week, I was having a conversation with my parents about driving. We were reminiscing about our first time behind the wheel, and recounting how we passed our test. My parents, now in their fifties, told me they did little to no practice in preparation for any aspect of driving.
Rather than being shocked at this fact, I just understood it. Ten, twenty, thirty years ago, there simply weren’t the same resources we have nowadays. The internet didn’t exist, and communication was limited. It’s much, much easier for people to obtain a driver’s licence these days, and we have the online space to thank for it.
Whether you’re forty years old or twenty years old, it’s never too late to get that licence. Many people today aren’t even bothering with driving, and it’s understandable. It’s expensive and difficult. But if you decide to go for it, it could be easier than you think.
Driving is arguably broken up into three categories; beginning, theory and practical. And even better, various online resources can capably help you through all three stages with little fuss
Advanced learners
Starting from the top, if you’re advanced, you may only be a few weeks off your practical test. This is the time you should spend honing your maneuvering skills and perfecting road sign knowledge.
The absolute best starting point for this is videos. Lots and lots of videos. Check out tutorials on maneuvers and watch them closely. Note the slow speed with which the driver handles the car and apply that to your lessons.
Remember (and this is vital), on your test, your instructor will take you to a quiet location for your maneuvers. You won’t be doing them in a busy area, so you can take your time! The maneuvers are the number one cause of driving test failure, so take your time with them.
Beginners and complete newcomers
This is where your rewarding journey begins! Welcome, and have a seat. First things first, since you’re a beginner, you’ll need a beginner/G1 licence. There’s lots more G1 test guides here, so you can make sure you’re prepared for that multiple-choice quiz.
Elsewhere, you’ll want to make note of some basic driving tips before you step behind the wheel. Familiarise yourself with the basic functions of the car, such as gear changing, the clutch and the indicator.
Above all, remember this. It’s ok to make mistakes. In fact, you should be making mistakes. Better to make them now with a professional sat next to you! The important thing is to make note of them and learn from them.
Failed your test once?
Sorry to hear that, but you’re not alone. In fact, most people will not pass first time for a variety of reasons, and that’s ok. Again, as long as you learn from your mistakes, you’ll be good.
See here for a list of the top reasons why you might have failed, and focus on these next time around. It might also be worth brushing up on those maneuvers using the video above. If you touch the pavement, it’s an instant failure, so take your time with them.
For more on road safety, check out our list of the top 4 causes of driving accidents. Stay safe!