Driving lessons, the Pass Plus scheme and car insurance
You may be excited about getting behind the wheel for the first time – but there’s plenty to sort out before you can drive legally in the UK. From driving lessons to car insurance we look at how you can ensure you’re well prepared for the rigours of the road.
Before you learn…
Even before you arrange your first driving lesson, you must apply for a provisional driving licence. This can be done via the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) website or by filling out the form that is available at the DVLA form ordering service online or the Post Office. You are not allowed to start driving until you have actually received your provisional driving licence.
There is often confusion among young motorists about whether they need car insurance too. If you have your own car and plan to drive it while learning then you’ll need car insurance in place; and if you plan to drive in a friend or family member’s car then they will need to add you as a named driver on their policy. Some insurers offer learner driver’s insurance which will cover you while you learn to drive but won’t tie you into a long term contract. If you are driving purely with an instructor then you won’t need car insurance at this stage as the instructor will have the necessary cover on his/her vehicle.
It’s also sensible to take an eye test before you start driving too as you may need glasses to aid your vision on the road.
Choosing the right driving lessons and instructor
It’s sensible to gain tuition from a qualified driving instructor as they should be highly trained as teachers, have dual controls so they can take over in an emergency and be familiar with all the latest testing rules and procedures.
According to the DVLA, nine in 10 learners who passed both their theory test and practical driving tests first time were taught by an instructor. A fully qualified approved driving instructor must display a green certificate on the windscreen of the car while teaching you. Some trainees are also granted a licence to gain experience – they must display a pink certificate in their windscreen.
You should also give some thought to the type of lessons you wish to undertake. Typically, the options available include:
- Pay as you learn: The most popular type of course, you simply pay for your lessons, usually at an hourly rate, as and when you have them.
- Intensive course: Usually only available once you have passed a theory test, this is a fast track method to gaining your licence and you will typically spend around three-four hours behind the wheel at a time around four times a week. Tuition is usually taken over a two-four week period.
- Semi-intensive course: A slightly longer approach than an intensive course, you will usually have 90minute lessons three-five times a week over a six-10 week period.
What about the tests themselves?
In order to get your full driving licence in the UK you must complete both a theory test and a practical driving test:
- Theory test: The theory test is divided into two sections – multiple choice and hazard perception. The multiple choice part gives a question with several answer options on a touch screen with some questions requiring more than one answer. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a mouse. A series of video clips are shown, each featuring every day road scenes and at least one developing hazard which you will need to respond to in the early stages of its development.
- Practical test: The practical driving test begins with an eyesight check and is followed by two vehicle safety check questions. You will then be examined on your general driving with two reversing exercises – two of reversing around a corner, reversing in a road or reverse parking; and possibly an emergency stop. During the test the instructor will give you instructions which you should follow. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test – 16 or more is a failure. If you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will also fail the test.
After you pass the test: the Pass Plus scheme
Once you have successfully completed your driving examination and been granted a driving licence the last thing you may want is more tuition. However, undertaking a Pass Plus course can have huge advantages.
The Pass Plus is aimed at new drivers in their first year after passing a test and consists of six modules: driving at night; in town; on country roads; on dual carriageways; in all weathers; and on motorways. The idea is to build your skills and knowledge in unfamiliar driving scenarios.
Not only can the Pass Plus make you a better driver, but it can also lower your car insurance costs. As you are enhancing your driving knowledge and experience some insurers offer discounts as high as 35 per cent for drivers that complete the course though you should shop around first to ensure you are maximising your savings.