When you first start driving after passing your driving test, you will most likely take to the road with friends and family members for the first few months – Not only for the social side of embracing the freedom that driving gives you, but also to help ease the nerves when first faced with driving.

However unfortunately sometimes you will need to drive on your own. When this is the case, you will need to make sure that you are able and confident enough to make driving decisions on your own without checking with someone else for approval first – After all, you’re in the driving seat!

Safe driving from Britannia!

There are a lot of reasons you could be driving. From the most common reasons of being on a driving lesson, or commuting to or back from work, or driving for leisure with friends – Or you could be behind the wheel for practical reasons, such as helping someone to move house.

In this case, it is likely you are driving with a heavy load in the car. If that’s the case, make sure to take extra care – Not only will the amount of load in the back likely reduce your visibility, but your driving style may well have to change to accommodate the extra weight in the car.

Safe driving from Britannia!

As a driver you are probably aware that your mood may well affect how well you can drive. Even if it’s not a full-blown road rage that’s causing you to drive a little more aggressively, sometimes being upset or even stressed can stop you from being at your best when behind the wheel.

We would advise you to always stay positive when driving. Not only will this help to improve how well you actually drive, but it will also help to keep a smile on your face even when not in the car!

Safe driving from Britannia!

As a learner driver, you are likely looking to maximise your chances of passing your theory and practical tests on the first attempt. This may mean endless hours of revising the highway code, or staying put behind the wheel until you have finally mastered that tricky manoeuvre you’ve been struggling with!

Believe it or not, the people you practise with are likely to also have an impact on your performance. Although an elder sibling or friend that has passed their driving test more than 3 years might be a more comfortable passenger to sit with you on your private lessons, consider asking a parent or elder family member instead – And benefit from their years of experience on the road.

Safe driving from Britannia!

For many young people, the idea of learning to drive – Although attractive in principal – Feels much more like a far-off dream, rather than a realistic ambition. Of course the idea of owning one’s own car and being able to drive anywhere unattended sounds great, but really, is it worth all that time and money?

We find that many youngsters may put off learning to drive for various reasons – Whether it’s that they would struggle to afford the cost of regular lessons, or whether it’s a confidence issue, or something else entirely. Despite this, we advise you to get started as soon as possible, to give yourself the best chance of success!

Safe driving from Britannia!

If you’re a teenager or young adult and you haven’t yet passed your driving test, the chances are you are thinking about it. However it may still seem like a pipe dream to some – Maybe the financial burden of learning to drive is putting you off, or perhaps you just don’t have the time between school, college, university, jobs and a social life to squeeze in a driving lesson every week?

We would advise that it is really worth making time for your driving lessons. Just one hour a week can really make the difference between you being a novice driving pupil and an experienced, fully-fledged driver – And remember, we all had to start somewhere!

Safe driving from Britannia!

Learning to drive can be a great experience. After the initial build-up and stress of revising for your Theory test and the culmination of tackling your practical, it really is such a fantastic relief to be able to pass your test, earning your pink license and being able to take to the roads on your own.

One thing we often ask those who have successfully passed their tests is “Do you enjoy driving?”. For many, driving is a practical skill, for others it is a chore at the best of times – But for a lucky few, being able to drive is one of life’s great joys, opening you up to a world of freedom and independence.

Safe driving from Britannia!

The process of learning to drive encompasses a wide range of skills. From basic motor skills to more advanced observational and cognitive skills, when it comes to the aspect of hazard perception and the decision-making process involved.

Some hazards are obvious – Fallen branches for example – Whilst others may be more subtle, such as a parked car, which may or may not have a driver or passenger ready to exit the vehicle suddenly and without warning. Learning to identify and react to hazards appropriately is part of being a good driver, so get practising!

Safe driving from Britannia!

Life can be busy – Sometimes it seems that the old cliche is true; “So much to do, so little time!” – So it can sometimes be tricky trying to balance your day-to-day activities with each other. This is true not only for your school, college, or university life, but also for your work, home and personal life too – Including your driving lessons.

However a busy schedule can actually be beneficial when it comes to learning to drive. It might mean that you have your lessons at different times each week – Thus helping you to learn to drive at different times, or you may get picked up from home one day and college or work the next, so you can get better used to different routes.

Safe driving from Britannia!

If you’re nervous about taking your driving test, don’t worry – You’re not alone! Fortunately here at Britannia we have extensive experience with helping nervous pupils become confident fully-fledged drivers, and we can do the same for you.

One great tip we can offer is to practise the test routes. Not only does this help familiarise you with the potential roads you will be driving on during your test, it will help you to identify any specific aspects of your own driving that you need to improve on before the big day!

Safe driving from Britannia!