Bill Plant Driving School’s tips for getting the most out of your driving lessons

For many, getting their driving license is one of those momentous life occasions, a mark of independence that opens countless doors. But those that had planned to start their driving journey have temporarily had those doors shut with the current lockdown.

Fortunately, this situation is temporary and therefore it is important that wannabe drivers do their research beforehand to ensure that when the time finally comes to start lessons they get the most out of them; maximising efficiency and hopefully cutting the time between starting lessons and passing their test, despite this period of isolation.

These simple tips will ensure that when people are able to take their lessons, they are in the best possible position to get the most out of their time behind the wheel.

Pick the Right Instructor

Did you know that any licensed driver over the age of 21, who’s had their full license for over 3 years can teach a learner to drive? Technically this means that mum or dad can take their provisional licence holding children out in the car and teach them!

This can actually hinder the learner in a few ways. Licenced drivers that feel confident enough to teach have probably been driving for quite a while and in that time have probably picked up their own bad habits, only one hand on the steering wheel and pushing speed limits for example. Learner drivers could easily pick these up, resulting in a failure come test day. Even if they are good drivers themselves, being able to communicate information clearly and in a way that’s adaptable to an individual’s learning requirements is an entirely different proposition altogether. There is also the risk of high tensions from family members and added nerves.

Choosing a professional driving instructor is the easiest way to get the most out of your driving lessons. A trained driving instructor will have seen it all before and will have the knowledge and equipment (dual pedals) to handle any nervous mistakes, lapses in judgement, hesitations and so on, while teaching you in the most effective way. It is their job to take those completely new to driving and mould them into confident drivers who’ll pass their test with ease. They’ll also have much more patience than a family member or friend, as it’s their job after all.

Once a learner has decided to go with a professional, they then need to make sure they pick the right instructor for them. The best way to do this is to go with a reputable company, often based on what others are saying. Personal recommendations are a lot more credible than an individual instructor’s handmade website. Talk to friends or family members that have recently passed and ask about their instructors. Social media reviews, independent review sites and local Facebook groups for recommendations are also handy ways to view honest feedback about an instructor. 

Consider the Timing

When booking lessons, a learner should always think carefully about the timings. If they’re not a morning person, an early morning lesson might not maximise the time spent learning. Lessons should slot into a learner’s life at a convenient time if possible so they’ll be ready to give it their all.

The right road conditions are also crucial for learner drivers. Learners taking lessons during rush hour, school drop off or pick up time are potentially likely to experience heavy traffic and more pedestrians depending on the area. Not only does sitting in traffic reduce the amount of practical driving time, an increased number of pedestrians can cause a learner to become more nervous, heightening the likelihood of mistakes.

Lessons should take place at a time where the learner is adequately rested, hydrated and fed to heed the best results. The correct timing will be a huge factor in determining whether a learner is going to benefit from their lesson or not.

Comfort is a Must

Depending how long someone books a lesson for, they can be one-two hours at a time. That’s a long period for some people to be sat in a car concentrating, so learners must always be comfortable.

In the real world of driving a driver will not always be wearing their most comfortable shoes or their loosest tracksuit, but comfort is key if concentrating on passing your test. A driving lesson isn’t a fashion show, so learners should opt for practicality instead.

Comfortable flat shoes such as trainers or boots with a decent grip, trousers that aren’t too stiff or tight and a loose-fitting top will ensure the learner is comfortable throughout their drive. Outerwear such as hats, gloves and coats should be removed when entering the vehicle to avoid stopping to remove them shortly after starting.

Don’t Skip any Lessons

Consistency has a huge impact on the effectiveness of driving lessons. It is all too tempting on the morning of a lesson to want to spend an extra hour in bed instead. However, skipping even one lesson will cause a setback, however minor.

Practice makes perfect and if a learner is delaying the frequency they are practicing, their hard work can be undone. Regular lessons are vital to make sure what was learnt in a previous lesson is refreshed and built upon.

A great motivator is to block book driving lessons. When lessons have already been paid for the learner is more likely to commit to them as they will most likely have a regular slot saved in the diary and they are making faster progress.

Another great motivator to encourage commitment to learning is to book the theory test after just a couple of lessons. This encourages learners to try hard in their lessons, picking up the material needed to pass their theory test in real life alongside resources such as revision flashcards and a free online theory test. As the theory pass certificate is compulsory before taking the practical driving test, passing this is imperative to gaining that all-important licence.

Ask for Feedback

At the end of each lesson a good instructor will give their students time to ask questions to get some feedback and build an adaptive lesson plan for the following session.

Getting feedback is crucial for learners to get an idea of how well they are doing and what their weaknesses are. It also allows the driving instructor to focus on a learner’s own progression and specific problems instead of simply completing lesson plans in a fixed chronological order.

Remember, feedback isn’t criticism that should be shied away from. Learning to drive is exactly that, learning - constructive feedback can help shape future lessons, making them more effective - and in turn - help learners to become better drivers.

Eat and Hydrate Before

Being in the optimal condition is essential for maintaining driving lesson motivation. This means being well-rested, fed and hydrated before getting behind the wheel.

Nobody performs well on an empty stomach, and as driving requires a lot of concentration it is important that stomachs are full, bodies are hydrated and bladders are empty for the drive ahead.

The most important thing a learner can do is relax. Driving doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but with these tips learners can be sure they are getting the most out of their lessons.