5 essential tips for new learner drivers

Starting driving lessons? Here are our top five tips for new learner drivers

Learning to drive is an expensive, time-consuming and nerve-wracking venture – but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.

There are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure you have the best and most problem-free experience possible.

It's a daunting time, so we've done the hard work for you.

We've reached out to some local driving instructors and compiled their top tips and helpful ideas into one handy guide.

So, let's dive in.

Pick the right instructor

Learning to drive takes time, so you'll be spending a lot of hours together. You need to pick the right instructor for you – it'll make all the difference if you actually get along with them.

When speaking to Kay Tomlin from KT Driving Devon, she said: "I find people choose me because I'm friendly, approachable and adaptable to clients' needs."

Having a friendly instructor creates a safe learning environment, which will benefit you and make you feel supported throughout your lessons.

The best way to pick the right driving instructor is through recommendations and reviews. Ask your friends and family, or look at reviews online to see what other learners have said about potential instructors.

David Johnson, co-owner at First Drive South West, advises first-time learners to "find a reputable instructor and if they can't work with you immediately, join their waiting list."

Additionally, opting for a fully qualified instructor will benefit you enormously. They'll know the rules of the road like the back of their hand, understand the best routes in your local area, and spot any bad driving habits before they become a problem.

Plus, a fully qualified instructor can take you on the motorway, meaning you can get some practice in before you pass – taking away the fear factor.

Knowledge is key

Knowing the rules of the road will increase your confidence when learning to drive. Your theory test is just as important as the practical test – in fact, you can't take your practical test until you've passed your theory anyway.

Take the time to study and practise for your theory test. This knowledge of road signs and hazards will benefit you greatly when physically driving.

First Drive South West even offer online video courses for students who can't access an instructor immediately but have their own car to practise around Exeter. The videos cover various aspects of driving and consist of quizzes and step-by-step guides to help with driving around difficult areas of Exeter.

Online videos are a great way of reinforcing learning and will expand your driving knowledge, making you more confident on the roads.

Be patient

David from First Drive South West emphasises that "learning to drive can sometimes take a while. Be patient with the process."

Patience is a virtue, especially when learning to drive. As Kay from KT Driving Devon points out: "Everyone learns at their own pace."

It's important to understand that you're not going to master everything in the first lesson. Some skills and manoeuvres take time to grasp, and that's completely normal.

Keep practising and you'll get the hang of it over time – there's no rush.

Enjoy your lessons

Learning to drive takes time, and the initial excitement may wear off as lessons become routine. It's normal to make mistakes – we're only human.

Try to keep your lessons enjoyable and remain excited about the future. Picture yourself being able to drive off independently, singing car karaoke to your heart's content.

Remember, every lesson brings you one step closer to that freedom and independence that comes with passing your test.

Communicate clearly

If you don't understand something, simply ask your instructor. It's their job to help you understand everything and become confident behind the wheel.

David from First Drive South West suggests: "Really engage with your learning."

You can only improve through asking questions, so don't be afraid to put your instructor to the test. A good driving instructor will be an excellent communicator and patient with your progress. They'll understand the time required to prepare someone properly for their test.

Ready to start your driving journey?

Learning to drive is one of life's biggest milestones, and with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Once you've mastered the basics and you're thinking about what car might be perfect for your first independent drives, we've got you covered.

Check out our guide to the best cars for new drivers to discover which vehicles offer the perfect combination of safety, affordability and ease of driving for newly qualified drivers.