Top 10 tips for learners from driving instructors

Words of advice to help people pass first time and avoid the waiting list

With 70 per cent of driving instructors admitting they have a waiting list, and the long backlog for driving tests, experts have given their top tips for learners looking to pass first time.

For many learner drivers, the last two years has seen their journey to driving independence put on hold as tests and lessons faced long delays.

Recent research from the UK’s largest pre-17 driving school, Young Driver, revealed that 70 per cent of driving instructors still have waiting lists. Two thirds (66 per cent) also said that in their experience the waiting times for driving tests hadn’t reduced at all in the last few months.

For those who are lucky enough to find an instructor, the pressure is on to pass their test first time – or face a lengthy wait for a second try.

Young Driver asked 150 of its qualified driving instructors for their top tips to help learners pass their test first time and become the safest possible driver.

The 10 most popular pieces of advice were:

1.Don’t copy what your peers or parents are doing behind the wheel – they may have picked up bad habits. Listen to what your ADI says and follow their guidance.

2.Be a back seat driver pay attention as a passenger when other people are driving. Put down the phone and watch the road to see how you would handle certain situations.

3.Learn to read other road users – but understand that some will not follow the rules, so you have to be able to forward plan and always ask yourself ‘what if…’. Don’t assume anything!

4.Learn the theory not just to pass the test but because it will make you a better driver

5.Utilise digital aids like the Young Driver App – it has 360-degree VR driving lessons you can watch and rewatch to refine your driving technique.

6.Using your mirrors and checking blindspots needs to become second nature whenever you’re in a car, for the rest of your driving life. Always be alert to cyclists and motorcyclists.

7.Be patient and courteous – never let your temper get the better of you.

8.Reflect on constructive criticism – there’s always something more we can learn. Passing your test will not be the end of your learning journey, so continue to try and improve your technique.

9.Never lose concentration for a second – that’s all it takes to have an accident or fail your test.

10.Get as much experience as possible – ideally pre-17, on the road with your instructor and private practice with a suitable family member or friend in their car.

Practice really does make perfect!