Learning to drive to pass your driving test, is one thing, but preparing for "real-life driving" is another thing. This week, ministers at the Department for Transport (DfT) explained that new drivers could be banned from driving at night if plans for “a graduated licence system” were introduced in the UK. The proposal comes as new statistics suggest that 1 in 5 drivers are involved in an accident within a year of passing their test. In a bid to tackle these figures, the DfT stated it could also feature restrictions on the minimum learning period and minimum ages of passengers. Here at InsureLearnerDriver, we believe learners can increase the chances of passing their test as a more experienced and safer driver, with the right preparation. Here’s just a few ways that can help.  

Practice your driving in your own time to prepare for real life driving

We can’t stress enough that private practice makes a huge difference in what kind of driver you are when you pass your test. Driving lessons mostly teach you how to pass your test, private practice allows you to develop your own habits in the driver's seat in your own time. The more driving experience, the better!

Drive in real-life conditions

During your private practice, it’s important to make time to drive in realistic conditions that you could encounter in real-life driving. Don’t be afraid to grab a couple of passengers, turn up the radio and get comfortable with how you’ll actually be driving after you pass. If you have a willing accompanying driver, get them to come on a night drive with you! We know this can seem extremely intimidating but doing it for the first time with someone next to you to guide you, is the best time to do it! For tips on driving in the dark, click here.

Drive to new places

The only restrictions you have as a learner driver are; you must have an accompanying driver that matches your insurer’s criteria, and that you can’t drive on motorways. Other than that, the world is your oyster! Drive to somewhere unfamiliar! It’s good to branch out and explore new kinds of roads to broaden your experience. It might even be fun to explore somewhere new.

Consider buying your own car as a learner

We know buying your own car as a learner isn’t always accessible, but if you’re planning on buying one when you pass anyway, why not do it before? There’s plenty of benefits, the main one being able to gain confidence in the driving seat you’ll be in for your first year or so on the road. To read more about owning a car as a learner, click here

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As it stands, there are currently no restrictions on new drivers in the UK. However, we’ll be keeping an eye on this! But until then, you can get in your hours of private practice, which will help prepare you for real-life driving. With InsureLearnerDriver, you can get cover to practice outside of your lessons online! Click here to get a learner insurance quick quote For more tips on staying safe on the roads, or for regular driving test tips, follow us on social media: InsureLearnerDriver Twitter | InsureLearnerDriver Instagram