AMPLIFY - Issue Three (Summer 2022)

Learning To Drive 2022 Learning to drive is a must for many college students as they are finally legally allowed to sit behind the wheel. Although it can be a very nerve wracking experience, for most it is all worth it in the end. Standards Agency), it takes the average learner 45 hours of lessons plus 22 hours of extra practice to get their full licence.

At this point, you just simply need to keep prac - tising as much as possible. Time on the road with a qualified driving instructor is the best way to learn, but like the DVSA says, you need a lot of practice to pass. If a parent/guardian is willing, you can buy insurance for learner drivers and get behind the wheel of their car. After you’ve had a few driving lessons and built up a bit of experi - ence then this is the next big step for you. But getting experience as a driver is half the battle. All learners need to pass a theory test. If you’re a confident driver, you don’t want to keep throwing money at driving lessons because you still haven’t passed this part. When you pass your theory, the certificate lasts 2 years, so there’s plenty of time for driving lessons and the practical test. But if the 2 years expires, then you will have to retake your theory. I also carried out a survey of HSDC students for their feedback and advice on learning to drive. Surprisingly I found the majority said they would be happy to pay over £30 per lesson with some even quoting more than £40. When asked for their highlights some people said passing their theory test was their highlight, some other people said actually starting to drive for the first time was their highlight because it felt like a new beginning

So if you’re getting close to that stage or already on the way we’ve got some tips and advice for you as well as some interesting learner stories from current HSDC students. There are many stages building up to passing your driving test and owning your very first car. Firstly, learning to drive is very expensive and will cost a lot of money. On average, you need to budget for around £2,500 before losing the L plates.

Firstly, buying your provisional licence will cost around £34 with an online application which you can apply for as soon as you turn 15 years and 9 months old but it only becomes valid on your 17th birthday. Don’t forget that you can’t start learning to drive until you have got your provi - sional licence. The next step is to book your driving lessons and get behind the wheel. If you book with a driving school then the average UK rate is £24 an hour. But it does range from £20 - £40 pounds across Hampshire and West Sussex. You also need to take into account how many lessons you might need before taking the prac - tical test. According to DVSA (Drivers & Vehicle

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