If you’re a young driver looking to get your licence, you’ve come to the right place. With tricks and tips for test preparation and advice on how to take and pass the driving test, this article has everything you need to know about getting behind the wheel — quickly.
Apply for a provisional licence online
The first step to take if you want to pass your driving test as soon as possible is to order a provisional licence. It only takes 10 minutes to do this online and the licence will be with you in a week or so.
Once you have this, you are legally allowed to operate a vehicle and you can start looking for a driving instructor.
Study for your theory with an app
The theory test is perhaps the biggest hurdle you have to jump before you take your driving test. The theory test measures your ability to read road signs, understand important rules, and know your speed limits.
It is important for you to pass this test before you take your practical test as it will help you while on the road. You can study for your theory using mobile apps to take mock tests and get used to the type of questions you’ll get.
You can also use YouTube videos as examples of hazard perception – which is often the most tricky aspect of a theory test.
Book your theory as soon as possible
Once you feel ready to take your theory test, you should take it as soon as you can. There are test centres in every city so you’ll have no problem finding a local test centre where you can complete this important step. Once you have taken and passed your theory test you have 2 years to pass your practical test, so now it’s time to get behind the wheel!
Book your lessons
Finding a great driving instructor can be a struggle, but once you do, you should try and book a block of lessons on your first visit to ensure you keep learning consistently.
Ideally, you want to be taking lessons every 3-4 days if possible, as this will ensure that the lessons stay fresh in your mind and you get used to driving.
You can often choose between 1 and 2 hour slots – and a 2 hour slot might be the best option for you if you want to learn quickly.
Try an intensive course
If you can’t wait to be on the road and you don’t want to wait too long for lessons – why not try an intensive course?
You can take a 10, 20, or 30 hour course over a week which will aim to have you licenced by the end of the week. These courses can be incredibly useful and if you are short on time or simply impatient, these could be a good option to explore.
Practice driving at home
If you want to increase your driving time throughout the week, consider driving with a family member between your lessons. If you have a parent or a sibling who has a low litre car to use, you can ask them to let you take the wheel and practice driving around your local neighborhood. Driving in a different setting without your instructor present may actually help you to learn, and using roads local to you will ensure that you feel comfortable and safe.
Take your test
It’s now time to take your test, and the first step is booking it. When booking your driving test it is a good idea to consider where the test centre is and also what time of day you do it.
For example, if you were to take your test at 8 am the local area will likely be much busier with traffic due to the school run as well as the rush hour for work. It is best to try and avoid these times of day as there are a lot more people on the roads and you are more likely to make a mistake.
Once you have booked your test at the preferred time, it is time for you to take it. Your instructor will drive you to the test centre and you do have the option to have a lesson just before – however, this might tire you out before your test.
Once you are on the road, take your time with decisions and trust your instincts. It is always better to drive too slow than too quickly (but not too slow!).
Hopefully, these tips will help you get your driving licence quickly this year.