L plates are essential
As a learner driver you have to display "L" plates in a visible place on the front and rear of the car you're driving. Until the day you pass the practical part of the driving test you'll have to display these and drive with someone who has passed their test, but they must be over 21 years old and have held a full British driving licence for at least 3 years.
When you start learning to drive, you're responsible for making sure that any vehicle you drive is legal, roadworthy and properly taxed. When you learn to drive with Karen's, you can be sure that all these things are taken care of, so you can have stress free driving lessons.
When you're paying for lessons, the insurance should be covered by the driving school, as it is at Karen's/Automatic Pass Driving Schools. If you're practising with friends or family, it is your responsibility to make sure you're covered on their insurance policy.
Knowledge is key- The reading bit
Some essential reading, like The Highway Code, is a great place to start before you start learning to drive. Also start to develop your Theory knowledge by reading Driving The Essential Skills and practice your Hazard Perception Skills. Boost your skills and improve your chances of passing both the Theory and Hazard Test. You'll find a range of materials designed to make learning as easy as possible in our Shop.
Buying your first Car
Learn to drive-learn to buy a car. Perhaps it's not a good idea to buy your first car while you are learning to drive. Once you have actually passed both your theory and practical tests you will have the enjoyment of buying a car and getting on the road immediately. Some learner drivers prefer their own cars, but most use the school's cars for driving lessons and the driving test.
You need a budget
So, you've worked out how much learning to drive is going to cost you. Now you need to budget some more. Include in your expected outlay service, tax and insurance. The last two will be higher if you're a new driver. Allow at least £1000-£2000 depending on your age, to get a car on the road. While you're learning to drive, work out a rough budget of how much it's going to cost you to run the car once the initial outlay has been made.
Buyers beware
Once people know you are learning to drive and intend buying a car, they will tell you plenty of horror stories about used and second-hand cars. Don't be put off, just use your common sense and research. You will be more protected by a recognised dealer, who will charge a higher price but includes after-sales service and extra warranty, but you can still get a good deal from a private sale. Just make sure you double-check that the documents match the car. Take someone with you, to do a test drive, and get an insurance quote for the model you want so that you can factor it into your budget. Another option is a car auction-again, there are good deals to be had, but take someone with you who knows what to look for, and have a check-list. When you learn to drive, you learn lots of other things too!
Tax
Learn to drive also means learning about tax. Everyone has to pay this, although it does depend on the size of the car and what kind of fuel it uses. The present government is trying to bring in cheaper tax rates for eco-friendly cars, so it's worth checking this out.
Insurance
As a new driver, and particularly if you are under 25, expect to pay around £1000 for comprehensive insurance. However, it's a competitive market, so do shop around. Remember too, that if you take Pass Plus within a year passing your test, some insurers will offer you a good deal.
Finding the best school for you
One of the biggest decisions when you decide to take driving lessons is choosing a good driving school. Of course price is important, but what's really crucial is that you make sure you choose a reputable driving school with licensed driving instructors such as Karen's School of Motoring. Learning to drive can be expensive, so do your homework. The most recent survey's have found that learners, take on average, two and a half hours of learning for every year of life. If you follow the correct syallabus with structured learning, the cost may well be reduced.
What is the main difference between large driving schools and small driving schools?
The larger driving schools such as Karen's School of Motoring have got a pool of instructors so if your own is unavailable because of holidays or illness you'll be offered a replacement without having to have a break in your lessons. Larger driving schools will also, have a pool of spare cars so if your own instructor's car breaks down on test day, you will be provided with a replacement car.
Will your driving instructor be able to provide lessons where you live? Karen's currently have instructors teaching across Essex, including; Basildon, Billericay, Brentwood, Cranham, Chafford Hundred, Chelmsford, Grays, Hornchurch, Hutton, Laindon, Leigh on Sea, Pitsea, Rayleigh, Southend on Sea, South Woodham Ferrers, Tilbury, Upminster, Westcliff on Sea & Wickford.
Most small driving schools operate from home and are generally a one man band with a mobile phone number, but with little or no backup, no spare car, and sometimes with no published address or landline phone. This should be considered, just in case something goes wrong!
If you ever need something answered or have a concern, just ask. Our instructors have a support system of manageresses that will always be happy and able to help you further.
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