Ready for the road
Friday 5 June 2009
Are you about to hit 17? Are you excited about the idea of learning to drive and getting behind your own set of wheels? Before you head to the shops for driving gloves and furry dice, make sure you are mentally prepared.
It's provisional
Before you can learn to drive or get your full licence you need to get a provisional licence first. They're not cheap, coming in at a cool £50. To apply you'll need some form of ID which features your photo, like a passport. You'll also need to provide a recent photo of yourself. Only then can you book a theory test. Find out how to get one.
Lessons
The major thing with learning to drive is that it costs money. Lessons can cost anything from £20 to £40 per hour, depending on how many you want. Some driving schools give you a discount for paying upfront or will let you buy a block of lessons for a particular amount.
If you're going to get lessons, it's a good idea to go with a reputable driving school. Search online for a good deal.
Tests
Before you can take to the wheel, you'll have to pass your theory and practical test. These also have to be paid for and your driving instructor can tell you how much. Passing these tests isn't that easy though as the theory test is tough and you'll have to study hard. Yet more exams - argh.
There are over 800 questions that could come up on the theory test, but there will only be 35 on the test. This test will be divided into two parts - multiple choice questions and video clips on hazard perceptions. You will have 40 minutes to get at least 30 questions right. However you won't have to wait long for the results as you'll know them before you leave the testing centre.
When it comes to the practical test, the more experience you have behind the wheel, the better. If you don't have access to a car at home, you'll probably need to take more lessons. Practice really is the key when learning to drive.
There are many reasons you can fail, including driving too slow!
Running costs
Not only do you have to find the cash to get yourself a car, there's also the money you'll need to keep it running. You can't drive any car without insurance and for new, young drivers that can unfortunately cost a lot of money.
Road tax is also a necessity and of course the ongoing costs of feeding the car up with petrol can have quite an effect on your bank balance.
Car maintenance
Unless you're lucky enough to be bought a top-of-the-range, brand new car, you're going to have to cope with the odd breakdown or problem which could see your car in the garage every now and again. If you're sure the driver's life is for you then make sure you get some good advice on buying a car and take someone you trust with you.
Souped-up models that are customised and have loads of extras might look glitzy but can have just as many issues as an old banger that's not seen a paint job for decades. Get someone to give any potential purchase a good going over. Find out more about the basics of car maintenance.
Environmental concerns
Of course one of the biggest prices to pay for being behind the wheel is the cost to the environment. Do you really need a car when you could just as easily take the more environmentally-friendly bus or train? And of course travelling by bike is becoming more and more popular. Find out more.
