The country may be in lockdown once again but that is no reason to stop thinking about how to approach your driving, once lessons can restart. Before you book your first driving lessons for beginners you need to put yourself in a positive frame of mind and put in place a to-do list of resolutions.

Increase Your Confidence

This is easier said than done you may think. Most new drivers worry about certain driving scenarios, such as hearing emergency vehicle sirens or doing an emergency stop for example, and become anxious about how they’ll cope. As you drive more your confidence will naturally increase but if you are unable to start your lessons there are still things you can do to build up your confidence.

Start Talking!

Start by talking to the most experienced driver you know and ask them questions about the issues which bother you the most. They will be only too happy to pass on their knowledge.

Keep in Touch with Your Driving School

Your chosen instructor will be happy to speak to you about any worries or concerns you may have about your lessons and will do their best to calm your nerves. After all, they want you to be enthusiastic about learning to drive and want you to be able to pass your test.

Be Calm Behind the Wheel

This is one resolution which you must pay extra attention to as a driver who is prone to losing their cool on the road is one who will make the most mistakes and endanger other motorists. Nobody wants to see a learner exhibiting road rage and neither will it get you any closer to passing your test. 

Practise a drill for when you can get behind the wheel: depending on the weather of course, plan what you’re going to wear when you drive. Bulky clothing and inappropriate footwear can make you feel flustered and uncomfortable so wear something loose and comfortable with flat shoes.

Learn some calming breathing exercises if you’re worried about losing your cool.

Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre

Driving well means sticking to the routines taught by your instructor. Get into the habit of checking your mirrors not only before any manoeuvre but also periodically while driving. Being alert to what’s around you will save you from potential test failure.

Finally, trust in your instructor. Choose one who you get on well with and who inspires your confidence and calms your nerves and you will learn to be a safe, competent and confident driver. 

For many new drivers the thought of driving in icy or snowy conditions strikes terror into the heart but fear not because with the right Beverly Slater driving instructor by your side you will learn how to cope with winter conditions. Here are some tips on how to drive safely in icy weather conditions.

Lesson 1 – Be Prepared

Every motoring organisation will say that you must always be prepared for every eventuality whilst driving. Wear warm, non-restrictive clothing and footwear. If using your own vehicle for driving lessons have a blanket, shovel and flask of warm drink handy in case you get stuck for any length of time. Keep a burlap sack or old rug handy in case you get stuck in the snow; you can put this under the wheel to give tyres extra grip. 

Before Setting Off

Make sure all mirrors and windows of your car are fully de-iced and cleared of snow. Ensure your windscreen washer jets are unblocked and all the exterior lights are working. Familiarise yourself with the heating and de-misting controls inside the car. Give yourself plenty of extra time to do this. Only set off when you have full clear vision through windows and mirrors. If you’re learning in an automatic car pay attention to any instructions concerning your vehicle’s recommended winter settings.

Driving on Snow or Ice

The key here is to do things more slowly and carefully; this means no hard accelerating or sudden braking as the car will fail to grip and may slide on ice. Pull away in second gear rather than first to avoid wheel spin and move off slowly.

Heavy braking, sudden gear changes or upward changes in speed may cause a loss of control so avoid these and remember that you’ll need to gently apply the brake much sooner than you normally would when approaching a junction or crossroads.

When driving downhill, leave more room than usual between you and the vehicle in front and use a low gear to utilise the car’s natural engine braking. If driving up a snowy incline allow the car in front of you some room to get out of the way; use a low gear and try to keep to a constant speed rather than accelerating to avoid having to stop part of the way up.

Driving in winter conditions is made much easier when you learn with an approved driving instructor because they are always prepared for whatever the weather throws at us and will be a calming and experienced presence to guide you through tricky conditions. Ensuring that you drive safely and happily.