*What They Don't Tell You About Learning To Driving

Image from Bridal Musings

I've already published a range of posts about my experience of learning to drive but I don't think I've mentioned all of the things they don't tell you about the process of learning to drive! My experience of learning to drive was quite straight forward but there was so much information and experiences that I wasn't expecting at all, especially how much waiting I'd have to do! Everyones experiences will differ but maybe those of you who have experienced driving lessons can relate to todays post.

It Can Be Terrifying 

Before I booked driving lessons I was very fortunate to be able to have access to a small area of unused land that I could practice a little on beforehand which definitely helped me feel less terrified by the prospect of driving on actual roads with other cars and people who you could crash into. I was absolutely petrified of crashing which I think is universal with those learning to drive but the possibility of crashing is very minimal as you're not going to be driving at motorway speeds and the instructor has dual control so they'll be able to stop the car if you can't; however that didn't stop me from being terrified every time I set off! However, just bear in mind that nothing will happen and you're allowed to make mistakes as you're learning.

Everyone Will Overtake You

My experience of driving on unused land hadn't prepared me for driving on the road and how many drivers will overtake me, especially van drivers who overtook me at every opportunity! I remember one experience where a van driver thought that it was a good idea to overtake a learner on a blind blend at speed without knowing if a car was coming the other way. I know this will make me sound like the elderly lady that I am but some drivers shouldn't be allowed to drive.

Learning To Drive Is So Expensive 

Every country and every instructor will have slightly different rates and deals but on the whole in the UK, learning to drive is so expensive. I paid for a crash course of eight days which cost me around £720 which is a lot of money especially with the prospect of not passing, having to pay for extra lessons or paying for insurance. As well as the initial cost of the lessons, I also had to pay for the theory test (£50), a second practical test (£25) and then six or so months of learner driver insurance which again was quite expensive and totalled my cost of learning to drive at around £1000...yeah, I wasn't expecting that.

Insurance 

As I've mentioned I opted to practice driving in my dads adorable Renault Clio (which has been sold and I miss it every time I have to drive the new car) which helped so much and I would definitely recommend it if you are lucky enough to have access to a family members car. Learner insurance was fairly expensive and insurance once you've passed can be too so it's always best to shop around for the best deal; GAP Insurance from ALA has received lots of great reviews as well as five stars!

Can you drive? If so, how was your experience of learning to drive? Do you have any tips for finding the best insurance? 

*This is a collaborative post
*Image from Pinterest