Being able to drive opens up opportunities. In my early 20s, I missed out on two potentially life-changing opportunities because I could not drive. Things moved on and worked out in different ways, but I still sometimes wonder ‘what if’?
I did struggle and eventually passed the test on the third attempt. To say it was worth it would be an understatement. I have never looked back.
So, how do you motivate yourself to learn to drive if you struggle with it? There are no easy answers. But the good news is, there are ways of overcoming these issues. In this article, we will look at what might be holding you back from driving confidently and provide tips on how to get over them.
Set a goal
The first step to learning how to motivate yourself is setting a goal. You need to know what you want and why it’s important for you. It can be anything but try not to set too many goals at the same time as this might distract you from your main one. Make sure that those small steps will take you closer to achieving your final aim. The most motivating thing about having a goal is making progress and checking off every completed task along the way – no matter how little it seems compared with bigger tasks ahead of us, we always feel great when we notice our efforts bring success even if after some time has passed already since we started working on it!
When it comes to driving, focus your goals on what driving will enable you to do in your life. That may be getting a particular job or business opportunity, or perhaps being able to take your children to school and hobbies, or visiting family or friends more often or going on weekend trips and holidays. Think about how driving will make a difference in your life. Imagine clearly the life you will have when you’ve passed your test. Now put a time on when you expect to achieve that goal. And now break it down into the following steps.
Get your provisional driving license
The first step is to get your provisional license. You can apply online here. All you need is proof of ID and to pay the £34 fee. The provisional license will allow you to practice on the road with an experienced driver present in the car. The car will need to be insured to include you as a driver and you will need to display ‘L’ plates when you are in the car.
Take your theory test
The next step in learning to drive in the UK is the theory test. This is an online test conducted via a computer at a test centre. It costs £23. The test includes a multiple-choice section and a test of hazard perceptions. There are various websites and apps that can help you prepare. Around 50% of people fail on the first attempt, but you can quickly book another attempt, with a break of just 3 working days. The theory test will ground you in the rules of the road and increase your confidence about getting behind the wheel. You can take a free practice test from zutobi.com today!
Take driving lessons
Depending on where you live and what local driving schools offer, it could take several months of weekly lessons before you are ready to sit the driving test. On average it takes around 45 hours of driving experience to pass the test. You could spread that out across weekly lessons and private practice. Or if you are in a hurry, there are quicker routes. The team behind a company that offers intensive courses in Manchester, recommends taking some online driving classes to speed things up. There are also intensive driving courses available, where you can learn and sit a test all within one week.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The sooner you can get your provisional license and start practicing the better. Alongside formal lessons, try to get informal opportunities to drive as well. It will speed the process up and save you money. Experience builds confidence.
Driving instructors often suggest people take their theory tests before starting on the road lessons, but sometimes this isn’t necessary. Just start in the way that works best for you.
Maintain Driving Skills
A surprising number of people pass their test and then forget about driving as they don’t have their own car to drive. But learning to drive isn’t just about having that certificate, it is also about maintaining your skills and confidence. If you stop practicing before your skills are embedded, it will be much harder when the time comes that you need to drive on a real street.
Reward yourself
Give yourself a small reward every time you complete a step along your journey to learning to drive. Each step is an achievement. And of course, the big unlock is when you pass the driving test. Celebrate achieving your goal and all of the life opportunities that are now open to you.