To understand what the term ‘lapsed learner driving lessons’ means, you first must understand what a lapsed learner is. This usually means that you have already taken some driving lessons in the past but never quite got around to taking a driving test.
Learners can put their driving lessons on pause for any number of reasons. It could be that a lack of funds got in the way or perhaps work or family matters took priority. Sometimes ill-health strikes or even a hit of nerves takes over. Hell, you might have even had a clash with an instructor!
An established driving school will likely have plenty of experience in providing lapsed learning driving lessons, whatever the context of the students’ loss of awareness. That means they can be assured of individual attention from an experienced and patient instructor.
Do I need lapsed learner lessons?
It depends on how long it has been since you last drove and how confident you feel behind the wheel. However, there are a few signs to look out for that might indicate that you need an update.
If you feel nervous about driving again, talk to an experienced driving instructor about what triggered your nerves. They will understand that perhaps you didn’t feel comfortable about driving a particular car or that you didn’t get on with a particular instructor.
Many learners find that they come up against a specific stumbling block and the most common of these are:
- Hill starts
- Parallel parking
- Driving at night
- The theory test
If nerves were the reason for not continuing with your driving lessons, you can be reassured that this is completely natural, with most learner drivers feeling a certain amount of nervousness and almost all having specific hurdles that they find difficult.
Have you failed your test?
If you previously failed a test and lost motivation, a good instructor can get you back on track with time, patience and practice. You should trust that your instructor will respect your feelings and understand how you feel about driving, including why you may not be happy with a specific type of car or learning style. For instance, you may prefer to learn in an automatic car or a smaller car.
If you need to brush up on specific skills whether it is parking, navigating roundabouts, motorway driving or night driving it may be that you just did not previously have enough time or motivation to practice them properly. Again, it is a matter of finding the right instructor, along with a responsible driver to practice with – one who can patiently guide you through a previously insurmountable issue.
The driving theory test
The driving theory test made its first appearance in July 1996 and was brought in to make our roads and drivers safer. With its two parts and fifty multiple-choice question format, it strikes fear into the hearts of many learner drivers. The aim of the theory test is to instil in drivers a detailed understanding of the Highway Code and of hazard perception.
Many learner drivers have no problem with the driving part; the theory test is another matter. According to the AA it is nerves that always play a part in the number of learners who cannot get past the theory test hurdle but some refuse to give up. It was reported that one unnamed learner failed the theory test 59 times before finally passing it.
It is clear that the key to success is revision and choosing the right instructor who has tried and tested methods of teaching. If you decide to take lapsed learner driving lessons it’s best to choose an established driving school such who can tailor their approach to your learning style, navigating you successfully through your driving test.