Driving is a skill that takes considerable time to acquire. According to estimates, a new driver might expect to spend around forty-five hours in guided lessons, and countless more practising on sleepy Sunday mornings. Also worth considering are the financial cost of lessons, and the stress and pressure that come with the testing process.
Nevertheless, obtaining a full driver’s license is an achievement that’s worth striving for. Let’s look at why.
Expanding Your Social World
Do you have friends in a neighbouring town, whom you’d like to visit more frequently? Are there concerts being hosted in a large city nearby, but you’re worried about missing the last train home? The ability to drive can make these things much more accessible, and broaden your horizons in a way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
You can practice driving on your way to a social event, too. You’ll just need to be sure that the person accompanying you is over twenty-one, and that they have been qualified to drive for more than three years.
Boosting Job and Education Opportunities
The cost of learning to drive, as we’ve mentioned, can be considerable. But it’s utterly dwarfed by the professional and self-development opportunities that a license can unlock. You’ll be able to more easily access your place of work or study, and apply for a much broader range of jobs. If you can write the fact that you can drive on your CV, then you’ll be in a much better position than a young person who can’t.
Building Confidence and Life Skills
Driving is an inherently difficult thing – at least when you’re first learning the rules, and developing your muscle memory. When you drive, you’ll call upon (and therefore develop) a whole range of decision-making and risk-assessing skills.
You might therefore find that your character develops as a result of your learning to drive. You’ll be able to face the other challenges and setbacks in your life, and build up new skills at work. After all, if you’ve obtained a driving license, the chances are that you’ll be able to obtain other skills and qualifications, too.
Staying Safe and Protected on the Road
If you’re going to take a car onto a public road in the UK, then you’ll need to be protected by the right insurance. Specialised learner driver insurance often provides the right kind of protection, without offering long-term cover that you don’t need. This applies if you’re driving a car that you own.
If you’re driving a car belonging to a friend or family member, then you might find that you’re covered by that person’s insurance. Just make sure that you confirm this before you set out. If you don’t you could be breaking the law.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
