Top 5 Tips for Learning to Drive During Lockdown 2.0

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Top 5 Tips for Learning to Drive During Lockdown 2.0

Of course, learning to drive in lockdown is difficult, but one can still make progress at home safely. With in-person driving lessons on hold, there is some scope for one to continue improving their driving skills in lockdown. Here are the top five tips that will help you in continuing with your driving journey safely and effectively through this lockdown.

1. Go for Private Practice… But Follow the Rules

During the lockdown, it is permitted to practice driving, provided that this is private practice and that you drive with someone in your household or social bubble. However, there are a few important requirements that help ensure you keep within the law while remaining safe.

Essential Guides during Private Practice

Choose the Right Accompanying Driver: The supervisor must be at least 21 years of age, have held a full license themselves for at least three years, and be legally qualified to drive the vehicle you practice in. They should not be under the influence, tired, or distracted.

Journey Justification: Unlike normal practice drives, each journey must be justified as an essential trip. For instance, when you drive to pick up groceries or supplies from the store, that can count toward practice. However, you can’t drive around merely for practice reasons, as doing so may result in fines due to making an unnecessary journey in lockdown. Also, be very careful not to drive without learner insurance; this may raise hefty fines and even some potential legal issues.

Avoid the Motorway: Learners are allowed to drive on motorways only if one qualified driving instructor is on board and the car they are practicing in has dual controls. Just stick to safe local routes for practice, and avoid taking the motorway during your private practice sessions in lockdown.

It is excellent for private practice, which keeps the feel of the car and road conditions intact. Just ensure that you are abiding by all regulations in order to avoid any fines.

2. Make Full Use of Online Resources Such as Theory Test Pro

While in-car training may be on hold, one can still study for the theory and hazard perception tests using online resources like Theory Test Pro. This online website has an array of practice questions and interactive tools that help refresh your memory on both theory and hazard perception skills.

Tips for Effective Online Learning

Try to practice the test questions regularly: Organize your day in a manner that you can dedicate enough time to go through the practice questions. Consistency in this regard keeps you familiar with the possible kind of questions.

Hazard Perception: Hazard perception is the most essential thing for safe driving. Theory Test Pro will provide you with a simulated environment where you can practice identifying hazards. This practice can help you react much quicker on the road.

Check in with your instructor: While face-to-face lessons may be on hold, many instructors are offering remote consultations. Reach out to your instructor to see whether they can view your Theory Test Pro progress. They can help identify areas where you need more focus, and that way you will be continuing to improve during lockdown.

By fully utilizing these online resources, you will be able to make your theoretical knowledge of the subject as strong as your practical one.

3. Conquer the Hardest Questions of the Theory Test

The theory test can be a bit tricky, especially on certain topics which really puzzle the learners. Theory Test Pro gives the opportunity to study quizzes on those toughest questions and face them once and for all.

Key Areas to Concentrate On:

Road signs and their meanings: This is another thing which most of the learners find quite difficult to handle. Make full use of available quizzes on Theory Test Pro for practicing tricky signs and scenarios.

Difficult rules and scenarios: Certain rules, like right-of-way in complicated junctions, are difficult to understand. Take your time to go through those difficult questions now for an added advantage in taking the test.

You can also gain deeper insight by reading materials that are targeted at challenging areas, such as perception of hazards and recognition of signs. This will work to your advantage in passing the theory test because all this is done in the context of developing a fine understanding of the subject matter.

4. Understanding New Elements in the Theory Test

The theory test began in September to include a new element that replaces the case study with a video clip and multiple-choice questions. This puts greater emphasis on visual recognition and practical understanding; for this reason, it is important that you understand what to expect.

Understanding the New Theory Test Format

Watch Example Videos: If you are not used to this format, then scour the internet for sample videos to get used to both the style and pace. Practice watching these clips and then answering multiple-choice questions to simulate test conditions.

Give Attention to Situational Awareness: This new section tests your ability to understand driving scenarios and make decisions. This is where situational awareness plays an important role-practice imagining how you would react in a range of different road conditions in lockdown.

The more comfortable you get with the changes now, the better you will be to take up the theory test once testing resumes.

5. Avoid Driving Lessons with Instructors Until It’s Safe

With lockdown in full swing, it is very tempting to arrange informal lessons with your instructor. It comes highly recommended to avoid this at all costs, though. Some driving instructors have tried giving lessons by taking their business markings off their cars or by disguising such lessons as private practice, but this is extremely risky for all parties concerned.

Why Waiting Is the Best Option

Safety First: During the Lockdown are made for everyone’s safety. Learning in a controlled environment with an instructor is required, but only when it’s allowed again.

Legal Consequences to both Instructor and Learner: Should you be found out, it could mean fines or worse both for you and your instructor. Besides, driving lessons are not covered by insurance during lockdown, and any accident could well result in severe legal consequences.

Instead, be patient and wait for the restrictions to be lifted. When driving schools open their doors again, you will be able to resume your safe and legal driving lessons.

Final Thoughts: Preparing for Your Return to Driving Lessons
Patience is key during the lockdown period to learn driving, complementing online learning with strategic private practices. Keeping on rules and fully utilizing the available resources online will see you on the right track and continuation of progress, even with no in-person lessons. Here’s a quick rundown:

Private Practice Wisely: With a member of the household in the car, take it out for only absolutely necessary trips. Make sure your practice is legitimate and within all the guidelines to avoid any fines.

Online Learning: Use Theory Test Pro and other available online materials to make sure that you are updated on your theory. Consistent study sessions will keep you sharp.

Go through your weak points, focusing especially on hard theory questions or road signs that may appear to stump you easily.

Get Familiarized with New Introductions to the Theory Test: Look over the sample videos and familiarize yourself with new video-based questions.

Stay Safe and Wait for In-Person Lessons: Refrain from the temptation to continue with lessons on the sly. Waiting until the lockdown restrictions lift ensures everyone’s safety, and you are insured and legally protected.

While this lockdown might seem like a step back, remember: it’s all worth it. Every little improvement you can make now will pay for itself later. Stay positive and practice what you’re allowed to inside the guidelines so you can be ready for a successful return once in-person lessons resume. And with patience and persistence, you will be prepared to pass your test and take to the road with complete confidence!

Main Photo by Orkun Azap on Unsplash.