Quinn-Direct: Five Things to Think About Before Learning to Drive

LONDON, September 6, 2010 - So you've decided that you want to learn to drive, gain some independence
and strike out onto the open road on your own. In order to do so, there are a
few things you will have to consider and do before you can start. To help you
get moving, Quinn Direct - a special provider of car insurance
(www.quinn-direct.co.uk) for new and young drivers have put together a
list of the five most important things that we feel that you should think
about before learning to drive.

1. Get your provisional licence

Before you can be eligible to learn to drive, you must apply for your
provisional drivers licence. You can do this by filling out the D1
application form available from your Post Office or the DVLA Form Ordering
Service. You will need to enclose documentation that confirms your identity,
an up to date passport style photo and a fee of GBP50. You can send this
completed application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD, or you may be
able to use the premium checking service.

It will take around three weeks for the DVLA to process your application,
maybe more if your health or personal details require further checking. You
cannot start driving without your provisional licence, so be patient. Wait at
least three weeks before contacting the DVLA if your licence has not turned
up.

2. Check your eyesight

Before you take your practical driving test, you will be required to take
an eyesight test. You will have to read a stationary car number plate from a
distance. This distance will be 20.5 metres with an old style number plate
and 20 metres if a new style plate is used.

If you have problems with your eyesight and use either glasses or contact
lenses to correct your vision, you are expected to use them when driving. If
you feel you have a problem with your eyesight, then go to an optician before
you start learning.

3. Get a copy of the Highway Code

The Highway Code is an invaluable tool for learning to drive. It contains
information on the different types of roads, signs and crossings currently in
use. It also advises on driving in adverse weather conditions and how to keep
your car road legal. You will be tested on the contents of the Highway Code
during your theory test. The Highway Code is available from all good
bookshops.

4. Do you have someone who can help you practice?

In addition to your lessons, it is a good idea to practice what you have
learnt with an experienced driver. Someone over 21 with more than five years
experience of driving would be ideal. Maybe one of your parents could help
out and take you driving in a quiet area to build up confidence and practice
manoeuvres? You must also make sure that you are insured before taking
control of the wheel. If you are going to take lessons from family members
look out for cheap car insurance for young drivers (
www.quinn-direct.co.uk/car-insurance) or learner drivers.

5. Choose a Driving Instructor

Once you have received your provisional licence and made the other
preparations listed in this article, you will want to sign up for lessons
with a driving instructor. The Driving Standards Agency cannot advise on
which driving instructor to go with as it is a government agency. Instead,
consult family, friends or work colleagues on a suitable instructor.

You should be looking for a driving instructor who is reliable and
punctual with a good reputation. Additionally, it is a good idea to find out
what type of car he/she uses as you may find a larger or more powerful car
more difficult to drive. You can find a list of local driving instructors in
your Yellow Pages directory.

Contacts: Carrie Greene +44(0)117-930-8800