Ways to keep learning when you are unable to have driving lessons

If you have a driving test coming up soon you might find our Ultimate Guide to Driving Test Nerves useful.

Theory Test training

Theory tests have also been cancelled for the next few months. This will cause problems for those of you whose theory test runs out shortly (you may have to take it again if it runs out, however, this is under review, we will let you know when we get confirmation) and for those of you who have not taken your theory test yet as it will delay you passing your driving test. We recommend using this time to practise your theory test training to ensure you the best chance of passing your theory and keeping your driving goals on track. If you have already passed your theory then revisiting the training and practise is still a useful way of maintaining your driving skills between driving lessons. Go Theory offers a limited resource that you can get started on for free.

Catch up with reflection and planning ready to restart driving lessons If your driving instructor uses a reflective log in your lessons catch up with a reflection on your last driving lesson and set some goals for when driving lessons resume. Confident Drivers subscribers can download an in-depth learning log to reflect on future lessons and how to prepare to achieve your future driving goals. Learn more about what else is included in a subscription for learner drivers.

Best books to read while driving lessons have stopped

We know how frustrating it is now that driving lessons have stopped. But learning does not need to. Why not use the time before restarting your lessons to prepare and learn more about the rules of the road. It will keep your current knowledge refreshed and you will feel ready to get back behind the wheel for lessons and pass your driving test.

Learn to drive Apps to try

We haven't trialled these ourselves but certainly the Official DVSA apps would be a good investment while you wait for driving lessons to restart

Use the Confident Drivers Coaching wheel

We normally suggest the coaching wheel as a tool to help you manage driving test nerves. Instead, you can use the coaching wheel to help you identify which areas of driving you would like to learn more about before restarting driving lessons. You can then use this as a study plan while learning about roadcraft, observing other people's driving or watching your driving instructors YouTube videos on manoeuvres.  See the request box earlier in this article.

Using observations to practice

While nothing replaces experience from a driving lesson you can also begin learning or consolidate what you already know through observations. Observations and demonstrations are one of the key factors known to help build confidence. You can read more about other factors in our blog about driving confidence and Bandura's Theory of Self Efficacy. Does your driving instructor provide driving videos that you can watch on YouTube? Do any other local instructors? Can you learn by observing while you are a passenger? Alternatively, why not try this animated online driving lessons simulator to fill in the gaps while your driving lessons have stopped.

Review your driving instructor

Your driving instructor is going through a really tough time right now as a self-employed person who can no longer run their business and has zero income. To help ensure your driving instructor is able to return to giving driving lessons in the future and help you achieve your driving goal please take a few moments to leave them a positive review. If they have their business listed on Google this will be the best place to review them, if not then leave a review on their social media pages. It will give you both a positive happy feeling!

Practice with a household member

Social distancing suggests that you should avoid being within 2 metres of other people outside of your household. This makes lessons with your driving instructor difficult so maybe you could consider practising your driving with household members instead (Please note this does not apply during lockdown when only essential trips are allowed). Before you start private driving practice read our advice for parents giving driving lessons first. MyFirstUK are offering £100 off learner driver insurance using the code CONFIDENT DRIVERS which sounds like a great way to retain your driving skills between driving lessons.

Please help us by sharing this guide with others.  There is a good chance that if you found it useful, so will they.

Read more of our reviews from happy learner drivers who have used our stress management techniques to help them on Trustpilot

If you would like some additional help and stress management resources to help you tackle your driving test nerves or improve driving confidence then our subscriptions are created by leading industry experts especially for you.

What is included:

Four relaxation audios 
Three ways to use imagery techniques 
A range of breathing exercises and a breathing audio
Positive self-talk tools and techniques to manage negative thinking 
Four TFT Meridian tapping videos for different emotions and feelings 
A range of Coaching tools and techniques to help plan ahead and change your driving mindset
Two hypnotherapy audios specifically tailored for Driving Confidence and Driving Test Nerves.
You will also get a SIX Week Introduction to Mindfulness course - learning skills you can use in stressful situations throughout your life.

These plans are created specifically for individual drivers, you can find out more details on our learner drivers page.  We also have a range of group plans created for driving instructors, you can find more details on our ADI page.