It's important that during your lessons, you spend some time driving independently. This involves pretending that you are driving alone, your instructors role is to remain silent and simply manage the risk.

 

Independent driving will be part of your practical driving test for about 20 minutes. It will likely take form of following a set route in a SAT NAV but can also be following road signs towards a destination.

 

Following Road Signs

We’ll practise following a route part way to a destination, for example, “follow signs to Poole Town Centre”. You’ll need to look out for destination signs, and independently navigate using them. You'll need to decide what lanes to select to get you through each junction safely.

 

Journey Planning

Planning a longer journey will not be part of your driving test, by likely to be needed at some point of your future as a driver.

 

These are some factors to consider when making a longer journey.

 

Am I allowing enough time? What if I hit traffic?

 

What is the weather forecast? Should I leave earlier?

 

The time of travel, avoid busy periods like start of school or rush hour.

 

Checking the route for delays using online route planners or traffic alerts.

 

 Have I got enough fuel? Have I got a way to pay for fuel if I need it?

 

 Are there any tolls? Do I need to prepay these online?

 

Will I need to use a car park? Do I have some change for the parking meter or need to install any payment apps?

 

Is my mobile phone off or on silent so I’m not distracted?

 

Will I need to take a rest stop? (Roughly every 100miles or 2 hours).

 

Am I prepared for emergencies? Should I get breakdown cover. Is my spare wheel inflated? Do I have the tools and know how to change it?

 

Have I got water and snacks onboard?