Are You Experienced?

Its interesting how learners differ. The most extreme cases are when you meet an 'experienced' learner for the first time.

Let me explain what I mean...
An experienced learner is someone who has been driving for a while - in some cases, years!!! They may have been 'learning' all this time, others have been 'driving', such is the need to get on and get work that some have just learnt on the job!
It is often these drivers that are the hardest work. The first category, the 'Learners' can often be incredibly timid or self conscious about their driving and it takes some time to get it out of their heads that they CAN drive and drive well.
The second category, the 'Drivers' may already have bad habits such as speeding or not looking in mirrors or other road signs. It is these people I find the most challenging. The main thing I find is trying to convince them that they do NOT already know everything and that what I am saying to them may be of some use if they want to pass the test. I often try to explain that they are actually 'good' drivers (to a certain extent), but the test does not look to pass good drivers. The test is designed for NEW drivers, and they need to try to remember how they were when they first started driving.

My most extreme case was a chap, who was in his 50s, who had decided that now he was effectively retired, he would finally get his driving licence. He had been driving for work for over 30 years and had definitely got into LOTS of bad habits. It took a long time and some serious talks about what was required to get him up to test standard. I remember that we only did 1 hour lessons, basically because he found it such a strain to remember what he needed to do. I am very happy to report that he passed his test first time and was chuffed to bits at what he was able to achieve.

To find out more about how to pass your test, whether you are a new learner or an experienced 'driver', please go to the GT Driving School website at http://www.gtdrivingschool.net or call 07906 302910