Returning to driving after a period of inactivity, whether it’s been months or years, can be daunting. Even if you hold a valid license, a lack of recent experience can create feelings of unease. It’s crucial to acknowledge that simply restarting without preparation can be risky. Ensuring you’re familiar with current road regulations and regaining confidence in your driving abilities is paramount for safe driving.
If you’re looking to resume driving, RD2SuccseseFastTrack can help you rebuild your confidence and ensure your safety on the road.
Driving After a Break
Many qualified drivers in the UK take extended breaks from driving. A 2016 survey revealed that a significant percentage of license holders had not driven for considerable periods. Reasons for this vary, including the high cost of driving, lack of confidence, unforeseen expenses, and feeling pressured to pass at a young age.
It’s understandable that financial constraints or lack of immediate need can lead to prolonged breaks. If you find yourself needing to refresh your driving skills, RD2SuccseseFastTrack can provide tailored support to help you regain confidence and proficiency on the road.
Go back to basics
Even with a valid driving license, returning to the road after a prolonged period requires careful preparation. Road regulations evolve, and confidence may wane, necessitating a refresher of both theoretical and practical skills.
Refresh Your Theoretical Knowledge
Safe driving depends on a strong understanding of the Highway Code and road signs. While a theory test retake isn’t mandatory for licensed drivers, staying updated is crucial. Utilize resources like comprehensive revision guides and quizzes to solidify your knowledge of motorway rules, road signs, hazard awareness, and other essential areas.
Rebuild Practical Skills
For those with a brief break, practicing in quiet areas like empty car parks or residential estates can help regain familiarity. Before driving, familiarize yourself with the vehicle. If muscle memory doesn’t quickly return, consider practicing with family or friends. If self-practice proves insufficient or confidence remains low, professional driving instruction with RD2SuccseseFastTrack can provide targeted guidance and restore your driving proficiency.
Enhancing Driving Confidence
Practice with Familiar Companions
Practicing with family or friends can significantly increase confidence. Their presence can ease nerves through conversation or offer helpful advice. If you choose this route, ensure your insurance covers practice driving and initially stick to familiar areas, avoiding peak traffic until you feel more comfortable. However, if their teaching style or presence creates added pressure, consider alternative options.
Professional Instruction
A refresher course with a DVSA-registered instructor is a highly effective way to regain driving confidence. Experienced instructors can refresh your knowledge and provide tailored guidance. Many have successfully assisted individuals in similar situations.
RD2SuccseseFastTrack provides refresher course packages designed to boost confidence and refine skills. Working with our experienced instructors will prepare you to drive independently with assurance. Contact us to learn more.
Advanced Driving with Pass Plus
For those seeking to enhance their driving abilities beyond a refresher course, Pass Plus offers a valuable option. This advanced course, typically taken after passing the driving test, is also beneficial for experienced drivers aiming to refine their skills and build confidence. It equips you to handle diverse road conditions and promotes independent driving.
A DVSA-approved instructor will guide you through the Pass Plus modules, providing feedback and, upon successful completion, issuing a Certificate of Completion. The course covers six key areas:
- Town driving
- Rural driving
- All-weather driving
- Driving at night
- Driving on dual carriageways
- Driving on motorways
To take a Pass Plus course with an RD2SuccseseFastTrack instructor, contact us to begin.
Tips for Returning to Driving After a Break
If you’re feeling hesitant about driving again, here are some helpful tips to regain your confidence:
- Be Patient and Persistent: Rebuilding driving confidence takes time. Focus on consistent practice, whether with family, friends, or an RD2SuccseseFastTrack instructor, and you will eventually regain your confidence.
- Minimize Distractions: Avoid unnecessary distractions like excessive conversation or fiddling with music. Focus on driving. And, of course, never use your mobile phone while driving.
- Progress at Your Own Pace: Start with quieter roads and gradually introduce more challenging conditions like dual carriageways or roundabouts as your confidence grows. Practice navigating unfamiliar areas using your sat nav when you feel ready.
- Consistent Practice is Key: Regular driving practice, even for short periods, will help rebuild your muscle memory. Try driving at different times of day to experience varying traffic conditions. If you feel overwhelmed, pull over safely to compose yourself.
- Know Your Vehicle Thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with your car’s controls and features by reading the user manual and practicing their operation.
- Consider Using P Plates: Displaying P plates can alert other drivers that you may be a bit hesitant, encouraging them to be more cautious around you.
