Learner Drivers "How Much Practice Is Enough"
Learner Drivers – How Much Practice Is Enough?
If you want to become good at something, you need to get plenty of practice and in different conditions and times. Moreover, driving is no different. In fact, driving is a lot more difficult than it first looks.
There is more to it than just handling the controls of the vehicle and maneuvering the car in and around roads, (These are called physical skills of driving)
There are many decisions to be made while you’re driving, like “Who has the right of way?” “Can I turn left from this lane?” In addition, you have to obey all the road rules. (These are called cognitive or thinking skills of driving)
At the same time, you must look out for and manage unexpected hazards- such as other road users and changing weather conditions. (These are called perceptual or detection skills.)
It takes a long time to put all these skills together and become a good driver. In fact, most safety experts warn that you will need at least 120 hours of driving practice.
That sounds like a lot, but it is not that difficult to build up to this number of hours.
Most young people have their license for at least a year, and practicing 2-3 hours, a week is achievable.
Every time you are in the car, you should be behind the steering wheel! Even for short trips to school, work or sport can quickly add up to become lots of experience.
It is important that over the learner period, every possible type of driving experience is practiced. The support- and extra set of eyes-, which your supervisor can give during the practice, is invaluable.
Make sure that the first time you come up against a difficult driving situation is not when you are in the car on your own after gaining your “P” licence.
If you want to become good at something, you need to get plenty of practice and in different conditions and times. Moreover, driving is no different. In fact, driving is a lot more difficult than it first looks.
There is more to it than just handling the controls of the vehicle and maneuvering the car in and around roads, (These are called physical skills of driving)
There are many decisions to be made while you’re driving, like “Who has the right of way?” “Can I turn left from this lane?” In addition, you have to obey all the road rules. (These are called cognitive or thinking skills of driving)
At the same time, you must look out for and manage unexpected hazards- such as other road users and changing weather conditions. (These are called perceptual or detection skills.)
It takes a long time to put all these skills together and become a good driver. In fact, most safety experts warn that you will need at least 120 hours of driving practice.
That sounds like a lot, but it is not that difficult to build up to this number of hours.
Most young people have their license for at least a year, and practicing 2-3 hours, a week is achievable.
Every time you are in the car, you should be behind the steering wheel! Even for short trips to school, work or sport can quickly add up to become lots of experience.
It is important that over the learner period, every possible type of driving experience is practiced. The support- and extra set of eyes-, which your supervisor can give during the practice, is invaluable.
Make sure that the first time you come up against a difficult driving situation is not when you are in the car on your own after gaining your “P” licence.
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