Learning to drive during lockdown - how to keep your skills sharp without lessons

Among the earliest aspects of life to be affected by the coronavirus outbreak was the UK’s driving test system.

Even before the country was put into lockdown, theory and practical driving tests were cancelled and, soon after, driving schools began to cancel lessons.

While learners are understandably keen to keep practising even without professional instruction, the CEO of one of the country’s largest driving schools is warning against heading out during lockdown.

Current government instructions are that you should only be driving if it is for essential reasons such as grocery shopping, caring for a vulnerable person or getting to work where working from home is not possible.

Home learning

Ian McIntosh, CEO of RED Driving School said: “The temptation for parents and their learner driver children to use the lockdown as an opportunity to practice is very real. If we are to look forward to getting out and about again soon, we must follow the Government’s advice to stay at home and avoid the appeal of quiet roads.

“Starting to learn with family members can set up new drivers with bad habits and, without dual controls in the family car, it can also be very dangerous for those just starting out. But most importantly right now, it is inappropriate for learners and parents to be out on driving lessons.”

While learners can’t get out on the road to practice, there is plenty you can do at home to stay sharp, ready for when testing centres re-open. Here are Ian’s tips on brushing up on theoretical skills.

Nail the theory test

This part of getting a driving licence is often neglected as learners focus on the practical side of getting behind the wheel. And it shows in the statistics – the DVSA reports theory test pass rates for 2019/20 are just 48 per cent. With proper study, learners should be able to pass the test with flying colours and a solid grasp of the theory behind driving will only help learners excel on the practical side as well.

The theory test is made up of 50 multiple choice questions, and learners need to get at least 43 of these right. It’s recommended that learners do at least 20 hours of revision for the test.

Red Driving School’s Theory Training Test Aid gives access to more than 1,000 DVSA official practice theory test questions. Feedback is provided for every question and learners can even take a full mock test.

You can also use the Government's example theory test to get a feel for the real thing.

Know your traffic signs

Being able to instantly recognise traffic signs and understand their direction is crucial to safe and confident driving. Take your learning to the next step by printing out images of the road signs and using them as flash cards. Leave the signs at various points around your house, like the ‘intersection’ of the hallway between the bathroom and your bedroom, and test yourself as you move through the house throughout the day.

Quiz your family and friends

Zoom quizzes have become a staple for socialising during lockdown so use the Highway Code to test your friends or family on your next big night in. While revising the Highway Code, prepare questions from the information you find, whether it’s a section you’re struggling to reme