But it can also be pretty unsettling too. The thought of being able to change gears without really concentrating is a million miles away and having an empty seat where the instructor used to be is pretty scary.
The concerns of new drivers are, in some instances, entirely warranted. Its generally recognised that young, inexperienced drivers tend to take more risks than older drivers and are slower to recognise the dangers of the road. In the first year of having a licence one in five drivers is involved in an accident.
The knock on effect isnt exactly surprising - all this means that for younger drivers, finding cheap
car insurance online can be tricky.
The good news is that theres such a thing as the Pass Plus training scheme, which has been designed by the Driving Standards Agency for newly qualified drivers. A lot of insurers recognise the value of Pass Plus and the greater level of competency it can give to drivers. In fact, a few insurers even had a hand in designing the course. As such it can, in some cases, mean you get a better price for your insurance.
This saving, Pass Plus insist, could more than cover the cost of training. And in some areas local councils are even funding or part-funding the test, its worth checking with your local council to see if this is the case where you live.
So what exactly does Pass Plus cover that a normal driving test doesnt? The fact is that even if new drivers feel confident behind the wheel, they can often be out of their depth doing anything that wasnt covered in lessons. Rural roads, dual carriageways and even motorways are all part of the course, as is driving in towns, in adverse weather conditions and driving at night too.
The idea is to build on your existing skills and knowledge, teaching you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards. The long and the short of it is that it can help you to become more confident on the roads.
The benefits are clear, greater safety on the roads and more money in your pocket. And, lets face it, youll be needing those extra pennies for all that expensive petrol youll be using!
