Something that people have asked me about before, is how does the UK compare to different countries when it comes to learning to drive? The common belief is that the UK is hard on learner drivers, but that's not entirely true. Below are 4 examples of how other places around the world grant drivers their full driving licences.

For example, as one pupil headed toward these lights waiting for a direction to be given, the examiner had to apply the brakes in time to stop before the give way line. The result is a failure due to lack of observation, in that case the candidate had not even seen the junction, let alone checked to see if it was clear to proceed. That particular pupil even told me he thought it was unfair to fail him for that, as it was raining and a puddle had covered the road markings! Needless to say, that argument didn't get him very far.

You have 57 minutes to complete the multiple choice part of the theory test. Use this wisely. Flag questions that you are not sure of and come back to them at the end. You will be surprised at the amount of time you will have left over after completing the questions you definitely know. Do not 'speed read' the questions. It can be very easy to read what you want to read rather than what is actually on the computer screen. Read the questions at least twice and do it slowly.



Mirrors when changing direction. From your first driving lessons you would have been taught the MSPSL (mirrors, signal, position, speed, look) routine. When changing direction for a hazard use your mirrors in pairs to give the best view possible behind you.

As time goes by you might get to a position of wanting to earn a little money from your drumming. There are various avenues for this, such as playing in a wedding / function band. These tend to get steady work maybe driving lessons watford or gigs per week and they pay driving lessons watford quite well. If you are receiving money for playing, you have a duty to ensure that you act as a professional... arrive early, be easy to get along with, look the part, be prepared etc. Other opportunities for regular paid gigs are holiday camps, cruise liners, and even being a drummer in the Armed Forces. In the UK, the Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines all offer full time jobs for musicians..not only do you get to travel the world playing the drums, but you also get well paid for it!

You then have to drive off and follow the instructions you have been given, which may mean following road signs too. Any area you are asked to drive to will probably have signs posted on the road. When you reach your destination you will be asked to pull over again and you will be given directions to your next destination spot. You will continue in this fashion for ten minutes, which is a more realistic recreation of what real driving is like.

The first question is one you should ask yourself. You will be spending many hours enclosed in a small stressful box taking instructions from this person and paying them for the privilege. If your personalities clash then you could be wasting your time and your money.

There are a number of people in the UK who operate illegally (unqualified people teaching for financial reward). Anybody can get a set of dual controls a roof sign and some training materials. Since 2007 all newly qualified instructors undergo an enhanced CRB check. Illegal instructors won't have this. Some instructors who don't pass the final examinations carry on instructing illegally. Usually they will be friendly, courteous, try to befriend you so that you won't ask questions. They will usually also charge a lot less than a professional (see my other blog on cheap driving lessons). Make sure you see their certificate, make sure it hasn't expired, and check the name photo's and dates all match up. If you have doubts walk away as you could also be liable for aiding and abetting an offender.