The majority of those who contact Lloyds Driver Training are getting their driving licence for the first time, but they aren’t the only ones we help.
For many reasons, we also offer lessons to people who already have their licence but are looking for extra refresher lessons.
Here’s our lowdown the top reasons that you might like to think about getting in touch to organise a one-off or series of lessons.
It’s so long since I passed my driving test, I want to update my knowledge and skills
There is an increasing amount of traffic on the road, new roads being built all the time, and new rules and regulations can easily pass you by over the years.
Often it is the family of older drivers who ask them to consider taking some refresher lessons, so they can be sure they still feel confident and competent on the road. The beauty of refresher lessons is there is no set syllabus to follow so the instructor can focus on exactly the areas of your driving with which you most need help.
I was involved in an accident and it’s knocked my confidence
Being caught up in a crash, big or small, can really affect how you feel about driving, or even just being in a car afterwards. It’s not always as straightforward as just getting back on the horse; you might find that negative feelings towards driving and anxieties related to the accident surface several weeks or months down the line.
Taking refresher lessons with one of our experienced instructors can help you to feel in control again, reassure you that accidents are unusual and make you more able to cope with unexpected incidents that may happen in future.
I have a driving licence from another country and am not used to driving in Great Britain
The rules relating to driving with a licence issued in another country are set by the Government. If your circumstances permit, refresher lessons can be great for getting to grips with our roads and their rules and conventions, which could be quite different from what you are used to. We can tailor lessons to suit your needs.
I’ve now got a family and need to be able to drive them around
When you just have yourself to look after, it’s easy enough to rely on public transport, walking to places and, if you really need it, getting a lift off other people. Add children into the equation and it can become a whole lot more difficult to get around.
If you’ve not driven for a while, this in itself can be quite stressful, but even more so if having children in the car adds to your worries. Having refresher lessons means you can build up your confidence until you feel ready to go again.
My partner did all the driving but now it’s my responsibility
We often hear from people who haven’t been behind the wheel for a long time because someone else has always assumed the role of chief driver. But suddenly, perhaps because of illness or death, they find that the responsibility has shifted to them and it can be quite daunting. Even though you have your licence, you might not feel like you’re prepared. A few refresher lessons can provide a safe zone to rediscover your driving skills and confidence.
I’ve just got a new car and I don’t feel confident driving it
A new car can be hard to get used to, whether it’s nothing like the one you’ve learned in, or you perhaps switch up to a much bigger car. Getting a bit of practice in with the controls, adjusting to the space that the car takes up in the road, and making sure you can carry out manoeuvres safely, are all things that can be covered in a refresher lesson.
I’ve moved out to the countryside and rural roads make me nervous
Traffic on country roads can be much faster, passing oncoming vehicles on a narrow stretch can feel stressful, and you might have to improve your overtaking skills for all the farm traffic, livestock and horse riders you encounter.
With the countryside on our doorstep, it’s easy for one of our instructors to take you out for as long as you need.
I was prosecuted for a driving offence and it’s affected my confidence
Picking up points on your licence or being sent on a driver awareness course, especially if you’ve had years of problem-free driving, can dent your confidence and cause you to question your driving ability.
If you struggle with speed limits – too fast or too slow, or perhaps with being aware of and knowing how to react to traffic signs or signals, a refresher lesson could be helpful to brush up your knowledge and skills.