Like many other aspects of our lives, technology is having an increasingly large part to play in learning to drive. It doesn’t seem that long ago when learning to drive consisted of a series of lessons, some out of hours practice and memorising the Highway Code from cover to cover. The Internet and other technical advances have transformed the process, upgrading and complementing the traditional process of learning how to control a vehicle.
Recognising new technology
The basic practical driving test hasn’t changed much over the years, but a recent pilot scheme in various UK locations hinted at possible things to come.
In a move to recognise the growth of sat nav use in everyday driving, a version of the driving test incorporating sat nav use was piloted. Driving while taking directions from a sat nav device were an integral part of the test, and a teenager from Scotland became the first person to pass the driving test using a sat nav.
These changes are designed to ‘better reflect real driving’ according to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).
Online resources
There are various online resources to help people learn to drive. Online practical lesson plans can be viewed to illustrate how to undertake the various driving tasks such as negotiating roundabouts, reversing, parking and approaching junctions.
However, the power of the internet really comes into its own when helping with the driving theory test. Learners can practice answering driving theory test questions online and brush up on the rules of the road while also practicing spotting hazards using clips of real life situations.
Apps
With the widespread use of smartphones and tablets, there are various apps available – often free of charge – for all platforms to help people learn to drive. Some also have a directory of driving instructors grouped geographically so learners can choose one they feel is a good fit, for example.
Some of these learning to drive apps have proved a big hit with learners and instructors alike.
Along with easily accessible information on such detailed procedures as how to change gear smoothly and deal with driving test nerves, some even track lessons using GPS so learners can reflect on and identify areas to improve upon.
It’s claimed some apps can reduce the hours it typically takes to learn to drive by about a third. With the time taken to complete the practical test being about 40 hours that’s significant, not least in monetary terms.
Telematics
By using a ‘black box’ fitted to the car by the insurer, telematics technology car gathers data to assess how safely the car is being driven and when. This information is used to assess the risk, and therefore the cost of the premium at renewal time. This can be a tremendous insurance cost saver starting when someone is still learning to drive and paves the way for cheaper insurance for new drivers – a factor that can put some learners off.
