Learning to drive is an important skill and there is a lot to think about before you book for first lesson. You will need to find an instructor, save up money to pay for lessons, and lastly, consider what you are going to wear.
There are no rules about what a student should wear when having driving lessons. You can wear anything you like – up to a point – but there are a few things you should be aware of, so read on for a bit of useful advice.
Comfortable Footwear
Driving is difficult enough, so don’t make life any harder for yourself by wearing the wrong type of footwear for a lesson. Flat shoes are usually a good choice, as you can feel the pedals. They are also nice and comfortable. Wear a pair of gym shoes, slip on flats, or some lightweight trainers.
Unsuitable Driving Shoes
Be careful not to wear any of the shoes below.
Ugg boots are a good example of unsuitable driving lesson shoes. Ugg boots are very popular with teenagers and young women: they are comfortable and go well with jeans, so are suitable for casual days out. One thing they are not very suitable for is driving. The problem with Ugg boots (and other similar footwear) is that they have a very broad, thick sole. Inexperienced drivers are apt to put a foot on the accelerator and brake at the same time, which means they cannot stop when required.
High-heeled shoes are also dangerous, but for different reasons. Heels can sometimes get stuck in the mat when you go to use the brake or accelerator. Once again, this could quite easily cause a nasty accident.
Clothing for Driving Lessons
Always wear clothing you are comfortable in. Loose fitting t-shirts or long sleeved tops with a pair of jeans will do perfectly. Girls can wear a skirt or dress, but avoid garments that are too low-cut or short. Remember that a car can sometimes get uncomfortably hot in summer or chilly in winter, so dress accordingly. If it is very cold, you might need a coat, but avoid wearing one that is too thick and restrictive around your arms.
Clothing for a Driving Test
Clearly you have to wear something when taking your driving test. In general, follow the rules above and you will be just fine. Avoid wearing revealing outfits in the hope that this will influence the examiner in your favour. It won’t work because examiners are professional and would never let something so superficial affect their judgement.
A Pair of Sunglasses
Don’t forget to take a pair of sunglasses with you on bright, sunny days. These will prevent you from being dazzled if the sun is shining directly in your face.
Before you even think about taking driving lessons, you have to pass your theory test. This can be challenging and not everyone passes this first time, so have a go at a few practice tests on toptests.co.uk before you take the test for real
