Most people learn to drive with a private driving instructor or with a driving school. You'll hit the road once or twice a week, trying your hand at maneuvers and getting to know the awkward driving spots in your local area.

There are, however, a few other ways you can start learning to drive. From intensive courses to driving simulators, here are a few ways to get on the tarmac you might not have considered.

Intensive courses

Having a lesson once a week or once a fortnight is the standard way to learn to drive. Many learners fit their practice at weekends and weekends, but intensive courses offer the ability to do several months' worth of driving all in one week. Whether you choose to cram your lessons in-between lectures or during holiday breaks like Christmas, Easter, and summer, there are courses to accommodate all.

Five-day courses are the most common, but you can also do two, three, four and six-day courses. It is up to you in a week, or just spend a couple of days perfecting the basics before switching to regular ongoing lessons.

Just like ordinary lessons, you can take intensive courses in manual transmission or automatic cars, depending on which plan to drive in future. Do remember that if you have a license to drive manual vehicles, you will need to do that.

Learn with a family member

Learning with a family member or friend can be a great way to learn to drive. You're not a limited time as a driving instructor. Sure, it can be stressful at times, especially if your passenger is an overly protective parent who wins every roundabout - but it can be very beneficial. For instance, if you have a parent, sibling or friend who is fully licensed, insured and owns a car, you can gain driving experience.

Better yet, if you have your own car and you're on the road, there are specially designed insurance policies for learner drivers available. These policies can give you the peace of mind that if you are covered with the correct type of insurance.

 

Apps

From hazard perception mock tests and road sign quizzes, to 3D driving lessons, there are plenty of free tools to drive.

As well as being able to test your theory in an easy and accessible way, there are also apps that tackle the more practical aspects of driving. One example of this is, 3D driving lessons . The app offers step by step 3D / HD videos or all the maneuvers you'll need to know. From learning the basics to mastering maneuvers such as parallel parking and turn in the road, the app acts as a great tool for all the practical elements of driving. It's available on Android and iOS devices.is, android and iOS devices.

Another app worth looking into is Sim Drive , the UK's first interactive driving lessons and mock practical test app. The app offers real-life driving routes centered around London, making it a great tool for driving real road challenges outside of their driving lessons. The app is available on iOS devices and costs £ 4.99 to download. There are also in-app purchase options available which range from 99p to £ 9.99.

Using a driving simulator

Ideal for those who are nervous about driving on public roads, driving simulators have all kinds of handy uses. If your uni is based on driving congested roads, driving simulators enable you to start learning vehicle controls, and help you get grips with extreme driving situations and collision avoidance techniques .

Driving simulators are perfect for picking up skills that can be applied in real-life situations and increasing your confidence before you get behind a real wheel. In some instances, you'll be able to use a simulator complete with steering wheel and pedals, while you can use PC virtual reality with digital instructors.real wheel. In some instances, you’ll be able to use a simulator complete with steering wheel and pedals, while cheaper options you can use at home include PC virtual reality with digital instructors.

Simulations place you in ordinarily dangerous situations without physically endangering you - meaning hazard perception, vehicle handling and correct following distances. Some simulators are designed to mirror the driver's side of the car and include intricate details such as steering wheel and brake pedals. These can be cost-effective, up to £ 150, with cheaper DVD-only options starting at £ 50.

Becoming a pro in no time

All of these can be confidence-boosting. No matter whether it is your first experience or if you have something to do with it.