The Evolution of Driving Lessons
UK driving lessons have changed a lot in recent years – but what developments does the future hold? Here is how learning to drive could change in the coming years.
Automatics will become the norm
A lot of learner drivers are showing a preference for automatics, and a recent study showed that the last person to take a manual driving test could be born in just five years’ time. A 2030 ban on the sale of new combustion engine cars will see petrol and diesel vehicles gradually phased out. They will be replaced by electric models that do not require a clutch – heralding in the era of the automatic.
Assistive tech will play a big part
While driverless cars, with their patchy safety records, look to be a way off, there will be an increased focus on assistive technology while learning to drive. Changes to the driving test in 2017 saw learners allowed to use parking sensors and hill start assist, along with being asked to follow a satnav. Future driving lessons could see a big focus on lane departure and drift warnings, blind spot assistance, and forward collision alerts.
Lessons will be held in electric cars
More and more people own electric cars, and as a new generation of eco-aware learner drivers come through, an electric car is going to be their choice of first vehicle. As a result, there is going to be increased interest in learning to drive in electric cars. After all, what is the point of learning how to fill a vehicle up with petrol if you are going to be plugging your own car into a charger instead? While the change will be gradual, learning to drive in an electric car will probably become the norm.
VR could provide insight
Learner drivers are already able to access a wide range of study materials online – but could virtual reality (VR) become a standard part of preparing to take a driving test? All the studying and coaching from your instructor cannot prepare for the moment you take the wheel for your test – but VR could change that. A learner driver could immerse themselves in a mock test, getting a real feel for the conditions that await them both on the road and in the car.
We’re here to help
No matter what the future holds for those learning to drive, good tuition is always going to be essential. Here at Nayland Driving School, we have seen how driving lessons and tests have evolved over the past decade, with new expectations of pupils and rules added to reflect the way we now use our cars. Our instructors combine years of experience with an unrivalled knowledge of new regulations, giving learner drivers plenty to benefit from during their lessons.
Discover more today
Most of the changes that we have mentioned are quite a way off – but learning to drive is something that is constantly changing and evolving. Just ask any young learner driver to compare their experience with that of their parents, and the difference will be stark. Luckily, we’re ready to guide our pupils every step of the way.
