Top 5 things to do in summer after passing your Practical Driving Test

 

What a beautiful February we had this year! It was unseasonably warm and for a week or so at least, the cold, dreary weather of January seemed a blissfully distant memory. All that was left to remind us of the usual February frost was those Snapchat flashbacks showing the snow we had this time last year. Surely enough, the smell of Spring was in the air and there’s nothing like a bit of sunshine to get us all making plans for the summer.

 

Summer is such a fun time to be able to drive. Windows down, sunglasses on, music playing… What a life!

 

So, if you’re learning to drive or debating whether now is the time to begin your driving lessons and you need an extra bit of motivation, then look no further. Below is a list of 5 awesome things you can do during the summer once you have finally passed your Practical Driving Test:

 

• Go to a Festival

No more listening to your older sisters, brothers, cousins, friends, talking about their festival plans, wishing you could go too. You will have the means to travel, at any time you like and the room to pack up your tents, suitcases, multiple pairs of boots and of course, snacks, and there’s nothing stopping you from hitting the road.

 

• Go on a road trip

If you want to go away for the weekend, being able to drive opens up your list of possible destinations massively. Rather than catching the Mega Bus, you can now drive yourself to Cardiff, London or wherever it is you’ve been fancying, in the comfort of your own car.

If and when you’re ready to branch out, there are so many great drives in and from the UK. You can get to Italy, France, Germany, all by car. You can do a tour of Europe if you really want to and see the world on your way. Another great thing about being able to drive, you get to be in control of the play list. You’re the driver now, so you’re in charge.

 

• Go on exciting and unique day trips

If you haven’t long passed your Practical Driving Test, maybe don’t go tackling Europe straight away.  Luckily, there is so much to explore in the UK and now that you can drive, the world is your oyster. You can visit Caerphilly, Bromley, Alton Towers, the Harry Potter Tour in Watford, Truro in Cornwall, Stonehenge near Amesbury… The list is endless. Time to go and make some memories…

 

• Go to the beach

Remember those younger days when summers were spent sunbathing and relaxing in the fields of local parks, those within walking distance from where you lived.  When you’ve passed your Practical Driving Test and managed to save enough to buy yourself a car, it’s goodbye fields and hello sun, sand and sea. Just pack the car with a disposable BBQ and some burgers and you’ve got a great summer’s day set out for you.

Your car will be a pain to clean after a beach day though – you have been warned.

 

• Go to a zoo or Safari Park

Visiting a zoo is the perfect thing to do on a nice, warm, sunny day. Especially if you have children, will keep them entertained for hours! All the animals are out, there’s often some kind of theme park nearby and loads of cool places to grab some lunch.

Now you have a car, you’ll be able drive around West Midlands Safari Park! If you haven’t done this already, this is definitely one to add to the list. You can take a bus around the park if you don’t drive, but it is so not the same.  A giraffe poking it’s head through the car window makes a great photo!

 

There are clearly so many amazing opportunities when you have passed your test and many reasons to remain motivated. Whatever your motivation, learning to drive is such an exciting time, so enjoy it and you’ll be celebrating that pass certificate in no time!

 

Be prepared…

Living in the UK, we don’t get to enjoy warm weather all that often. Because of this, many of us think staying indoors if the sun is shining outside is a crime! So, when summer comes around the streets are going to be extra busy with cyclists, motorcyclists, children and animals, so be on the lookout when you’re out on the roads.

The Hazard Perception part of the Theory Test will also help you with this.

As long as you’re careful, vigilant and alert, it’ll be fine, so get the lessons booked in and get on the road to freedom today!

 

By Casey Seaborne