So it is important to understand what this means for you if you’re learning to drive.

When the clocks change, it can disrupt usual routines, including for those who are learning to drive.

Here are our top tips on how to use the clock change to your full advantage!

1. Know when it is happening and how to deal with it so you can adjust your schedule/routine accordingly. For example, if you are having your lessons before school, so you can do it in the daylight, then now you’ll be able to do it in the evenings too as it will be lighter later.
2. Increased visibility. With more daylight, visibility improves overall, helping learners to see the road and other road users more clearly. This is crucial for newbies on the road as this will help them gain confidence behind the wheel.
3. Take advantage of the additional hour of daylight! We have all grown used to going to school/college/work in the dark and coming home in the dark. Now, we will have lighter evenings. Naturally, to us this means one thing; more daylight to practise driving! Have you considered extra practice outside of your lessons? Why not do extra hours in a friend or family member’s car? Check out Dayinsure’s Temporary Learner Driver insurance here.
4. Think about tiredness. The change in time can disrupt your sleep pattern. In March’s clock change, we lose 1 hour of sleep, so if you are prone to fatigue or just enjoy your sleep, think about hitting the hay an hour earlier on Saturday night to keep up with your sleep. Being tired and less alert is somewhat of a problem for any driver, not just learners. So if you tend to be more tired in the morning, consider moving your lessons to the early evening, so you aren’t still half asleep!
5. Less stress. Driving in the dark can be stressful for some, even the most experienced of drivers can feel nervous driving in darker conditions. With more daylight, learners will likely feel less anxious on the road, helping them stay focused and make better driving decisions. Do bear in mind that getting practice in varied light exposures is a great way of becoming a better driver. You won’t cruise through life only driving when it is daytime, you’re going to need to drive in the dark at some point, so getting practice with a professional is in your best interest!
6. Be aware of other drivers. You might be ready and prepared for the clock change, but others on the road might not be. Be extra vigilant and take your time on the road, adjust your driving accordingly.

In summary, learning to drive with the clocks moving forward can be challenging, but with a little preparation and practice, you can adjust to the time change and stay safe on the road. Be aware of the change, plan ahead, practise driving in different light conditions, be prepared for tiredness, and be aware of other drivers.