If you are nearing the end of your secondary school education, you may be wondering whether it’s a good idea to get your driving license before you move on to university.
Looking around you at your peers, you may not be sure which is the best option. Some of your friends may already have their licenses secured, while others perhaps still prefer to use public transport in order to save money.
When it comes to the question of whether or not it is best to learn to drive before university, you will find that there are pros and cons to carefully weigh up.
To help you make your decision, read on to discover these benefits and disadvantages, so you can make the choice that’s best for you.
The Advantages
There are several advantages to gain from learning to drive before university. These include:
1. More Freedom
This is arguably the biggest benefit. Having your own set of wheels will not only allow you to drive yourself to and from university, but it also means you can go wherever you like at any time – whether it’s just a quick trip to the local supermarket or a longer excursion.
2. Convenience
Convenience is another important factor. If you have your own car and you have to make an urgent trip for whatever reason – whether it’s to the shops, the pharmacy or the hospital – it will be much easier than having to take public transport.
3. Employability
If you are planning to get a part-time job while you are at university, having a driving license can help to boost your employability and make you a more appealing prospect for potential employers.
The Disadvantages
While the benefits of driving before university are significant, there are also a couple of weighty downsides to consider.
1. Getting Insured
As you are probably well aware, insurance premiums for young drivers can be eye-wateringly pricey. That’s why it’s a good idea to take some time to compare and contrast quotes from different insurers, using a helpful comparison service such as Quotezone.co.uk. Shopping around for the best price can help you find cheap learner insurance – or as cheap as possible, anyway.
2. The Total Cost
As well as the cost of insurance, you will also face various other fees in the bargain, including the price of your lessons, and both your theory and practical tests. And that’s even before you start looking for your first car! With all of these expenses put together, you will be looking at costs of well over £1000. This is why some students choose to wait until they are at university and earn part-time wages before they begin their lessons.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to deciding whether or not you should take your driving test before university, there are both pros and cons involved in either option. At the end of the day, it’s your personal choice, as it will be your unique circumstances and desires that govern your decision.
At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong answer. It’s all about finding the option that works for you – whether that’s learning to drive at 17, or deferring your test until you are away on your studies and earning extra funds from a part-time job to fund your weekly lessons.
