I passed on my first attempt after 14 lessons with no outside practice. I paid for 15 lessons in total and 'lesson 15'
was my test.
My advice:
1)
Do the theory test first. Once you've passed that, you're ready to get behind the wheel and start learning to drive.
2)
Book your practical driving test asap. Now that you've got your theory test certificate in hand, you can book your driving test and inform your instructor of the proposed date. I'd book it for around 2-3 months after your first lesson. The reason for booking the practical test so soon is because it gives you a target to work towards and it also prevents your instructor from messing you around and charging you for more lessons than you need. If you don't feel you're completely prepared as the practical test date approaches, you can always reschedule it free of charge and switch to a later date to give yourself a little more time.
3)
Watch YouTube tutorials for tips and tricks on manoeuvres or general guidance on what you should be doing in certain situations for e.g. which lane should you be on a roundabout if you will be taking the third exit etc. etc.
4)
Learn your test route - it won't always be easy to find a test route which is fairly uncomplicated and easy to navigate around. Practice going around your test route and more importantly practice going around your test route at the same time as your test. If you've booked it for 4 pm, then practice it at 4 pm to familiarise yourself with the test route.
5)
Keep calm and drive on - you
can do this, do
not stop telling yourself that. There will be times where it feels like you'll absolutely never get the hang of driving and that you're the worst driver in the world but I promise it gets easier. Just try your very best to remain hopeful, maintain your confidence and just breathe. Driving is not as hard as it seems, it's the same three steps over and over and over again - mirrors, signal (if necessary) and manoeuvre, that's it!
Best of luck to all of you