Practising driving with a supervisor can be a great way to improve skills between driving lessons, allowing individuals to work on techniques learnt and helping reinforce confidence behind the wheel. In areas like Sutton, there are many quiet places that are ideal for practising driving outside of lessons, with these locations providing a safe space to refine technique while becoming more familiar with Sutton’s roads. Below, we’ll explain why practising driving outside of lessons with a supervisor is beneficial, and highlight five quiet areas around Sutton where you can practise.
Why Practising Driving with a Supervisor is Beneficial
Individuals are legally allowed to practise driving in the UK before they have passed their test, as long as they are accompanied by a supervisor in the front seat who is at least 21 years old and has held a full UK driving licence for at least three years. It’s beneficial for learners, as it gives them extra time on the road and the opportunity to drive at a quiet time that suits them best, with a supervisor there to guide.
Practising driving around Sutton at quieter times allows you to focus on basic skills in an environment free from heavy traffic, which can be distracting and overwhelming during lessons when roads are busier. It also helps you familiarise yourself with Sutton by navigating different driving scenarios and gives you the chance to practise driving test routes, boosting your confidence in handling them during the actual test.
Five Quiet Areas in Sutton to Practise Driving
Cheam
Cheam is a peaceful area in Sutton that has a mixture of residential streets and busier roads, making it ideal for learners to practise in. The quieter residential streets, such as those near Cheam Park and Park Road, offer a calm setting to practise basic techniques like parking, reversing, and turning.
To practise more advanced driving, head towards the village centre, where roads like Cheam High Street provide opportunities to navigate traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and slight congestion. These different areas allow you to gain confidence in both quiet and slightly busier road environments.
Belmont
Belmont is another area in Sutton, great for practising driving, with a variety of roads that allow you to practise a range of techniques. The residential streets near Belmont Park are ideal for refining basic skills such as turning, parking, and reversing, with minimal traffic.
On busier roads like the A217, you’ll encounter more complex situations such as merging, lane changes, and managing light traffic. Belmont offers the perfect blend of quiet roads for beginners and busier routes that help you gain experience in handling more challenging driving scenarios.
Rosehill
Rosehill offers a well balanced area in Sutton for learner drivers, with a combination of quiet residential streets and busier areas to practise in. The quieter residential areas, such as around Rosehill Park and Beddington Lane, are perfect for practising manoeuvres like parking and reversing, as well as making U-turns.
For more challenging driving, try the busier routes around the A237 and the junctions near the local shops. These roads introduce you to the complexities of handling traffic, roundabouts, and various junctions, helping you build confidence in more demanding driving conditions.
Carshalton
Carshalton is a great area in Sutton for driving practise, with a diverse mix of residential streets and busier roads, allowing you to practise a range of skills. Quiet streets around Carshalton Beeches are ideal for refining basic manoeuvres like turning, parking, and reversing in a calm setting.
You can also head towards the A237 or the junction at Carshalton High Street for more advanced practise, where you can gain experience navigating roundabouts, making lane changes, and dealing with traffic. These varying road types provide a perfect environment to build both basic and advanced driving skills.
Sutton Common
Sutton Common also offers a variety of road types, making it a great option for building confidence while practising your driving in Sutton. The quieter residential streets around Sutton Common Road are perfect for practising basic skills like parking, reversing, and making turns.
You can also try the busier routes, such as around the junction near Sutton Common Station or the A217, where you can work on navigating roundabouts, merging into traffic, and making lane changes. This mix of quieter and busier areas allows you to gradually build your skills and gain valuable driving experience.
When is the Best Time to Practise Driving?
The best time to practise driving is when the roads are quieter, which tends to be in the early mornings or mid afternoon on weekdays, or early mornings and evenings on weekends. By driving at quieter times like these, you can focus on improving your skills without the stress of heavy traffic or numerous vehicles on the road. Practising during these quieter periods gives you the chance to build your confidence with your supervisor there to guide you and master key skills before driving during busier times.
Book Driving Lessons in Sutton
If you’re looking to learn to drive in Sutton, why not book driving lessons with Wimbledon Driving School? We provide a range of driving courses in Sutton, taught by our expert instructors, designed to help you pass your driving test with complete confidence. We offer lessons to suit every learner, including those who are new to driving, looking for a Pass Plus course, or seeking refresher lessons, available in both manual and automatic. Book lessons online or get in touch by calling 0800 511 8800 or 0203 524 7968 if you’d like further information.
