Astra Driving School

Driving an automatic car can be an ideal choice for beginners or anyone who prefers a more relaxed driving experience. With no clutch pedal and no need to manually shift gears, automatic vehicles allow you to concentrate more on the road and less on the mechanics of driving. If you’re new to this, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to drive an automatic car from start to finish. Understanding the Automatic Gear System Before you start driving, it's important to understand the gear settings in an automatic vehicle. The gear lever in most automatic cars includes the following: P (Park): Locks the transmission, used when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is off. R (Reverse): Allows the car to move backward. N (Neutral): Disconnects the engine from the wheels; used when idling. D (Drive): Moves the car forward and automatically shifts through the gears. Others (e.g., L or S): Some cars include lower gear settings for uphill or towing situations. Unlike...

  Getting a driving licence is a big step towards independence — but not everyone has the time or patience to take lessons week after week . That’s why many learners are turning to intensive driving courses , a smart and efficient way to learn quickly and pass the test in just days, not months. Whether you're preparing for a new job, need to drive for university, or just want to avoid public transport, an intensive course could be your best option. What Makes Intensive Driving Courses Different? Unlike traditional lessons spread out over several months, intensive driving courses offer a compressed learning experience. They typically take place over 5 to 10 days, with several hours of driving each day. This focused approach helps learners retain skills better and build confidence quickly. Courses are usually tailored to the learner’s experience level. Beginners might take a 40-hour course, while those with prior lessons might need only 10 to 20 hours to get test-ready....

  If you're learning to drive in the UK, one of the first things you'll want to know is: how much is a driving test? While the process of getting your full licence can feel overwhelming, understanding the costs involved can help you plan ahead and budget wisely. Driving Test Fees: What You'll Pay Let’s start with the basics. The cost of the practical driving test depends on when you book it: Weekday test: £62 Evening, weekend, or bank holiday test: £75 Before you can book the practical test, you’ll need to pass the theory test , which costs £23 . So, when asking “ how much is a driving test , ” keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for both parts—the theory and the practical—bringing the total to around £85–£98 , depending on when you take the practical test. Extra Costs Many Learners Forget While the official test fees are fairly standard, most learners end up spending more during their driving journey. Here are some additional expenses you should consider:...

  Passing your driving test is a major milestone, but if you're planning to take the test soon, it's important to know that some parts of it have changed. The driving test change practical update has been introduced to make sure new drivers are better prepared for modern-day driving challenges. Whether you're a first-time learner or someone returning after a break, understanding the new format can help you feel more confident on test day. Why Did the Practical Driving Test Change? Driving in today’s world is very different from what it was 10 or 20 years ago. Roads are more congested, car technology has advanced, and navigation tools like sat navs are now common. To reflect these changes, the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) has updated the practical driving test. The goal is to ensure that drivers are trained in real-world skills—not just textbook techniques. Main Updates to the Practical Test Here’s a breakdown of the major updates you’ll experience under the n...