Learn to Drive Without Driving Lessons From an Instructor

Although it may sound impossible, given the correct 'reading' and a responsible 'accompanying driver', plus a lot of practice, it is definitely possible.

The DSA (the people who are responsible for the driving test) strongly recommend driving lessons or a course from a qualified instructor to ensure you are ready for test prior to attempting it.

A very good starting point, if you want to learn to drive the 'Do It Yourself' method, is for you (and your supervisor - to highlight any bad habits in their own skills, so that they don't pass them on to you) to read the Highway Code (everyone should really read it periodically anyway!) and a DSA publication entitled 'Driving - The Essential Skills'. This, coupled with the close attention of a supervising driver should begin to lay the foundations for your driving test.

That said, if you want to pass your test in a short to medium timescale (and first time) the best approach would be to find a good, suitably qualified, auto instructor.

It is quite common for 'pupils' who have trained privately to approach a driving school to simply take them to test - it is nearly as common for instructors to say 'no' (especially if you came to me in Coventry). This is due to a number of factors including: the safety of their school car and examiner (the instructor will generally want to first ensure that the candidate is up to a safe standard) and the reputation of the instructor (the instructor will effectively be saying 'this is one of the pupils that I have taught' - so if the pupil is a terrible driver, this will reflect badly on the trainer).

If you have access to a car for private practice, then, finance permitting, the best strategy is likely to be - begin with a few professional driving lessons to lay good foundations, followed by lots of private practice, a few more lessons, lots more practice and so on... until the professional trainer (hopefully with years of DSA test experience) suggests that you are ready for your test.