Add to your skills at professional driving schools

Although you have passed your driving test, this shouldn't be the last time you visit a professional driving school.

New drivers are more likely to have a crash during the first two years after passing their test than any other time in their driving life. Refresher courses aim to cut the amount of accidents involving new drivers.

One of the most popular refresher courses consists of six modules. Each module is designed to improve your driving in key areas. The modules cover driving:

- In towns.

- On motorways.

- In the countryside.

- On dual carriageways.

- At night.

- In all weather conditions.

The course was developed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to help you build on the skills you learned during your driving lessons.

In fact, the modules aren't aimed exclusively at new drivers. Anyone who holds a full UK driving licence can take part in refresher courses. Completing the course can make you a safer driver and give you access to discounts to your insurance premiums.

Whether you have just passed your test, are going back to driving after a break and feel a little rusty, or simply want to obtain cheaper insurance, the course can help you.

You can take part in these refresher courses at professional driving schools across the UK. Whatever reason you may have for taking the course, it is recommended that new drivers especially complete it.

However, before you think about refresher driving lessons, you need to pass the UK driving test.

This comprises of the theory test, hazard perception and the practical examination.

The theory and hazard perception tests take just under an hour. The theory test involves answering a series of multiple choice questions, while in the hazard perception test you watch a selection of video clips.

Each clip includes some form of developing hazard, and you must click a button when you recognise it. The earlier you recognise the hazard, the higher you will score.

You must be at least 17 and hold a valid provisional driving licence to sit your theory test. Once you have passed, you can then sit the practical test.

A 40-minute driving assignment, including some set manoeuvres, the practical test is the part that many people dread.

However, if you are well prepared and have experience behind the wheel, you should pass the UK driving test without any major difficulty.

Even if you fail, the best thing to do is to learn from what went wrong and sit the test again.