As we all know, driving in Shoreditch isn’t an easy thing. The narrow streets, plethora of cars and parades of trendy types crossing the road can turn a five minute car journey into a 60 minute mission across town. On top of that, Old Street station is located just two stops from Kings Cross on the Northern Line and getting from A to B via the subterranean train system is actually quite easy.
If driving in and around Shoreditch (basically anywhere in London) is such a chore, it begs the question as to whether you should even bother trying to pass your test. Spending money to learn the practical and theoretical skills need to become a proficient driver could be seen as a waste if you can’t realise the full potential of cruising down Shoreditch high street in your latest ride.
Fortunately, the automatic world is just as creative as any advertising agency or boutique designer London’s trendiest area has to offer and it’s now possible to purchase economical and compact cars that look the nuts.
Driving in London: Know Your Stuff
However, before you head off in search of a new ride, you’ll need to pass your test and gain some experience on the roads of London. Unlike any other city in the UK, London doesn’t have lanes of free flowing traffic. Instead, the roads are usually filled with cars, road works and anything else that can impede your journey.
In fact, according to research by Transport for London, the average speed for cars between 07:00 and 19:00 is 19.19.33 mph on major roads and in Central London that speed dropped to 8.98 mph. Compared to other cities that’s almost 50% slower and one of the reasons you need to be confident in your clutch control and braking distances when you drive in London.
Indeed, another essential part of Shoreditch driving is an understanding of the roads. Practicing for your driving theory test is a must and only once you’ve got this information set clearly in your head should you think about buying a car and driving around Shoreditch, moreover, London.
The final thing you should consider doing if you want to drive in a more economical and cost-effective way is the Pass Plus driving course. Once you’ve passed your practical test, you can do six extra hours behind the wheel with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and gain an extra qualification. As well as giving you a greater understanding of driving in tricky conditions (Shoreditch high street at kicking out time), the Pass Plus qualification will make your car insurance cheaper.
In today’s market, new drivers are facing increasingly prohibitive insurance costs and this means you should be looking to drive it down at as much as possible. Pass Plus is one such option and for the amount it costs versus the amount you’ll save, the choice is an obvious one.
Driving in Shoreditch represents some unique predicaments, but if you’re canny enough to monitor the roads, learn as much about driving as possible and go the extra mile, then dealing with narrow streets and kamikaze trendy types will be easy.