First steps on road to greater freedom; DAVE ROBERTS, of Benfield's Nissan Gateshead dealership, offers advice on learning to drive Openroad Benfield.

Byline: DAVE ROBERTS 

LEARNING to drive can offer independence and freedom. With the right guidance and advice, you can breeze through your lessons.

Dave Roberts said: "Find a driving school you can trust and make sure the instructor is fully qualified and has a good reputation.

"You need to apply for your provisional driving license by completing a D1 that you can pick up from the post office.

"Send it to the DVLA with your passport or birth certificate and a passport-sized photo as ID. You can also apply online.

"As soon as you receive your license you are ready to get behind the wheel. New drivers often don't consider the theory behind driving, but this is a major factor of learning to drive and needs to be taken very seriously.

"Another factor that needs to be kept in mind is that lessons are not cheap."

With every Benfield Approved Used Car, there is pounds 600 worth of benefits:

At least 12 months of comprehensive warranty;

Experian vehicle history and mileage check;

At least 12 months of breakdown cover

30day/1,000 miles "no quibble" exchange;

Accident Management cover;

Seven days of free insurance.