Last Updated on October 12, 2023
Learning to drive is a milestone that comes with both excitement and a little anxiety for some learner drivers. The DVSA has integrated sat nav systems into the practical driving test, therefore mastering the art of using navigation systems responsibly and safely has become an essential skill for learner drivers.
In this blog, we will delve into the importance of learning to drive with a sat nav and introduce you to some of the best models on the market!
Why does learning with a sat nav matter?
The inclusion of the satellite navigation in driving tests reflects their growing importance in modern driving.
Here’s why learning with a sat nav is crucial:
Realistic preparation
A sat nav can replicate real-world navigation challenges, helping learners become comfortable with a diverse range of routes and destinations.
Enhanced awareness
Utilising a sat nav while driving fosters multitasking skills and situational awareness, crucial for safe and confident driving.
Adaptability
Using a sat nav exposes learners to various road conditions, intricate junctions, and unexpected detours in a controlled setting, fostering adaptable driving skills.
Effectively using a sat nav can help minimise the risk of getting lost, reducing stress and distractions during journeys.
The top 5 sat navs for learner drivers
TomTom Start 52
The Start 52 is the most popular choice for driving examiners as it is the model used in the driving test. Boasting a clear 5” screen, this device offers ample space for following directions. Its standout feature, the advanced lane guidance system, is invaluable at complex junctions. This is a great option if you want to get familiar with the exact sat nav you will use in your driving test.
This feature-rich sat nav is available on Amazon for £64.79.
Garmin DriveSmart 65
Compact yet feature-packed, the Garmin DriveSmart 65 is a stellar option, especially for cars with smaller windscreens. Beyond navigation, it supports hands-free calling via Bluetooth, provides real-time traffic updates via Wi-Fi and is compatible with wireless reversing cameras.
Priced £239.99, it’s a smart and versatile choice.
TomTom Go Discover
The TomTom Go Discover combines Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring you have access to the latest traffic conditions, new roads, and fuel prices. Its user-friendly interface features a vertical strip for easy navigation of journeys, displaying speed cameras, fuel stations and more. It also boasts an innovative speed limit indicator to encourage responsible driving.
You can buy the Tom Tom Go Discover from Amazon for around £279.
Garmin Drive 52
The Garmin Drive 52 offers all the essentials without breaking the bank. Clear directions, sensible routes, and a 3D view assist at junctions. The integration of TripAdvisor and Foursquare’s points of interest, live traffic alerts, speed camera warnings, and weather forecasts make it an excellent budget-friendly option. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity to Garmin’s Drive app enhances its capabilities.
This sat nav is priced at £119 at Halfords.
Garmin DriveSmart 76
With its vibrant 7” high-resolution display and voice assistant, the Garmin DriveSmart 76 is the pinnacle of sat-nav technology. It not only provides directions and hands-free calling, but also offers guidance and alerts about environmental zones, sharp curves, and more. It even taps into TripAdvisor’s traveller ratings for informed decision-making.
Available for £229.99 at Halfords, this model is ideal for those who like to travel.
Learning to drive with a sat nav is a skill that transcends passing a driving test; it’s a lifelong tool for confident, safe, and efficient driving.
Each of the recommended devices caters to various preferences and budgets, ensuring that learners can embark on their driving journey equipped with the best navigation companion!
If you’re learning to drive and would like to practice using a sat nav in your car while accompanied by a friend or family member, you must have learner driver insurance. You can also head over to our earlier article to read about Using a Sat Nav on Your Driving Test.
Here at Collingwood Insurance, our learner driver policies start from just 58p* per day and will allow you to get out and about using your new sat nav!
*Prices quoted in this article are correct at time of publishing.
