One of the key skills in distance learning is self-directed learning. The skills of self-directed learning are also needed in working life and especially in the IT sector, where continuous learning of new things is essential. The target group of this master's thesis were the first-year students of information and communication technology at the vocational school. Their self-directed learning readiness and distance learning experiences and their connection to each other were investigated in this master's thesis. The master's thesis was carried out using the self-directed learning readiness scale (SDLRS) developed by Fisher. It was used to find out the level of students' self-directed learning readiness. The students were also asked about background information and experiences of the challenges of distance learning, learning experiences and the desire to study at a distance in the future. The research material was collected in 2021 and 2022. The material for statistical analysis was the students' answers, which were received from 57 students. Most of the students were young men aged 16--18. Students' scores on the SDLRS were compared to distance learning experiences. This master's thesis showed that the students' self-directed learning ability levels were lower than average compared to previous research. Students found distance learning easier than classroom learning, while they felt they learned better in classroom teaching than in distance learning. Most of the students wanted to participate in distance education in the future. Self-directed learning readiness did not explain experiences from distance learning. The findings of this master's thesis were significant as there is limited existing research on young people's self-directed learning readiness and distance learning experiences.