Top Tips for New Drivers

Learning to drive with an instructor and jumping into your own car for the very first time without assistance are two completely different experiences. Once you’ve got over the thrill of passing your test, you may be filled with nerves when it comes to driving alone.

Figures show that in the first couple of years of passing their test, new drivers are more likely to have a collision than any other time in their driving life, which is why it’s important to prepare yourself and drive with caution to substantially reduce the risk.

If you have recently passed your test, this article will provide you with some useful tips for starting out on the road:

1. Get to know your car

Once you have passed your test, it’s time to wave goodbye to your instructor’s car and get familiar with an entirely different vehicle. This is probably the most impostant tip on this list, especially if you’re going from an automatic to a manual. It would be advised to get comfortable with how it all works before setting off on a journey to ensure you’re confident. Check where the windscreen wiper and headlight switches are located, find the hazard button in the event of a breakdown and make sure you’re able to find your bite on the clutch and move the gearstick without difficulty. It may all sound very obvious, but this initial preparation could prevent you from having an accident.

2. Keep breakdown cover details with you

One of the scariest aspects of driving alone for many new drivers is the thought of breaking down in a strange place. You never know when you may suddenly run out of petrol or discover your car won’t start. Keeping details of a vehicle recovery service such as Motors Recovery in the car with you at all times will ensure you are never stranded when disaster strikes, which should take some of the stress out of lengthy road trips.

3. Drive in bad weather as soon as possible

Some people aim to avoid driving in bad weather when they’ve just gotten their license. However, there are times when we have no choice but to use the car to get around, especially for getting to work each day. As a result, it would be best to bite the bullet and try driving in harsh weather conditions with a parent or friend as soon as possible to get used to it. Practice makes perfect when it comes to driving in snow, ice, wind and rain as it’s all about learning to control the car and becoming aware of unexpected hazards that may crop up.

4. Use p-plates to your advantage

While you may be reluctant to add p-plates to the front and back exterior of your car, they are designed to show other drivers that you have just passed your test and, consequently, are less experienced on the road. Although p-plates aren’t required by law and don’t have an effect on your insurance, the benefit is that other drivers will be far more patient when mistakes are made, which should reduce your anxiety as a new driver.