It’s great that you’ve passed your driving test, but this is just the beginning of your life as a driver and you’ll never stop learning. It’s quite a steep learning curve for the first couple of years, too. Sadly, 20% of UK drivers are involved in a crash or accident within one year of passing and 33% of drivers killed in accidents are under 25. This is despite the fact that just 12% of the UK’s drivers are under 25.
Once the excitement has abated a bit, you’ll be asking yourself how you can become a safer, better driver as soon as possible. Here’s some good pointers, so read them and then share them with a friend!
Go on another driving course
There are many extra driving courses that can teach you additional skills and driving knowledge. You’ll be given extra lessons in night-time driving, driving in heavy rain, motorways, rush-hour and so on. These courses get you ready for real roads and they can also lower insurance premiums.
Get to know your car
Spend time in your car playing with buttons and levers (while stationary, or course), finding your hazard light button with your eyes closed and so on. This will help you to do the right thing in a hurry if you ever need to.
Do not pick up that phone!
Using your mobile is illegal and there are lots of campaigns and public information films that explain exactly why it’s so dangerous. You simply can’t drive and talk with a hand-held or text at the same time. You should also avoid hands-free because this also takes up a lot of brain-space. Mobile phones are the reason for many driving without due care and attention cases.
Head to the racetrack
Satisfy your need for speed without being pulled over for it! You’ll be quite safe and you’ll get to experience how your car behaves at higher speeds (here’s a spoiler – not as well as you’d imagined).
Watch your blind spot
Your mirrors are essential, but they don’t take into account your peripheral vision and the blind spot is wide enough for a motorbike or even another car to “sneak into”. Check your blind spot whenever you turn or change lane.
Watch everyone else’s blind spots
Don’t assume that other drivers are as diligent as you – assume they haven’t checked their blind spot – and make sure you stay where they will be able to see you in their mirror.
Keep to the left lane
The motorway’s left lane is actually for normal driving and the others are all for overtaking. If you remember your Highway Code you’ll remember how Code 238 says this; also, the police have new powers to give middle lane hoggers on-the-spot fines.
Go out in bad weather
You probably won’t like this one bit, but if you’re going to drive, you need to face snow, sleet, heavy rain and fog one day! You may as well do it voluntarily, so that you can turn around and go home when you’ve had enough. Take an experienced, trusted driver with you for the first few times, then give it a go on your own.
