Written by Tyra Guy-Williams.
The top 7 tips for new drivers, from the experts themselves.
After months, maybe years of lessons on perfecting your steering, clutch control and lane switching, the moment it all pays off is here as you hear the words “You have passed this test.” So you’ve done it, you can finally say you’ve got your licence, so what’s next? Most of us just think about the moment we pass and expect everything else to run smoothly when it reality it may not be so easy. Driving instructor Jack and Advanced driving expert, Leon who have over 15 years of experience combined are here to give you key advice on the most common issues new drivers face.
- Finding a car
So it goes without saying finding that perfect first car is somewhat difficult. There are loads of factors to consider when searching for your first car, such as the cost and sustainability. The most important step is working out your budget so think about, the car itself, the cost it will be to insure, the engine size so you can consider running costs. Instructor Jack says the aim is to make sure you are not going into debt for your first car, to make sure that you can afford to keep your car in the long-run. You shouldn’t to focus on looks and to get a previously-owned car, after all it is your first, as long as it’s safe and reliable. Driving expert Leon on the other hand says that he’d typically suggest getting a car that isn’t too different from your learner car. It can be hard to adjust from one car to a completely different model. For example learning in a hatchback to driving a SUV is a big jump.
2. Insurance
Leon suggests that new drivers get as many quotes as possible. It’s expected that new drivers will get higher quotes but that is just because you have little experience and insurers see that as a risk. The more you search for the better so you can find the best price and policy for you. Its best to be as honest as possible when looking for quotes as any dishonesty in your insurance is recognised by the company, it could lead to your insurance being cancelled. Jacks suggests waiting a little while before getting your first car as having your licence for a longer period of time can affect the insurance costs.
3.Black-box monitoring
As were on the topic of insurance, most new young drivers will get much better deals when they opt to have a blackbox with their insurance policy. The black box monitors your driving at all times, to monitor speed, smoothness and the way you choose to use your car such as the times that you drive. Some black box policies may give the driver a curfew of what times they should avoid driving. Expert Leon says that when drivers know they are being monitored while on the roads it makes them second-guess their bad habits, “it overall creates better drivers”. So if you class yourself as a responsible driver then the black box may be the better choice for you.
4.Surviving without your instructor
After you have finally know how to drive and have your license, its time to pull out into the real world – without your instructor that is !(shock emoji) Its easy to be reliant on your driving instructor, as they’re always there to remind you to change your gear, or check your left mirror but how do you cope without them ? Well Jack says new drivers must remember that the instructors are just there to get you to a position where you can drive safely, “once you have that licence you can do it without us. It usually helps my student to have a parent or older person they trust to drive around with them the first few times they go out.”
5. Fear to drive alone
Driving alone can be very scary, but you’ll have to do it eventually. Some people have no problems going it alone straight away. Now others will need company and assurance for those first few drives. It all depends on you individually, but it’s better to wait and until you feel comfortable than to panic under pressure. Expert Leon says “Just to do things at your own pace really. You’ve got to remember that you passed in the first place the hard part is over , if you couldn’t do it then you wouldn’t have got your license.”
6. Hidden Expenses i.e car faults
One thing no one warns you about are those hidden car expenses. Annoying incidents could happen at anytime, you could be in a rush to go out, run to your car and then all of a sudden your car wont start or you realise you’ve got a flat tyre. Leon admits “These things are bound to happen as cars are not perfect, but you can be prepared. Put some money away to keep these incidents from hindering you at the wrong time.”
7. Confidence and Pressure
Being a new driver can be both exciting a nerve-wrecking, as you can often feel pressure from other drivers and even sometimes friends. Driving instructor Jack says “It’s important new drivers don’t put themselves in a position to get distracted or show off for friends.” Around 20% of accidents are actually caused by passengers in your car.”
Leon suggests that if ever you are feeling under pressure whilst driving, its better to pull over and take a break , or better yet avoid going out with people that put you on edge all together. It’s important that new drivers don’t feel bullied on the road by other drivers, Jack suggest having P plates on your car so that other drivers are aware that you are a newly legal driver.
So that’s it guys, you got some of the best advice to get you on the roads safely!
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