New Drivers

The L-plates might have come off, but the road can still be a scary place for newly qualified drivers.

You’ve done the hard bit and passed your driving test. Now it’s time to put what you’ve learnt into action. When getting ready to hit the road you should keep these simple tips in mind.

Before you start the engine

• Trying to look at a map while driving is dangerous and can get you flustered, making accidents and mishaps more likely. Plan your route carefully before getting in the car.
• Put a torch and local maps in your glove compartment. You’ll find them invaluable for night time driving or if you get lost in a thunderstorm.
• Check which side your petrol cap is on to avoid embarrassment when you fill up.
• Take a mobile phone with you in case of emergencies, but be sure to pull over and stop somewhere safe before using it.

On the road

• Ask a parent or older, experienced driver to go with you the first few times. There’s still plenty to learn about the road and having them there to teach you how to negotiate a dual carriage way or new route will help.
• Practice makes perfect, so the more you drive the better you’ll get.
• Keep your speed safe, radio volume low and be aware of what is going on around you; both inside and outside of the car.
• Take your time parking. Even experienced drivers can get this wrong, so don’t get stressed by cars waiting for you. Chances are, they know exactly how you feel.

Boost your driving confidence

If you feel you’d benefit from a little more teacher time, then Pass Plus is a training course designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) aimed specifically at new drivers. The six-hour course builds upon your existing driving knowledge and skills to teach you how to cope with situations not covered in the test, such as motorway driving, driving at night and in bad weather conditions.

To put your mind at rest, make sure you have adequate car insurance cover in case of an accident. Direct Line car insurance covers drivers aged 17 and over in the UK and aged 22 and over in Northern Ireland.

Related information

• Tips for new drivers
• Young drivers