Top Tips for New Drivers
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 7 months ago
5 min read
- Car ownership
FixMyCar provides some top tips for new drivers.
These tips are designed to give new drivers the best chance of staying safe on the road while saving money where possible.
Contents
7. Make sure you're comfortable
8. Work on your observation skills
9. Increase your car's fuel efficiency
10. Brush up on your motorway driving knowledge
11. Don't let other drivers intimidate you
12. Get used to driving in all conditions
14. Never drive under the influence
1. Get a black box
Insurance is a massive expense for new drivers as they have a higher statistical chance of being involved in an accident. However, you can reduce the price of your insurance by choosing a black box policy.
A black box is a small device that records your speed, distance travelled, time of day, and driving style. It relays this information to your insurance company and acts as a deterrent to prevent you from driving dangerously. Your insurance provider may provide a discount when renewing your policy based on the data collected from your black box.
It is an excellent way to keep your driving in check while saving money, so it's worth researching. Some insurance companies have also introduced policies that use smartphones to track the same kind of data as black boxes.
2. Consider using P-plates
In some countries, P-plates are mandatory after you've passed your test, but this isn't the case in the UK. It's up to you whether you want to use them. Putting them on your car signals to other drivers that you are still a new driver and might make mistakes; hopefully, this will make them more sympathetic and cautious around your vehicle.
3. Minimise distractions
It's easy to get distracted when driving, whether by passengers, a mobile phone or an annoying rattling sound that shouldn't be there. That's why you should try to minimise potential distractions before you set off.
This might involve:
Asking passengers not to speak to you unless it's important.
Switching your phone off or muting notifications.
Turning the radio down.
Removing things from the rearview mirror (such as air fresheners).
4. Get to know your car
If you learn to drive with an instructor, your first car is unlikely to be the same model. It might have different controls, a different biting point, and different braking sensitivity. Familiarising yourself with your car's quirks before going on a longer journey could make all the difference in avoiding a dangerous situation.
Remember, the vehicle handbook is your friend - it explains all the buttons and functions in your car.
5. Plan your journey
Planning every journey is a great way to build confidence when you haven't been driving for long. Before you set off - even if you're only going to the local shop - decide which route to take, check the traffic and weather, and make sure you have a backup route planned, just in case.
6. Stay on top of maintenance
You're probably still figuring out the ins and outs of driving - the last thing you want to worry about is whether your car might break down. One way to prevent this is to follow a maintenance schedule.
To keep your car in good condition, aim to check its fluid levels (coolant, engine oil, screenwash) and tyres (pressure and tread) every few weeks, and book a full service once a year.
7. Make sure you're comfortable
The more comfortable you are, the easier it is to focus on the road ahead. Take the time to adjust the position of your seat so that you can easily reach the pedals and turn the steering wheel. Finding the perfect position might take several adjustments, but it will be worth it knowing you can drive for hours without getting cramps or backache.
8. Work on your observation skills
Paying close attention to what's happening around you is one of the most valuable skills a driver can have. One day, it could prevent you from being involved in a collision. Failing to look properly is the single biggest cause of road accidents in the UK.
Keep your eyes moving to stay focused; fixing your line of sight in one place reduces brain activity. While looking around, avoid moving your head too much, as this might make you veer in that direction and take your eyes off the road.
Remember to regularly check your mirrors and monitor the vehicles around you, maintaining a safe distance.
This guide covers everything you need to know about stopping distances.
9. Increase your car's fuel efficiency
Fuel is a significant expense for young people, but there are ways of driving that reduce fuel consumption and help your car stay healthy.
Slow down and drive sensibly by anticipating and reading the road ahead.
Brake and accelerate only when necessary.
Try engine braking.
Reduce the weight in your vehicle by removing items.
Get your car serviced regularly.
Discover more advice about getting the best fuel efficiency from your car.
10. Brush up on your motorway driving knowledge
After you pass your test, you might not have driven on a motorway unless you've undertaken an advanced driving course. The following tips may be obvious, but they are essential for a new driver.
Stay in the left-hand lane and only use the middle and right-hand lane to overtake. Staying in the middle is seen as lane hogging, and this can irritate other road users.
Using your mirrors properly is vital, as cars move at extremely high speeds on the motorway.
When overtaking a lorry, wait until you can fully see it in your rearview mirror before pulling back into the left-hand lane.
Try to keep a reasonable distance between cars in front, whatever the weather, but especially under challenging conditions like rain and wind.
Remember that you don't need to turn your steering wheel as much to get the same effect at 70mph. You'll only need to turn it a small amount to switch lanes.
Keep an eye on your blind spot directly beside your car - vehicles in this area won't appear in your wing mirror.
11. Don't let other drivers intimidate you
It's common for impatient, irresponsible drivers to stay just a few inches away from your rear bumper to intimidate you into driving faster - often above the speed limit. In these situations, try to remain calm and avoid giving in to pressure. Arriving at your destination safely is more important than arriving quickly. Take your time and stick to the rules of the road.
12. Get used to driving in all conditions
Driving at night, in the rain, or when it's icy is more difficult than driving in clear, dry conditions. But you shouldn't let that put you off - going out of your comfort zone will help you improve as a driver.
Familiarise yourself with the location of your fog lights, high-beam headlights and windscreen wipers. Remember to leave more space between your car and the one in front in difficult weather conditions and when it's dark.
The more practice you get in harsh conditions, the more confident you'll feel no matter what the weather throws at you.
13. Check the Highway Code
Uncertainty is a common cause of nerves in new drivers. One way you can alleviate it is by familiarising yourself with the Highway Code. It's a lengthy document, so you might only be able to remember some of it, but it contains plenty of helpful information to help you understand the rules of the road.
It's also an excellent resource for getting rid of niggling doubts. If you experience a situation while driving and are unsure whether you reacted correctly, you can find out from the Highway Code.
Find out about the most common driving offences and penalties.
14. Never drive under the influence
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there is a drink driving limit, which allows you to drive legally after consuming a small amount of alcohol. However, just because you can doesn't mean you should, especially as a new driver.
Your driving skills are still developing, and any amount of alcohol will impair your ability to control a vehicle. Alcohol impacts your vision, reaction times and concentration - for these reasons, you shouldn't take the risk of driving after you've had a drink. The same goes for drugs and lack of sleep.
15. Consider doing the Pass Plus scheme
The Pass Plus scheme provides an extra six hours of tuition with an instructor to tackle things you might not have done before, such as motorway driving and driving at night. It costs £150 to £200 and will help decrease your insurance price.
16. Find the best deal for repairs and maintenance
Driving is expensive, especially for younger people, so every penny saved counts. And it isn't just insurance quotes that you should compare to find the best deal - it's repair and maintenance quotes, too.
Whatever your car needs, FixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers in a language they understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.