New to the Road: 7 Things you Need to Know

Now that you’ve mastered the basics and finally passed your test, you’re free to go solo on the roads. But unlike before, everything is in your hands. There is no one else there to slam on the brakes or gently remind you to slow down for a roundabout. This is the next stage of learning how to drive.

Practice makes perfect, and with driving, it all comes down to getting used to different roads and how other road users tackle certain scenarios too. From knowing basic motoring laws to becoming road savvy, here are 7 things you need to know:

Motorways aren’t a big deal

While you might feel like you’ve conquered dual carriageways, just the idea of driving on a motorway makes you feel uneasy. Despite having more lanes, more traffic, and more signage to look out for, they are principally no different from a dual carriageway. 

So get to grips with motorways as soon as possible. Whether that’s doing simple journeys to the next town or city from where you live or biting the bullet and driving fifty miles or more, getting as much experience of different conditions and types of road will boost your confidence. 

It’s usually better for inexperienced motorists to take a more experienced driver along with you in the early days until you feel fully confident on your own. 

Car finance is available to new drivers too

Now that you’ve passed your test, you might want to get your hands on your own set of wheels – except you have no means to finance it on your own. Fortunately, that’s where car finance comes in. It allows you to get a new, nearly new or used car without having to produce the upfront costs in one go. 

Instead, you can spread your payments out through low fixed monthly instalments and drive away in your dream car, often on the same day as your car loan is approved.

However, typically new drivers tend to have little or no credit history due to their age and may struggle to get a loan approval due to their limited credit history. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply. Plus, there is a range of poor credit car finance lenders out there that specialise in getting new or younger drivers on the road despite their credit score. 

It’s ok to shop around for cheaper car insurance

It’s well known that car insurance premiums are far higher for new or young drivers. With less experience on the roads, you have no proven track record of how safe you are behind the wheel. Plus, you won’t have any years of no claims discount to your name either.  

The attorneys from Malloy Injury Law explain how a history of safe driving can influence more than just insurance rates, as it also affects legal standing in the event of a road incident. Understanding the complexities of liability and coverage helps individuals protect their financial interests after an unexpected collision. These legal insights are vital for navigating the aftermath of an accident and ensuring that all parties are treated fairly under the law.

While your car insurance will be high, there is nothing stopping you from shopping around for the best deal. Not unlike car finance, each comparison website you use (double-check the T&Cs if you’re unsure) will only use a “soft search” to match you to your credentials. 

Yes, this will be visible on your credit history, but only to you. It’s only when you commit to a deal, the lender will perform a “hard search.” 

It’s ok to have post-test lessons

For most new drivers, confidence builds up over time. You may struggle with three-point turns or have some qualms about long-distance driving, but that’s ok. 

If you need extra encouragement, most driving schools will offer post-test lessons. They are literally designed to help boost new drivers’ confidence and iron out all of those basic skills you learnt prior to your test and take you to the next level. 

What’s more, some insurers offer a discount for new drivers who have done a post-test course. 

Don’t use your mobile while driving

Did you know it’s actually illegal to hold your mobile phone or Sat Nav while driving? 

If you get caught, you could face:

• 6 penalty points on your license and a £200 fine if you’re holding a hand-held phone
• If you have passed your driving test within the last two years, you’ll lose your license
• 3 penalty points if you don’t have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of your vehicle

If you get taken to court, you could be banned from driving altogether and get a £1,000 fine.

Don’t drive angry, drunk or tired

Driving is tiring. You have to focus on so many changeables. From weather conditions to volume of traffic, inside distractions and more, all while you keep everyone – you, your passengers and other road users around you – safe. 

Tiredness automatically slows down your reaction time to potential hazards. You might not even notice them. So your chances of causing or being involved in an accident are far higher than if you are well-rested. 

Equally, if you are angry, sad or drunk, your mind is likely far from the road. Even if you are hungover, the alcohol might still be in your system and slow down your response times. 

If you’re already on the road, pull over. Get out of your car and have a walk around in the nearest layby, or better yet, have a proper break at a service station. 

You don’t have to be a taxi driver to your friends!

Passing your driving test is exciting. It’s a right of passage for most and will automatically score you some points with your mates, especially if they are still avid pedestrians. However, you are not your friend’s taxi service. 

Until you have mastered “real life” driving skills and feel confident behind the wheel, it’s best to avoid extra passengers. More people in the cabin automatically brings with it more noise, heaps of chit chat and ultimately, more distractions than you might be ready for. So start small, and be very selective until you are ready. 

New drivers don’t need to be afraid of the road. With practice and familiarity, you will quickly refine your driving skills and scoop up better insurance and finance deals as you go!

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