Things all new drivers should know...

20/01/12

When you’re learning to drive you spend a long time (a very long time in some cases) doing things that you never do once you’re qualified: Reverse parking in very tight spaces, doing the “cockpit” check when you get into the driving seat and three point turns.

But even though driving tests get more complicated every year, there are loads of things that you don’t get taught when you’re learning to drive, leading to some shocks when you head out in your car on your own for the first time.

Here are the top 5 things new drivers should learn, but they don’t tell you about:

1)      Always have some cash on you for parking

It should be obvious, but it really isn’t.  After years of using a travel card, or simply walking around for free, in the brave new world of being a new driver, never leave the house without some coins in the car.  Not every car park has mobile or card payments, so don’t get caught out!

2)      Remember where you parked the car!

Again this seems obvious, but when it’s your responsibility for the first time to remember where you’ve parked (rather than depend on your nominated driver), it’s very easy to forget and end up trailing around car parks endlessly in search of your car.

3)      It’s up to you to make sure your MOT and DVLA details are up-to-date

Although garages are very good at reminding you to bring your car in for a service, it’s not up to them to remind you about your MOT.  If you move house, another thing that you have to add to your to-do list as a new driver is informing the DVLA.  If you don’t keep your address up to date with them, it can potentially cause some problems if you need to make an insurance claim.

4)      Buying a dirt cheap first car “because it probably won’t last long” is a false economy

A lot of people make the assumption that they will wear out their first car quickly, so they pick up an old banger for £500. This doesn’t make the best sense financially – you could still end up paying relatively high insurance or dealing with some shocking maintenance costs.  It’s far better to look for cars in the lower insurance bands, with small engines and good safety features to get the best value for money as a new driver.

5)      Grow a backbone very quickly – it’s your road too!

As soon as the ‘L’ plates are taken off your car other drivers treat you very differently.  It’s a harsh lesson that needs to be learnt quickly, but as soon as you head out on your own you will find drivers cutting you up, stealing your parking spaces and honking their horns aggressively because they think you have done something wrong (which is more than likely not the case: they’re probably just having a bad day).

What one piece of advice would you have appreciated as a young driver? Let us know on our Facebook page!