What all new drivers need to remember!

09/03/12

It’s all very exciting to be out of the road if you’re a new driver experiencing your burgeoning freedom. However, as a new driver, you need to be aware that although the world is now your oyster, the world will not always tolerate to your lack of experience. Nor will it forgive you for any accidents you make because of a few simple mistakes, even if your car does have that little green ‘P’ on the rear.  So what are the top potential mistakes you as a new driver need to be aware of?

Keeping your car maintained. It’s not only second hand cars that need to be looked after! New cars can also cause problems when you least expect it.


Before long journeys, check tyre pressure, check that all lights are working properly and that your car has some juice. A handy tool box in the car won’t go amiss when your tyre has punctured at 4am in the middle of nowhere and you need to change to the spare!

Try to avoid distractions. Whether you hate that song that’s just come on the radio or you’ve spotted your friend outside you’re the corner shop, try to avoid fiddling with buttons or trying to get an outsider’s attention when operating your vehicle. If the car in front brakes suddenly, you don’t want to be dishing out cash for a new paint job because your phone was demanding your immediate attention. That’s not really going to cut it with the insurance company!

Don’t take risks; it’s really not worth it! Be ten minutes late for that dentist appointment rather than break the speed limit (or in future you could set off ten minutes earlier?). When you speed, drive tired or under the influence, or pull out quickly into the road, you’re not only putting yourself in danger, your putting other drivers and pedestrians’ lives at risk too. That’s a heavy weight to bear on your shoulders!

Even experienced drivers make mistakes so at a T-junction don’t assume that the car that’s coming down the road with its indicator on is turning into your street. Give them time to slow down and make sure they have turned into the road safely before you pull out. For all you know, they could carry straight on and it would be your neck on the line if a collision is caused.

The best thing to remember about being a new driver is never panic. You passed your test fair and square just like everyone else and if you respect the rules of the road, the road should respect you!