So, you’ve thrown away your L-plates and are officially on the road as a newly passed driver. Congratulations! BUT… learning doesn’t stop when you pass your driving test, in fact, it’s just the beginning of your driving journey.
It’s important to bear in mind that if you are to have a car accident, it’s likely to happen in the first couple of years after you have passed your driving test.
Even though you have passed, you should continue learning day by day and always drive with caution. With that in mind, here’s our top three pieces of advice for all new drivers out there…
Show Your P-plates
Once you have passed your driving test, we would recommend putting P-plates on your car. Although optional, they are a good idea to display as they will indicate to other drivers that you may take a little longer to drive and negotiate maneuvers. Other drivers will see that you have displayed P-plates and (in most cases!) will give you a little more space and time. You can display P-plates on your car for as long as you wish – so it would be a good idea to keep them on there until you are fully comfortable to let go of them!
Build Up Your Confidence
It can feel strange going from driving with your instructor with you all the time to suddenly being on your own. For those first couple of trips, if you feel nervous, take a friend or family member who is an experienced driver along with you. Don’t do this all the time though – as you want to make sure you build up your confidence driving on your own. When you feel ready, take short trips on your own here and there and gradually build up to longer distance trips. This will help to boost your confidence.
Be Aware Of Penalty Points
Drive sensibly and with caution – if you gain up to six penalty points on your license in the first two years after passing your driving test, your license will be withdrawn and you will then have to re-apply for your driving license as a learner driver and take both your driving and theory tests again. You’ve been warned!
The Motorway Isn’t As Scary As It Looks – Promise!
Driving on the motorway can be daunting and unfamiliar, especially for new drivers. With that said, they are actually a lot safer than you probably think. All vehicles that are traveling on the motorway move in the same direction, with no cyclists or pedestrians near by. The AA have a great overview on advice for motorways, take a look here: https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/motorways.
If you’re looking for learner or new driver insurance, look no further than Omni Davis. Get in touch with Omni Davis Insurance Brokers now and we will find you the best deal.
Billingshurst Office: 01403 785775
Ford Office: 01243 864018
Email: info@omnidavis.co.uk
