Top Tips for New Drivers

If you’ve just passed your driving test, then you’ll know the basics of driving. But getting out on the road on your own can be a hugely different experience than having an instructor with you. You might feel a bit nervous about driving without having someone there to advise you. With our guide, you can learn the best tips for new drivers, so you can increase your confidence and drive safely.

Get to Know Your Car

If you’re used to driving your instructor’s car, you will need to get used to your own car once you’ve passed your test. Check the manual, so you know exactly how to turn your headlights on, how to turn your full beams on, how to use your window wipers and where your hazard button is. Make sure you know how to adjust the temperature and use the air to clear your windscreen if it gets fogged up. Get your seat and mirrors adjusted to the right position. This way you’ll be able to drive safely and minimise distractions once you’re underway.

You should also learn what the lights mean on your dashboard, so you’ll know how to respond if they light up whilst you’re driving. Some lights on your dashboard will tell you about your car battery, fuel, or check engine light.

Practice in Bad Weather

You might have had some lessons in bad weather, but it’s essential that you practice in different weather conditions once you’ve passed. How you drive will change for snow and ice, rain, wind and sometimes even bright sunshine. You’ll need to get used to driving with reduced visibility and also to adjusting your steering and braking in different conditions.

If you feel more comfortable, ask an experienced driver to come with you on your first practice run, so they can offer advice and support whilst you get used to it. By practicing when you have some extra time, you’ll be ready when you have to take a journey in bad weather.

Plan Your Trips

Take some time to learn the roads around you, so you know the best route to get to the places that you go most often. If you’re travelling further afield, plan your journey before you get in your car, so you have an idea of where you’ll need to go.

Sat Navs are great to use on longer trips to new places but try not to become too reliant on them for your everyday journeys. You should also try to keep an eye on road signs when you’re driving, as they can be more helpful with making sure you’re in the right lane at roundabouts or getting on to the correct road.

Minimise Distractions

It’s vital that you focus whilst you’re driving. Keep the music turned down or turn it off completely if you’re not yet fully confident. Once you’re more comfortable with driving, you’ll be able to listen to music with no problems.

You should also avoid giving lifts to your friends whilst you’re adjusting to driving after you’ve passed your test. Having other people in the car can be massively distracting and many new drivers have said they felt pressured by passengers to drive over the speed limit or come out of a junction at the wrong time. Dealing with this type of pressure can be difficult at the best of times and taking these kinds of risks can be life-threatening. Take some time to become more confident in your own driving and decision making before you start giving your friends lifts.

Practice on the Motorway

Learner drivers aren’t allowed on the motorway, so unless you’ve taken extra lessons after you’ve passed your test, it’s likely you won’t have driven on the motorway as a new driver. Once you’ve had some time to get used to your car, try and get some practice on the motorway, either on your own or by taking an experienced driver with you for advice.

When driving on the motorway, you should stay in the left-hand lane. The middle and right-hand lane are only for overtaking. Lots of people do it but driving in the middle lane is known as “lane-hogging” and police can give an on the spot fine if they catch a driver doing it.

Make sure to check your mirrors more often than you would usually. Cars will be moving at high speeds, so the situation around you can change very quickly. Keep a good distance in between your car and the car in front and allow even more space in bad weather, like rain or ice. You should be checking your blind spot on all types of roads but take extra care on motorways if you’re changing lanes.

Put Your Phone Away

You are four times more likely to have a car accident if you’re using your phone and your reaction times are two times slower if you text than if you drink and drive. It’s illegal to use a handheld phone whilst you’re driving, including if you’re stopped at traffic lights or in a traffic jam. If you’re caught, you’ll get six points on your licence and a fine of £200. If you get six points on your licence in the first two years of driving, you will lose your licence.

Keep your phone out of reach whilst you’re driving. If you need to use it for a Sat Nav, put a phone holder on your windscreen or air vent and make sure you have the maps set up before you start driving. If you need to use your phone, park in a safe place before you pick it up.

Practice at Night

Make sure to practice at night as soon as possible. Plan your journey before you leave and make sure you know how to adjust your headlights. You’ll need to get used to reduced visibility – you might not see hazards as quickly as during the day so you might want to slow down if you’re driving at night on unfamiliar roads.

Remember that your rear-view mirror will probably have an anti-glare function, or a day more and night mode. If you’re driving at night and someone behind you has bright headlights, just flip the switch on your rear-view mirror. This will reduce the glare so you can concentrate on what’s ahead of you, whilst still seeing what’s going on behind you in the mirror.

Be Confident in Your Driving

As a new driver, you should take your time to be careful and safe at all times. You should never feel pressured by other drivers to speed up or make a manoeuvrer you’re not comfortable making. Keep to the rules of the road. You are in control of your own vehicle.

If you’ve just passed your test and are looking to secure fast car finance speak to us, Euphoria Finance offers car finance for new drivers. With our affordable car finance deals, you can buy a reliable car that suits your monthly budget. Get a quick car finance quote today or speak to one of our advisors on 01282 509609.