We know how daunting it can be to drive alone when you’ve only just passed your test. So, if you’re new to the road, check out our tips for first time drivers.
Use P plates
If you want people to give you a little more space and consideration on the roads, use a P plate to let people know you’re new to driving. They should respect the green P and allow you the time you need to get around.
Get to know your car
If you’re lucky to have your own car, or access to a vehicle, really get to know it. Figure out where all the important switches are, how to use your window wipers and where to turn the lights and full beam on and off. Make sure you’re completely comfortable with every part of the vehicle to give you more confidence when you’re actually on the road.
Use the two second rule
Keep at least two seconds between you and the vehicle in front give yourself plenty of time to react. If someone stops, there’s a surprise change in speed limit, or a change to the road surface, you need time to respond.
Choose your shoes
Some shoes are more comfortable to drive in than others. While you’re gaining your confidence on the road, make sure you’ve got something sensible on your feet. Trainers or flat shoes are best, avoid heels or boots with a thick sole. Don’t wear flip flops or go barefoot, as it goes against the Highway Code if you’re unable to operate the vehicle controls properly.
Plan a night journey
Driving in the dark is different to driving in the daylight. Navigating is harder, visibility is worse, and you might be feeling tired. Bring a more experienced driver with you to help you get used to the challenges of nighttime driving.
Prevent distractions
If you’re using a sat nav or your phone for navigation, set it up before you start driving. If you have to change it, pull over. Keep the tunes at a low volume and get the playlist set up before you head off. Absolutely no texting and if you’ve got passengers, don’t let chatting to them pull your attention from the road. Check out our tips for avoiding distracted driving.
Stick to familiar roads at first
Driving by yourself is incredibly exciting so you might be tempted to head off on an adventure straightaway. However, we’d recommend getting comfortable with driving around on your own on familiar roads first. It’ll make it slightly easier to manage your first solo drives when you’re not having to worry about navigating as well.
We hope these tips for first time drivers help make your first solo trips less stressful. If you’ve got your own tips to share, send us a Tweet!