Driving After Passing Your Test: What New Drivers Should Know

So, you have just passed your driving test. First of all: congratulations! No matter how old you are, being able to drive opens up a whole new world of possibilities and freedom. Now that your time with your instructor has come to an end, though, it’s easy to feel a little lost without that one-on-one support every week. To help you out, here is a guide to everything you need to know after passing your test!

Insurance

Before you get out there on the road, you need to be insured. Insurance can be on the higher side for new drivers, especially if you are young. That’s why you should shop around to get the best possible deal. Doing things like opting for a black box or adding a second, low-risk driver to your policy can also bring down the cost.

Familiarise yourself with your car

Whether you have bought a brand-new car, a second-hand model, or you are sharing a car with a family member, it is really important to take the time to familiarise yourself with it. Most people don’t learn in the car; they end up driving after their test, after all! When it is parked, just sit in it for a while to learn where all the controls are and to see what unique features it has.

Building your experience

While you covered everything you needed to pass your test during your driving lesson, you are going to gain most of your experience after this. While you are getting used to driving around on your own in your new car, stick to shorter journeys in your local area. This will help you to become more confident before you head off on longer journeys.

Staying safe on the road

Safety is really important as a new driver, and any accidents can have a serious impact on your insurance premiums. Don’t be tempted to go over the speed limit; just stick to a speed you are comfortable at, which is appropriate for where you are driving. Don’t give in to peer pressure on driving fast, either. Keeping passengers to a minimum as a new driver can help you to avoid this, along with any dangerous distractions.

Don’t turn your nose up at P-plates

Saying goodbye to your L-plates feels so good, but what about moving on to some P-plates for a little while? These show other drivers on the road that you have only just passed your test. They’re actually mandatory in many other countries and can be a great way to boost your confidence as you drive independently.

Talk to us

If you want to find out more about learning to drive and what to do once you have finished your lessons, please get in touch with us today! We are here to help you and give you all of the support and advice you need.