Sitting behind the wheel of your car after passing your test can be an exciting and daunting experience. Some new drivers are naturally confident where as others will naturally display signs of nervous. In both instances it is important to follow specific guidelines, not necessarily rules which will improve your confidence, knowledge, typical habits and reduce the chances of having an accident. Statistics show that 1 in 5 drivers crash within their first year of driving.
Whether you’re a new driver or not, it is important to concentrate on the road at all times. Drivers with experience will find this easier and concentration will occur naturally. With new drivers, especially younger ones it may be difficult to concentrate as they may get caught up with excitement and naturally have inexperience to drive independently.
Other passengers in the car may put the driver off along with phones and other gadgets. Eliminating any distractions that may compromise concentration is a huge step in the right direction. This could be achieved by turning all phones and gadgets off and with the amount of fellow passengers being cut down to a minimum with them behaving well. Drivers shouldn’t look at passengers if talking to them; their eyes should be focused on the road ahead.
Learner drivers would be used to a passengers sitting beside them. Having an experienced driver passenger in the car from the beginning allows them to drive with less pressure with added comfort. It can install them with greater confidence for the future. Giving in to peer pressure is also is a common trait amongst young drivers. Some decide to speed and drive recklessly and dangerously. This type of attitude is extremely hazardous for the drivers themselves as well as other road users.
The driving experience of being a learner differs completely from that of becoming a fully licensed motorist. Further driving courses can help new drivers prepare which courses such as ‘Pass Plus’. New drivers can gain confidence in such courses, which aren’t tested but are designed to give new drivers a better understanding and experience of driving in different types of conditions and roads. This could include driving in different types of weathers, driving on busy town roads, driving at night, driving on dual carriageways and motorways.
It’s clearly a useful idea for new drivers to get into the habit of preparing properly before journeys. For example drivers should check whether tyres pressures are correct and indeed not flat. Oil levels should also be checked regularly as well as having a stock of a first aid kit in case of an accident, appropriate tools and a spare tyre should be present.
This is just a snippet of the different types of behaviour and practice which new drivers really should be adopting. If a solid and sensible foundation is laid out at the beginning then new drivers will eventually become smart, safe and sensible on the road.
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