We all made a few lockdown resolutions, right? To get fit, to bake the perfect loaf, to master origami…
With restrictions lifting and some driving instructors resuming normal service, for those who pledged to learn how to drive, whether they’re 17 and raring to hit the road or a late learner in their 50s keen for a new challenge, the time has now come.
If you’ve never driven before, getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time can offer you a sense of freedom, independence and fear, all at the same time. After all, a car can be a lethal weapon in the wrong hands; not to put you off before you’ve even put the key in the ignition, or anything…
Should you be nervous about moving off for the first time, then you might be reassured by reading these 7 tips for new drivers about how to get safely behind the wheel.
PAY ATTENTION TO ROAD SIGNS
Road signs are designed to serve as a shorthand for rules that you need to follow when driving and help ensure that you as a driver and the people around you (both other drivers and pedestrians) stay safe. Speed limits are the most prominent example, but be aware that road signs in the UK can get pretty esoteric in some of our more rural locations.
However, there are some signs that you should be particularly aware of, as not heeding their warnings or taking their advice could lead to an accident. These include common signs like ones designating a ‘no parking’ or ‘no stopping’ area and others that inform you about road conditions, such as slippery surfaces and steep hills. They even help guide you to your destination by pointing you towards motorways, junctions, and more.
Not knowing the meaning of road signs and their implications for your driving will likely mean you won’t get past your theory test, which brings us to…
OBEY ALL LAWS
To get your driving license, you will need to pass both a theory and a practical test. The practical test gauges your understanding of how to drive, while the theory test includes examining how well you understand driving laws.
This division is because, as someone driving a vehicle, knowing all the relevant laws is essential. The laws guide all drivers on the road and are formulated specifically to reduce the risk of accident and injury, including seat belt laws and speed limits. By following the law, you not only keep yourself safe, but you also help protect everyone else on the road. You’ll also be a better driver for it.
Getting familiar with laws before your driving test can seem challenging. People tend to disregard those they feel are outdated or irrelevant. However, as noted here, you cannot attend your driving test proper without first passing your theory test. For this reason, it’s important to either study independently for the theory test as soon as possible or enrol in a driving school that provides you with training for both tests, rather than just the practical one.
There are apps that can help you get to grips with the UK’s driving laws and those signs we mentioned earlier. Some of the best include the Official DVSA Complete Theory Test Kit, AA Theory Test for Car Drivers by Abel Learning and Driving Theory Test 4 in 1 Kit.
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Another important part of ensuring that you’re safe when you first learn to drive is to have full knowledge of your (or more likely, your driving instructor’s) car. Familiarise yourself with the positions of all the controls, and make sure that all parts are in proper working order.
Additionally, make sure you understand the dashboard and all the symbols on it, so you’ll be aware of how fast you’re going, whether you need to fill up on fuel, and more.
Read: The IDEAL guide to choosing your first car
HAVE A SAFETY KIT
Sometimes, emergencies happen. These can be personal medical emergencies or an issue with your car, such as a flat tire. If you’re in the city when you encounter this particular situation, you’ll be able to find help easily – however, if you’re not on a road normally populated with high levels of traffic, it may take some time before you see another car you can flag down for help.
For this reason, you should always have a well-stocked emergency kit in your car. This should include a spare tire, a flashlight, a bottle of water, oil, coolant, tools with which to fix minor issues with your car, a first aid kit, and more. You should also include a blanket and some snacks, so you can keep refreshed and warm if you are stuck by the side of the road for some time. Additionally, ensure you have a portable battery to keep your mobile phone charged.
STAY AWAY FROM YOUR PHONE
Speaking of that phone of yours…
While carrying a fully charged mobile phone is practical and a safety necessity when travelling by car, it should never be used while driving. Mobile phones, whether you’re texting, calling or scrolling, can take your attention away from the road, where it should always be when you’re driving. This could result in 6 points on your licence, a £200 fine, or if you’ve passed your driving test in the last two years, you could even lose your licence.
While using hands-free functions is currently legal, it’s always safest to stay away from all phone usage while driving.
DON’T TAILGATE
Like seat belt usage, avoiding tailgating is both a legal requirement and a safety recommendation. Tailgating is the act of driving too close to the car in front of you, often due to a desire to overtake it.
This can unsettle the driver ahead of you and increase the risk of getting in an accident if they have to slow down or stop out of the blue. Instead, you should leave two to three seconds of space between your vehicle and that ahead of you.
DON’T DRIVE TOO SLOWLY
Most people are aware that driving over the speed limit is dangerous and illegal. However, what they often don’t realise is that driving too slow can cause issues, too.
If you are driving too slowly, there’s an increased chance of you causing congestion on the road. Additionally, it increases the chances of collisions, as people behind you will likely be driving faster than you do and may not be able to hit the brake in time. This is a major issue on motorways, where vehicles tend to go faster than on other roads.
THE BOTTOM LINE
While driving can seem frightening the first few times you get behind a car, once you’re confident, it allows you to be completely independent. However, it’s important that when you learn to drive, you also get familiar with the steps you need to take to stay safe when on the road. After all, driving is meant to be fun, not dangerous!
If you’re yet to take your test and are looking for advice on tackling it with a clear, confident mindset, then check out these tips on how to stay cool, calm and collected during your driving test.