Congratulations on passing your driving test! After dozens of lessons, a huge amount of money and sleepless nights worrying about your practical – knowing that you’ve achieved this life skill is an incredible feeling. But as a new driver, you don’t have time to rest on your laurels – undoubtedly, you’ll be eager to get yourself on the road as quickly as possible and enjoy all the freedoms that come with a full driving license.

But, before you pick up your friends and head to the drive-through, it’s important that you have as much confidence as possible before you get behind the wheel for the first time, unsupervised. So, with this in mind, why not familiarise yourself with these handy tips for new drivers – read on to find out more.

Make Sure You Have the Right Insurance

Car insurance is an absolute must for any driver, and as a new driver, you can expect (unfortunately) much higher premiums than your parents or drivers who are older and have seemingly more experience. Make sure you compare car insurance online – don’t just go with the same provider as your friends, make sure you’re getting the best deal for you and your circumstances. If there are other drivers in your family, you could be placed on their policy to help keep your premiums low.

Decide What Car You’ll Need

Of course, you’re going to need a car! So, now is the time to think about what make or model would be right for you and your needs. Again, don’t be swayed or put under pressure by the flash, brand-new vehicles being driven by your peers – there are plenty of great second-hand cars out there and most are only a few years old. Gone are the days when new drivers would be stuck with old bangers and rusty cars with eye-watering mileage, today you can enjoy a used vehicle and still enjoy the latest entertainment and safety features as well as the flexibility of PCP payments.

Get to Know Your Car

If you already have a vehicle, or you’ve just purchased one, then chances are it’ll be much different than the one you learned to drive in. Therefore, before you get behind the wheel, take some time to get to know your new vehicle. Whether this means checking out all the buttons and how to turn on the wipers and hazards etc. whilst parked on your driveway, or heading to a quiet stretch of road with someone you trust to get used to the feel of the car, take your time and don’t feel pressured to hit the road straightaway.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Passing your test is one thing, but driving alone for the first time is incredibly daunting. Therefore, many new drivers opt to take a family member or an experienced friend with them on their first outing. Whether you want a little confidence boost while driving through town, or parking in a multistorey car park, don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Final Thoughts…

As a new driver, there’s so much more to think about than simply getting behind the wheel and going on your way. Make sure you take your time, have the right insurance in place and have the right approach to driving that suits your pace.