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Congratulations! You’re a legal driver now! You’re one step closer to becoming a bonafide adult! Your driver’s licence is going to afford you a lot more freedom and enjoyment, but it also carries with it a significant amount of responsibility. For example, now that you have a licence, how will you get a car? What about PCP finance deals that can help you out? Do you know how often you have to renew your licence?

Don’t worry, though. We’re here to help you out. You have to keep in mind that everything you do in the driver’s seat has an impact not only on you but on everyone in your family and everyone else on the road as well. To make sure you have a fun time zooming around the streets of the capital, we have compiled a list of some of the most important tips to help you become the best driver you can be!

#1. Obey All The Rules

From road signs to right-of-way, there are several rules that drivers must be aware of and respect when driving. Just a few of them include driving under the speed limit, allowing enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, obeying traffic signals, and always, always wearing your seatbelt.

The knowledge and application of traffic regulations will allow you to have a safe and calm time on the road — and it will let the other drivers in your vicinity stay safe and relaxed as well. Furthermore, following traffic regulations will help you avoid receiving traffic penalties, which can be costly and may result in an increase in your car insurance premiums.

#2. Social Distancing on Wheels

Following too closely is one of the most common causes of rear-end collisions. It’s important to remember the 3-second rule: Choose an object on the road ahead of you (such as a sign, a tree, or an overpass), and when the vehicle in front of you drives past it, gently count “one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand” until the object is passed. If you are following too closely, you will arrive at your chosen point before completing the count.

Keep in mind that if the driver in front of you slams on their brakes and you rear-end them, you will likely face prosecution, a lawsuit from the other driver, and an expensive bill for repairs. All things you want to avoid!

#3. Prepare Well And Don’t Despair

In the event of an accident, breakdown, or another emergency, your car should always be equipped with your most important driving documents, as well as an emergency kit containing everything you’d need to survive for an extended period in your vehicle.

Make sure you have important documents on hand, such as your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and driving licence. Besides water and non-perishable snacks, keep an emergency kit containing a blanket, a torch, road hazard cones, jump leads, basic tools, and a small supply of the oil and coolant your car requires.

#4. Treat Yourself to Some Insurance

Insuring a first-time driver can be an expensive proposition. Being fresh out of driving school means that you are statistically more likely to cause an insurance company to lose money by filing a claim. To offset this additional risk, insurers offer higher insurance premiums to all younger and new drivers.

Fortunately, as you accumulate a no-claims bonus over several years, the cost will gradually decrease. In the meantime, carefully compare costs and consider whether there are any steps you can take to reduce the cost of your first-time driver insurance, such as parking your vehicle off-road overnight, driving a less powerful automobile, or enrolling in telematics insurance. These simple actions will help you save money.

#5. Take Care of Your Car

Owning a car comes with plenty of responsibilities. It’s possible that something will go wrong with your vehicle, resulting in an accident, and that this will have life-changing repercussions for you and others. It could, at the absolute least, cause you major inconvenience and financial hardship.

In addition to ensuring that your car is serviced regularly and subjected to an annual MOT test, it is a good idea to become familiar with some basic car maintenance procedures, such as checking your oil level, filling your washer tank, and checking the pressure and wear on your tyres. Detecting problems early on can help you avoid spending more money on repairs further down the road, so you have to be ready and keep your car in a good condition.

In Closing: Bonus Tip

The only other thing, and probably the most important tip we have to offer you, is this: practice. Don’t let the fear and anxiety of the wide-open roads get to you. Look at your licence. You got it because you put in the work and because the examiner saw exhibit all the requirements necessary to drive safely.

Have faith in yourself, and don’t forget to enjoy the feeling of being behind the wheel. Go out and drive. Practise. That’s the only way to get better.