7 Things Every New Driver Should Know in the UK
Becoming a new driver is an exciting time. There are so many things to learn and experience behind the wheel. To stay safe on the road, it’s important to know and follow the rules of the road. This blog post will discuss seven things every new driver should know before hitting the open road.
1. Have Safety Kits
No matter how short or long your drive is, you should always have a safety kit in your car. This kit should include items like a first-aid kit, a torch light and jump cables. Having these items on hand can help you in an emergency. In addition to a safety kit, you should keep some snacks and water in your car to help you if you get stranded or stuck in traffic.
2. Maintain Safe Distance
Always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This will give you enough time to react in case the other driver makes a sudden stop.
Tailgating is one of the leading causes of accidents, so make sure to give yourself enough space. The rule of thumb is to maintain a distance of two seconds between you and the car in front of you.
Of course, this may vary depending on the weather and road conditions. If it’s raining or there are slippery roads, give yourself more space.
3. Get Car Insurance
One of the most important things you need to do as a new driver is to get car insurance. You are required by law to have car insurance to drive, which will protect you and other parties financially in the event of an accident.
Be sure to shop around and get the best rate for your needs. You will also need to understand a few things about car insurance, such as:
- Your rates will go up after an accident, even if it wasn’t your fault
- You are required to have a certain amount of liability coverage, but you can get more if you want
- You can get discounts for things like having a good driving record, taking defensive driving courses, and more
It is critical to get comprehensive auto insurance before you start driving!
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4. Know How to Change Your Tyre
One of the most important things every new car owner should know how to do is change their tyre. If you have a flat tyre, it’s essential to know how to change it so you’re not stranded on the side of the road. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to change your tyre:
- First, you’ll need to find a safe place to pull over. Once you’re safely off the road, you’ll need to find your jack and wheel wrench — usually located in your boot.
- Next, loosen the lug nuts on your wheel, then use your jack to lift up the car. Once the car is lifted, you can remove the flat tyre and put it on the spare.
- Finally, tighten the lug nuts back on, lower the car, and you’re ready to go.
If you don’t feel comfortable changing your tyre or getting a flat tyre in a difficult spot, you can always call a tow truck. But it’s always good to know how to change your tyre, just in case.
5. Buckle Up Your Seat Belts
It’s always important to wear your seat belt when driving, but it’s especially important for new car drivers. Wearing a seat belt can help keep you safe in the event of an accident. So make sure to buckle up every time you get in the car, no matter how short the drive may be.
In addition, it’s a good idea to ensure all your passengers are buckled up. Not only is it the law in many states, but it’s also an excellent way to set a good example for other drivers.
6. Pay Attention to Road Signs
Road signs are the most ignored yet important thing on the road. They are designed to help keep you safe and informed while driving, so pay attention to them.
If you’re unsure what a particular sign means, look it up before getting behind the wheel. Ignorance is not an excuse for following the rules of the road.
And, as always, be sure to obey all speed limit signs. Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents, so it’s important to always drive within the posted limit. Also, watch out for different types of speed camera signs on the road.
7. Have Navigation on Hand
During your parents’ heyday, it would have been best practice to keep a map in the side pocket of the passenger seat to ensure that they could get around. Maps are still essential, but these days they come in the form of smartphone navigation or integrated GPS systems.
It’s difficult to familiarise yourself with roads when you’re only just starting out, so making sure that you have access to directions is highly recommended for any new drivers. Entering your destination into a car GPS before you start driving is also a good way to avoid getting lost. If you’re not sure where you’re going, enter the address or intersection into your GPS before you start driving.
Ensuring that you have a phone charger available in the car will ensure that you will never get stuck with the short straw in a dead battery scenario.
However, it’s important to remember that most GPS applications rely on network connectivity as well, so it’s not a bad idea to go retro and carry a physical map in your car in case of the dreaded SOS only.
In Summary
So there you have it, the seven things every new driver should know. Whether you’re just starting out or have been driving for a while, it’s always good to brush up on the basics. Road safety, especially for new drivers, is of the utmost importance.
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