So you’ve passed your driving test? Congratulations! Whether you passed on your first or fifteenth time, you’re finally allowed to drive by yourself – and you earned it! The months spent learning and dreaming about finally driving by yourself in your own car have finally paid off! But what now? You’ve got your driving test certificate and you’ve celebrated passing your test, but what comes next? Here is everything you need to know after you’ve passed your driving test.
Compare insurance
As a newly passed driver, no matter how old you are, your insurance premiums are going to be higher for the first few years. However, that doesn’t mean you should go for the first quote you receive from an insurance company. Take the time to compare insurance quotes, and use some haggling skills to talk companies down in price. While you may be paying a higher premium until insurance companies can see you’re a safe driver, it’s still worth looking for the cheapest price out there. You can do this even before you’ve purchased a car, as most comparison websites have lots of options to change things once you’ve got yourself a car – and who knows, the insurance might be cheaper than you think!
Choose your car
Now comes one of the best parts about passing your driving test – choosing your first car! If you’re looking for a cheap runaround to last you the first year or two of driving, choosing a second hand car will probably be your best option. However, if you’ve passed and you have a family already to take care of, you might want to look for something a little bit more reliable. Click here for information on SUVs and minivans if that’s the kind of car you’re looking for. Remember, when buying a car it’s important to think about the cost of running the car, as well as any potential repairs it may need in the future. Budgeting is everything!
Learn how to service your car
Cars break down from time to time, and that’s completely normal! However, did you know that you could reduce the chances of having to take your car for a repair between MOTs if you service your car regularly? Checking your tyres, oil and water levels regularly will help your car run more efficiently between visits to the garage.
It’s also important to learn what your car sounds like when there’s no problems with it, so that when you hear something out of the ordinary, you know it’s time to take it to the garage for a check up. Getting into the habit of doing this will save you lots of money and can sometimes prevent you from having to fork out for large repairs between your MOTs.
Consider a black box
Black boxes are often frowned upon by new drivers as it will limit their ability to truly experience speed when driving. However, there are speed limits put in place for a reason! Not only to black boxes prevent you from going over the speed limit, they can also dramatically reduce your insurance premium! Fitting a black box into your car for the first few years of driving could really help save you a pretty penny or two!
Get used to different types of roads
While you were learning, your driving instructor may have taken you on many different kinds of roads, but it’s almost impossible to take learners onto every kind of road out there. For example, learners don’t have lessons on the motorway, and that might be something you’re hoping to get used to sooner rather than later. Remember to take your time, be conscious of other cars around you, and keep to the speed limit. If you’re feeling nervous about the experience, start in the slow lane and over time, slowly work your way up to faster speeds. Never drive faster than what you’re comfortable with!
Alternatively, you could choose to take extra driving lessons, where an instructor will take you on the motorway and help you learn what to do, and how to do it safely. This isn’t mandatory, but it’s great for those who are too nervous to try it on their own!
Buy some P plates
If you are feeling nervous about driving on your own for the first time, it’s a good idea to buy some P plates to stick to your car. This will alert other drivers that you’re newly passed, and more often than not, other drivers will give you more time and room to maneuver your car.
Install a dash cam
A sad, but harsh truth is that if you’re in an accident as a new driver, it’s likely you’ll be blamed, even if it wasn’t your fault. Installing a dash cam can help back you up should you get into a situation like this. Not only that, it will help bring your insurance premiums down further!
Drive with your friends
Another amazing feeling when you’ve passed your test for the first time is being able to pick up your friends and drive wherever you want! While you may be excited for this moment, be sure to tell your friends that you’re still getting used to your car and don’t want to risk an accident or a speeding ticket. Getting used to passengers in the car is a great way to practise your concentration levels on the road.
Try driving at night
When learning to drive, it’s highly unlikely that you were required to drive at night. Driving when it’s dark is much different to the day time, and you should spend some time practising your driving at night. Remember to keep your speed down and take your time!
Plan a road trip
Finally, once you’re comfortable in your new car, are used to driving at night, and you’ve practised driving on roads your instructor didn’t take you on, then it’s time to plan a road trip! Gather your friends, pick a destination, and enjoy being the driver!
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
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