Passing your driving test is one of those rites of passage that you will never forget about because it’s typically the very first major obstacle you’ve overcome in your life. For those learning to drive later in life, it’s a massive feat of achievement because it can be that much harder, but regardless of where you are in life, it’s that first year after passing your driving test where you don’t just need to work on your driving abilities but you also need to make sure you get the right car insurance, choose the right vehicle, but also get your mindset in gear. So here’s a few things to bear in mind:
Personalising Your Experience
One of the biggest things people continue to report after passing their driving test is just how much more freedom they have, and for those who are still living with their parents, a car is an excellent opportunity to express who they are and feel more confident on the road.
That sense of self-assurance is vital during the first year on the road where you’re driving by yourself independently, and this is why personalised number plates for sale and those little touches are pivotal to that post-driving-test high we experience, and we shouldn’t neglect this.
The Safety Considerations
In the UK, there’s quite a few laws drivers need to follow. For example, there is a strict zero-alcohol limit, meaning you shouldn’t have any alcohol in your system while driving, as well as a two-year probationary period under the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995, where if you accumulate six or more penalty points within the first two years, your licence will be taken off you, and you’ll have to retake the theory and practical tests again to regain your driving privileges.
Additionally, new drivers can face higher insurance premiums, with average costs being approximately £1,800 for drivers between 17 and 20. The fact is that we can complain about these issues or we can grin and bear it and remember that this is all for our safety and can help us gain some experience in being more responsible while we get back on the road.
There are things that we can do to make the experience less frustrating. For example, some insurers offer telematics or black box insurance, which can lower your premiums for safe driving, as well as additional training like Pass Plus, which can improve your skills and reduce insurance costs. But we have to remember that it’s all about safety first!
Not Being Like All the Others
It can be very difficult to learn how to drive these days because there’s more people on the road than ever, and those that haven’t learned to drive yet don’t understand the frustration of even attempting to park outside your house sometimes!
But what we have to remember is that it’s during the first year or so where those bad habits can easily creep in, and when we start to be like other drivers who tailgate us or think nothing of speeding because they know there isn’t a speed camera, they’re going to be paying the price eventually!
In fact, new drivers are 20% more likely to be involved in an accident during their first year of driving for various reasons, and this is why you need to not be like the others. For example, if you’re the only person who’s passed their test in your friends’ circle, you shouldn’t let them pressure you into taking risks, and remember that giving yourself ample time to build your confidence can make a big difference.
Not Neglecting Your Health and Lifestyle
If you want to dive right in and spend long hours driving, you need to practise being healthy and safe behind the wheel. It could be incredibly exciting to go visit friends in far-flung places, but you also need to be aware of your physical and mental health. For example, people diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to experience crashes.
If you are someone who wants the freedom to drive but struggles to concentrate which, to be fair, most of us do in this day and age, you need to focus on your health first and foremost!
This is why the very simple things can make a huge difference here, for example, eating well, sleeping properly, and exercising.
Ensure Your Mindset is Ready for the Road
One of the hardest things about learning to drive is that, for many people, it requires a major mindset shift, particularly if you are risk-averse. And in order to drive safely and securely, you need to address certain aspects of your mindset and be more confident behind the wheel.
Driving confidence involves a strategic approach based on practice, self-awareness, and skill development in equal measure. Regular driving in different conditions and road types can be excellent while also managing driving anxiety, which you could do with hypnosis, positive self-talk, or breathing exercises.
It’s also important to progressively challenge yourself in terms of difficult driving scenarios. For example, navigating those pesky multi-storey car parks! But it’s important to remember that doing these things is not about overwhelming your system but about gradually exposing yourself to these challenges because when you celebrate these little achievements, you’re going to build up your sense of self-belief as well.
Confidence is built through consistent practice and a positive mindset, and that first year behind the wheel can be tough as it involves a lot of first-time situations that you didn’t experience when learning to drive or even on your test, and this is where the real learning begins.
As you can see, the first year after passing your driving test can take a lot of change and address the things that you didn’t learn when you were building up to passing your driving test. Driving is not just about navigating the gears and the roads, but about navigating your attitudes and mindset as well. That first year can open your eyes to a whole new world of possibilities, but be sure to shift gears gradually.
