Whether your teen has just started learning to drive or have recently passed and are feeling a bit daunted by the whole thing, we are here to make it that bit easier. Read our guide of five top tips for first-time drivers and next time they get behind the wheel they will be feeling a lot more confident…
- Take your time
When you are on the road, one of the worst things you can do is panic. Remember to take your time, after all, caution never hurt anybody! No matter if you are approaching a highway or waiting to be let out of a busy junction, stop, think, and go when you are ready. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and you will feel a lot calmer doing so!
- Plan your routes ahead of time
If you are heading somewhere new for the first time it can seem scary. Look up your route ahead of time and plan the way you feel most comfortable with. You may feel more relaxed driving in quieter residential streets or would prefer the motorway to countryside lanes. Check out the different ways and then set your Sat Nav accordingly (if using one) when you head off so you can ensure you feel at ease as much of the drive as possible. Ensure when driving in different countries you know the rules of the road as these can differ. Certain restrictions Under Nevada Law, for example, could be totally different from somewhere else.
- Get the technical bits out the way
Next on our top tips for first-time drivers is to sort out the technical bits. Once you have passed your test it’s not as simple as hopping into a car and going. You will need to sort out all the technical bits such as your new driver’s license, car insurance, and car tax. Remember to keep on top of these even once you’ve been driving a while – you will need to get regular services and tests done on your car. Another technicality you’ll have to get out of the way is hiring a personal injury lawyer, just in case you or your teenager ever need representation. Sometimes accidents happen, and when they do, you want to be sure that your teenager has someone on their side that can fight the good fight and win their legal battles. Hiring a lawyer doesn’t mean you necessarily need them now, but it’s a proactive approach to your teen learning to drive!
- Have someone with you at first
One of our top tips for first-time drivers is if you are feeling anxious about heading it out alone at the beginning don’t be afraid to ask someone to come and sit in with you. This could be someone who has had a license for a long time, or just a friend to fill the space in the passenger seat like you’re accustomed to with a driving instructor.
Don’t be afraid to practice even once you have passed your test
If you still feel nervous about driving once you have passed your test, don’t feel like you can’t continue to practice. Take your car to a quiet area and just practice getting used to the feel of your car – after all, you’ve probably learned in your instructor’s car and the one you have now could be completely different. It’s a good idea to practice your maneuvers too, then when you are in a situation when you need to use them you won’t stress.
These are just some of our top tips for first-time drivers. If you help your teen to follow these, they will feel more confident on the road in no time!