Top Tips for New Drivers
Jason Barker • April 1, 2024
Whether you couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel at 17, or you’ve waited until later in life to take your driving test, there are a number of things to consider if you’re a new driver.
- Purchasing your first vehicle – There are a number of things to consider when purchasing your first vehicle, from reliability to fuel and insurance costs. For example, vehicles are grouped into different insurance classifications, with vehicles in group 1 being the cheapest to insure and vehicles in group 50 being the most expensive. You can visit our blog ‘Things young drivers should consider when purchasing their first car’ for further information.
- Purchasing car insurance – Car insurance is typically more expensive for young and/ or new drivers, but there are a number of things that can be done to reduce car insurance costs, such as having a telematics box fitted. You should always make sure you’re buying a policy suited to your individual requirements. We advise using a local broker to purchase a policy where possible. Our blogs ‘What car insurance should I buy?’ and ‘How can I reduce the cost of my car insurance as a young driver?’ might also be helpful.
- Basic maintenance – It’s essential to keep your vehicle in a safe, roadworthy condition at all times. This involves keeping the vehicle clean and also making sure the individual components meet legal requirements. For example, all tyres should have a minimum tread of 1.6mm by law. Here at CARS, we recommend a minimum tread of 3mm. Our blog ‘How to take care of your vehicle’ details the vehicle maintenance you should undertake on a regular basis.
- Additional tuition – Passing your test is only the first step in your driving journey. Many individuals choose to bolster their experience by doing additional tuition, such as the Pass Plus scheme. This may expose you to several challenges that you’re yet to experience, such as driving at night. Proof of carrying out this additional tuition could also bring down your insurance premiums.
You can contact CARS for advice on all things car maintenance, repairs and insurance.
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