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New driver? Station Garage offers top tips for safe, confident driving

Everyone who’s passed their driving test remembers the relief, the elation and sense of freedom that comes with passing the driving test and throwing away the ‘L’ plates. What’s also remembered though, are those first journeys without an instructor or qualified driver in the passenger seat, with the knowledge that every decision is down to you.

Horsham based and family run Station Garage offers some top tips to help new drivers ease their way through those first forays out in the car.

Carry on learning

Experienced drivers say that the real learning begins once you’re out on your own and making those crucial decisions for yourself, every time you drive. The government-backed Pass Plus1 course is a practical training course of at least 6 hours which will help new and inexperienced drivers to gain confidence in a number of scenarios. The 6 modules include instruction on motorway driving, driving at night and driving in bad weather conditions. Holding a Pass Plus certificate may also entitle the holder to a discount on car insurance.

Get to know the car

Take time getting to know the car thoroughly. Study the manual carefully and make sure you understand, for example, the importance of the warning lights on the dashboard, how to activate the front and rear fog lamps and where the hazard warning light switch is. Trying to work this out in a hurry is a distraction that could lead to an accident.

Practice driving in poor conditions

Get a feel for how the car responds in different weather conditions. Notice the increase in braking distances when the road is wet or icy, the change in grip and how your driving must be modified to cope. Practicing on quiet roads at a time that you choose means that you’ll be better prepared if the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worse.

Mobile phone? Don’t even think about it

Using a hand-held mobile phone when driving is against the law; that also means when you’re in queuing traffic or waiting at traffic lights. Getting caught means 3 penalty points on your licence and a £100 fine. New drivers will lose their licence if accruing 6 penalty points within the first two years of passing the test.

Limit the number of passengers

As a new driver, think carefully about driving friends around. It’s easy to get distracted and feel under pressure to impress. Driving too fast and showing off puts other road users at risk too. If friends want you to take risks, simply stop giving them lifts.

Enjoy the freedom that passing your driving test brings, but remember that it comes with responsibility too.

To further encourage safe and confident driving, Station Garage will be hosting a FREE Young Drivers Masterclass on Thursday 24th March to offer new drivers the chance to learn basic car maintenance including changing a tyre and checking oil and fluid levels. To book a space, please email events@stationgarage.skoda.co.uk.

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