After months of learning with your instructor, lessons where you wanted to give it all up, and lightbulb moments when that manoeuvre finally clicks, you’ve reached the finishing line. Fingers, toes and everything in between has been crossed, and you’ve done it, you’ve passed your practical test. So, what’s next? Here we run through what to expect as a newly passed driver.
The Life Of A Newly Passed Driver – So, Where Do I Start?
Having worked as a driving school in Oxford and across the UK for many years, we have helped thousands of learners to get their licence – and we know that the real test doesn’t begin until you get on the roads independently. Tackling life as a new driver, for many, is very stressful, but this most definitely doesn’t need to be the case. Our guide will ensure that you begin your new chapter with ease.
The Day Of Your Test
So, you’ve got the news that you’ve been waiting for, you’ve passed your practical test, and you’re finally free from those weekly driving lessons – a huge congratulations! But, a factor that many learners do not consider is that, unfortunately, you won’t be able to get your hands on that eagerly-awaited official licence just yet. Your provisional licence will need to be sent off to the DVSA in return for a shiny, new pink one.
When you reach the end of your test and your examiner announces that you’ve passed, you’ll then be given a choice to receive your licence automatically or make your own arrangements. Should you wish to leave the test centre to do all of the hard work (and we don’t blame you), your examiner will take your provisional there and then. Alternatively, you can choose to take your provisional home with you and apply for your full licence on the DVSA website. Either way, you’ll have to wait up to three weeks for your pink licence to be delivered via the post. But don’t worry, you’ll still be able to get on the roads independently and enjoy your newly-found freedom in the meantime!
Now, while there is no harm in hitting the road straight after your test (providing you’re insured on your chosen vehicle), we always recommend taking a little time to relax. The pressure of learning to drive is finally off, so make the most out of it! Whether you chill with your favourite series or head out to celebrate with your friends, there is no harm in taking time to let the milestone achievement sink in before getting behind the wheel again.
Finding Your First Car
By far, the most exciting part of passing your driving test is purchasing your very own set of wheels. While some new drivers are lucky enough to be given their first car prior to passing, most wait until after their test to begin the hunt. So, after months of dreaming of the perfect first car, its now time to get researching, visiting dealerships and test driving.
Your first car is more than likely going to be the most significant investment you have made, which means that it is ever so important to thoroughly research. Always keep your mind open and take a look at several different options before making your decision. Even if you have your heart set on a particular make and model, you can never be 100% sure until you have explored other avenues. You never know, your perfect car may be something you have never even considered!
Before beginning your research, it is vital to set a budget, taking into consideration additional expenses such as car insurance, car tax, fuel costs and regular maintenance such as servicing and MOT’s. It can be tempting to go all out on a luxury vehicle filled with the latest features and, while there is nothing wrong with this, remember that it only needs to get you through your first few years. The majority of our pupils opt for a smaller car that is cheap to run and repair while they get used to tackling the roads independently. Keeping it simple will help to ease you into the world of driving. We once had a recently passed pupil who was taking driving lessons in Oxford and was set on buying a BMW for his first car. After a few weeks, he had an incident in a multi-storey carpark and due to the high cost of BMW parts, ended up spending hundreds on repairs. His instructor received a text message a few days later saying “you were right, I definitely should have saved the BMW for later on in life.”
If you’re in need of inspiration on the best first cars, take a look at Car Wow. From the Volkswagen Polo to the Fiat 500, we can guarantee that there will be an option to suit every driver’s taste. You can also find a super helpful first car buying guide on Direct Line, which includes tips on what to look out for when viewing a vehicle, along with the all-important test drive.
Arranging Your Insurance
We’re not going to try and claim that making insurance policy arrangements is a fun part of passing because let’s be honest, it is very tedious, dull and most importantly, expensive. However, without car insurance, you cannot get on the roads independently, which means that it most definitely remains a ‘must-have’. Driving uninsured is against the law, regardless of how long you have been on the roads for – do you really want to lose your licence before you even have a chance to enjoy it?
The most useful tip that we can give when it comes to insurance policies is research, research and research a little more. There are tonnes of comparison sites out there, such as MoneySupermarket and Compare The Market, which will help you to find the best deal. Without research, it can be easy to fall into the trap of a high policy because you are a new driver and while it is true that your insurance will not be cheap, it doesn’t have to cost thousands. There are a number of different hacks that will help you to drop a few extra pounds from your policy, including:
- Add A Second Driver – Providing that the driver falls under the ‘low-risk’ category and abides by the rules, adding a second driver to your policy will help to lower the price. While most new drivers choose a parent, any experienced driver can be added as a named driver. This reduces your insurance as providers assume that you will be driving the vehicle less; therefore, there is less of a risk of an accident.
- Fit A Black Box – Many assume that a black box is a necessity for new drivers and while this isn’t necessarily the case, it will help you to bag a cheaper policy. In fitting a black box, your insurance provider can keep an eye on your driving habits and will reward you for high driving scores. Almost all insurance companies provide discounted premiums for those who opt-in to a black box.
- Improve Security – The more protected that your car is from criminals, the cheaper your insurance policy will be. If you are able to park in a garage or driveway overnight while adding features such as a dashcam or alarm, insurance providers will see your vehicle as less of a risk.
More handy tips on how to lower your car insurance during your first year can be found over on our Learning Centre.
Going It Alone In Your New Car
The time has finally come to go it alone in your new car! In an ideal world, you will be able to jump straight into driving with absolutely no problems. However, it is important not to put too much pressure on yourself to get everything perfect. The more pressure, the harder it will be to keep it cool should an unexpected situation arise. There is no need to be a driving expert straight away, and just like anything else, it all comes with practice. Even the most confident of drivers are forever learning, so do not worry if not everything goes your way.
Especially for your first few weeks while you get comfortable in your new car, we recommend investing in P Plates. There are no rules regarding P Plates, and they are not an obligation as a new driver, but choosing to display one just gives that little extra leeway. You are making it clear to other road users that you may be dealing with a situation for the first time, and that’s why you’re probably not be going as fast as they had hoped, encouraging them to be more patient with you. P Plates can be displayed on your vehicle for as long as you wish and you are free to decide to begin using them, later on, should you need them.
Another great way to familiarise yourself with your new car after passing is to take yourself on a drive around your estate or somewhere you know well. Choose a time where the roads will be quiet, avoiding both morning and evening rush hours. Here you can spend time by yourself with no distractions just getting your head around your car and its capabilities.
Your First Road Trip
Especially if you are one of the first members of your friendship group to pass your test, you’ll be the designated driver when it comes to road trips. A trip to one of your favourite destinations with tonnes of snacks and the best playlist out there couldn’t be more fun, but it’s essential to keep focused to ensure that you reach your destination safely and hassle-free.
When embarking on your first long journey with passengers, preparation is key. Not only is it vital to plan your route to avoid disruptions, but its also important to check the condition of your car before setting off. There are a number of maintenance tasks that you must carry out such as checking the tyre pressure and topping up fluids which will keep your car in full working order. Wheels24 has put together an article on ten things you need to check before a road trip for more information.
Another great way to guarantee a smooth road trip is to check parking in your chosen location. For example, if your friendship group are thrill-seekers and love theme parks, places such as Thorpe Park allow you to book your parking ahead of time to save money. You can also make use of online tools, including Parkopedia, which will enable you to search for available parking in your chosen area.
Tackle The Roads Like A Pro!
The life of a newly passed driver is always an exciting one, and there are tonnes of new experiences to discover – both good and bad. Regardless of the situations that you are faced with, it is essential to stay calm and think back to your driving lessons. Your driving instructor would have run through every possible scenario, and unless they, along with your examiner, thought you were a good driver, you would never have passed.
