Learning to drive can sometimes feel like it takes forever, and all that time and money spent on driving lessons can seem never ending. So, when you pass your theory test and then your driving test, you are probably eager to get out and about and use your newfound freedom on the road. But, before you take to the roads independently, it is a wise idea to get fully prepared for life as a new driver. Take a look at these tips to help you get started:
The Legal Side of Owning a Vehicle
Ensuring you understand the legal requirements of owning and driving a car is vital to avoid breaking the law. Making sure your new vehicle is registered and has the appropriate vehicle tax is essential to avoid being fined. You will also need to remember the date your MOT is due so that you can schedule your vehicle for its test each year before the MOT certificate expires.
As well as ensuring your vehicle is registered, taxed, and has a valid MOT, it is also crucial to have car insurance. Being insured is a legal requirement, and again this could result in a fine if you fail to take out appropriate cover for your car.
Basic Car Maintenance
Understanding essential car maintenance is really helpful to keep your vehicle running at its best. If you get caught out with a flat tyre, or the oil light starts flashing, it is a significant relief if you know what to do rather than experiencing blind panic and ruining your plans. With just a little basic knowledge, you should be able to keep your car running efficiently.
What to do if You are Involved in a Collision
Hopefully, you will never be involved in a road traffic accident, but you need to know what to do if you are. Being involved in a collision is scary, and you will likely feel shaken up even if you are not injured. Knowing how to respond after an accident will help you react quickly and feel more in control of the situation. Notifying your insurance company is essential, but contacting a solicitor that specialises in car accident claims can be a helpful way to get the compensation that you deserve.
How to Drive in Poor Weather Conditions
Snow, torrential rain, ice, and high winds can all create some pretty challenging conditions to drive in. As a new driver, it can be even more intimidating to drive in these adverse weather conditions, so it is vital to understand how to drive safely. When you arrange your driving lessons, you need to really think about the weather conditions. It’s not necessarily a good idea to only drive when the road conditions are good, in fact, it could be better for you to have some driving lessons in poor weather conditions too.
Understanding stopping distances and how these change in different weather conditions is a great place to start. When the weather is icy or snowy, it is often best not to drive unless needed. Keeping an eye on the weather forecast and checking for weather warnings is essential, as the advice may be not to travel. Keeping an emergency kit in your car containing a torch, blanket, ice scraper, and jump leads is advisable.
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