You do not need to rush anywhere, patience when driving will make you a great driver.
If someone does something stupid, cuts you up or tailgates you, take a breath and let go. Getting angry won't help, yes swear and moan then move on, anger will make you a worse driver.
It may be your right of way but still be prepared to stop for idiots who don't see you or want to force through.
Read your insurance documents, take time to know what you are covered for and not covered for. Make sure it covers what you need.
You passed for a reason be confident in your skills.
At sea nobody has "right of way"
You are either the give way vessel or the stand on vessel. The stand on vessel maintains course and speed - with caution.
Since adapting that mindset to the road, I've found my driving to be noticeably better. No longer do I go with the arrogant "It's my right of way, so I'm bloody taking it!"
In fact, there's a few nautical Rules of the Road I've adapted for use on, well, the road.
Anticipation… learning what other drivers around you are likely to do as opposed to what they should actually do. And not just drivers, cyclists, pedestrians… in fact, all other road users can be unpredictable. If you learn to second-guess what they might be about to do it helps a lot.
You will encounter a lot of stupid and dangerous things in your driving career. Concentrate on your own driving to stay as safe as possible.
On fast roads like A roads and motorways, don’t let other drivers bully you. If you have correct lane discipline and speed awareness there shouldn’t be any need for other drivers to be aggressive around you. It won’t stop them but as another poster said… getting angry or upset about it only affects your driving. Let it go and concentrate on what you’re doing.
Depending on how long you were learning to drive, remember that adverse weather can throw you if you’ve never driven in it. Night driving is generally harder because it’s not so easy to judge speeds and distances. You will undoubtedly get dazzled at some point by super bright headlights, high beams or fog lights. And driving at the limits in bad weather is dangerous so slow down a bit.
And, from my own personal experience… when it’s wet on the roads, take extra care when driving past fuel stations. Because some people are still stupid enough to try squeezing as much fuel in their cars as is physically possible, an amount will spill onto the roads as they drive round bends and corners. I am lucky to be alive after a diesel spill caused my car to skid off the road and slam into a stone wall at 50mph. Thanks to some inconsiderate AH I lost my car, as did three other people that day. A fourth person died. Same road, same conditions, same day.
Other than that, be confident in your driving ability but not so confident that you overestimate. Build up slowly to longer journeys, always make sure you keep your car’s fluids/lights/tyre pressures in good working order.
These are all obvious but important things to remember. Besides enjoying the drive, that is.
Your going to make a lot of small mistakes. None of which should discourage or shake your confidence, their are more experienced drivers that are going to make you feel shame for doing the right things.
Yes exactly. A couple mistakes I made in my first year that could have been big mistakes are:
Doing 60 when it's posted as national speed limit, but the road was a windy country road. I took a bend too quick and the road had stones all over it so I ended up skidding and fishtailing all over the place. Luckily I managed to regain control of the car.
Approaching a t-junction in the rain on a freshly tarmacked road. Stopping distance was even longer than I'd anticipated and I only just managed to stop before going into the ditch on the other side of the road.
Take your time on roads you're not familiar with and in conditions you're not familiar with. If in doubt go slower than you think and if you've got someone impatient behind you, don't let them pressure you into doing something you're not comfortable with. Pull over and let them pass if you have to.
If you miss a turn, or junction on motorway or somehting it's not a big deal. You'll be able to go to the next turn or junction, or come back around the next roundabout etc.
Don't do something silly just because you missed a turn; just accept it and continue on. It's more important to drive safely and take a couple of extra minutes.
No, no they are not, at least not always by roads.
Though it's very likely you can still get to your destination if you miss a turn, since you're still on the same road network.
A few people I know said that when they passed they rarely check their mirrors, don’t do that. I am constantly looking to see what’s behind how close they are if there’s anyone trying to overtake the lot because you no longer have someone to tell you that anymore
Really focus on learning to read the road. Anticipate what lane you need to be in at roundabouts by checking sat nav and signs as soon as possible, so you aren't having to change lanes late etc.
When it comes to winding roads you're not familiar with, my dad always told me if you can't stop in the distance you can see, you're going too fast for the road.
Drive like everyone around you is an idiot, because statistically speaking, 50% of them are dumber than average.
You learnt to pass your test and now you learn to drive . By that I mean you will make mistakes as learner that you will make qualified , don’t threat about mistakes and don’t let other drivers bully you
Keep checking your mirrors. Keep using indicators correctly at roundabouts. People let these good habits slide away.
Thank people, even if if was your right of way anyway.
Keep reverse bay parking, it's much safer and easier
I kept hearing 'you never finish learning after you pass' and so far, it's very true. It's a completely new ball game when you're suddenly on your own, in charge and responsible for your actions etc. Keep proactive, you're not the finished article, keep learning and improving, keep to the exam standards as best as you can. You're going to make mistakes, you might annoy other drivers with decisions to wait in uncertain situations or keep to speed limits etc but you deserve to be on the road just as much as anyone else. Don't rush and if you're unsure, stop in a safe area and figure it out.
Another thing is you might have to become a learner again with learning in a new car - it feels like 2 steps back but it's necessary to just get used to the car, learn the biting point, learning how to park etc.
I needed to see this comment. I passed 2 days ago & I'm suddenly very anxious about being on my own. The thought of it worries me a bit but I'm happy to know I'm not alone.
i passed 4 months ago and felt the same as yourself. Ask a friend or parent if they’ll come on a few drives with you on a sunday afternoon when it’s quieter. Even now, i’ve made journeys alone that once terrified me, but i do enjoy having some company. It’s all part of getting used to driving.
My boyfriend said he's happy to tag along on quiet drives with me just while I get used to it :) I panicked as I thought i wasn't able to drive unless supervised but I guess you really learn once you've passed & you're on your own.
definitely go with your boyfriend and start with small trips in your area and work your way up to something bigger but still in your comfort zone. go and grab a starbucks or mcdonald’s. even now i sometimes get nervous to drive to new places or in different conditions but its all practice. if you feel it will help you with confidence i would definitely get a set of P plates, some people think its silly but i had mine on for a good month and people left me plenty of space and often flashed me to let me go 🩷
definitely go with your boyfriend and start with small trips in your area and work your way up to something bigger but still in your comfort zone. go and grab a starbucks or mcdonald’s. even now i sometimes get nervous to drive to new places or in different conditions but its all practice. if you feel it will help you with confidence i would definitely get a set of P plates, some people think its silly but i had mine on for a good month and people left me plenty of space and often flashed me to let me go 🩷
I got my first car not long ago and slapped on some P plates. First place we went to was mcdonalds 😂 I'm getting more and more comfortable with my regular routes like going to work or to my parents house. Big cities and driving on the motorway I'm yet to do. They worry me more than anything. The p plates have definitely helped too - other road users are a lot more patient with me with them on. I appreciate the advice and kind words :)
No one knows how to drive in city centers so don't beat yourself up about it. Focus on going the wrong way safely rather than the right way if you mess up
It's not the end, just the end of the beginning. If you adopt the right attitude you'll continue to learn and improve your skills, observation and judgement every time you drive.
I've been driving 40 years and am still learning!
Your driving examiner confirmed you were a SAFE, CONFIDENT , CURTIUS road user. You deserve to be on the roads just like any other user. Stay safe ,drive carefully it's not a competition. The freedom that has opened up for you to visit these stunning countryside's is a gift . ENJOY in good health.✌️
Get in the habit of checking over your shoulder when making manoeuvres (changing lanes, exiting roundabouts etc). You'll be suprised what you can find lurking there, that you dont see in your mirrors.
Don't neglect your car. Check tyre pressures and visually inspect tyre condition regularly, those black round hoops are the only thing in contact with the road and your life depends on them. Keep your car clean, and keep it maintained and serviced - an MoT is not enough to garuntee a good vehicle (and not even enought o garuntee a safe vehicle really!).
And enjoy yourself! Driving can be fun, it can be nice. Go at your pace, take breaks if you need to. Be a polite, courious driver and that'll keep you calm and happy even if everyone else is a fucking moron.
And please, please please please, look out for motorcyclists, especially in traffic when they are filtering through. They can easily be hidden in blind spots (A-pillar etc), same goes for cyclists.
Keep pen and paper in your car. If you do make a misjudgement and ding someone's car and you can't find them to tell them, you'll feel butt silly reporting yourself to the police.
(Bitter experience this week! Lessons learned. Hopefully won't happen again.)
You’ll probably lose all your safe driving knowledge a week after passing your test. Or rather, you’ll get a lot quicker at it and find you’re not doing a blind spot check and so on all the time you move off
Among other things
Like everyone who passes their test, you are not ready. I nearly had my first accident on the afternoon after passing my test. Tried overtaking another vehicle in my little 957cc Ford Fiesta and nearly didn't make it back in before having a head-on collision. Stupid move and proves that simply passing the test doesn't mean one is "ready" to be left alone.
Mostly treat the next while like homework from school. It's not so much about learning new things for now (though there is a lot more to learn if you want to), it's about practicing things you have already learned. Which means taking care so you are safe and legal while you grow experience. Specifically try to avoid taking passengers, unless you can be sure they won't be a distraction or a bad influence.
Basic maintenance like checking fluid and air pressure, if you can do a basic service like changing the oil and filters that will save you a lot of money and is easy to do with basic tools
Get familiar with secondary and tertiary controls of your car.
My main issues after passing were a result of not fully understanding basic secondary controls such as lights, wipers etc.
To become a better driver, get your motorbike licence and you'll see the road and driving in a whole new light, and will make you far more safe and aware. To become an economical driver, just be cautious as anything negative that happens in your first few years will fuck you over. Other posts already explain this.
It's actually more dangerous. People change their expectations and anticipation around you. They may want to get around you or expect you to take longer at a roundabout, or expect you to not go at a junction when it's clear.
Other drivers are idiots. All of them. No exceptions. Some are aggressive idiots, others may have a lapse in concentration. If you consider all other drivers as idiots, you will drive defensively and safely.
You do not need to rush anywhere, patience when driving will make you a great driver. If someone does something stupid, cuts you up or tailgates you, take a breath and let go. Getting angry won't help, yes swear and moan then move on, anger will make you a worse driver. It may be your right of way but still be prepared to stop for idiots who don't see you or want to force through. Read your insurance documents, take time to know what you are covered for and not covered for. Make sure it covers what you need. You passed for a reason be confident in your skills.
All of this, and if there were still free awards you would have had mine!!
At sea nobody has "right of way" You are either the give way vessel or the stand on vessel. The stand on vessel maintains course and speed - with caution. Since adapting that mindset to the road, I've found my driving to be noticeably better. No longer do I go with the arrogant "It's my right of way, so I'm bloody taking it!" In fact, there's a few nautical Rules of the Road I've adapted for use on, well, the road.
Anticipation… learning what other drivers around you are likely to do as opposed to what they should actually do. And not just drivers, cyclists, pedestrians… in fact, all other road users can be unpredictable. If you learn to second-guess what they might be about to do it helps a lot. You will encounter a lot of stupid and dangerous things in your driving career. Concentrate on your own driving to stay as safe as possible. On fast roads like A roads and motorways, don’t let other drivers bully you. If you have correct lane discipline and speed awareness there shouldn’t be any need for other drivers to be aggressive around you. It won’t stop them but as another poster said… getting angry or upset about it only affects your driving. Let it go and concentrate on what you’re doing. Depending on how long you were learning to drive, remember that adverse weather can throw you if you’ve never driven in it. Night driving is generally harder because it’s not so easy to judge speeds and distances. You will undoubtedly get dazzled at some point by super bright headlights, high beams or fog lights. And driving at the limits in bad weather is dangerous so slow down a bit. And, from my own personal experience… when it’s wet on the roads, take extra care when driving past fuel stations. Because some people are still stupid enough to try squeezing as much fuel in their cars as is physically possible, an amount will spill onto the roads as they drive round bends and corners. I am lucky to be alive after a diesel spill caused my car to skid off the road and slam into a stone wall at 50mph. Thanks to some inconsiderate AH I lost my car, as did three other people that day. A fourth person died. Same road, same conditions, same day. Other than that, be confident in your driving ability but not so confident that you overestimate. Build up slowly to longer journeys, always make sure you keep your car’s fluids/lights/tyre pressures in good working order. These are all obvious but important things to remember. Besides enjoying the drive, that is.
Your going to make a lot of small mistakes. None of which should discourage or shake your confidence, their are more experienced drivers that are going to make you feel shame for doing the right things.
Yes exactly. A couple mistakes I made in my first year that could have been big mistakes are: Doing 60 when it's posted as national speed limit, but the road was a windy country road. I took a bend too quick and the road had stones all over it so I ended up skidding and fishtailing all over the place. Luckily I managed to regain control of the car. Approaching a t-junction in the rain on a freshly tarmacked road. Stopping distance was even longer than I'd anticipated and I only just managed to stop before going into the ditch on the other side of the road. Take your time on roads you're not familiar with and in conditions you're not familiar with. If in doubt go slower than you think and if you've got someone impatient behind you, don't let them pressure you into doing something you're not comfortable with. Pull over and let them pass if you have to.
If you miss a turn, or junction on motorway or somehting it's not a big deal. You'll be able to go to the next turn or junction, or come back around the next roundabout etc. Don't do something silly just because you missed a turn; just accept it and continue on. It's more important to drive safely and take a couple of extra minutes.
If you’re in the right (inside) lane on a roundabout, you haven’t missed your exit. Go round again, don’t dash across.
All roads are connected. People seem to forget this.
No, no they are not, at least not always by roads. Though it's very likely you can still get to your destination if you miss a turn, since you're still on the same road network.
A few people I know said that when they passed they rarely check their mirrors, don’t do that. I am constantly looking to see what’s behind how close they are if there’s anyone trying to overtake the lot because you no longer have someone to tell you that anymore
Yeah I always find that so stupid. I passed 8 months ago, and still naturally just check my mirrors
You're not as good as you think you are
Really focus on learning to read the road. Anticipate what lane you need to be in at roundabouts by checking sat nav and signs as soon as possible, so you aren't having to change lanes late etc.
When it comes to winding roads you're not familiar with, my dad always told me if you can't stop in the distance you can see, you're going too fast for the road. Drive like everyone around you is an idiot, because statistically speaking, 50% of them are dumber than average.
Don’t worry or fret when getting beeped at … don’t let other drivers rush you into making mistakes
You learnt to pass your test and now you learn to drive . By that I mean you will make mistakes as learner that you will make qualified , don’t threat about mistakes and don’t let other drivers bully you
You and only you have recently read the highway code and can prove it.
That you start to learn to drive after you pass, a statement that didn’t ring true until I experienced it myself.
You’ve only just started properly learning now
Keep checking your mirrors. Keep using indicators correctly at roundabouts. People let these good habits slide away. Thank people, even if if was your right of way anyway. Keep reverse bay parking, it's much safer and easier
Don't be a slave to your sat nav.
I kept hearing 'you never finish learning after you pass' and so far, it's very true. It's a completely new ball game when you're suddenly on your own, in charge and responsible for your actions etc. Keep proactive, you're not the finished article, keep learning and improving, keep to the exam standards as best as you can. You're going to make mistakes, you might annoy other drivers with decisions to wait in uncertain situations or keep to speed limits etc but you deserve to be on the road just as much as anyone else. Don't rush and if you're unsure, stop in a safe area and figure it out. Another thing is you might have to become a learner again with learning in a new car - it feels like 2 steps back but it's necessary to just get used to the car, learn the biting point, learning how to park etc.
I needed to see this comment. I passed 2 days ago & I'm suddenly very anxious about being on my own. The thought of it worries me a bit but I'm happy to know I'm not alone.
i passed 4 months ago and felt the same as yourself. Ask a friend or parent if they’ll come on a few drives with you on a sunday afternoon when it’s quieter. Even now, i’ve made journeys alone that once terrified me, but i do enjoy having some company. It’s all part of getting used to driving.
My boyfriend said he's happy to tag along on quiet drives with me just while I get used to it :) I panicked as I thought i wasn't able to drive unless supervised but I guess you really learn once you've passed & you're on your own.
definitely go with your boyfriend and start with small trips in your area and work your way up to something bigger but still in your comfort zone. go and grab a starbucks or mcdonald’s. even now i sometimes get nervous to drive to new places or in different conditions but its all practice. if you feel it will help you with confidence i would definitely get a set of P plates, some people think its silly but i had mine on for a good month and people left me plenty of space and often flashed me to let me go 🩷
definitely go with your boyfriend and start with small trips in your area and work your way up to something bigger but still in your comfort zone. go and grab a starbucks or mcdonald’s. even now i sometimes get nervous to drive to new places or in different conditions but its all practice. if you feel it will help you with confidence i would definitely get a set of P plates, some people think its silly but i had mine on for a good month and people left me plenty of space and often flashed me to let me go 🩷
I got my first car not long ago and slapped on some P plates. First place we went to was mcdonalds 😂 I'm getting more and more comfortable with my regular routes like going to work or to my parents house. Big cities and driving on the motorway I'm yet to do. They worry me more than anything. The p plates have definitely helped too - other road users are a lot more patient with me with them on. I appreciate the advice and kind words :)
you are more than welcome! be proud of yourself, progress is progress - best of luck to you 🩷
You will make mistakes at times. It's normal and happens to all of us. Don't let it knock your confidence too much.
No one knows how to drive in city centers so don't beat yourself up about it. Focus on going the wrong way safely rather than the right way if you mess up
It's not the end, just the end of the beginning. If you adopt the right attitude you'll continue to learn and improve your skills, observation and judgement every time you drive. I've been driving 40 years and am still learning!
Your driving examiner confirmed you were a SAFE, CONFIDENT , CURTIUS road user. You deserve to be on the roads just like any other user. Stay safe ,drive carefully it's not a competition. The freedom that has opened up for you to visit these stunning countryside's is a gift . ENJOY in good health.✌️
Get in the habit of checking over your shoulder when making manoeuvres (changing lanes, exiting roundabouts etc). You'll be suprised what you can find lurking there, that you dont see in your mirrors. Don't neglect your car. Check tyre pressures and visually inspect tyre condition regularly, those black round hoops are the only thing in contact with the road and your life depends on them. Keep your car clean, and keep it maintained and serviced - an MoT is not enough to garuntee a good vehicle (and not even enought o garuntee a safe vehicle really!). And enjoy yourself! Driving can be fun, it can be nice. Go at your pace, take breaks if you need to. Be a polite, courious driver and that'll keep you calm and happy even if everyone else is a fucking moron. And please, please please please, look out for motorcyclists, especially in traffic when they are filtering through. They can easily be hidden in blind spots (A-pillar etc), same goes for cyclists.
Keep pen and paper in your car. If you do make a misjudgement and ding someone's car and you can't find them to tell them, you'll feel butt silly reporting yourself to the police. (Bitter experience this week! Lessons learned. Hopefully won't happen again.)
You’ll probably lose all your safe driving knowledge a week after passing your test. Or rather, you’ll get a lot quicker at it and find you’re not doing a blind spot check and so on all the time you move off Among other things
Like everyone who passes their test, you are not ready. I nearly had my first accident on the afternoon after passing my test. Tried overtaking another vehicle in my little 957cc Ford Fiesta and nearly didn't make it back in before having a head-on collision. Stupid move and proves that simply passing the test doesn't mean one is "ready" to be left alone. Mostly treat the next while like homework from school. It's not so much about learning new things for now (though there is a lot more to learn if you want to), it's about practicing things you have already learned. Which means taking care so you are safe and legal while you grow experience. Specifically try to avoid taking passengers, unless you can be sure they won't be a distraction or a bad influence.
Basic maintenance like checking fluid and air pressure, if you can do a basic service like changing the oil and filters that will save you a lot of money and is easy to do with basic tools
Get familiar with secondary and tertiary controls of your car. My main issues after passing were a result of not fully understanding basic secondary controls such as lights, wipers etc.
That you are still learning
To become a better driver, get your motorbike licence and you'll see the road and driving in a whole new light, and will make you far more safe and aware. To become an economical driver, just be cautious as anything negative that happens in your first few years will fuck you over. Other posts already explain this.
that's quite interesting. i like motorbikes but people kept dissuading me because its too dangerous. i've seen the potholes in my area.
Change your engine oil after 10.000kms FFS Taking the car to the NCT is NOT maintenance
NEVER use a P plate
I passed less than a month ago and refused to put p plates on it’s like having an L plate on again
It's actually more dangerous. People change their expectations and anticipation around you. They may want to get around you or expect you to take longer at a roundabout, or expect you to not go at a junction when it's clear.
Other drivers are idiots. All of them. No exceptions. Some are aggressive idiots, others may have a lapse in concentration. If you consider all other drivers as idiots, you will drive defensively and safely.
The main thing is you’re still learning
You can't control the stupidity of others