Pre and Young Drivers
Passing your test and getting your first car is a real milestone in our lives. It brings new freedom and opportunities for work and play further from home. But despite it being an exciting time, it’s also when you’re most likely to be involved in a crash. Young drivers, here in Warwickshire and nationally, are far more like to get hurt on the roads than older more experienced drivers.
But there’s some good news. You can massively reduce the chance of becoming a statistic by learning the risks and how to avoid them. So here are the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership’s four top tips for things you can do to be a great driver and stay safe out on the roads:
#1 – Hear the Honest Truth
What is the best way to keep your driving license and enjoy driving? By turning yourself into a truly skilled driver, with hard-wired safety instincts. The Honest Truth is a road safety campaign delivered within normal driving lessons, where specially trained driving instructors – equipped with the highest-quality resources – help their learners understand the main causes of crashes and how to avoid them, so they stay safe after passing their test.
Choosing an Honest Truth instructor means you’ll get all this extra value seamlessly within your normal driving lessons, at no extra cost. There are over 75 Honest Truth ADIs in Warwickshire so ask your instructor if they are Honest Truth qualified or search the First Car Website to find one.
#2 – Brush up your knowledge
Just because being a young driver makes you higher risk, that doesn’t mean it can’t be a fun and enjoyable time in your life. The Young Driver’s Guide is filled with information and advice about everything from choosing a driving instructor and shopping for a first car, to saving money on your insurance. There’s even an accident checklist inside, just in case!
The more you read and learn about things like driving on rural roads, car maintenance and dealing with distractions like annoying passengers, the safer you’ll be behind the wheel.
Tell us what you think of the Young Driver’s Guide by clicking here – completing the survey will only take a minute of your time.
#3 – Watch out for vulnerable road users
When we’re sat in our warm, safe, and comfy cars, it’s easy to forget about those who are most vulnerable on the roads, like cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders. The fact is that those who have the least protection from danger are also the hardest to see, especially for new drivers who are still developing their hazard detection skills. Check out these three virtual reality 360 films and boost your awareness of cyclists and horse riders.
#4 – Help your parents help you
Driving has changed a lot in the past decade alone – cars are different, the Highway Code is different and most importantly for you, the driving test is different. Your parents and other family members will have plenty of wisdom they want to drop on you and most of it is probably good, but remember your driving instructor will know exactly how to prepare you for test, so make sure you listen to their advice.
We’ve put together this handy guide with information and advice for those supporting you as a new driver, whether that’s financially or out on the road with private practice. Sharing it with them will help them understand how best to help you.
