Safety Tips
Learning to drive isn’t just about passing your test - it’s about developing safe habits that will stay with you long after you’ve passed.
Here are some simple things to remember every time you get behind the wheel:
Get yourself comfortable before you set off
Adjust your seat, head restraint and mirrors, put your seatbelt on and make sure you can comfortably reach all of the controls before you start driving.
Mirrors, mirrors, mirrors
Get into the habit of checking your mirrors regularly, not just when you’re about to turn. Knowing what’s happening behind and around you is a huge part of safe driving.
Don’t forget your blind spots
Mirrors can’t show you everything. Always make the appropriate blind-spot checks before moving off or changing position.
Keep your distance
Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front. A good rule in normal, dry conditions is to leave at least a two-second gap and increase it when conditions are poor.
Remember: the speed limit isn’t a target
Sometimes the safest speed is well below the limit. Weather, visibility, pedestrians, parked cars and the type of road should all influence your speed.
Look further ahead
Try not to focus only on the car directly in front of you. Looking further down the road gives you more time to spot hazards and react safely.
Expect the unexpected
A pedestrian might step out, a cyclist may need to move around a parked car or a vehicle could pull out of a junction. Learning to anticipate what might happen next is an important part of becoming a safe driver.
Put your phone away
Don’t allow your phone to become a distraction. Set your sat nav, music and anything else you need before you start your journey.
Never drive tired
Driving needs your full concentration. If you’re struggling to stay alert, don’t try to push through it - stop somewhere safe and take a proper break.
Give yourself extra time in bad weather
Rain, fog, ice and bright sunlight can all affect visibility, grip and stopping distances. Slow down, increase the space around you and give yourself more time to react.
Stay calm when other drivers are impatient
You may be beeped at, tailgated or pressured by another driver while you’re learning. Don’t let somebody else rush you into making an unsafe decision.
Be especially careful around vulnerable road users
Look out for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders and give them the time and space they need.
Check the car before you drive
Get used to checking things such as your tyres, lights, windows and mirrors. Learning basic vehicle checks now will help you become a safer and more responsible driver.
Wear sensible footwear
Choose shoes that allow you to feel and operate the pedals comfortably and securely.
Practise in different conditions
As your confidence grows, gaining supervised experience on different types of roads and in different weather, traffic and light conditions can help prepare you for driving independently.
If you make a mistake, don’t panic
Every learner makes mistakes. Stay calm, listen to your instructor and concentrate on what’s happening now rather than dwelling on what happened a minute ago.
Never drive after drinking or taking drugs
If there is any doubt about whether you are safe to drive, don’t drive.
Most importantly…
Safe driving isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being observant, making sensible decisions and giving yourself enough time and space to deal with whatever happens on the road.