Passing your driving test is an exciting milestone, but it's to be expected that new drivers after earning their license will be nervous about hitting the road.
Newly qualified drivers have never driven without their driving instructor and are most likely used to driving without the distraction of radio or music, which can make some of them uncomfortable. New drivers also need to be extra vigilant because if they accumulate more than six points in the first two years of driving, their license will be revoked.
We've rounded up some of our top tips for recent drivers to help them feel safer and more comfortable on the road.
Practice creates masters
The most important thing is that new drivers cannot expect to be perfect right after passing the exam. Many say that after you pass the exam, you learn about a year more, depending on how regularly you drive.
Using green P-plates is an option if you feel more comfortable letting other drivers know that you've only recently passed your exam. It is not mandatory that they be used, but some people choose to use them to encourage other drivers to be more patient than they would a driver using L-plates.
Invest in protection
One of the biggest concerns for any driver, not just newbies, is getting involved in a traffic accident. Although drivers have control over how safely they drive personally, they have no control over others and it is therefore wise to invest in a dashcam to provide an extra level of security should you be involved in an accident.
While a dash cam won't prevent accidents, it can provide you with valuable evidence if you need to make an insurance claim. There's a wide range of devices with a range of different features, although most of them will start recording automatically when the engine fires - so you don't have to worry about turning on the camera to make sure it's recording. throw here a look at the Snooper range.
driving on the highway
It is understandable why driving on the Autobahn can be daunting for new drivers as they have not done so before and the speed limit is significantly higher than on other roads.
To build confidence, new drivers can take a Pass Plus course with a driving instructor who will take them on the Autobahn. There is no formal test at the end of this course, but a Pass Plus certificate can sometimes help reduce insurance premiums.
Get to know the street
Using a satellite navigator can really help new drivers explore roads they may not have traveled before, learn which turns to take, and gain hands-on knowledge of upcoming speed traps.
As with dashcams, different sat navs offer different features, but one feature that is best suited to new drivers is lane and intersection guidance. The feature gives advance warning of which lane to enter, which can be one of the most confusing aspects of driving for less experienced drivers.
throw Here's a look at the Snooper range of car navigators and speed camera locators here .
Passing the driver's license test is an exciting achievement and while there is still a lot to consider and learn after your driver's license, driving should also be as much fun as possible.