Written by Menswear Style in Cars on the 27th September 2024

Graduating from being a learner driver to a fully-fledged motorist is an exciting moment. Whether you’ve been taking lessons for a while or you breezed through and passed on your first attempt, you’re finally free to decide where you go and the routes you take. However, now that you don’t have someone instructing you, there are some challenges to be aware of. Here’s a look at common concerns for new drivers and ways to tackle them.

Building confidence 

Driving alone after spending months under the supervision of an instructor or experienced driver can be the biggest hurdle for many. When that safety net disappears, it’s easy to feel anxious behind the wheel. A key reason for this is that driving solo is a very different experience from driving with a trusted passenger who can offer reassurance. One way to ease the transition is to bring a familiar face along for your first few journeys, whether that’s a friend, sibling, or parent. Having someone else in the car who knows the roads can provide comfort and reassurance while you get to stay in control of the car. Also, it’s good to have everything in place should something not go to plan while you’re out on the road. It’s worth running checks on your car so you know it’s roadworthy, ensuring any warranties are in date and that you have insurance in place. For new drivers and those who are new to being behind the wheel, these can all go a long way towards offering peace of mind with insurance specialised for young drivers. On the other hand, some new drivers experience the opposite problem. Overconfidence can lead to risky behaviour like speeding or ignoring road signs. Research shows that many people are overconfident in their driving abilities. It’s important to find a balance between self-assurance and caution, ensuring that you’re always aware of your surroundings and ready to react to unexpected situations.

Making mistakes 

No one is a perfect driver immediately after passing their test, and making mistakes is part of the learning process. Some common errors new drivers make include speeding, misjudging gaps in traffic, or struggling with parking. Another common mistake is using your phone while driving, which is illegal in the UK. The temptation to glance at a text message or check a map can be strong, but even a momentary distraction significantly increases your risk of an accident. Hands-free technology can help, but the best approach is to ensure your phone is out of reach or safely stored until you’ve reached your destination. 

Allowing enough time 

Another challenge for new drivers is understanding how long a trip will take and ensuring you leave enough time to drive safely. It’s tempting to assume you’ll be able to get there quickly, but it’s important to account for traffic, roadworks, and other potential delays. Planning your route before you set off can help reduce stress and improve your driving experience. Check the road conditions and look at alternative routes in case of disruptions. Mapping apps, such as Google Maps, can provide real-time updates on traffic too, so you can choose the most efficient route. Additionally, getting familiar with various routes can help build your knowledge of the roads, making you feel more confident and in control as you drive. It’s worth setting aside some time when you don’t need to be anywhere to take a drive around some of your local routes. This will help you find shortcuts and alternatives while also building your confidence.

Building confidence, making mistakes, and allowing enough time are the Common Challenges When You’ve Just Passed Your Driving Test.