Taking on the responsibility of driving when you are a young teen is a major endeavour. Young drivers may first think only of the freedom that will come with being able to drive here and there but with that freedom comes a step up into the responsibility toward adulthood. No young driver should be put out on the road without the right tips to help them along the way. Here are 10 tips for young drivers that will help you transition into being a safe, smart, and responsible driver.
- Young drivers are inexperienced when it comes to driving. One way to help them encounter supervised experience that will increase their skills more rapidly is to take their driving instruction with the intention to complete the Pass Plus test. Not only will the young driver add to their experience and driving skills they will also save money. Those that complete the Pass Plus test can save hundreds of pounds on their annual premiums for car insurance and young drivers are always facing higher car insurance premiums.
- Young drivers should use smart judgement when picking out their first car. Not only do sporty, racer, fast type cars cost more to insure for a young driver they also require a more experienced driver behind the wheel. It is better to choose a car that is meant to keep a driver safe and doesn’t influence speeding. Without the fast engine in the car the driver is less likely to push the speed beyond what they should. Car insurance providers know this and pass along higher premiums to drivers that choose to driver racer type cars. By choosing a more practical car that saves on yearly premium costs and is better suited to an inexperienced driver the young driver is demonstrating smart decision making for their time on the road. Safer and smarter behind the wheel is always the best decision.
- Young drivers because they are less experienced driving need to concentrate more fully while operating a vehicle. They should limit distractions to a minimum. By setting self-boundaries and rules then the distraction possibilities are less likely to occur. Some typical distractions for young drivers are listening to loud music, taking calls or texting messages, glancing at one’s mobile phone, listening to passengers in the car instead of paying attention to the road. By setting self-boundaries and following smart measures to eliminate distractions a young driver is lower the odds that they will have an accident and possibly resulting in serious or fatal injuries to themselves or others. By setting rules in the beginning and sticking to them they will be less pushed by friends later on to bend them.
- When a young driver can afford their own insurance coverage they can begin to build up their own history as a no-claims driver. This will help along the way as they age and find that they are able to more quickly gain no-claims discounts. Working on becoming responsible for one’s own car insurance is an important task to undertake. It is true that young drivers are faced with very high premiums when compared to other age groups but with some careful shopping around a young driver can find affordable car insurance if they have carefully chosen the right car for a young driver. Looking for car insurance products geared toward young drivers will help save money. Black box insurance is especially well received by young drivers as a source of affordable car insurance.
- Since we are discussing car insurance it is important to touch on the aspect of applying for car insurance and the temptation that many parents have in putting themselves as the main driver of a car that will instead be mainly driven by a young driver. By doing this the parent feels they are saving on what would be more expensive car insurance. Unfortunately not only is this considered fraud but it also can leave the young driver uncovered. In the majority of instances when an accident occurs an insurance provider will determine the coverage applied for was intended for the young driver instead of the parent and that there was in fact fraud. The claim for the accident will be denied. The risks are too great when it comes to falsifying records to save on insurance premiums. So don’t be tempted to lie on an insurance application. Instead consider it even more of a reason to search for more affordable car insurance and to choose a car that is cheap to insure for a young driver.
- Assuming the young driver has taken the aforementioned advice and chosen a more insurable car it pays to mention that the car should remain as it is and not have any modifications that are not shared with the insurance provider. If it is discovered during a filed claim that the modifications were done then the insurance claim can be denied which means that any premiums paid were for naught. By holding off on any modifications to a car a driver is making sure the car is indeed the safer car that it was intended to be for an inexperienced driver as well as the car reported to the insurance provider.
- Speaking of insurance, another tip for young drivers is to not assume because they may be driving a least expensive car that they should not consider comprehensive insurance. By choosing comprehensive many insurance providers see the driver as taking to the road with a more responsible and safer approach and care. Thus the risk is lowered in the eyes of the insurer and premiums are discounted. It is easy to discover if third party or comprehensive will be the most affordable for a young driver. Shop around online for car insurance and use the quick quote tools car insurance providers have on their Web sites. It allows a quick glance at the different policies available and cost comparison.
- Another tip for a young driver is to plan out their trips ahead of time when they first undertake a new area to drive. Going back and forth between well-known destinations may not require as much forethought. However, should there be an upcoming trip that will be associated with perhaps heavier traffic, a different driving terrain, or other situation it pays to plan ahead and discuss any concerns with an adult. Talking with a parent about the trip can help assure there are no unexpected encounters. For instance it would help to know that over the trip the young driver could face steep roads or sharp and narrow curves in the road. Planning to drive in daylight hours when driving in a new area is smart too. A little planning ahead can make a difference in the confidence behind the wheel.
- A young driver should always check in with someone such as a parent and let them know where they plan to drive and when they arrive. By getting into the habit of letting someone know your plans on the road then you are assuring your safety in the event of a breakdown or other mishap. Informing someone of your intentions and whereabouts is not a loss of your freedom to drive where you wish it is the sign of responsible and smart behaviour. So take responsibility for your own actions and let others know where you will be driving, when you leave, and when you arrive.
- One of the most important tips is to remember that it takes a long time to become comfortable behind the wheel. Many adults that have been driving for many years will take on more caution in certain situations. So it is perfectly fine and a sign of maturity to admit when you need a bit more instruction such as with driving in the rain, at night, or in busy traffic areas. If you feel you need some more instruction then by all means seek out the help and admit you would like to brush up on your skills.
Driving is a major responsibility that demands mature, safe decisions and self-boundaries than most young drivers have ever had to exhibit. By being a smart and safe driver in your decisions before and after you get behind the wheel you are assuring that not only will you be safer but so will those in the car with you as well as those on the road beside of you.