Young Driver's Guide by James Evans

INSIDE: LEARNING, BUYING, INSURANCE, DRIVING, PRIZES

THE YOUNG DRIVER’S GUIDE

WHAT TO

FIND THE PERFECT

EXPECT

CAR FOR YOU

ON YOUR

FIRST

LESSON

Keanan

W E RS 1M FOLL!O G IN P L E H O DRIVE LEARN T

Alisha

We’ve got lots of tips to help you pass

SAFE DRIVING TIPS

THE

HIGHWAY

CODE

WIN this CAR

K O T TIKTARS S p

Meet t

he...

Here’s how to make learning more fun

THE NEW RULES YOU MUST LEARN HOW TO FIX COMMON TEST FAULTS, SO YOU DON'T FAIL!

BLACK BOX INSURANCE EXPLAINED

How to find cheap car insurance THAT WON’T COMPROMISE ON COVER

Our Black Box customers can save up to 65% off their next renewal*

Revealing the perils of ghost brokers and fronting - the do’s and don’ts to remember when looking for your first motor insurance policy

Call our UK team on 0800 085 6491

adrianflux.co.uk/learner-drivers Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. *Based on no fault claims and telematics box being fitted.

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I’m looking for cheap insurance but I’ve read about ghost brokers. What are they?

Ghost brokers sell fraudulent car insurance using three basic methods. They either forge insurance documents, falsify details to bring the price down or take out a genuine policy, before cancelling and claiming the refund plus the victim’s money. Police figures show those most at risk of being targeted by ghost brokers are 17-24 and the scam costs them around £900 each. Some ghost brokers also operate on social media - always check you are buying from a genuine company before taking out a policy.

I’ve been warned about “fronting” on my motor insurance. What is that?

Fronting is when an older driver - often a parent - tries to save money by saying they’re the main user of a vehicle driven by a younger, higher-risk motorist. It may save money in the short-term but fronting could invalidate your insurance and even lead to prosecution for fraud.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER DO’S AND DON’TS I NEED TO REMEMBER? Do shop around for the best policy.

Or better still go to a broker such as Adrian Flux who have a panel of over 30 insurers to go to. Adrian Flux compares policies saving you the hassle.

Do make your insurer aware of any modifications.

You will need to advise your insurer of cosmetic and performanceenhancing modifications. With a specialist broker such as Adrian Flux, you may be surprised that your premium may not increase much or at all for modifications and they can cover most. If you fail to declare mods your car damage cover will be under threat in the event of a claim.

Do insure your car for what it’s worth.

Under-insuring your car may result in a lower premium but if your insurer finds out, your policy could be cancelled and any claim payout could be less than the car’s worth.

Do agree a voluntary excess. Adrian Flux offer great insurance rates for new and learner drivers. Cut costs by calling 0800 085 6491.

If you agree to pay an extra voluntary excess it can significantly reduce your premium. But keep it realistic, you will have to be able to afford it if there is a claim.

Don’t forget.

Don’t forget, the cheapest Adrian Flux deals are available on the telephone. Call 0800 085 6491 for your personalised no obligation quote.

adrianflux.co.uk/learner-drivers Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. *Based on no fault claims and telematics box being fitted.

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The Young Drivers Guide

FOR EWOR D

WELCOME... Hi everyone!

Welcome to The Young Driver’s Guide. Inside you’ll find everything you need to know about learning to drive, buying your first car, and finding affordable insurance. There’s a lot to take in, but there’s no better feeling than the day you hold your full driving licence in your hands! Enjoy the journey!

Keanan & Alisha Learning-to-drive TikTokers

Follow @firstcaruk and @drivingtestsuccess

THE TEAM Publisher: James Evans Editor: David Motton Commercial director: Richard Storrs Art director: Caroline Creighton-Metcalf

COVER PHOTO: MATT HOWELL

GET IN TOUCH info@firstcar.co.uk 08451 308853 firstcar.co.uk

facebook.com/firstcarmag youtube.com/FirstCarUK

SHIFT INTO GEAR WITH FIRSTCAR.CO.UK • Pass your practical test •F ind your ideal first car • Win a brand new Corsa!

The contents of this magazine are copyright © FirstCar Ltd and may not be reproduced or transmitted, in any form in whole or in part, without written consent from the editor. Neither FirstCar Ltd nor its staff can be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. (04/22)

firstcar.co.uk | 5

CONTENTS

WIN this CAR

eat For gr nt follow s t n o c e e s t s u cce s ingt uk d @ r iv @ f i r s tc a r d n a

s... u w o Foll TikTok

j j

"LET US HELP YOU LEARN TO DRIVE..." PAGE 48

PAGE 18

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The Young Drivers Guide

CON TEN TS LEARNING: THE ROAD TO YOUR LICENCE STARTS HERE! PAGE 8

INSIDE 8 LEARNING

Everything you need to know about the learning process, from under-17 driving to posttest training, as well as both the theory and practical tests.

48 TIKTOKERS

Meet Alisha and Keanan. They’ve built a TikTok following with their learning-to-drive videos. They share their tips on driving and social media.

BUYING: HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT FIRST CAR FOR YOU PAGE 54

54 BUYING

Buying a car can be daunting. You can buy a new or used car with confidence if you know what you’re doing. We’ll help you make the right choice.

74 INSURANCE

Insurance for young drivers is expensive, but there are ways to make cover more affordable. Here’s everything you need to know.

90 OWNING

Confused by all that paperwork? Can’t work out how to keep your car running properly? Don’t worry, because it’s all a lot easier than you might think.

104 ROAD SAFETY

PHOTO: MATT HOWELL

Unfortunately, new drivers crash more than those with extra experience. Here’s how to make sure you don’t become another statistic.

112 DRIVING ADVICE SAFETY: SMARTER

CHOICES MAKE THE ROADS SAFER! PAGE 104

You don’t stop learning when you pass your practical test. Our tips will help you get the hang of motorway driving and stay the right side of the law.

firstcar.co.uk | 7

the Road TO YOUR DRIVING LICENCE You’re starting on one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys of your life. Nothing beats the thrill you’ll get the day you earn your full driving licence, but there are plenty of steps along the road first. Over 3 the next few pages we’ll talk you through them.

1 UNDER-17 DRIVING

8 | firstcar.co.uk

1 UNDER17Is your DRIVING 17th birthday still

a few months away? Or maybe it’s years off? You can still get behind the wheel, just not on the road. There are loads of young driver schemes all over the country from the likes of youngdriver. eu and under17carclub.co.uk which put younger teenagers in the driving seat on private land. The best schemes place a strong emphasis on road safety as well as car control. Sign up, and you’ll be better prepared when you do get on the public road.

The Young Driver’s Guide

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6 5

3 FIND AN INSTRUCTOR If you want to give yourself 2 YOUR PROVISIONAL LICENCE You can’t jump straight into a car on your 17th birthday. You need a provisional licence first. Don’t wait until the big day – you can apply three months before you turn 17. It’s easy to make an online application if you have a Government Gateway ID or otherwise fill out a D1 form which you can collect from the Post Office. Turn to page 12 for more on how to apply for your provisional licence.

the best chance of passing first time, you’ll want to find a really good instructor. Practising with relatives is important, but it’s no substitute for the expert instruction of a professional. Turn to page 14 to find out more.

4Before THEORY TEST you can take your practical test you have to pass the theory test. There are two parts, one with multiplechoice questions and one assessing your ability to spot hazards. Want to know more? Turn to page 24.

5 PRACTICAL TEST Aced the theory test? Well done, but there’s still another hoop to jump through before you have your full licence: the practical test. This takes place on the public road with an examiner in the passenger seat and will last around 40 minutes. We’ll talk you through the how the practical test works in more detail on page 40.

6Around NEXT STEPS half of drivers fail their first practical test. So there’s a strong chance you’ll need to take the test twice or more. If you don’t make the grade first time, don’t feel down. Read how to avoid common mistakes on page 42.

firstcar.co.uk | 9

Under -17

D R I V I NG Get a head start! You can drive on learn private land before you are 17 to the basics of safe driving

10 | firstcar.co.uk

The Young Driver’s Guide

LEA RN ING Although you can’t legally drive on public roads until you’re 17, on private land you can drive at any age. In recent years there’s been an explosion in under-17 driving opportunities. By starting young you’ll have a better feel for how a car works when you reach 17, and you won’t feel pressured to progress swiftly in a bid to get your full driving licence as

soon as possible. The biggest under-17 driving scheme is Young Driver (youngdriver.eu), available at around 60 sites spread across the UK. Marketing director, Sue Stait, says: “We’re teaching those who are not legally able to be on the road yet, but they get a massive boost when they control a car safely and can tackle a manoeuvre that even parents might struggle with.”

UNDER 17 SCHEMES A-Star Driving School, Surrey a-star-driving-school. co.uk Castle Combe Startline, Wiltshire castlecombecircuit.co.uk Cats Eyes Driving School, Devon, South Wales catseyesdrivingschool. co.uk DriveB4Uturn17, Surrey, West Sussex driveb4uturn17.co.uk Drive Safe, Lincolnshire, under17-drivinglessons. co.uk Driving Ambition, Northamptonshire drivingambitionbrackley. info Flying Colours, Dorset, passwithflyingcolours. com Gold Driving Academy, Dorset, golddriving.co.uk Pro Scot, Fife, pro-scot.com

top tip

D riv in g a la n d b e fo c a r o n p riva te re yo u a re te a c h yo u th e b a si 17 c a n cs of car co n tro l a n to th e ru d in tro d u ce yo u le s o f th e ro a d . B u t wh e n yo u tu le ss o n s o rn 17 a n d st a rt n p u b li c ro yo u’l l n e e d to b u il a d s, d up e x p e ri e n ce b e fo re yo u r te st .

Safe4Life Driver Training, West Midlands, safe4lifedrivertraining. co.uk S.L.Y.D.E., Essex, slydeyoungdriver.co.uk Under 17 Car Club, various sites under17-carclub.co.uk Wunda Wheels, Lanarkshire, wundawheels.co.uk Young Driver, various sites youngdriver.eu

firstcar.co.uk | 11

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Once yo lly automatica licence, it’s u’re 70. But you yo l . yours unti ry 10 years new it eve have to re ger receive a paper n You’ll no lo rt; there’s just the counterpa portion of the photocard ’ll update the u licence. Yo hen you photo w renew.

Getting your

PROVISIONAL LICENCE 12 | firstcar.co.uk

The Young Driver’s Guide

LEA RN ING

Watch out

Apply for your licence online via the government website. There are several official-sounding sites that charge you a fee and it’s debatable whether or not they add any value. What does everyone want for their 17th birthday? A new smartphone would be nice, but we’re guessing that a provisional driving licence is close to the top of the list. The day you turn 17 is the first day you can legally drive a car on the public road. But you can’t just jump behind the wheel with a copy of your birth certificate tucked in a pocket – you need to apply for a provisional driving licence. It’s easy to do. If you enjoy queuing you can do it the oldfashioned way at the Post Office. A D1 form is what you need to ask for. But it’s much simpler to apply online. Go to gov.uk/apply-firstprovisional-driving-licence.

component of Disability Living Allowance or the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independent Payment).

HOW SOON CAN I APPLY? You can apply up to three months before you turn 17 (or a year sooner if you receive the higher rate mobility

WHEN WILL MY LICENCE ARRIVE? You should have it within a week if you apply online, although it could take longer.

WHAT DO I NEED? You’ll need to provide some ID (unless you have a valid UK biometric passport), details of where you have lived over the past three years, and your National Insurance number if you know it. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? It will set you back £34 online. You can pay by Mastercard, Visa, Electron or with a Delta debit or credit card. Applying by post costs £43. You can check if the price has changed at gov.uk/ driving-licence-fees.

firstcar.co.uk | 13

Find the

PERFECT INSTRUCTOR

As a learner driver it is really important you find the right driving instructor. To make this easier, the DVSA has improved its ‘find driving schools, lessons and instructors’ service. You can now search the database of more than 26,000 approved instructors

by the grade awarded to them by the DVSA. Instructors can add links to their website or Facebook page. This will help you check things like... ● whether the instructor provides a photo for security ● if lessons are available

for learners with a special need ● the instructor’s availability/working pattern ● the price of lessons. To find the best driving instructor for you go to: gov.uk/find-driving-schoolsand-lessons.

ASK THE DRIVING SCHOOL THESE QUESTIONS

1 2

4 5

Is the instructor fully qualified (an ADI)? If I have a PDI (an instructor who is still in training) will I pay less? If I sign up for a course and we don’t get on, can I have my money back? Or change instructor?

14 | firstcar.co.uk

Will I get the same instructor and car for each of my lessons? How long is each lesson? Can I choose between 60, 90 and 120-minute sessions? Is my instructor CRB checked? Are all the school’s instructors checked in this way?

Are there apps or online tools included in the price of my lessons? Will I get help with passing my theory and hazard perception tests? Do you offer post-test training to improve my skills after I pass?

The Young Driver’s Guide

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GET THE MOST FROM YOUR

lesson You're paying a lot for an expert to teach you how to drive, so be sure to make the most of your time. Here's how: ● REST UP

Always try to get a good night’s rest before a lesson. A big night out with your mates before a morning lesson isn’t a good idea – you need to be fully alert and sober.

● FUEL UP

Eat and drink before the lesson to boost your energy levels and keep them high.

● GO LONG

When you book your lessons, think about 90-minute or two-hour sessions. You’ll have more time to get into a rhythm than if the lesson lasts an hour.

● LISTEN UP...

Your instructor knows what they are talking about, so concentrate hard on what they are telling you to do.

Keanan’s

TOP TIP

Some drivers just don’t click with their instructor. If your lessons are going nowhere, talk to your instructor about it. If things don’t get better, think about a change. ● ... BUT ASK QUESTIONS

If you don’t understand what your instructor is asking you to do, don’t be afraid to say so. And ask them questions to help plug gaps in your driving knowledge.

firstcar.co.uk | 15

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR

first

drive a car. They’ll start you off with the basics.

GETTING READY A good night’s rest the night before will make sure you are alert and ready to learn. Have something to It’s an exciting day, but eat and drink before the lesson starts a nervy one – here’s to keep your energy what will happen levels up. It’s best to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that will allow you to operate the pedals easily. THE BIG DAY IS COMING! Don’t forget to have your Your provisional licence provisional licence with you, has arrived, you’ve chosen and keep an eye out in case a driving school, and you the instructor waits for you are about to get behind the outside rather than ringing wheel for the first time. the door bell. You’re probably excited. Possibly a bit anxious. Maybe PASSENGER RIDE both at the same time! Don’t expect to be thrown Don’t worry. Your in at the deep end. Your instructor is a professional instructor will take you to a who is used to guiding quiet road before swapping nervous first-timers through seats. Listen to what they the techniques needed to tell you as it will be your

LESSON

16 | firstcar.co.uk

turn in a minute! BEFORE YOU DRIVE There are some checks you should always make before you set off. Many instructors will use an acronym to help you remember. DSSSM is one you may be taught in lesson one. ● Doors securely closed ●S eat in a comfortable position ●S teering wheel positioned correctly ● Seatbelt on ● Mirrors adjusted THE CONTROLS Next, you’ll learn what the controls do. You probably have a pretty good idea already, but the instructor won’t take anything for granted. They’ll give you a rundown on steering, what all the pedals do (three in a manual, two in an automatic) and the gearlever and handbrake. Ask them to repeat anything that isn’t clear to you.

The Young Driver’s Guide

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LEARNING TO DRIVE ON THE

MOTORWAY

MOVING OFF You’ll learn how to pull away. Each and every time you move off you have to be safe as well as in control of the car. That means checking in your mirrors, looking over your shoulder to check your blind spot, and signalling before moving off: mirror, signal, manoeuvre, or MSM for short. To pull away smoothly you’ll need to learn how to balance the clutch and throttle, and find the ‘biting point’ (you’ll hear the engine note change and the car will want to move forwards). You’ll learn how to stop without stalling, and will find out how to use the gears. IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY! Remember, the instructor has their own pedals so they can stop the car if necessary. Put your faith in them, and believe in yourself too! To find out more about driving lessons, visit firstcar.co.uk.

Motorways used to be no-go zones for anyone with L-plates. Now learners can get to grips with motorways while still learning to drive. There are some rules to watch out for, though. You need to be in a car with dual controls, and with an approved driving instructor by your side. So there’s no practising on motorways with parents between professional lessons. Ask your instructor if and when they plan to include motorway driving in your lesson plan.

YOU SAY “I was really worried about my first lesson, but I needn’t have been. The instructor was really calm and patient, and the hour-long lesson felt more like 10 minutes!” Nathalie, Portsmouth “Because I’d had some under-17 driving lessons off the public road, I already knew the basics about how a car works and what all the controls are for. It helped me get off to a good start.” Adi, Birmingham

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The Young Driver’s Guide

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MAKING MOTORSPORT FOR ALL Nathalie McGloin is passionate about motor racing, and determined to make the sport more accessible. The only female tetraplegic driver in the world to compete at a professional level, Nathalie also campaigns to make racing circuits accessible for disabled competitors. “When I’m racing I leave my wheelchair in the pits. When I’m lining up on that grid with my helmet on, no-one knows I’m female or have a spinal injury. I’m just another driver – and that’s the way it should be.” FIND OUT MORE AT NATHALIEMCGLOIN.COM

E V I R D O T G N I N LEAR WITH A Disability A disability isn’t necessarily a barrier to learning to drive. In fact, if you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment, you can start learning at 16 – a whole year before everyone else. Depending on the nature of your disability, driving a car with standard controls could be tricky. Fortunately there are a huge range of adaptations out there to make driving more accessible. Across the country, there are driving instructors who specialise in teaching disabled drivers, and have access to adapted vehicles. You can find your nearest instructor at disabilitydrivinginstructors.com.

20 | firstcar.co.uk

A number of organisations offer help for disabled drivers. Your family may already have a car or wheelchair accessible vehicle through Motability (motability.co.uk). If that’s the case, you can apply to Motability for help with the cost of up to 40 hours of tuition (call 0300 456 4566). You can also practise between lessons in the Motability car, provided you are listed as a driver on the insurance. You’ll need to have someone aged 21 or over with you, with at least three years of driving experience. They must be insured to drive the car too. Disabled Motoring UK (disabledmotoring. org) is also a great source of advice and campaigns for the rights of disabled drivers and passengers.

New driver insurance JUST PASSED YOUR TEST? Our Black Box customers can save up to 65% off their next renewal*

Here’s some of the best reasons to insure with Adrian Flux If you’ve been riding a moped prior to getting your car licence we can now accept motorcycle no claims bonus for use against car policies. Will you only drive a few thousand miles a year? Tell us, so we can get you onto a limited mileage policy.

Our Black Box can save you more than just money - it lets you know how well you are driving at the same time. Potential discounts on your full licence policies linked to the length of time you held your provisional policy with us (up to 20%).

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INTENSIVE

courses

AUTOMATIC CHOICE DRIVING IS A COMPLICATED business and you really need to have your wits about you if you’re not to get involved in one scrape after another. Not only do you have to keep tabs on what’s going on around you but you’ve also got to ensure that you’re sticking to the speed limit, positioned correctly on the road, and in the right gear. But what if your car could help you out with some of this stuff? Well it can – at least the bit about being in the correct gear. As long as you drive an automatic.

22 | firstcar.co.uk

An increasing number of car buyers are choosing an automatic (otherwise known as an auto) because it sorts out all that tedious gear changing malarkey for you. As a result you can never be in the wrong gear, and when you get stuck in traffic you’re not constantly feeding the clutch in and out. You have just two pedals instead of three (accelerator and brake), which doesn’t half make things easier. So if you’re struggling to make progress with your driving lessons, taking the

INSTEAD OF HAVING a lesson or two each week and spreading the learning process over several weeks or months, it’s possible to cram it into a much shorter period – typically a week. While these intensive courses allow you to get everything out of the way quickly, experience counts for a lot when learning to drive – and there’s only so much of that you can gain in a week. auto route might just be the answer to your prayers. However, keep in mind that passing your driving test in an auto means you’ll be restricted to driving autos unless you later pass a test in a manual-gearbox car. An increasing number of new small cars are now available with an automatic gearbox but on the used market they tend to be rarer, more costly to buy and less economical. Also, a lot of them aren’t all that nice to drive. But if going for an automatic means the difference between getting your licence and not getting your licence, it’s a no-brainer.

The Young Driver’s Guide

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However, if this route suits you best, make sure you’re prepared or you’ll throw all your money away. ■ C heck you’ve got your provisional licence before booking.

■ C heck that the driving school has booked you a test for the end of the course – some just hope there’s a cancellation they can grab. ■ You’ll need to have passed your theory and hazard perception tests before making your booking.

YOU SAY... “I had lots of driving lessons away from the public road before I was 17, so I was pretty confident I knew how to control a car. I wanted to learn quickly so I could drive myself to college, so an intensive course made sense for me. I passed first time!” Samantha, Sheffield

■ D on’t assume you’ll pass your test after a week – you can still fail. The best schools will give you an assessment session before you book, to gauge your ability. ■ E xpect to pay £800£1200 for the whole course, including the test fee.

“Patience isn’t my strong point! I wanted to get the whole learning process over and done with quickly. But driving for so many hours a day was very intensive and tiring. I made a mess of the test and didn’t pass. I’m now having regular lessons and learning at my own pace.” Hassan, Liverpool

SHOULD I LEARN IN AN AUTOMATIC? DRIVING IS A LOT EASIER THERE ARE PLENTY OF NEW AUTOMATIC MODELS TO CHOOSE FROM

about instead of three, With just two pedals to think e life so much easier mak to s tend driving an auto

YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO DRIVE A MANUAL AUTOS TEND TO COST MORE TO BUY AND FUEL

firstcar.co.uk | 23

the

THEORY TEST Before you can move on to the practical test, you need to pass the theory exam. Once you have your theory test pass certificate you’ll have taken a big step towards your full driving licence. WHAT IS THE THEORY TEST? You’ll be tested on your knowledge of the rules of the road, to show you understand how to be a safe and responsible driver. The test is in two parts. There’s a multiple choice test, and a hazard perception test.

24 | firstcar.co.uk

HOW HARD IS IT TO PASS? Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can bluff your way through it. It takes a lot of study to fully get to grips with the Highway Code, and to learn how to spot hazards early. Just 55.7% of candidates pass the test, so you are almost as likely to fail as pass. You need to score at least 43 out of 50 in the multiple choice test, and 44 out of 75 for the hazard perception exam. You need to succeed in both elements to earn that all-important pass certificate, so prepare carefully.

WHERE DO I TAKE THE TEST? You sit the test at a DVSA test centre. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The fee is £23. You can book online at gov.uk/booktheory-test.

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GREATapps

T HE OFFICIAL DVSA THEORY TEST KIT Because this was created by the same people who set the theory and practical driving tests, you’re not going to find a more useful app, and at £4.99 it’s a bargain.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HAVE THE BEST CHANCE OF PASSING? Now that’s a sensible question! First, we’d make full use of any theory test learning aids your driving instructor has. They may be included in the cost of your lessons or available for a small extra fee. Read The Highway Code and The Official DVSA Theory Test for Car Drivers thoroughly, not just once but again and again, and test yourself on the contents. There are free practice tests online at gov. uk/take-practice-theory-test. The questions won’t be the same as those you’ll be asked in the real thing, but they cover the same topics. There’s

a range of apps to help you pick up the theory of driving, and get quicker at spotting hazards, so it makes sense to use them. They don’t cost much. HOW DOES THE HAZARD TEST WORK? You’ll watch 14 video clips, all around a minute long. There will be 15 hazards to spot, and at least one in every video. You click on a mouse button when you spot a hazard – the quicker you notice potential danger, the higher the score. Don’t just click like crazy, as you’ll score ‘zero’ if you cheat. WHAT NEXT? Fail, and you’ll have to wait at least three working days before taking the test again. Pass, and the practical test is your next step. Want to know more about the theory test? Visit firstcar.co.uk.

UK CAR DRIVING THEORY TEST This app is user-friendly, interactive and you can challenge your mates for some added fun. It’s free to download, but you make in-app purchases. The full bank of questions costs a reasonable £2.99. DRIVING TEST SUCCESS Practise every official revision question from the DVSA with this app. Available for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices. View the full range of apps at theorytestapp.co.uk

You’ve got to spot hazards like this, early

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s y a w Five

E V O R P M I O T D R A Z A H R U YO PERCEPTION

☛ ☛ 26 | firstcar.co.uk

PEDESTRIAN: Could be about to cross the road

TRAFFIC LIGHTS: May change at any moment

PARKED CARS: They might reverse into the road

☛

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Spotting hazards isn’t just important when you take your theory test, it’s a vital part of safe driving, full stop

☛

BLIND CORNER: What could be waiting around the bend?

THINK ABOUT IT WHENEVER YOU DRIVE Don’t treat hazard perception as something that’s separate to the rest of your learning. Yes, you’re going to be tested on a computer, but you’ll learn more quickly if you practise spotting hazards every time you drive. The goal is to spot danger and stay safe on the road, not just to pass a test.

2 SCHOOL BUS: Children may run into the road

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TALK OUT LOUD The most advanced police drivers are taught to give a running commentary as they drive. Talking about hazards while driving forces you to concentrate on potential dangers, rather than running on autopilot. Saying out loud what you see – and how you are going to respond – makes sure the brain is fully engaged with driving, and helps you learn to process lots of information at once. If you are giving a commentary as you drive there’s no mental capacity left to wonder what’s for dinner or to think where you will go out on Friday night...

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Well, maybe not perfect but good enough to pass the theory test. Take lots of mock hazard perception tests before you tackle the real thing. That way you’ll know what to expect and will be able to sharpen

your skills. There are loads of them online and they’re often free.

UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STATIC AND DEVELOPING HAZARD Broadly speaking, there are two kinds of hazards. ‘Static’ hazards are things like roundabouts, traffic lights and junctions. You need to deal with them on every journey, but a roundabout isn’t going to suddenly jump out at you from behind a parked car. ‘Developing’ hazards are mobile and tougher to predict. Such hazards include a car pulling out in front of you, a child running into the street, or a cyclist getting ready to turn right. The sooner you spot a developing hazard, the sooner you can respond. Think about it this way – if you see a football roll into the road in front of you, it’s better to slow down straight away rather than wait for a kid to follow it.

REMEMBER THERE CAN BE MORE THAN ONE HAZARD Every video in the hazard perception test shows at least one hazard. But just to keep you on your toes, one of the 14 videos has two hazards. So, don’t switch off after you have spotted the first hazard. There could be another one appearing at any moment.

firstcar.co.uk | 27

The Hierarchy OF ROAD USERS There have been some big changes to the Highway Code to protect vulnerable road users. Here’s what you need to know

You can do a lot more harm with a lorry than a small hatchback. And a hatchback can do a lot more damage than a child crossing the road. That’s now reflected in the Highway Code. Lots of changes were made in a big update in January 2022.

MOST VULNERABLE 28 | firstcar.co.uk

Some existing rules have been tidied up or clarified, but the headline news is the ‘hierarchy of road users’ – those who can do the greatest harm must take the greatest responsibility. The likes of lorry and coach drivers have the greatest duty to look out for other road users, because they’re driving the biggest, heaviest vehicles with the most potential to do damage. Pedestrians are at the opposite end of the hierarchy, as they’re likely to come off worst in any collision. Car drivers must

take a great deal of responsibility, as although we are vulnerable to larger and heavier vehicles, we need to take extra care around horse riders, cyclists, and people on foot. These new rules are sometimes misrepresented as allowing vulnerable road users, in particular cyclists, to do as they please with the car driver always getting the blame. That’s not what the changes are all about. Everyone needs to stick to the rules, and use the roads safely, however they choose to get from A-to-B. Rather there’s a shift of emphasis

The Young Driver’s Guide

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To maximise the benefits of some fantastic changes, the rules need to be widely communicated, understood, and ultimately backed up with visible and effective police enforcement. Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns

– those with the greatest potential to cause harm shoulder the greatest responsibility. Just as a coach driver should remember that car drivers and passengers are more vulnerable than they are in a collision, so

car drivers should keep in mind that a horse rider, cyclist, or pedestrian is likely to come off worse if we hit them. We all need to take care of each other, and especially the most vulnerable people on the road.

GREATEST RESPONSIBILITY firstcar.co.uk | 29

’ TS s N O e D D N l A S O u D New R

use the ‘Dutch reach’ when opening a car door. This means using your left hand to open the driver’s door, which encourages you to turn towards the road, giving you a better view of any vulnerable road users such as cyclists who may be passing close to your car.

remember that cyclists are allowed to ride in the centre of the lane, or two abreast, while allowing you to overtake when it’s safe to do so.

DON’ T

make a close pass on a cyclist. Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and leave more space when overtaking above 30mph.

30 | firstcar.co.uk

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DON’ T

pass close to a horse or a horsedrawn vehicle. Give at least two metres of space and slow down to no more than 10mph.

give way to pedestrians who are crossing (or waiting to cross) the road at junctions.

give way to cyclists who are riding straight on when you are turning into or out of junctions.

The changes to the Highway Code are a reminder that all road users have a responsibility to look after one another, in particular the most vulnerable ones: pedestrians, cyclists, other two-wheeled transport and horse riders. Edmund King, AA president firstcar.co.uk | 31

The Young Driver’s Guide

In association with

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After the

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THEORY TEST

from st App ows ll eory Te The Th est Success a icial ff T o g y r in e iv v r D actise e stion from r p to ue you vision q t for 2022 re VSA. It’s grea ve. D mo e the th n ing o k practis testapp.co.u theory

I’VE PASSED...

I t will certainly have helped you pass if you genned up on the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs, and – either directly or because your approved driving instructor helped you – Driving: The Essential Skills. This book is every driving instructor’s bible, and it tells you everything you need to know about driving to reach the required standard and pass your tests.

irst of all, well done! If you’re now F proudly clutching your theory test pass certificate then the chances are you’ve learned the importance of hazard perception, either with your driving instructor or by using the official DVSA Guide to Hazard Perception – hopefully both. e bet you put in the hours to make W sure you passed, practising hazard perception and tracking your progress with official apps like the DVSA Learning Zone, The Official DVSA Theory Test Kit, or a good licensed product using DVSA questions and clips.

I’VE FAILED...

on’t forget what you’ve learned. D Keeping on top of your theory will help you pass the practical test.

32 | firstcar.co.uk

e’re sorry you didn’t pass. Think W what you could do to make the grade next time.

ost successful candidates will have M worked hard at both their theory knowledge and hazard perception. Was there more you could have done to improve your knowledge and sharpen your skills?

on’t be put off. The theory test pass D rate is around 55%, so if you failed the test you are not alone.

Alisha’s

TOP TIP

I failed the theory first time. I thought it would be easy. Don’t make the same mistake! The next time I passed after spending hours using theory test apps.

My Theory Test by

James May

PARENTAL

l o r t n o C

Unless one (or both) of your parents is an ADI, they’re almost certainly not the best choice for driving instruction – but don’t avoid using their help altogether. Use time with them as a supplement to paid-for time with a professional instructor, reinforcing the lessons you’ve been learning. Don’t take anything a parent tells you as gospel – it’s your instructor you must listen to. If you do practice with a parent, here’s how to ensure you spend that time as effectively as possible:

34 | firstcar.co.uk

Parents should read a current copy of The Highway Code and work with you on the theory exam.

Plan before you set out. Choose a suitable area and route, and know what you want to achieve before you get behind the wheel.

Use quiet roads until you’re confident, especially in traffic.

Stay below the level you’ve reached with your driving instructor.

Avoid carrying passengers – they’re a distraction you don’t need.

Work with a professional instructor who tells your parents what you’re being taught and what techniques are being used. Then you won’t get conflicting advice.

You’re not ready for all the challenges of the road, so your parent must be aware of all hazards at all times. They must be constantly anticipating the moves of others.

The Young Driver’s Guide

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A PARENT'S PLEDGE

Getting behind the wheel with mum or dad? Ask them to have a read of this first. LEAD BY EXAMPLE It won’t be easy to persuade a young driver to stick to the limit or leave their phone alone if you tend to speed or sometimes check a text at the lights. Set the best example you can by driving by the book.

PLAY FOR THE TEAM Work with your child’s instructor to understand how you can best support professional lessons. Decide how soon to start practice drives, and make sure you stay below the level your learner has reached with the instructor.

Your parent should be sparing with their comments, but problems must be identified while still fresh in the memory. Confidence needs to be built first.

BE PATIENT Practice lessons aren’t easy for anyone. Nobody likes being criticised, least of all by a parent. Equally, it’s

understandable if you are nervous about pranging the family car. That’s one of the reasons why it’s good to keep practice well below the difficulty reached in professional lessons. Learner and parent need to be patient and build up slowly to more complex driving. That way you will both become more confident. BUILD CONFIDENCE It’s important to point out mistakes, but make sure you give praise too. You need to build your child’s self-belief as well as correcting faults. STAY CALM Anxiety is catching. If you seem nervous, your child will be. And don’t become angry – a shouting match at the traffic lights won’t help anyone. Think back to when you were learning, and be the calm and supportive parent you would want if you were the one with the L-plates.

YOU SAY...

Keep calm – parents shouting isn’t effective, and don’t get angry if given constructive criticism.

“I found that practising with mum was a great way to get more time behind the wheel. I think it really helped me to pass first time!” Joanna, Leicester

“You need to be careful when driving a car without dual controls. That safety net isn’t there if you are practising in the family car, so don’t rush to tackle complex situations without an instructor.” Jake, Stourbridge

Make learning enjoyable. Your parent must keep their cool so you both enjoy the process. You shouldn’t dread getting into the car.

firstcar.co.uk | 35

How to rule...

REVERSING

The practical test’s reversing manoeuvres need the right technique, concentration, and plenty of practice. Here’s how to reverse like a pro!

PULL UP ON THE RIGHT AND REVERSE

STEP 2: REMEMBER: MIRROR, SIGNAL, MANOEUVRE

STEP 1: LOOK AROUND FOR A SAFE SPOT

The examiner will ask you to “Pull up on the right where it is safe to do so”. Find a safe spot for the manoeuvre. You shouldn’t stop directly behind a parked vehicle or close to a junction. Don’t block a driveway or entrance.

Now check your mirrors and over your shoulder. Then indicate right. Look ahead for oncoming traffic, check in your mirrors and over your shoulder again.

3 5 4

STEP 3: PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT

Make your way over to the right-hand side of the road at a relatively shallow angle. Aim to stop in a straight line and parallel with the kerb, close to it without hitting it.

36 | firstcar.co.uk

STEP 4: GET READY TO REVERSE

Select reverse gear. Allow any traffic to pass. Now check to make sure it’s clear behind you. Reverse slowly and stay close to the kerb, continuing to keep a close eye out for traffic.

STEP 5: REJOINING TRAFFIC

Look ahead, in your mirrors and over your shoulder to check it’s clear. If there’s a safe gap in both directions signal left and pull away, moving over to the left side of the road.

The Young Driver’s Guide

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REVERSING INTO A PARKING BAY STEP 2: SWING IN

STEP 1: STAY OUT

Reversing into a parking bay is much easier if you give yourself a bit of space to work with before you go backwards. So, don’t stay too close to the row of bays you will reverse into. Instead, check ahead and behind you, and if traffic allows move out around half a car’s width from the bays. Indicate in the direction you will be turning.

Come to a stop just beyond the bay you will be parking in. Select reverse gear, and have a good look around you to check for other cars or anyone on foot. If it’s clear, look out of the rear windscreen and start to reverse backwards, turning towards the bay.

top hack

Practise the manoeuvres b se etw lessons. You’ll een ge the hang of th t em more quickly.

STEP 3: TAKE IT SLOW

It’s important to take your time rather than rush. Reversing slowly will give you time to adjust the direction of the car, aiming for the middle of the bay. It may help to use your outside mirrors as reference points – think of each mirror ending up just inside the white lines which mark either side of the bay.

STEP 4: KEEP LOOKING AROUND YOU

Good observation is crucial to reverse parking. While your main focus is behind you, it’s important to keep glancing around. If pedestrians or other vehicles come close, wait until they have passed, unless it’s clear that they are waiting for you.

STEP 5: STRAIGHTEN UP THE CAR

Once in the bay with the car in line with the white lines, straighten the wheel. If you are not quite straight, check for traffic and people on foot and, if it’s clear, pull forward a little, steering the car so it’s parallel with the white lines. Then reverse back again so the car is squarely within the bay.

firstcar.co.uk | 37

The Young Driver’s Guide

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PARALLEL PARKING STEP 1: STOP MOVING

You’ll be asked to pull up in a space that’s big enough for the car you’re driving. Stop level with the car you are going to reverse behind and no more than one metre out to the side.

STEP 2: BE READY TO REVERSE

Select reverse gear while checking all around you to make sure it is safe to drive back, with no other traffic approaching. If it’s clear, start moving backwards slowly.

STEP 3: TURN THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT

Look over your left shoulder to see where you are going. When the corner of the car you are reversing behind appears in your passengerside window turn the wheel to the left one full turn.

Straight

STEP 4: KEEP LOOKING AROUND YOU

Now check carefully all around you again to be sure there’s nobody walking close to the car or other road users nearby. If it’s safe to do so, continue to reverse back into the parking space.

38 | firstcar.co.uk

6 Left

STEP 5: TURN THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT

Now turn the steering wheel hard the other way (two full turns should do it). This will tuck the nose of your car in toward the kerb. Just be careful that the front of your car is clear of the other vehicle.

Right

STEP 6: STRAIGHTEN THE WHEEL

Once you are parallel with the kerb, straighten the wheel. It’s okay if you need to move back and forth a couple of times to tuck the car right in. Make sure you’re not sticking out into the road or on the kerb.

Ask the

R E N I M A X E some of the FirstCar has put uestions about most common q to a driving test y! the practical test hat they had to sa w s e’ er H . er in exam HOW LONG IS THE DRIVING TEST?

“You’ll spend around 40 minutes behind the wheel, driving on a variety of roads.”

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE I DRIVE?

“I’ll ask you to read a numberplate from 20 metres away, so don’t forget your glasses or contacts if you need them to see clearly.”

THEN WHAT?

“Next comes the ‘tell me’ question, something like ‘How would you check the headlights and tail lights are operating correctly?’”

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE WE START DRIVING?

“For 20 minutes out of the 40 you’ll be driving independently, which means following road signs or sat nav to a destination. Taking a wrong turn is no big deal, I want to see that you can drive safely.”

40 | firstcar.co.uk

WILL I BE ASKED A ‘SHOW ME’ QUESTION?

“Yes. It could be something as simple as showing how you would turn on the rear demister, or wash and clean the windscreen.”

WHAT MANOEUVRES WILL BE PART OF THE TEST?

“As well as making a hill start, pulling out from behind a parked car, and making a normal stop at the side of the road, you may need to make an emergency stop. You’ll also need to carry out one of three reversing manoeuvres.”

HOW GOOD DO I NEED TO BE TO PASS?

“You need to prove you are safe and competent. I’m not expecting perfection! So long as you make no more than 15 driving faults (sometimes called ‘minors’) and no serious or dangerous faults

(sometimes called ‘majors’) you’ll be okay.”

WHAT IF THE EXAMINER DOESN’T LIKE ME?

“Examiners are professionals, doing their job. We’re going to judge you on your driving ability, nothing else. Honestly, we’re just regular people!”

AND AFTER THE TEST, WHAT

The Young Driver’s Guide

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Get an early before the big night day want to be as . You and alert as p fresh ossib when you take le the test.

Your checklist for

PRACTICAL TEST

SUCCESS

THE GREEN LIGHT FROM YOUR INSTRUCTOR

If they say you are ready, you’re ready.

PLENTY OF PRACTICE

Don’t avoid tricky manoeuvres or difficult junctions. Work on any weaknesses before the test.

A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Believe in yourself! You can do this!

STRATEGIES FOR HANDLING PRESSURE

HAPPENS THEN?

“Whether you pass or fail, we’ll talk you through any faults. Around half of candidates fail, so don’t be surprised if this happens to you. We’re not trying to catch you out, though. If you make the grade, you’ll pass! And if you don’t, come back stronger!” There are loads more tips on preparing for your practical test at firstcar.co.uk.

Don’t tell your friends your test is coming up if this will add to your nerves.

YOUR PROVISIONAL LICENCE AND THEORY TEST PASS CERTIFICATE

You’ll need to take both to the test centre.

SENSIBLE CLOTHES AND FOOTWEAR

Wear something comfortable and shoes that make it easy to use the pedals.

BE WILLING TO LEARN

If you don’t pass, understand why so you can be better prepared for your next test.

firstcar.co.uk | 41

top 10practical test faults

FIXED

These are the 10 most common reasons for failing the practical test and how to avoid them

1 OBSERVATION AT JUNCTIONS FIX Practise ‘eye scanning’.

Instead of fixing your eyes directly in front of you, keep looking all around you and in your mirrors. Take particular care to look for other road users who have the right of way over you at junctions, so you can wait for a safe gap to pull into.

4 TURNING RIGHT AT JUNCTIONS 42 | firstcar.co.uk

MIRRORS (CHANGING DIRECTION)

POOR CONTROL (STEERING)

FIX To have a strong chance

FIX Eye scanning can help with this one too. You need 360˚ awareness of what’s going on around you, especially before changing direction. Always look in the mirrors and check your blind spot before making any direction change.

FIX Some new

drivers hate turning right at a junction, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. Don’t get anxious, just remember your Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed and Look routine (MSPSL). Be cautious in judging the speed of oncoming traffic and make the turn once you are sure it is completely safe.

of passing the practical, steering the car should be second nature. If it’s not, keep practising. The push-pull method is best under most circumstances, but the important thing is to keep control of the car’s direction.

FAILING TO RESPOND TO ROAD SIGNS

FIX Continually look for signs and road

markings, interpret the information they are giving you, and respond appropriately. Don’t let your theory knowledge slip between your theory and practical tests. Your theory know-how is still important!

FREE APP BOOST THE CHANCES OF PASSING YOUR SEARCH ‘DRIVING TEST READY’ FOR EXPERT ADVI

The Young Driver’s Guide

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SLOPPY REVERSE PARKING

FIX Reverse parking requires accuracy and control, not speed. Don’t get flustered, take your time, and get in plenty of practice. Remember to keep checking around you for cars and pedestrians so you can reverse park safely.

7 FAILING TO MOVE OFF SAFELY FIX Go by the book each

and every time. Remember Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre (MSM). That way you won’t pull away until it is safe to do so, and you will have shown your intentions to other road users. Observation and good judgement are key.

10 RESPONDING TO TRAFFIC LIGHTS

SING YOUR DRIVING TEST PERT ADVICE… DOWNLOAD NOW

POOR POSITIONING IN NORMAL DRIVING

FAILING TO MOVE OFF UNDER CONTROL

FIX Stay within your lane

FIX Clutch and throttle

unless you are changing lanes or pulling out to overtake. Otherwise, don’t let the car wander towards the lane markings. When overtaking cyclists, always leave a car’s width of space.

control should be second nature by the time of your practical test. Practise pulling away smoothly while accelerating to a safe and legal speed. You must keep the car under control.

FIX Look ahead to spot traffic lights, and prepare to slow down and stop if necessary. Watch the lights as you wait for them to change colour. Get ready when the lights turn to red and amber, but don’t move until they are green. firstcar.co.uk | 43

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COME BACK STRONGER Don’t get down if you’ve failed. Instead, think about how it can make you a better driver in the long run! Here’s how to do better next time...

n r u t U MAKE A

Did your practical test go in the wrong direction? Here’s how to turn things around... TALK TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR

time behind the wheel in all conditions.

Discuss what went wrong in your test and how you can correct any mistakes.

DON’T FORGET DRIVING THEORY

DON’T GET DOWN Around half of practical tests end in failure. It’s normal! Don’t beat yourself up, just come back stronger.

PRACTISE! Back up professional lessons with lots of practice with a parent or family member. Ask your instructor what to work on.

GET MORE EXPERIENCE Not making the grade is a setback, but it also gives you the opportunity to get extra

44 | firstcar.co.uk

The knowledge that helped you pass the theory test will help you pass the practical, so don’t let it slide!

BOOK A RETEST There’s a backlog of drivers wanting to take their practical test. So if your instructor agrees, book another test ASAP.

REMEMBER, YOU ARE STILL LEARNING More lessons and another test may hurt your pride and your pocket, but play the long game – this will make you a better, safer driver.

GET MORE REST Try to get a good night’s sleep, not just the night before the practical test, but for several nights before the big day. That way you’ll be really well rested.

AVOID PEER PRESSURE Your mates mean well, but people asking “Do you think you’ll pass?” can make pre-test nerves worse! Keep your test date a secret if you think it will help you stay calm.

TAKE MOCK TESTS TO CALM YOUR NERVES A mock test, with your instructor taking the role of examiner, is a great way to get used to test-day pressure.

BELIEVE IN YOUR INSTRUCTOR Your instructor won’t have put you forward for the practical unless you were ready. Trust their judgement, even if you doubt yourself!

ENJOY LEARNING Everyone wants to pass first time, but many of us don’t. Not making the grade is a setback, but don’t let it put you off driving. The day you pass will make it all worth it!

FR ! EE

PASS YOUR DRIVING TEST FIRST TIME More than 50% of learners fail their driving test, costing them time and money. Driving Test Ready reveals the most common driving test mistakes to help you pass first time Beat driving test nerves Improve your observation skills

NEW APP

Move off and stop like a pro Master controls and positioning Use the right speed for the conditions Search

Lean to anticipate & plan well ahead

Driving Test Ready

Take junctions like a boss Ace your manoeuvres

DOWNLOAD FOR FREE NOW!

And the big secret to success – mock tests! FirstCar has 20 years’ experience helping new drivers get on the road and we’ve crafted this content with help from one of the UK’s leading driving instructors. We’re confident that if you watch these films and action their advice, you’ll significantly increase your chances of passing your driving test.

SEE TRACK, T SPEED

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24/7

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3,800

Public and private road level crossings in the UK

55%

of all incidents at level crossings involve road vehicles

TAKE CARE AT LEVEL CROSSINGS

The Young Driver’s Guide

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

, THINK TRAIN!

Britain has one of the safest level crossing records in Europe, but every year people needlessly lose their lives driving through level crossings, with countless more near misses. Most incidents are avoidable as drivers ignore the warnings.

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BARRIERS Barriers will not detect you on the crossing and warn of an oncoming train

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CONCENTRATE approach a level crossing with caution DRIVE SLOW only drive through when the exit is clear LIGHTS do not cross if lights are flashing BARRIERS don’t race through or weave around

IT COULD JUST SAVE YOUR LIFE!

THE TIKTOK STARS WHO CAN HELP YOU

e v i r d o t learn k There’s more to TikTo than fashion tips and POVs. You can find advice on driving too!

... Followntenut sfrom

For great co anan; Alisha and Ke cess uc ts es gt @drivin k ru @firstca

48 | firstcar.co.uk

THE YOUNG DRIVER’S GUIDE

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IFFERENT PEOPLE LEARN TO DRIVE IN DIFFERENT WAYS. Maybe you’re the type who likes to read and make lots of notes. Or perhaps you prefer apps to sharpen up your driving knowledge. If you learn better if you’re shown how to do something, there are loads of video ‘how to’ guides you can watch. Lots of the best content is now on TikTok. Quick, engaging, and often funny, the best learning-to-drive TikToks are memorable and fun. The Young Driver’s Guide is part of FirstCar, which has its own TikTok account. So does Driving Test Success, the people behind some of the best and most popular learning-to-drive apps. We’ve been catching up with FirstCar and DTS content creators, Keanan Lloyd-Adams and Alisha Khan, to get their advice on learning to drive and what makes a great TikTok.

The Young Driver’s Guide : Hi guys. Let’s talk

about when you learned to drive. What were your best and worst experiences?

Alisha : The best was when

I started to see that my instructor was feeling more relaxed while I was driving, it gave me a lot more confidence as I knew this

meant I must be improving. The worst? I used to hate big roundabouts. I think it’s because on my first driving test I had a bad experience with one and it kind of stuck with me. But now I go on five or six on the way to work every day and they’re a breeze!

Keanan : The best

experience was the connection I had with my driving instructor. The dude had so many incredible, and sometimes gut-wrenching stories. I can’t fully remember what military experience he had but I do remember the feeling of it being SAS level. I just always came out of a lesson thinking, “He needs to write a book, so it can eventually be a film, that I can potentially star in!” The worst was seconds after starting a lesson, still on my road, I realise that my seat is way too close to the pedals. The instructor says “no problem, just don’t move it now, we’ll find a place to stop so you can adjust.” I definitely heard him say this, and I confirmed that I understood. But within moments I decided to save time and go straight against his wishes. I pulled the seat handle at the bottom, went flying backwards, my hands slipped off the wheel and I stalled in the middle of the road. The moment of silence after that is what my

You should treat every driver as someone who has never passed, you’ll be prepared for anything

brain reminds me of at 2am, and I still had a whole lesson with him after.

TYDG : Did you pass first time?

Alisha : No, it took me a few attempts. Keanan : Yes sir! For both

tests. Very grateful for that.

TYDG : What do you know now that wish you had known when you were learning to drive?

Keanan : That you should

treat every driver on the road as someone who has never passed, you’ll be prepared for anything.

Alisha : I wish I knew that it’s not just me who has responsibility on the road. I think when you’re learning to drive, you can sometimes feel like it’s you against everyone else. But the reality is, everyone has a responsibility to keep themselves and other road users safe and it’s kind of a team effort rather than you being isolated. TYDG : What’s your top tip for someone who is just starting to learn to drive?

Alisha : I would say to go easy on yourself. I think a lot of people can downplay how much of a big deal learning to drive can be. It’s a life skill at the end of the day, something that you’ll be able to take with you for years to come. So if you don’t pick it up right away, that’s okay! In fact, it’s normal. firstcar.co.uk | 49

Keanan : The slower you

move, the more space you have, the safer you are. I imagine a protective forcefield around the car that gets bigger the slower I drive. It has got me out of countless anxiety-inducing tight turns and close calls.

TYDG : Let’s talk about

TikTok. How did you get into content creation and how long have you been doing it?

Alisha : Our channel (@drivingtestsuccess) started up in July 2020. We found that the channel really took off back in the first lockdown as drivers couldn’t have any lessons or take either their theory or practical tests. We really

didn’t expect the channel to grow at the rate it did, but here we are two years down the line still creating content for all learner drivers out there.

Keanan : I’ve been acting

all my life, and with training comes a lot of creativity and devising pieces. Combine that with higher-thanaverage meme and internet culture knowledge, and you get a notes app full of content ideas. My relationship with FirstCar formed right at the start of my professional career in 2016, my first ever audition after moving to London was with them and we’ve not looked back since. During tough times in those lockdowns, FirstCar

You don’t need to have a whole camera crew and Hollywood set to make amazing content 50 | firstcar.co.uk

continued plans to work with me which sparked the idea of tackling the mountain that is TikTok. Starting June 2021 and fast forward to now, I have been creating and creating.

TYDG : What makes a TikTok stand out?

Alisha : When a video can draw on one of those universal experiences that we’ve all had (learner or not) and make people laugh, that’s where the magic is. Keanan : You’ve got to

stand out, be unique and don’t blend in.

TYDG : What do you enjoy most about creating content for social media?

Keanan : That any post

can be “the one”. Anyone is one post away from getting the viral ball rolling and gaining a strong fan base.

THE YOUNG DRIVER’S GUIDE

CEL EBR ITY INT ERV IEW

Alisha : Probably how accessible it is. You don’t need to have a whole camera crew and Hollywood set to make amazing content anymore. You can literally use your phone to film a video that will connect with millions of people. It’s amazing. TYDG: Where do you get inspiration for your videos?

Keanan: Would ya believe

PHOTOS: MATT HOWELL

it, when I drive! If something pops up that’s funny or could be made to content, I’ll take a mental note. Whether I remember it or not after I stop driving is another conversation.

Alisha: TikTok is changing all the time, so we normally scroll everyday and look for trending sounds and memes. Also we will look in our comments and see what the learners are asking

for so we can try and support them in their learner driver journey. The fun part is coming up with an idea that relates to our audience and will hopefully either educate them or make them laugh.

TYDG: Do you draw a lot

on your own experience of learning to drive?

Alisha: Yes. It’s a vital

part of making content that connects with the audience. Not only does this help us make content that can educate our audience, but it also helps us to connect with their struggles and help them along the way. That’s probably one of the best parts of the job.

Keanan: Definitely, my content comes from a place of authenticity, which makes the chances of others also having similar experiences a lot higher.

TYDG: So, what new content can we expect to see from Driving Test Success and FirstCar on TikTok in the future? Keanan: We have just

had our first collab! Most definitely not the last time too, I’ll make sure of it, ha! We are spoilt for choice on what content we can make for drivers or people learning to drive, so you can expect cool tips, theory explanations, moments all drivers share and most important of all… a good time.

Alisha: You can expect

a lot from us! Something that we love about FirstCar is their creativity and originality when creating content. That combined with our joint goal of supporting learner drivers is a recipe for some great videos. We’re looking forward to it!

firstcar.co.uk | 51

CAITLIN’S MESSAGE:

, S D A O R L A R RU R E G N A D L REA Caitlin Huddleston was a front seat passenger in a car driven by her friend who had recently passed her driving test. With another friend in the back seat of the car, they were travelling on the A595 in Cumbria, to a local restaurant for an evening meal, when the newly qualified driver lost control of the car on a bend in the road and collided into a van. Neither driver was speeding but the road was wet. The Coroner put the crash down to the inexperience of the newly qualified driver. The third person in the car and the van driver were both severely injured in the crash. Caitlin was just 18 when she died. Her mother, Sharron, has imagined what warning Caitlin would now give to newly qualified drivers, their passengers and their parents if she could...

your s on passing mine... Hi! Congratulation to nd ite get arou test, I didn’t qu my r fo I was applying I accepted When I was 18 ing en ev e on e when was a he provisional licenc S d. year-old frien 18y m om fr a lift ! e you are now novice driver... lik rs and rural ive dr on novice evening. If All the research en right on that roads was prov ing information, I wonder is life-sav I had known th my parents or ? ow... doing now we will never kn what I would be is. Unfortunately car crash on a th r de on w n te l My parents of enger in a fata family killed as a pass d up from my ke pic ing be I was tragically r te af s te inu m 15 rural road just music I am forever 18. ing to my first home... So now summer to go my at in th d d rie ar bu rw fo as w I was looking to go... but I y ad re g hin yt ever festival.... I had tead. on that day ins rents didn’t local churchyard to you! My pa en pp ha ’t on w it er rong we w e. Don’t ever think to me. How w en pp and ha ld ou w think it with your family on these pages drivers and e d vic fie ali ad qu e th ly w e Please shar ong young ne s. awareness am es on our road friends to raise carers to help save young liv d their parents an have a future. driving so you re Please take ca n from me. Mine was take

ADVERTISEMENT FEATU RE IN ASSOCIATION WITH

S, R

CAITLIN’S

HOUR

The Caitlin’s Hour radio show celebrated her life, and warned young people of the dangers of driving on rural roads. You can listen by going to TheAA.com and searching “AA Trust”.

CAITLIN’S TIPS:

HOW TO STAY SAFE ON RURAL ROADS

DID YOU KNOW THAT: Some 71% of fatal crashes involving young drivers happen on rural roads. Yet eight in ten drivers (86%) underestimate the risk driving poses to their safety. Road crashes are a bigger threat to young people than drugs, gun, and knife crime. Young drivers who follow Caitlin’s tips will be safer driving on country roads. ● Gain experience with

your driving instructor or parents on rural roads in different weather conditions even after passing your test. ● With every extra sameage passenger, you are four times more likely to have a crash, potentially killing yourself and your friends, compared to driving alone. ● Consider not giving friends a lift until you have gained experience. ● As a passenger only travel with drivers with experience that you trust. ● Remember fatal crashes are more likely late at night or early in the morning. ● Take it easy, and slow

down before bends. ● Drive more slowly in bad weather – the speed limit isn’t a target. ● Expect the unexpected – there could be a walker, cyclist, tractor, or animal around every corner. ● Always be ready to stop in the distance you can see to be safe. ● Value your life as youth and inexperience puts you more at risk behind the wheel. ● Look at the AA’s interactive map to understand dangerous roads near you. Avoid them or take extra care. https://bit.ly/3BNBEAP

NEW 2022 model

New cars have long warranties, lots of tech and plenty of safety kit

Why buy new? ● Low-interest PCP schemes make new cars more affordable than you’d expect ● Some finance schemes include motor insurance ● New cars are safer than older designs ● At least three years of warranty cover

54 | firstcar.co.uk

Why think twice? ● An older car will cost less to buy ● New cars lose value more quickly than used ones ● With a PCP scheme, there’s a large final payment to make if you want to own the car

VS WHAT’S A PCP? Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is a type of finance with low monthly payments. You pay a deposit, followed by regular amounts each month for the period of the loan. Then there’s a large final payment to make if you want to own the car, or you can simply hand it back. If the car is worth more than this final payment (sometimes called the Minimum Guaranteed Future Value) you can use the difference as the deposit to buy another car.

VISIT FIRSTCAR.CO.UK to find your ideal first car

The Young Drivers Guide

BUY ING A CAR

USED 2017 model

Used cars should cost less to buy, but won’t always have warranty cover

WHERE TO BUY?

Why buy used? ● A used car is typically cheaper to buy than a new one ● Used cars generally lose value more slowly than brand new ones ● No interest to pay if the car is cheap enough to buy outright

Why think twice? ● Used cars have much shorter warranties, or sometimes none at all ● You’ll have to pay for insurance separately ● Any unexpected bills will eat into the saving over a new car

■ Privately A cheap source of used cars, but no warranty if the original cover has expired. ■ Online In the past few years lots of companies have started to sell online, and will usually deliver to your door. ■ Independent dealers Several brands, and usually cheaper than main dealers. ■ Car supermarkets These are independent dealers on a big scale. Lots of choice, keen prices, but limited warranties. ■ Franchised dealers New cars as well as used. Even second-hand cars usually come with warranties, but prices can be steep.

first car and great deals on finance and insurance

firstcar.co.uk | 55

Think very carefully before you sign on the dotted line...

top tip

Look fo ra that com finance offer insuran es with free c cost of c e, or has the over inc luded. This can sav drivers e young a sm fortune all .

G N I C N A N I F YOUR CAR From HP to PCP to PCH, there’s a whole alphabet soup of different finance options. The good news is interest rates are rockbottom, so financing is surprisingly affordable. In fact, with low interest rates and special schemes aimed at young drivers which include the cost of insurance, a new car could be surprisingly affordable. We’ll talk you through the pros and cons of the different finance options.

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PERSONAL CONTRACT PURCHASE (PCP) PCP is the most popular finance option, and it’s not hard to see why. A PCP makes a new car more affordable by reducing the monthly payments. If you see a car advertised as “from just £99 per month”, you can bet it’s a PCP deal. After stumping up a deposit you pay a set amount per month for, say, three years, but at the end of the loan you’ll need to find a lump sum of several thousand pounds if you want to own the car. You don’t

have to pay up, you can just hand the car back. Or you can part-exchange the car and use the difference between the final payment and the car’s value as a trade-in as the deposit to start a new deal. Sometimes the cost of servicing is included in the monthly payment. Schemes like Marmalade’s Cars for Young Drivers include insurance. Just be aware that PCPs will have an annual mileage limit, with penalty charges if you drive too far.

The Young Drivers Guide

BUY ING A CAR GOOD Affordable monthly payments; some PCPs include servicing and insurance BAD You won’t own the car at the end of the loan unless you make a big final payment; watch out for penalties for exceeding mileage limits PERSONAL CONTRACT HIRE (PCH) Think of Personal Contract Hire as a less complicated alternative to PCP. There’s no big lump sum to pay at the end of the loan, so there’s no decision to be made about whether to buy the car, hand it back, or use it as a deposit to buy another. That’s because a PCH is really a long-term rental agreement, so you’re not buying the car at all. Otherwise PCH is much like a PCP. You make a deposit (often the equivalent of three months’ rental), then pay a set amount each month. Sometimes servicing and insurance costs are included. GOOD Low deposit; predictable costs BAD No option to buy; penalty payments if you drive too far HIRE PURCHASE (HP) You pay a deposit, followed by a series of equal monthly payments (generally over two, three or four years). At the end of the loan you’ve paid for the car in full, and unlike a PCP or PCH mileage isn’t restricted. The trouble is, without PCP’s big final payment, monthly bills are much higher. However, if you want to own the car at the end of the loan HP can

be cheaper when you add up the total cost. GOOD Easy to understand; no big final payment BAD Higher monthly bills than a PCP PERSONAL LOAN Rather than borrowing money from whoever is selling you the car, you could take out a personal loan from a bank or finance company. However, lenders will want you to be 18 (or in some cases 21) before they’ll consider loaning you money. It may be easier to find a willing lender if you have a guarantor for the loan (usually a parent) but they’ll have to pay up if you don’t, which could make for a frosty atmosphere at the dinner table... GOOD No need to find money for a deposit BAD Can be expensive; young drivers may not qualify CREDIT CARD You’ll need to be 18 or over to have your own credit card. Interest rates are usually high, so a credit card makes most sense as a way to pay for a car if the card has a 0% interest rate for a limited time and you’re in a position to pay off the car before the interest-free period ends. These 0% deals are usually only available to borrowers with a good credit score, so in practice you may have to lean on mum or dad to use their credit card. GOOD 0% special offers; additional legal protection BAD High standard interest rates; not available to under 18s. For more advice on financing your first car, visit firstcar.co.uk.

How to get the

best deal Shop around – including online – and haggle. ■ Ask to see examples of repayment plans with and without extras such as payment protection and other insurances – these push up the cost. ■ If you don’t understand anything or the lender uses jargon, ask questions. ■ Contact your lender if you’re struggling to repay. All reputable lenders will help as it’s in their interests that you continue to repay the loan. ■ Don’t be taken in by low percentage flat-rate deals; check the APR. ■ Don’t assume a dealer has the best rate; compare with other lenders.

APRs

Lenders charge interest on your loan, referred to as the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Any APRs quoted are usually a guide only; the exact rate is decided on an individual basis. Unlike a flat interest rate, an APR gives you a bigger picture when shopping for the best deal on a loan. Even though lenders are required by law to show a loan’s APR, they don’t all use the same fees in their calculation, skewing the comparison, so always check to make sure any APRs you’re comparing include similar fees.

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the best

NEW CARS FOR YOUNG DRIVERS

Our pick of the coolest and affordable small cars OM 5 FR 8,79 1 £

RENAULT CLIO Euro NCAP safety rating

Five stars (2019) Autonomous emergency braking Standard Insurance From Group 3E DAB Standard Bluetooth Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Standard (except Play) We reckon the Renault Clio is one of the best looking small cars around. That doesn’t necessarily make it a great buy, of course, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. Fortunately the Clio ticks lots of sensible boxes as well. The safety gurus at

NISSAN MICRA Euro NCAP safety rating

Five stars (2017) Autonomous emergency

FR £ 1 OM 6 ,6 85

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Euro NCAP awarded the car five stars, with a near-perfect score of 96% for adult occupant protection. In fact, Euro NCAP rated the Clio as the best supermini they tested in 2019. You don’t need to buy one of the more expensive versions to get plenty of safety kit. Autonomous emergency braking is standard even if you buy

braking Standard Insurance From Group 8E DAB Standard Bluetooth Standard Apple CarPlay/Android

the most affordable Clio. Renault’s system can detect bicycles and pedestrians as well as other cars. The Clio is so impressive, we made it our New Car of the Year for 2021.

Auto Standard (except Visia) You could do a lot worse than start out as a new driver behind the wheel of the Nissan Micra. It makes a great first car. It’s very safe, with a fivestar rating from Euro NCAP. Autonomous emergency braking is included in the price, along with other hightech driver aids. The Micra has a lower starting price than the Ford Fiesta, and there’s plenty of scope to personalise the looks inside and out.

The Young Drivers Guide

BUY ING A CAR

TOYOTA YARIS Euro NCAP safety rating

FR £2 OM 0,8 30

Five stars (2019) Autonomous emergency braking Standard Insurance From Group 13E DAB Standard Bluetooth Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Standard You (or your parents) will need deep pockets to buy the new Toyota Yaris. With prices starting from just over £20,000, this an expensive small car. But there are good reasons to take a closer look. For one thing, every Yaris is a hybrid, with the promise of small fuel bills and low carbon dioxide emissions. It should be cheaper to fuel

than most superminis. For another, the Yaris comes with an automatic gearbox. So if you find manual cars tricky to drive, or pass your test in an auto, the Toyota could be just what you are looking for. You get plenty of kit for your cash, too. There’s no

need to look beyond the entry-level Icon model for a digital radio, smartphone mirroring, and lots of safety kit including autonomous emergency braking. It’s not the roomiest small car, and insurance won’t be cheap, but otherwise the Yaris has a lot going for it.

OM 0 F R 3 ,4 3 1 £

PHOTOGRAPHY: MANUFACTURERS

HYUNDAI i10 Euro NCAP

safety rating Three stars (2020) Autonomous emergency braking Standard Insurance From Group 5A DAB Standard Bluetooth Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Standard (except SE)

You can buy more affordable city cars than the i10. But you’ll struggle to find one that matches the Hyundai’s many talents. It’s rare to find a city car with autonomous

emergency braking as standard, even on the most basic versions. But every i10 comes with this brilliant bit of safety kit included in the price. Every model has a digital radio and Bluetooth, and it looks good too, doesn’t it? We want one!

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OM 80 FR 17,3 £

VAUXHALL CORSA Euro NCAP safety rating

Four stars (2019) Autonomous emergency braking Standard Insurance From Group 10E DAB Standard Bluetooth Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Standard There’s lots of scope to personalise the Corsa with styling accessories, decal kits and pedal covers, and even the entry-level models are well equipped. The ‘want’ factor has gone through the roof with the latest generation!

VOLKSWAGEN POLO Euro NCAP safety rating

F £1 ROM 8,8 55 Five stars (2017) Autonomous emergency braking Standard Insurance From 1E DAB Standard Bluetooth Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Standard Not many superminis come close to the Volkswagen Polo’s score in Euro NCAP safety tests. As well as being very safe, it’s easy to drive, beautifully made, and surprisingly affordable to run. Definitely one of the best first cars around!

* O M 25 FR 27,2 £

Peugeot e N208 Euro NCAP safety rating

Four stars (2019) Autonomous emergency braking Standard Insurance From 27E DAB Standard Bluetooth Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Std New drivers will need pretty deep pockets to buy an e-208 as a first car. But, if you are looking for a car that’s safe, green and easy to drive, there’s nothing better. Being fully electric the Peugeot emits no carbon dioxide (or any other gas) and recharging costs much less than a tank of petrol.

*after plug-in car grant

60 | firstcar.co.uk

The Young Drivers Guide

BUY ING A CAR

OM 05 FR 17,9 £

FORD FIESTA Euro NCAP safety rating

Five stars (2017) Autonomous emergency braking £350 (not available on Trend model) Insurance From 4E

FR £14 OM ,80 5

DAB Standard Bluetooth Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Standard

The Fiesta is a brilliant supermini and a first car any young driver would be proud to own. It costs more to buy than the Nissan Micra, but the Ford is safe, practical, easy to drive and great fun.

TOYOTA AYGO X Euro NCAP safety rating

Three stars (2017) Autonomous emergency braking Standard Insurance 5A DAB Standard Bluetooth Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Standard The Aygo X makes a fine first car. Even the most affordable Pure-spec models come with autonomous emergency braking and smartphone connectivity. The mini-SUV styling looks great.

MORE INFO...

These are our favourites. For lots more on car buying and reviews of many new models, CHECK OUT www.firstcar.co.uk/reviews

firstcar.co.uk | 61

Before you hand over your money, check the car thoroughly

g n i Buy

A USED CAR KEY CHECKS

reprogrammed – which can cost hundreds of pounds. ■ Is the interior undamaged, along with all the glass? Are ■ Look for there stickers on the windows bodywork to cover an old registration damage. number etched into the glass? Poor panel fit ■ Have the steering wheel suggests crash and gearknob been worn repairs. smooth? Does this tally with ■ Have the tyres worn evenly the recorded mileage? or are they bald? Uneven ■ Do the speedo digits line wear suggests poorly The V5C is the most up properly? Are the old aligned tracking (usually important document of the MOTs to hand? Does the easily sorted) but could be lot; the name on this piece of mileage recorded on something more serious. paper is the person to whom any these tie in with what’s ■ Does the chassis speeding tickets or other motoring displayed? number (usually at the fines will be sent. If that person ■ Check for rust that’s base of the windscreen doesn’t deserve them, they have been painted over, plus on the passenger side) to prove why – and not telling filler in the wheelarches. match the one on the the DVLA of a change in ■ Ensure all the electrics registration document? Also vehicle ownership is work – check everything. check the engine number, an offence.

which is usually on the top of the block, down the one side. ■ Are all the keys available? Think carefully about buying a car without a spare. Lose the only key and you may have to have everything

IT ’S A FACT

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The Young Drivers Guide

BUY ING A CAR

TAKE A TEST DRIVE

Never buy a car without test driving it first, unless you are buying over the internet and you have the legal right to return it if you change your mind. Start the car from cold, and make sure it ticks over happily. Let it warm up then take it for a good run so you can check everything. While you’re driving, check for a smoky exhaust, ensure there’s no misfiring (that the engine pulls cleanly) and also feel for pulling to one side under braking. Listen out for any odd sounds and weird noises.

Watch out for lame excuses for faults, from the seller

DOING THE DEAL CHECK THE PAPERWORK

Make sure all the paperwork is in order. The key documents you need are: ■ Service history: for proof of regular servicing and to see if the mileage is correct. ■ Tax: When a car is sold, the vendor has to cash in the car tax so you’ll have to buy your own. Current rates are listed at gov.uk/vehicle-tax-rate-tables – the DVLA no longer issues tax discs though.

■ Registration document or V5C: This tells you the basics about the car, such as how many owners it’s had and who it’s currently registered to. The person named on this form isn’t necessarily the legal owner of the car though. Don’t buy a car without a V5C and make sure it’s genuine by looking for the watermark. ■ MOT: If a car has no MOT it can’t be taxed, and it probably isn’t roadworthy.

Your goal is to pay less than the asking price. Any seller should set the price above what they’re prepared to accept – so don’t pay a penny more than you have to. Any discount on the initial asking price is a victory though, so don’t be greedy.

Haggle hard so you’re paying as little as possible

firstcar.co.uk | 63

top tip

by a Don’t be put off if it’s r ca high-mileage r. Highbeen cared fo ndition co milers in good ice rv se ll fu with ake histories can m . ys bu od go

o t e r e Wh

R A C D E S U A Y BU There are loads of different places to buy a used car. From main dealers to private sales, there are pros and cons wherever you buy. Here’s what you need to know about your options.

MAIN DEALER Big franchised dealers will have plenty of used cars. As a rule they’ll mostly stock the make they sell new,

64 | firstcar.co.uk

but they will also sell other makes if they’ve taken them as part-exchange. GOOD ■E xpect at least a year’s warranty ■C ars should be well prepared BAD ■H igh prices ■M ostly one make ■U nlikely to stock bargain-priced older cars

CAR SUPERMARKETS If you want a wide choice of makes and models, keenly priced, then car supermarkets are a good bet. Many have a no-haggling policy, so the price you see is the price you pay. GOOD ■ Lots and lots of choice ■ Keen prices, often with no-haggling BAD

The Young Drivers Guide

BUY ING A CAR

buying

advice BE FLEXIBLE Don’t set your heart on one car. There’s more than one model out there to suit your needs. LOOK ONLINE Some retailers sell cars over the internet with delivery to your door. You could pick up a bargain, but check the policy on returns. WARRANTY COVER If you buy a used car without a warranty, think about arranging one through an independent company such as Warrantydirect.co.uk.

than you would at a dealer, but there are pitfalls. GOOD ■S ome keenly priced cars ■N o hard-sell BAD ■Y ou won’t have the same legal protection ■W atch out for dealers pretending to be private sellers to dodge their legal obligations

ONLINE ■ Service can be no-frills ■ Warranty cover likely to be shorter than a main dealer offers

INDEPENDENT DEALERS Smaller independent dealers won’t offer as much choice as the big boys, but the best offer a more personal service than a big car supermarket. GOOD ■ Should be cheaper than a main dealer

■ The best small dealers really look after their customers BAD ■ Limited stock compared with a franchised dealer ■ Warranties can be short unless you pay extra

PRIVATE SALE For a real bargain, look through the classifed ads and find a car for sale privately. You should pay less

There’s been an explosion in the number of online car retailers in the past couple of year. The likes of Cazoo and Cinch will deliver to your first car to your door. GOOD ■L ots of choice ■Y ou can return the car if it’s not for you BAD ■N o chance to test drive before you buy ■S tandard warranties may be short

firstcar.co.uk | 65

the best

USED CARS FOR YOUNG DRIVERS

Find the right car at the right price

HYUNDAI i20 (15-) Euro NCAP safety rating

Four stars (2015) Warranty Direct Reliability Index/repair cost 14/£122.14 Insurance From Group 4 A used Hyundai is a safe bet, especially if you choose the excellent i20. It’s our favourite used car and the winner of our Used Car of the Year Award for 2021. One of the big plus points of choosing the i20 is the transferable fiveyear warranty. Even as the second or third owner, cover continues until the car is five years old with no mileage limitation. So you should be protected against any

66 | firstcar.co.uk

unexpected bills. There’s a good chance you won’t have to claim on the warranty, given how reliable Hyundais are. The independent warranty provider, Warranty Direct, compiles its Reliability Index based on the thousands of cars it covers. The i20 is one of the most reliable small cars on its books, and the average repair cost is very low too. The Hyundai has a fourstar rating from the safety experts at Euro NCAP, and while some rivals go one better with the full five stars, a score of four out of five is still very respectable. From the driver’s seat, the i20 is very easy to get on with – just what you want from

OM 0 FR 590 £

a first car as you build up experience on the road. The light controls make for easy manoeuvring, and the soft suspension makes the i20 very comfortable. It’s practical as well as comfy. Your mates won’t feel cramped in the back seats, and the boot is big enough for festival camping gear or heading off to uni. There’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The diesels are best for fuel economy, but a £10k budget will buy a newer, lower mileage car if you stick with one of the petrols. The 75PS 1.2-litre petrol is the most affordable, achieves decent fuel economy, and sits in Group 4 for insurance.

The Young Drivers Guide

BUY ING A CAR

OM 0 FR 550 £

KIA PICANTO (17-) Euro NCAP safety rating

Three stars/Four stars with safety pack Warranty Direct Reliability Index/repair cost 18/£155.47 Insurance From Group 4

At FirstCar, we’ve always been big fans of the Kia Picanto. It’s great value as a used car and, thanks to impressive fuel economy and low cost insurance, it will be cheap to run. The Picanto is cheerful as well as cheap, with

good looks, a nippy drive, and lots of equipment on most models. The Picanto is reliable, while the seven-year warranty should guard against unexpected bills. You can’t really go wrong.

Take off the Skoda badges, and the Citigo is much the same car as the Volkswagen Up. You get the same cheap-to-run, funto-drive car, but expect to pay a little less than you would for a VW of similar age

and mileage. There’s more space inside than you’d think from the outside, and the Skoda is extremely reliable. It really is very cheap to buy. Look for an early car, and used prices start from under £3k.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MANUFACTURERS APPROX USED VALUES AS OF APRIL 2022

FR £32OM 50

Skoda Citigo (11-) Euro NCAP safety rating Three stars (2019) Warranty Direct Reliability Index /repair cost NA Insurance From Group 1

firstcar.co.uk | 67

OM 0 FR 24 9 £

VW POLO (09-17)

Euro NCAP safety rating Five stars (2009) Warranty Direct Reliability Index/ repair cost 23/£184.27 Insurance From Group 3 The previous generation Polo makes a very grown-up, classy first car. Safety standards are high, reliability is good, and running costs are affordable. Although it’s not as much fun as a Ford Fiesta, the Polo is easy to drive and very comfortable. There are plenty to choose from, so you can afford to be picky.

FORD FIESTA (08-17) Euro NCAP safety rating

OM 5 FR 149 £

Five stars (2012) Warranty Direct Reliability Index/ repair cost 29/£214.17 Insurance From Group 3 The Fiesta is one of our favourite used cars. As the Ford sold in huge numbers as a new car, there are loads to choose from on the second-hand market. What’s more, the Fiesta is very safe, easy to drive and great fun. Data from Warranty Direct shows it rarely goes wrong and is cheap to put right when it does.

OM 5 FR 3 9 9 £

TOYOTA AYGO (14-) Euro NCAP safety rating

Four stars (2014) Warranty Direct Reliability Index/repair cost 29/£209.63 Insurance From Group 5 Being a Toyota, the Aygo is reliable. And if you can find one within your budget that’s less than five years old, you’ll benefit from what’s left of the original warranty. Being so small, the Aygo is easy to manoeuvre, and efficient engines make it very cheap to fuel. It’s not quite as cheap to insure as some small cars, however.

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The Young Drivers Guide

BUY ING A CAR

FORD FIESTA (02-08) Euro NCAP safety rating Four stars (2002) Warranty Direct Reliability Index/repair cost 50/£263.93 Insurance From Group 5

OM FR875 £

If you’re on a tight budget, there’s no better first car than the Fiesta. The version that was sold from 2002 to 2008 still has lots to offer. It’s an easy car to drive, and won’t hold any nasty surprises for an inexperienced driver. And while you can’t expect the safety features you’d find in a modern car, for its age the Fiesta is very safe. Reliability is good and running costs are reasonable.

OM0 FR 1 1 5 £

Citroen C1 (05-14) Euro NCAP safety rating Three stars (2012)

Warranty Direct Reliability Index/repair cost 14/£256.08 Insurance From Group 1 The C1 is small enough to squeeze into the tiniest parking space, and its cute styling still looks fresh several years after this model was replaced. With insurance as low as Group 1 and efficient petrol engines the Citroën is a good choice for any driver on a meagre budget, but safety standards could be higher.

Toyota Yaris (06-11) Euro NCAP safety rating Five stars (2005)

FR £13 OM 95

PHOTOGRAPHY: MANUFACTURERS

APPROX USED VALUES AS OF APRIL 2022

Warranty Direct Reliability Index/repair cost 31/£245.09 Insurance From Group 2 Yes, we’re recommending another Toyota – but that’s because they make such good used buys! Nobody would pretent the Yaris is the most exciting small car around, but it is reliable, practical and affordable. Go for a 1.0-litre petrol and insurance starts from Group 2, helping drive down your first premium.

MORE INFO...

These are our favourites. For lots more on car buying and reviews of many new models, CHECK OUT www.firstcar.co.uk/reviews

firstcar.co.uk | 69

SHOULD I BUY AN...

ELECTRIC CAR?

Battery electric vehicles are more popular than ever, and prices are steadily coming down for these green first cars Sales of electric cars are booming, and the choice of different makes and models has never been wider. Electric cars are steadily becoming more affordable, and there’s a growing number of EVs (electric vehicles) on the used market. How much does an electric car cost? Our current favourite, the Peugeot e-208, costs from £27,225, after the plug-in car grant. What’s the plug-in car grant? The PICG takes up to £1500 off the price of a zero-emission electric vehicle, provided it costs less than £32,000. How about a second-hand electric car? There are more and more to choose from. You should be able to find a used Renault Zoe for £6000-£7000, for example.

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Are they difficult to drive? No. In fact they are extremely easy as they’re all automatics. The pedal on the right makes an EV go, the pedal on the left makes it stop. Simple. What about recharging? It really helps if you have a driveway or garage so you can install a charging point at home. Charging times vary from model to model, but plugging a car in overnight should be enough for a full recharge. What about public charging? Some say the charging infrastructure isn’t sufficient, but did you know there are now more electric charging locations than fuel stations? How much does it cost to charge an electric car? A lot less than the price of refuelling a petrol or diesel car. According to the charging network, Podpoint, topping up

a 60kWh battery for a range of around 200 miles costs £8.40, based on charging at home at a price of 14p per kWh. Enough petrol to go 200 miles in a car that achieves 40mpg would cost more like £31. So lower fuel costs will help make up for the higher price of the car itself.

EV SAFETY EVs are very quiet compared with petrol or diesel cars. Since July 2019, all new types of EV have been required to produce a sound when reversing or driving below 12mph to improve safety for vulnerable road users.

The Young Drivers Guide

BUY ING A CAR

ALTERNATIVES

TO OWNING A CAR You don’t need to buy a car to stay mobile Cars are expensive. They cost thousands to buy, hundreds to insure, and then there’s the cost of fuel and maintenance. If you are going to drive most days, then the cost is probably worth it. But what if you only need to drive a car from time to time? There are plenty of alternatives to owning a car that still make use of that hard-earned driving licence.

CAR-SHARING INSURANCE You can get insured on someone else’s car for short periods. They can either add you to their cover as a named driver, or you can arrange your own policy from the likes of Cuvva.com or Veygo.com.

Policies last from just an hour to around a month, and can be set up in a few minutes online. Car sharing insurance is ideal if you want to share the driving on a long trip or a holiday.

CAR HIRE Hiring a car is another option if you only need to drive once in a while. However, daily rental companies tend to get nervous about hiring cars to young and inexperienced drivers, and are likely to apply a young driver surcharge. They are also likely to restrict the type of car you drive to something small. Some may not hire cars to young drivers at all. For example, Europcar

has a minimum age requirement of 22 and you must have held a full licence for at least a year.

CAR CLUBS An alternative to conventional car hire, car clubs tend to be based in big towns and cities. You pay a fee to join (say, £60 per year), and then have access to a pool of locally parked cars that can be booked online, over the phone, or through an app. You’ll pay a few pounds per hour. However, a minimum age is likely to apply. For example, to join Zipcar. com, you need to be 23. Enterprisecarclub.co.uk has a minimum age of 19 years.

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In association with

1. Choose a small engine 1.4 litres or less

4. Go for 5 seats or fewer 3. Stay away from modifications apart from factory extras

2. Buy the newest car you can afford - it will be safer and cheaper to run

top hack

e on pric ll st rely a Don’t ju on sites. Not sy to ris ea compa on them. It’s k up t pic s are insurer otes online bu a real get qu ne and talk to ing th the pho if there’s any person are unsure you about.

car insurance

DOS & DON’TS Stumping up for insurance is one of the least fun things about becoming a new driver. Here’s what to do – and what not to do – to make insuring your car just that little bit less painful

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THE YOUNG DRIVER’S GUIDE

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DO...

SHOP AROUND.

You might think that entering your details into a price comparison site is enough, but some leading insurance companies aren’t on price comparison sites. It will mean a bit more form filling or time on the telephone, but if you get the right cover at the right price, it has to be worth a little extra effort.

DO...PICK UP THE

PHONE. Getting a quick quote over the internet is easy, but it’s often worthwhile to talk over your options with a real person rather than a computer screen. If you find anything about an insurer’s online form confusing, a phone call should put you straight. It could save you from making a mistake with your details which could come back to bite you if you later need to make a claim.

DO... THINK ABOUT

BLACK BOX INSURANCE (also known as telematics insurance). With a black

box policy a device is installed in your car to report back to your insurer. Drive well (obey the speed limit, no harsh acceleration or braking) and you can expect to be rewarded with a lower premium. Drive badly (for example, speeding or driving aggressively) and your premium could go up. As a rule, though, black box insurance works out much cheaper for new drivers than a conventional policy.

DOn't...

LIE TO THE INSURER.

What seems like a little white lie to cut the cost of cover is actually fraud, and could

Keanen’s

TOP TIP

Be wary of fake insurance ads on social media. Always check for a website and a UK address and phone number. mean the insurer won’t pay out if you need to make a claim. So be scrupulously honest about your age, driving history, where the car is kept, and who the main driver is (pretending your car is really mum or dad’s is called fronting, and it’s illegal!).

DOn't...

SIMPLY CHOOSE THE CHEAPEST POLICY. Look

closely at the excess (how much you’ll have to pay out yourself if you claim), any limitations on mileage, or other restrictions. Check whether you are entitled to a replacement car while yours is being repaired. Weigh up what you get for your money before deciding which policy is right for you.

DOn't...

MODIFY YOUR CAR.

Bigger alloys, tinted windows, lowered suspension, or an uprated stereo may be very tempting, but many young driver specialists won’t cover modified cars. And if they do, you can bet you’ll have to pay a lot more for the privilege. For more money-saving advice on car insurance visit firstcar.co.uk.

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insurance WHILE YOU LEARN To really make the most of your lessons, it pays to practise regularly. That means hitting the road in a friend or family member’s car under their supervision. You can’t just jump in anyone’s car, you’ll need to arrange insurance. Broadly speaking there are two options to consider...

NAMED DRIVER Many learner drivers are added to someone else’s insurance policy as a ‘named driver’. This saves on the need to set up your own policy, but it can be expensive. As well as bumping up your parents’ insurance premium, if you have a mishap they could

lose their no-claims bonus. And that could make things pretty tense at home!

LEARNER DRIVER INSURANCE Alternatively, you could arrange your own learner driver insurance cover. This means that if you do put a dent in mum or dad’s motor, you won’t put a dent in their bank balance – you’ll claim on your own policy. There are usually restrictions on the insurance group and value of the car you can drive, but it’s a simple way to find cover. Want to know more ? Visit firstcar.co.uk.

LEARNER DRIVER INSURANCE: Good to know ● You’ll need to be supervised by a qualified driver at all times. Some insurers allow that driver to be 21, others insist they are over 25. ● Restrictions will apply to the type of car you can drive, but different insurers will have different rules. For example, Adrian Flux covers cars worth up to

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£30,000 with an insurance group of up to 45. ● Live in a two-car household? Check if there’s a discount on being insured on a second car. ● As well as comparing premiums, check the policy excess – that’s the amount you’ll have to pay if you make a claim.

CHELSEY FIELDING CONTENT AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, INGENIE It’s a common thought that the theory is the easy bit. The part you can study for, only memorising the bits you need, ticking the right boxes and then getting ready for the REAL test. It’s very easy to think that theory is less important than the driving test and it’s probably because the practical seems SOOO big. But knowledge is power and it’s the theory that ‘maketh the driver’! Once you’ve passed, you’re on the open road, wind in your hair, freedom on the horizon and independent… but that means you are totally responsible for knowing exactly what you’re doing. You are in control, no dual ones here and you need to be totally sure you can recognise your roadsigns from your crossings and there is no doubt you can. Just remember to take your time with the theory, absorb it and give it the credit it deserves, because it will be your biggest ally in the future.

Learner driver insurance GET THE BEST INSURANCE QUOTE OVER THE PHONE!

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What to know before you call: How long you want your policy for - we have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 12 month policies available Your vehicle registration number (if you have one) How much your car is worth & an average of how many miles you’ll do per month/year If adding a parent(s) to your policy, you’ll need to know their DOB, when they passed their test, claims & convictions info

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THE YOU NG DRIV ER’S GUID E

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TELEMATICS INSURANCE Black box cover could make insurance more affordable – and improve your standard of driving too! Insurance is one of the most painful things about being a young driver – unfortunately there’s no way around it. According to the GoCompare website, the average annual motor insurance bill for an 18-yearold driver is a massive £2254. Ouch. Telematics (or ‘black box’) insurance is one way to reduce the price of cover and encourage good driving habits at the same time. So if you drive well it should be a win-win.

What is telematics insurance?

If you opt for a telematics policy, a ‘black box’ is fitted to your car. This combines a GPS unit, a motion sensor and a SIM card to transmit data. It

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detects where the car is, how fast it is being driven, and how violently the car is accelerating, braking and cornering.

How is the data used??The information the black box collects is fed back to the insurer, and used to reassess your premium at regular intervals. Obeying the speed limit, avoiding harsh acceleration and braking, and driving at low-risk times of day can all contribute to a reduced bill. In some cases there are other forms of reward or special offers for safe and responsible driving. This could mean extra miles are added to a limited mileage policy, or you will receive vouchers and free gifts.

explained

Can I check up on how well I am driving? Yes. Telematics

insurance providers usually have a portal or app through which drivers can see if their driving is up to scratch. By checking back regularly you can tell if you are improving or slipping into bad habits.

Are my parents also able to see my driving scores?

Typically any named driver will have access to the feedback scores, so if your parent is named on the policy they will be able to see how well you are doing. Some insurers have found that simply knowing that mum or dad can see the feedback improves young people’s driving.

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CAR INSURANCE MADE EASY FOR NEW DRIVERS Get a black box policy with no price increase when you pass!

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THE YOU NG DRIV ER’S GUID E

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top hack

on the family Being insured to get cover, ay car is one w n car and ow but with your ild a nobu ll u’ yo y lic po nt, saving claims discou -term. ng lo money

Can my parents have a telematics policy with me as a named driver? There

are plenty of telematics insurance providers who insure older drivers. But don’t be tempted to name your parent as the main driver unless they really are going to do most of the miles. If your insurer finds out that you’ve fibbed about who the main user of the car is, they’ll have caught you committing fraud. It could invalidate your insurance cover. Also, if you aren’t the main driver on the policy then with most insurers you won’t build up a no-claims discount. So in the long run it’s best for you to be the main driver, even if the car is also sometimes used by a parent.

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What are the drawbacks of telematics insurance?

Some policies set curfews that restrict young drivers from getting behind the wheel at night. Whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on your point of view. You may be frustrated that you can’t give your mates a lift home from the pub, but your parents may be relieved... Also, just as good driving can be rewarded with a lower premium, so poor driving can lead to a higher insurance cost – even if you haven’t had an accident. That’s not universal, though. Some companies are all carrot and no stick, and don’t increase premiums for bad driving unless it has led to a claim.

What other restrictions might there be? We’ve

mentioned curfews, which are actually quite rare. Mileage limits are a lot more common. Generally these are set when the policy is taken out, and can be extended at extra cost. Some insurers offer bonus mileage as a reward for consistently safe and careful driving.

Is telematics insurance right for me? In most cases,

yes. You should be able to find a better price by choosing a telematics policy rather than conventional insurance cover. And it encourages safe driving too. For more advice about black box insurance, take a look at firstcar.co.uk.

Rated Excellent with 4.5 out of 5 based on 452 reviews (as of June 2021)

LOOKING FOR CHEAPER INSURANCE?

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OUR CUSTOMERS SAVED OVER

IN THEIR FIRST YEAR

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*£250 average saving based on alternative quotes for new customers from Mar19 to Aug19. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No. 499053). FirstCar-TheoryGuide2.indd 1

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a... h it w e iv r d o t How

X O B K BLAC a sm a ll a new d rive r e v d sa n a c e c ra n ut you’l l ne e B lack b ox in su d w it h a reg u la r p olicy, b re’s how... p a re fort u ne com u r sav ing . He o y e is im x a to m to d rive we ll

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THE YOUNG DRIVER’S GUIDE

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Stick to the limit Pretty obvious really. Don’t speed! Not only will you stay the right side of the law and avoid penalty points that could cost you your licence, you’ll be scoring brownie points with the black box. Don’t confuse obeying the speed limit with driving slowly. Your insurer isn’t expecting you to dawdle along with a queue of frustrated drivers behind you. Just choose a speed that’s appropriate for the conditions, and never more than the speed limit.

Brake early Keep your black box happy by braking early and smoothly to slow down for bends and junctions. Look well ahead so you can anticipate the need to change speed, rather than reacting at the last minute. That said, if you need to really jump on the brakes to avoid an accident, make sure you do!

Accelerate smoothly

BLACK B OX:

ONBOARD

The black box measures how hard you accelerate, so don’t bury your right foot every time you pull away. Drive smoothly, and change into a high gear without letting the engine labour. Driving this way won’t just please your insurer, you’ll save money on fuel too.

Avoid late night driving Being the designated driver once in a while isn’t going to push your premium through the roof, but regular

night drives could increase the price of your policy. That’s because accidents are more likely at certain times, and late at night is one of them. So don’t make a habit of nighttime driving. If you can’t avoid it (perhaps because you work shifts), a telematics policy may not be right for you.

Keep an eye on your mileage You’ll be asked to estimate your annual mileage when you take out a policy. Some insurers will set a cap on how far you drive. If you are going to go over the cap, talk to your insurer. They may be able to adjust the premium or you could topup the mileage allowance. Even if there’s no set maximum mileage, driving less is likely to lead to a lower premium.

Don't let an uninsured driver behind the wheel It’s okay to have named drivers on your policy, such as your parents, so they can drive your car too. But you should never let someone who isn’t insured drive your car. Not only is this illegal, but you won’t be covered if they crash. Even if they don’t have an accident, your premium could go up if they drive badly.

Use feedback Most telematics insurers provide feedback online or through an app. Regularly check to see what your insurer makes of your driving, and take on board any pointers.

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T I K t i C e s o l t L don

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Modern cars are packed with security features, but car thieves aren’t daft. Criminals have learned how to exploit technology like remote central locking and keyless entry, so car thefts are on the rise. Here’s how to beat the modern breed of cyber-smart car thieves. up in a jacket or coat in any public place. Be LOCK IT wary of leaving keys on a key hook by the front Never leave your car unlocked. It doesn’t matter if you are just nipping to the shop for 30 seconds, or paying for fuel at a filling station. Always lock your car, or risk coming back to find your phone, sat nav or other valuables have gone. And never, ever leave the engine running – it’s an open invitation to an opportunistic thief.

HIDE IT One low-tech way thieves defeat modern security systems is to steal the keys before pinching the car. So, keep keys out of sight rather than leaving them on a table in a café or on display in an open bag, and don’t hang them

door, too. Thieves have been known to use metal coat hangers or even fishing rods to hook the keys through the letterbox.

KEEP IT Car-crime gangs are using signal blockers to trick owners into thinking their cars are locked when they are not. They’re also hacking their way into cars using sophisticated transmitters which mimic or amplify the signals given out by the key fob. How do you beat these high-tech criminals? Go old school. A quality steering lock should stop them in their tracks. And keep ‘keyless’ fobs in a signal-blocking Faraday bag.

OWNING A CAR You’ll never forget your first car! Keep on top of the paperwork and maintenance, and you’ll remember it for the right reasons

GETTING YOUR FIRST car is a milestone, and a lifechanging one at that. Few things compare with your new-found independence, but when you own a car you need to stay on top of a lot

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of things. Stuff like your car’s MOT, tax and insurance may seem like hassle, but if you fall behind on any of these, the long arm of the law will catch up with you. Probably sooner rather than later.

Over the next few pages we’ll guide you through what you need to know to stay safe and legal with your car. Take our advice and you’ll find car ownership a delight rather than a chore.

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KEY DOCUMENTS DRIVING LICENCE You must renew this every 10 years or if you move. It’s free to change the address on your licence, but if you lose it and need a new one, it’ll cost you £20. gov.uk/browse/driving/driving-licences V5C Your registration document, or V5C, is a record of your car and its owners. It logs the registered keeper – who may be different from the legal owner. When buying a car, the registered keeper should be the person you’re buying from, and the VIN, or chassis number, should match the one on the car. Check the watermark to see if the V5C is genuine. It’s illegal to sell a car without a valid V5C, so don’t accept it’s been lost, as you can easily apply for a replacement. gov.uk/vehicle-log-book

top tip

You’ll be se nt a remin when you der r ta your MOT. x is due, but not To ensure you’re not drivin g MOT, put a around with no reminder in your phone. Th e MO done up to T can be am before it’s onth due.

VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY Any vehicle must be taxed if it’s used or kept on a public road. If you take your car off the road (keep it untaxed), you must declare it SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), so you can’t keep it on a public road. Known officially as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), how much tax you pay depends on the car’s engine size or CO2 emissions, depending on its date of first registration (shown on the V5C). A new system for new cars came into effect in April 2017. You can tax a car for six or 12 months, but if you scrap it or take it off the road you can cash in the tax at any time. When your tax is due, the DVLA will send a reminder which explains everything you need to know. gov.uk/calculatevehicle-tax-rates THE MOT Once a car reaches three years old it needs an annual roadworthiness test, the MOT. This checks lots of things to see if they’re worn or working properly. As the test costs up to £54.85, you can save cash by making sure your car passes first time. The MOT takes lots of stuff into account, and while you can’t check everything yourself, there’s lots you can do to prepare. gov.uk/getting-an-mot

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HOW TO...

... look after your car. Following these simple tips will help you to stay safe, avoid hassle, and save money!

how to...

CHOOSE BREAKDOWN COVER It makes sense to have cover in case your car breaks down, as even simple faults can be costly to fix. Don’t just go for the cheapest breakdown policy, though. Here’s what to look for... ●

●

Make sure the package covers everything you need. Some include homestart (fixing the car if it breaks down at home), some don’t. n the other hand, don’t O pay for something you don’t need. There’s

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no point in having European cover if you never expect to leave the UK. ●

I f you drive more than one car, consider a breakdown package that covers you personally rather than a specific car.

Alishsa’s

TOP TIP

You don’t need to be a mechanic to do basic jobs like change wiper blades. You’ll save time and money if you do some easy maintenance yourself. This is when you’ll be glad you took out breakdown cover...

The Young Driver’s Guide

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how to...

CHARGE AN EV ● Ideally, charge an EV using a home charger. This is cheaper than using the public charging network. A 3kW wallbox charger is generally cheaper to install than one rated at 7kW, but a more powerful charger will take less time to top-up the car’s battery. ● Make sure you are using a dedicated EV charger. It’s possible to recharge from a domestic three-pin socket, but this will take a very long time and household sockets aren’t always rated for heavy use over several hours. ● Don’t fully charge the battery unless you are about to go on a long journey. Charging to 80% is better for the longterm performance of the battery. ● Look for an electricity tariff that makes charging overnight cheaper than in the

day, and recharge the car while you sleep. ● Download a mapping app like Zap-Map to your phone. This will help you find nearby chargers if you need to recharge away from home. ● There are lots of different public networks. It’s worth finding which ones have chargers on your regular driving routes, and setting up accounts with several companies. That way you won’t waste time downloading apps and entering payment details when you need a top-up.

SAVE MONEY ON FUEL ●

●

on’t break the speed limit! D Not only is speeding unsafe, it burns more fuel which is bad for the environment and your bank balance. Driving at 80mph rather than 70mph on the motorway uses 10% more fuel, according to the Department for Transport. Ditch the clutter. Leaving a roof rack, bike carrier or roof box on your car will hit fuel consumption hard. Drive smoothly. Don’t stamp on the throttle or brake, be gentle

●

with the controls and look well ahead to anticipate what other road users are doing. Find more hacks and tips to help cut the cost of running your car at firstcar.co.uk.

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how to...

CLEAN A CAR

You could take your car to a car wash, but cleaning it yourself will be cheaper and it doesn’t take long. ●R inse off the car with a hose to remove any loose dirt. ● Mix some car shampoo in warm water. Don’t use other detergents as they may wash off any wax which is protecting the paintwork. ● Dip a soft sponge or a special washing mitt in the soapy water. Begin washing at the top of the car and work your way down. ● Rinse the sponge or mitt with a hose before you put it back in the soapy water – you don’t want to mix in dirt and grit. ● Once the whole car has been cleaned, rinse it with the hose. ● Dry the car with a clean cloth of chamois leather to prevent any streaky drying marks. ● For a professional finish, apply a thin layer of wax and buff to a shine with a clean cloth or a microfibre towel.

how to...

TOP UP YOUR OIL

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An engine won’t last long without enough oil. Here’s how to check the level...

●P ark the car on level ground and let the engine cool down for 10 minutes or so. This will allow the oil to drain back into the sump (which is where the oil is stored). ● Open the bonnet and find the dipstick. It should be easy to spot but if in any doubt, check the car’s handbook. ● Pull the dipstick out fully, and wipe it with a rag or paper

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how to...

FIX MISFUELLING

Don’t panic if you put diesel in a petrol or petrol in a diesel...

● Don’t start the engine! ● Tell the petrol station what has happened, and find someone who can help you push the car to a safe place. ● If you have breakdown cover, call them to arrange for the tank to be drained, flushed and refuelled. ● If you don’t have breakdown cover, find a local garage who can recover your car and drain and flush the tank. Check with your insurance company if you can claim back the cost.

cloth before putting it all the way back in. ● Take the dipstick out again and hold it horizontally. Look for two lines on the stick. One marks the minimum level, one the maximum. Oil should show somewhere between the two, ideally close to the maximum.

● If it’s too low, you’ll need to buy the correct grade of oil to top up the level (check the handbook or use an online oil checker). ● Add oil through a funnel a little at a time, and repeat the dipstick check. Keep going until the oil is between the two lines.

Keanan’s

TOP TIP

Fuel is so expensive! If you don’t speed, you’ll use less fuel. Your black box insurance score will improve too. It’s a win-win! firstcar.co.uk | 95

v a N t a S

ON THE RIGHT ROAD It’s not easy to stay safe and find your way at the same time. Used responsibly, sat nav or a smartphone can really help

Ever tried reading a map and driving at the same time? It’s not easy. More importantly, it’s not very safe. Driving well demands your full attention, and that’s not possible when you’re reading a road atlas rather than reading the road. Used carefully, satellite navigation systems can make travelling somewhere you don’t know less stressful and – more importantly – safer. Used badly, a sat nav can be just another distraction, so make sure you know how to use sat nav carefully.

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Mobiles

You can u se as a sat nav a smartphone , so securely m long as it is o not block unted, does your view , and you don’t touch it while driv ing.

Sat Nav IN THE DRIVING TEST Following directions from a sat nav is usually an important part of the practical driving test. Most tests now have the sat nav element, but one in five don’t. If it is included in the test, the examiner sets the destination for you. The important thing isn’t that you follow every last twist and turn of the directions perfectly, but that you show you can continue to drive safely. Don’t let sat nav distract you.

HERE'S HOW TO USE SAT NAV RESPONSIBLY 1

Keep a clear view Position your sat nav or phone carefully so it’s not obscuring your view.

Set the destination before your leave If you’re in a rush it’s tempting to set off and enter the destination as you go. This simply isn’t safe.

Check the route It’s easy to head to Farnborough in Kent when you meant to go to Farnborough in Hampshire. So before driving off make sure you are definitely heading where

you want to go. Listen more than you look Research by Royal Holloway University has found that the safest way to use a sat nav is to rely on verbal instructions rather than staring at the map on the screen.

You’re driving, not the sat nav If a sat nav tells you to drive the wrong way up a one-way street, ignore it.

Keep your device up to date Refresh the device’s mapping regularly to take account of new roads and changed layouts.

SAT NAVS: WHAT CAN I GET FOR MY MONEY? Garmin Drive 52 & Live Traffic £89.99 This clever device can be linked to a smartphone app to give live traffic updates, weather forecasts, and more. buy.garmin.com TomTom GO Classic £119.99 This smartlooking sat nav has a four-inch colour screen and free map updates for life. TomTom provides the sat navs used in the practical test. tomtom.com

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DASH CAM

Good quality footage This has to be the top priority when choosing a camera. Grainy footage with blurry number plates is no use to anyone. You want to be able to read plates clearly, and see how many people are in the car to guard against false whiplash claims. Expect cameras to record in 720p resolution which should be clear and detailed. More expensive cameras may offer 1080p resolution. It’s not just the resolution that’s important – a wide angle view will show more of what happens.

DASH CAMS YOURs IMPARTIAL Witnes A camera could prove you were driving safely and save you money

Touch wood, you’ll get through your first few years on the road without a crash. But as a young driver, there’s a strong chance you will have a mishap at some point, even if it won’t necessarily be your fault. How do you prove the other driver was to blame? A dash cam doesn’t take sides. By recording any incident, you’ll have evidence of your actions and those of the other driver or drivers involved. It’s a lot harder to argue with a video recording

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than somebody’s fallible memory of who did what. Being in a crash can be stressful and intimidating, especially the first time. It’s easy to forget to write down details like the number plate of the other car. A dash cam will remember what you forget. And if the other driver sees you have a camera, they’re more likely to behave calmly as they know they are being filmed. Not only can dash cams help you prove you were driving

Auto start-stop You’d kick yourself if you had a crash and had forgotten to click ‘record’, wouldn’t you? That’s why most dash cams automatically start recording when you turn on the ignition.

GPS positioning A built-in GPS will confirm where an incident occurred, and will show what speed you were travelling at – so don’t speed!

responsibly, they can make a worthwhile investment even if you never have an accident. That’s because many insurers offer a discount for drivers who use a camera, which can be as high as 30%. This could save far more than the cost of the dash cam, given that you can pick up good quality cameras from around £50.

The Young Driver’s Guide

OW NIN G

Switch ON TO DAB

You can upgrade your old car radio to receive a DAB signal. Here’s how...

Analogue radio is about to go the way of the record player, VHS and cassette tapes (if you don’t remember those, ask mum and dad). The government hasn’t set a date for when it flicks the big switch and almost all radio goes digital, but it could be within the next few years. The trouble is, some new cars and many used ones don’t have a digital (or DAB) radio. But don’t worry, upgrading is usually easy and affordable.

Why should I upgrade before the switchover?

You don’t have to, but a DAB radio gives access to more channels. Tuning is less fiddly, sound quality is better, and you get more info about what you’re listening to. With the track and artist displayed on a screen, there’s no temptation to run music through Shazam while you are driving. What’s

more, a DAB unit is more likely than an older radio to have a USB port or Bluetooth connectivity so you can listen to music from your phone.

How do I get DAB if my car doesn't have a DAB radio?

If you have a conventional radio head unit (either single of double DIN) rather than one that’s built in and specific to the car, you can just swap it for a more up-to-date DAB radio. Expect to pay upwards of £100 for a single DIN DAB radio, rising to £300 plus for a high-spec double DIN unit. A replacement digital radio is likely to also come with an uprated aerial for receiving the digital signal. You can also buy roof-mounted aerials which generally receive a clearer signal but are more difficult to fit.

What if my car doesn't have a DIN radio?

Standard-sized radio units became less popular in the noughties, as many car makers switched to built-in units that were fully integrated with the dashboard and so couldn’t be stolen. If your car has this type of radio, you can still upgrade. The simplest option is a ‘plugand-play’ adapter. These plug in to the car’s 12v socket, and play DAB through your existing FM radio via the aux-in port. You could pay as little as £30, although higher quality devices with more features like the Nextbase Adapt DAB250 cost around £99 or so. There are downsides to this type of adapter. If your car stereo doesn’t have an aux-in port, they won’t work. Even if it does, reception may not be as good as with a built-in DAB radio with a roof aerial. But so long as your stereo has an aux-in port this is the easiest and cheapest way to install DAB in your car.

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read T CAREFULLY It’s hard to get excited about car tyres. In fact, it’s all too easy to take them for granted. But you know what? Everything your car does depends upon your tyres. Accelerating, braking and cornering all rely on those four patches of rubber in contact with the road surface. That’s why it’s vital that you look after your tyres. For one thing, correctly inflated tyres will cut your fuel bill, saving you money. What’s more, if you neglect your tyres you could be breaking the law.

If the tread is too worn or the tyres have other defects you could be fined £2500 – for each tyre – and receive points on your licence. Now here’s the really important bit. Taking regular care of your tyres won’t just save you money at the fuel pump, and keep you the right side of the law. It’s absolutely vital to keeping you safe, especially in bad weather. Tyres with plenty of tread can make the difference between a near miss and not making it home in one piece at all.

How to check your tyres 1

Make sure your tyres are cold before doing these checks. Start by parking the car on level ground and make sure it’s secure. Apply the handbrake for points 3-6, to make sure the car doesn’t roll away.

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Check all the way round each tyre for damage such as cuts, bulges and nails or screws. For this it might be easiest to have a friend drive the car slowly backwards and forwards.

Look for uneven tyre wear, which could be a sign of a problem such as a worn part. You can always drop in and ask for advice at a reputable tyre fitter, who will normally give advice for free.

Next, see how much tread is left – if the tyre has worn too much it could be illegal. There should be at least 1.6mm of tread all around and across the central threequarters of the tyre.

The Young Driver’s Guide

STOP SAFELY

OW NIN G

STOPPED SAFELY

70 -0 MPH WITH 3MM

While the car with 1.6mm is still travelling at 50mph

70 -0 MPH WITH 1.6MM

37 METRES

FURTHER TO STOP

The minimum legal tread depth may be 1.6mm, but tyres become less safe in wet weather well before the legal minimum is reached. Tests carried out by Continental Tyres and Auto Express magazine compared stopping distances for four cars from 70mph with 3mm of tread and with 1.6mm of tread. On average, the cars with 1.6mm of tread left needed another 37 metres to stop and were still travelling at 50mph when they would have come to a halt with 3mm of tread. So it’s much safer to change at 3mm than to wait until tyres are barely legal.

PART-WORN TYRES During your first few years on the road, the chances are you’ll be on a tight budget. It can be tempting to cut corners and partworn tyres are one way to save a few quid. Take care, though: an investigation by the Local Government Association, published in early 2017, found that as many as 83% of second-hand tyres in some areas don’t meet minimum legal standards. Some tyres were 23 years old. What’s more, the industry body

To check a tyre’s tread depth, insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves. If the outer rim of the coin is covered by the tread, your tyres are okay, but if the outer rim is visible, you need fresh rubber.

TyreSafe found that 58% of part-worn tyres they examined had serious safety defects. Think about it. Do you really want an unsafe tyre someone else has thrown away on your car? And if you fail an MOT because your part-worn tyres are faulty then any saving will quickly disappear.

Finish by checking each tyre’s pressure when ‘cold’ – that is, when you’ve driven less than two miles. You’ll need a gauge for this. You can buy one for a tenner or the air machines at

your local garage will have one. The correct pressures will be in the car’s handbook, or may be on a sticker on one of the door jambs. Don’t forget to check the spare wheel, too.

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C . R A C T S FIR H e l p i n g yo u

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e cover ung drivers. W o y r fo e ic v buying and ad ght through to ed full of help ri m ce am en cr lic is al k ision s, practical Firstcar.co.u for your prov about lesson g e in ic v ly p ad t ap an m w o you r you. everything fr k is the site fo r. So, whether .u ca t co rs r. fi a r tc u o rs y l, fi and insuring insurance bil s to cut your ay w r o s, p ti test

LEARNING

Driving lessons aren’t cheap, so it makes sense to get your money’s worth. Being well prepared for the learning to drive journey by knowing what to expect can save time and money. Firstcar.co.uk has 40+ guides to help you navigate smoothly through that journey.

P LU S W E ’V E D OZ E N S O F V ID E O S T O WAT C H T O O, F R O M M A ST E R IN G M A NOEU V R E S T O ‘H OW T O ’ G U ID E S

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t h e ro a d t o f

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PLU S W IN OV ER £5 0,0 0 0 WO RT H O F P R IZ ES IN CLU D IN G A N EW CA R INSURANCE

You may think that it costs a lot of money to insure a new driver, but there’s good reason – your risk profile is higher. Take a look at our insurance guides for things you can do to get that price down.

BUYING

Often a new driver’s first car is a secondhand one, so we’ve got handy advice on where to buy and what to look out for. There’s also some interesting info on how a new or even nearly new car might not be as costly as you think and a safer option.

t h e r s o m e, e g o t d e ll u a ls o p c e yo u’ve p a s s e d ll , we ’ve n a t n o n ’s t a h t t o e s u r edor ive r fo r li fe . But s e id u g y t r o a d s a feo u’l l b e c o m e a s a fe y

Drink

& DRUGS D

RINK, DRUGS AND driving don’t mix. Fortunately young people tend to drink less than their parents. According to a recent survey, just one-in-ten see getting drunk as “cool”. Four-in-ten see it as “pathetic” or “embarrassing”. So, if your mates think you’re an idiot as you stagger home from the pub, imagine how they’ll react if you reach for your car keys? Most drivers, young or old, wouldn’t dream of drinking and driving. But

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there’s still a core of offenders who think they will get away with it, or simply don’t care. And their recklessness led to an estimated 230 deaths in 2019, according to government statistics. Drug driving is just as serious. Driving with more than the specified level of 17 legal and illegal drugs is against the law. Even small quantities could put you over the limit, and might interfere with medicines used to try to save your life if you crash.

DRINK & THE LAW The maximum permitted level of blood alcohol while driving in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. In Scotland it’s 50mg/100ml. Even small amounts of alcohol will affect your driving, and it’s easy to be over the limit the morning after a night out. So the best advice is to avoid alcohol completely if you are driving. Get caught over the limit, and you could face... ✪ six months in prison ✪ an unlimited fine ✪ a driving ban for at least a year.

The Young Drivers Guide

SAF ETY

Seat BELTS E

VERYONE WEARS A seat belt, don’t they? Surely it’s a no-brainer. Well, most drivers and passengers do. Government stats show that... ✪ 99% of us put on belts when we drive ✪ 93% of front-seat passengers wear a seat belt ✪ 90% of rear-seat passengers put on a belt. The problem is, that still leaves a minority of people who don’t bother to belt up. And there are serious consequences. Take a look at the stats for car occupant fatalities, and you’ll find 27% weren’t wearing a belt when

they died. That’s over 200 people per year who might still be alive if they had put on their seat belt. It’s not just you who could be hurt if you don’t wear a belt. If you are in a crash at 30mph, your body will hit whatever’s in front of it at a force that’s 30-60 times your own body weight – the same force as a charging rhino. Don’t make the mistake of thinking an airbag will do the seat belt’s job. Airbags are a supplementary restraint system – it’s the seat belt which they supplement. The seat belt is probably the single most effective piece of

SEAT BELTS &THE LAW

You must wear a seat belt if one is fitted in the seat you are using. There are a handful of exceptions but they are unlikely to apply to you. As a driver, you are also responsible for making sure any child under 14 is wearing a seat belt or travelling in a suitable child seat, depending on their age and height.

safety equipment in any car, credited with saving more than a million lives worldwide. Why wouldn’t you wear one?

REA DR I SAF

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SHOWING off P

ASS THE PRACTICAL test, and you can give your mates a lift. It really is a great feeling, especially if you are one of the first in your circle of friends to pass. Why wouldn’t you be proud of your full driving licence and the skills you have learned? But all too easily, pride can get the better of you. With the confidence a full licence brings, and no highly trained instructor or watchful parent keeping an eye on your driving, it can be tempting to let speeds creep up, to brake later, or corner harder. Think twice, though. You’re more likely to scare your

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friends than impress them. The National Travel Attitudes Study 2019 shows that a massive 82% of people think it’s never acceptable to speed even slightly on residential streets. So driving quickly and aggressively is going to make you look irresponsible and immature. Here are just some of the reasons why showing off behind the wheel is a bad idea... ✪ You could lose your licence. Driving without due care and attention covers things like driving too close to the car in front or overtaking on the inside. It

could lead to between three and nine penalty points, and six is enough to say goodbye to your licence in your first two years on the road. ✪ You could lose money or even your car. The fine for driving without due care and attention may be up to £2500. Persistent offenders could have their car seized. ✪ You could lose your friends. Not only could you alienate the very people you are trying to impress, showing off could cost a friend their life. More young females are killed as passengers than drivers...

The Young Drivers Guide

SAF ETY

Vulnerable ROAD USERS

HE DAY YOU get behind the wheel with your full driving licence, you’ll probably feel like the king or queen of the road. Good for you. Passing your test is a big achievement. Just remember, once you are a fully qualified driver the roads don’t suddenly belong to you. Other road users have the right to use the road too. That includes bikers, cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians. It’s important to share road space with all user groups, especially as vulnerable users are, well, vulnerable. Hit a cyclist with your 1.5-tonne metal box and it’s going to hurt them more than it hurts you.

THE RIGHT (AND WRONG) WAY TO DRIVE AROUND VULNERABLE ROAD USERS DO... overtake wide and slow, when you can see far enough ahead to do so safely. Give cyclists and horse riders plenty of room (at least 1.5 metres for cyclists and 2 metres for horses). Be especially careful with horses, overtaking at low speed then accelerating gently. Search ‘Dead Slow Road Safety BHS’ on YouTube to find videos giving great advice about overtaking horses. Type in ‘Too Close For Comfort Virtual Reality’

to find a film that gives a cyclist’s perspective on being overtaken.

DO... use the ‘Dutch reach’ when getting out of your car. This road safety technique involves opening a car door with the opposite hand (so the left hand opens the driver’s door, not the right hand). Having to twist around to open the door turns the head and upper body towards the road, encouraging the driver to look out for cyclists.

DON’T... assume other road users have seen you. In particular, look out for elderly pedestrians and children. Slow down, and be ready to stop. DON’T... be impatient if you feel you are being held up. Drivers are sometimes annoyed if cyclists use the road rather than a nearby cycle path, but cyclists are entitled to be on the road. Everyone deserves to get from A to B safely and without intimidation.

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REASONS TO DRIVE AT A SAFE SPEED

SPEEDING Y OUNG DRIVERS MAY have a rep for speeding, but that’s not entirely fair. Drivers aged 35-44 are the ones who are caught and convicted the most, far more than drivers aged 17-24. What’s

T U E CO S THE TREEDING OF SP ed can make

ore spe live A little m nce. Could you st fa ere o iff d to g ig b in v a ph rself if dri with you tal crash? At 35m to fa a ly e s lik led to is twice a a driver one as they are e m kill so h. at 30mp

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more, the chances are new drivers will have a telematics insurance policy, which means a higher premium for those who regularly drive too fast. So, be like most young drivers, and respect the limit. Better still, remember that it’s a limit not a target. Your driving instructor has probably spoken to you about ‘appropriate’ speed. You need to drive at a speed that’s appropriate for the conditions. Thick fog, heavy rain or other hazards could mean an ‘appropriate’ speed is well below the legal maximum. There are times when obeying the letter of the law isn’t enough to keep you safe.

✪ You’ll save money. Sticking to the limit burns less fuel. ✪ You’ll pay less for insurance. Driving at a sensible speed will reduce your premium if you have a black box policy. ✪ You’ll keep your licence. Rack up six points for speeding offences in your first two years on the road (or any other illegal driving) and your licence will be gone.

REASONS TO SPEED ✪ You might arrive at the back of the next queue of traffic a few seconds sooner. Really, that’s it. Not much of a reason, is it?

The Young Drivers Guide

SAF ETY

TIREDNESS B

ELIEVE IT OR NOT, fatigue is thought to be a bigger contributor to injury and death on the roads than drug-driving. Around 20% of collisions are reckoned to be fatigue-related, and up to a quarter of fatal and serious accidents. Fall asleep at the wheel, and you won’t brake or steer away from danger. You’ll go on to hit something – another car, a brick wall, or maybe a pedestrian – without slowing down at all. It only takes a

moment. If you nod off on the motorway for just six seconds you’ll have travelled nearly 200 metres. It’s not just falling asleep completely that can cause an accident. If you are drowsy, you’ll make worse decisions and will react more slowly to hazards. Some studies suggest driving while tired is just as bad as driving while just over the drink-drive limit. You wouldn’t drive drunk, so why drive tired? A quick coffee or an energy

drink might wake you up for a while, but when the effect wears off you’ll end up feeling more tired than you did before. So if you are really tired, the safest thing you can do is stop and rest. A nap of around 10-20 minutes should help. Better to arrive late than to not arrive at all.

FIVE WAYS TO BEAT FATIGUE et a good night’s rest 1 Gbefore a long journey. Avoid alcohol. Even 2system if it is clear of your by the time you

drive it reduces the quality of sleep. If it’s still in your system the combination of fatigue and drink can be deadly. Take regular breaks. Stop for a breather every two hours. Share the driving. Short-term insurance from companies like Cuvva.com, Dayinsure. com and Veygo.com make it easy to arrange quick cover so a mate can take a turn behind the wheel. Don’t drive late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

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DISTRACTIONS T HE BLEEP OF A TEXT, loud music, your mate messing around in the passenger seat – sometimes there’s a lot going on that can distract the driver. Not all distractions are against the law. Using a

handheld mobile phone is illegal, banter with your best friend is not. But anything that takes your attention away from the road is dangerous. Other people are one of the biggest distractions of all. Believe it or not, young drivers

FIVE WAYS TO AVOID DISTRACTIONS

1 Switch your phone to ‘do

not disturb’ mode. This will hold calls and texts for when driving is over. 2 Keep the volume down and set the music playing

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before you set off so you won’t need to use the controls. 3 Set the sat nav destination before leaving. Rely more on voice instructions rather than staring at the screen, so you

are up to five times more likely to crash when they have two or more passengers in the car. If you are driving, make sure you stay focused. And if you’re the passenger, don’t mess around. Let the driver concentrate on driving.

keep your eyes on the road. 4 Stop to eat and drink. Don’t snack at the wheel. 5 Talk later. Save in-depth conversations for when the journey is over.

The Young Drivers Guide

SAF ETY

HOW YOU CAN BE PHONE SAFE A ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode will hold your calls and texts. ANDROID PHONE Go into settings and enable ‘do not disturb’. It’s on all phones with Google 6.0 or later. IPHONE If you are running iOS 11 or later, turn on ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’. Go to Settings, Control Centre, then Customise Controls.

MOBILE Phones Y OU’RE DRIVING WHEN the phone rings. You know you shouldn’t pick it up but it’s your best mate calling. You reach down to answer and... your licence is gone. Get caught using a handheld mobile for any reason and you face six points and a £200 fine. For a driver in their first couple of years on the road that’s enough for you to lose your licence. There’s another scenario that’s even more serious. Maybe it’s a pedestrian rather than a police officer around the next corner. They step out into the road and you don’t see them in time because you’re on your phone. Most drivers have the sense

to leave their phone alone while driving. According to the RAC Report on Motoring, some 77% don’t make handheld calls

(although hands-free calls are also a dangerous distraction). Be part of the safe majority, not the reckless minority.

HANDHELD VS HANDSNFREE The law treats handheld calls differently from handsfree, but the University of Sussex has found that it’s the conversation rather than holding the phone to your ear that takes your mind away from driving. So while a hands-free call may be legal, that doesn’t make it safe. Anything that allows a phone to take your attention

away from the road is a no-no. That includes... ✪ hands-free calls as well as handheld ✪ checking a text ✪ catching up on social media ✪ playing music. It’s better to put the phone down. When you drive, just drive.

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MOTORWAYdriving If you’re terrified by the prospect of motorway driving, there’s nothing to fear. Motorways are our safest roads. And recent changes to the law mean you can now take lessons on the motorway before your practical test so long as you are with your ADI and in a car with dual controls.

LORRY You can drive at 70mph on the motorway, but articulated lorries have a lower limit. As a result, they can take ages to overtake each other, so if you come up behind one already in lane two, prepare to go into the outside lane to pass it.

KEY STEPS TO STAYING SAFE

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STUDS

SLIP ROADS Once you’re on the slip road to join or leave a motorway, you’re committed to keep going. It’s an offence to turn around, so if you’ve made a mistake you’ll have to keep going and get back on course later on.

Make sure that you’ve got plenty of fuel before you get on the motorway. Service stops can be few and far between and you don’t want to run out of fuel – even if you’ve got breakdown cover. Fuel is also much more costly on the

motorway, so you don’t want to be forced to shop there as the chances are you’ll end up paying much more than you need to.

As you get to the end of the slip road to join the motorway, match your speed to the

Reflective markers separate the lanes from each other (white ones), the slip road (green) the hard shoulder (red) and the central reservation (orange).

traffic in the inside lane. Slot between any vehicles already in the inside lane; they’ll hopefully make room for you but they do have right of way. You don’t want to stop at the end of the slip road; then you’ll have to start off from a standstill...

The Young Drivers Guide

DR IVI NG ADVIC E

OVERTAKING

PLANNING

You should treat overtaking on the motorway the same as anywhere else. That means you check it’s clear, signal, then pull out to overtake. There’s no rush to get past, but once you’ve overtaken make sure you pull back in.

Usually, the first sign for a junction is a mile before it, the next is at the half-mile point. A mile sounds a lot, but if you’re in the outside lane at the half-mile point, you might not be able to get across in time if it’s busy. Miss your junction and you’ll have to go to the next...

MARKERS

LANE HOGGING

BREAKING DOWN

Motorways can have anywhere between two and five lanes on each side of the central reservation. Unless overtaking, you should be in the inside lane. Lane hog and you risk a fine as you’re obstructing other traffic.

If you break down, make sure you know where you are. There are emergency phones every mile with markers every 100 yards that give you the direction to the nearest phone. These phones will instantly tell the control centre where you

If you break down on a motorway you must move to the hard shoulder. Get as far to the left as possible, get out of the car and stay away from it, ideally behind a crash barrier and wearing a hi-vis jacket.

are, including which direction you’re travelling. If you don’t have breakdown cover you’ll have to pay to be recovered – and it won’t be cheap.

You’ll have to change lanes correctly if you want to make progress, so you’ll be pulling

At every junction there are three markers, counting down to the exit. The first is at 300 yards, the second at 200 yards and the third at 100 yards. If you’re leaving the motorway, be in the inside lane before the 300-yard marker, then start signalling as you pass it.

out to overtake then back in again. Before you make any move, check over your shoulder to ensure you’re not cutting anyone up, and don’t forget to signal before changing lane.

When you come to leave the motorway, ease off

the gas before you leave the inside lane. Then start braking gradually as soon as you’re on the slip road; you’ve got a lot of speed to scrub off and you don’t want to get to the end of the slip road to find you’re still doing 50mph; it’ll suddenly seem very fast...

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The Young Driver’s Guide

DR IVI NG ADVIC E

y t l a n Pe

TI M E

Notch up six points within two years of passing your test and you’ll be banned from driving. This 24-month span is called the probationary period, and it applies to anyone gaining a new licence, regardless of age. Get points on your licence and your insurance will go up, so don’t do any of these things or you’ll pay the price…

THE PENALTIES ! !

RUN A RED LIGHT: Three points, £100 fine.

SPEEDING: At least three points plus a £100 fine. Serious speeding offenders can face a fine of £1000 (or £2500 for speeding on the motorway).

DEFECTIVE TYRES: If they’re flat, bald or damaged, you can get a £2500 fine and three points – for each faulty tyre.

DRINK OR DRUG DRIVING: This offence leads to an obligatory ban, jail for up to six months and an unlimited fine. A second offence within ten years means a driving ban of at least three years.

NOT IN PROPER CONTROL: Includes eating, smoking, drinking or being otherwise distracted: three points, a fine of at least £100, and possibly a ban.

FAIL TO STOP AT A ZEBRA CROSSING: Most pedestrian crossing offences are dealt with by a Fixed Penalty Notice, with three points and a £100 fine, but the penalty could be £1000.

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USING A HAND-HELD MOBILE: Six points plus a £200 fine. Put up a fight in court and lose and you could be fined £1000. You may also be banned.

FAILING TO STOP AFTER ACCIDENT:

Cause personal injury, and you must give your details, then report the incident to the police. Otherwise you face 5-10 points and a hefty fine. You could be banned and spend as long as six months in prison.

DANGEROUS DRIVING: If convicted of dangerous driving by a Crown Court, you could face an unlimited fine and/or two years in jail.

NO INSURANCE: At the very least, a £300 fine and six points.

DRIVING WHILE BANNED: If caught driving while disqualified you can be jailed for up to six months, fined an unlimited amount, and you will almost certainly have the length of the ban extended.

CUT OUT AND KEEP

Accident checklist

Nobody wants to crash, but make sure you’ve got this page handy just in case, along with a pen and sheet of paper. If it all goes pear-shaped, just follow the instructions.

FIRST: ■ Stop and warn other road users of the incident. If anybody has failed to stop, take their registration number or a description (make, model, colour). Even just a partial registration number may be of use.

■ Switch on your hazard lights and, if possible, move the vehicles to a safe place. Assess any injuries and offer first aid if you can. If anyone has been injured, contact the police or ambulance service straight away.

■ Call the police if there’s debris on the road or an obstruction to traffic; don’t put yourself in danger making the crash scene safe. Call the police if any other driver is aggressive or uncooperative.

ACCIDENT INFORMATION: Date: Time: Weather conditions (low sun, foggy, raining, sunny): Road conditions (wet, dry, muddy): Road where accident occurred:

Brief description of what happened, using a diagram if it helps:

OTHER VEHICLES: NOTE: If more than one other vehicle is involved, make sure you collect their details too. Make & model:

Driver’s name:

Description of driver:

Number of occupants in car:

Driver’s contact number:

Car’s insurer:

Insurer’s contact number:

YOUR VEHICLE

DAMAGE TO VEHICLES:

Colour: Policy no:

OTHER VEHICLE

Registration:

Take photos of the scene, the cars involved and any other damage – photograph from every angle you can.

YOUR DETAILS: NOTE: Fill this section in right away, so in the event of an accident, you can simply tear it out and hand it over. Name:

Contact number:

Make:

Model: Colour:

Insurer:

Car registration: Policy no:

Insurer’s contact number: I confirm that all details on this sheet are to the best of my knowledge, correct and accurate: You: Other driver: Signed: Signed: Date: Date:

■ Don’t admit liability – even if you think it was your fault. If you do, it’ll only cause problems later on. ■ Don’t put yourself in danger to make the area safe – call the police and stay out of the way of any moving traffic. ■ Don’t leave any valuables in your car if you have to leave it at the scene – damaged cars are often looted. ■ If you have a dash cam, offer the footage to your insurer and the police if they are involved. ■ Contact the police – even if you think the accident is only minor, they will have it on their records if any dispute arises. firstcar.co.uk ■ Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident – and certainly within 24 hours. 115

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Young Driver's Guide

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SAFETY: SMARTER CHOICES MAKE THE ROADS SAFER