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Rip Up That 'L' and Slap on the 'P' You Have Passed Your Driving Test!

Becoming a new driver is a fantastic achievement, so well done from all of the team at Pendle Vehicle Contracts! Driving gives you your own freedom; the ability to explore new places and lots of responsibility. Regardless of whether you lease a brand new car or purchase a second hand one, being a new driver is expensive! Insurance will be through the roof and you will be introduced to new costs: fuel, tax, MOT and servicing. Now all this sounds daunting, so Pendle have comprised some helpful advice from our wealth of automotive experience to help you out. We have all been a new driver at some point, with some of our team passing in the 80s and some passing last year, so we have been in your shoes.

1. Getting insurance with a Black Box.

This may sound like a terrible idea initially, but Pendle highly recommend black boxes to new drivers. Often, having a black box can significantly reduce the cost of your insurance. Whilst it will no doubt still be higher, it will definitely make it more affordable in comparison. On top of reducing costs, a black box will make you more aware of the road as a driver. It will make you conscious of your speed, driving style, breaking and overall road safety. Driving sensibly and to the speed limit is not uncool! Building up your no claims bonus will really help you in lowering your costs over your years of driving, and having a box and becoming a careful driver will help with this.

2. Look after your licence.

As a new driver, you are at most risk to loosing your license within the first 2 years. Whilst those driving for longer than two years are allowed up to 12 penalty points, new drivers will loose their licence if they rack up 6 penalty points within the first two years. To put that into perspective, speeding carries a minimum of 3 penalty points. On top of that, get caught using your mobile phone and your licence will be gone before you know it, due to it carrying a 6 point penalty! Definitely think twice before checking your texts or Snapchatting while driving. Obtaining penalty points is also a contributing factor in the cost of your insurance; obtain points expect a high premium.

3. Understand how motorways work before taking the leap.

Motorways are extremely intimidating for new drivers. With many lanes and fast flowing traffic (apart from typical UK motorway traffic) it is vital that you are a competent and confident driver with a good knowledge of roads before using busy motorways. Remember, there is no rush in progressing your driving. Pendle would recommend the Pass Plus Certificate if this is practical and affordable. These are some additional lessons once you have passed your test that cover motorway driving. More information on that can be found here. A common misconception is that motorways are made up of a 'slow', 'middle' and 'fast' lane. This is actually incorrect and the lanes are lane 1, 2 and 3 (sometimes 4). The Highway Code states you should stay as far left as possible at all times, unless overtaking. Do not sit in lane 2 if lane 1 is clear and you are not over taking. This is called Middle Lane Hogging and is actually a road traffic offence and can result in penalty points. The same applies if you are blocking lane 3 when lane 2 or lane 1 are clear. Understanding under and over taking is also imperative.

4. Drive to your ability.

This links in with the above point of driving on a motorway. Just how you wouldn't lease a super car as your first car, you have to build up you confidence before taking on longer drives and harder roads. Roads such as small country lanes and dual carriage ways can prove to be just as difficult for new drivers. Plan your journey ahead; if you are uncomfortable with a route, take a longer route that you are more confident with. Similarly, for younger drivers who have just passed, peer pressure can massively impact your driving. It is important to ignore jeers to drive faster, or race the car ahead. Don't be afraid to turn down the music if it is distracting you.

5. Buy before you lease.

Pendle Vehicle Contracts Limited can supply any make or model of brand new cars and vans for Business Contract Hire and Personal Contract Hire. We would love the opportunity to supply your new lease car when you pass your test, but we know that mistakes happen when you are a new driver. 1 in 5, or 21.6%, of new drivers are involved in an accident of some sort during their first year of driving (ALA Connect, 2017). What could be worse than taking delivery of your stunning new car on contract hire/lease and it getting damaged. Pendle recommend leasing once you are a more experienced driver. Once you are ready to enter the world of leasing, give us a call on 01277 549500 or email sales@pendlelease.co.uk. Until then, safe driving!