Congratulations, you’ve passed your driving test! No matter whether you passed first time or it took you a couple of goes, it’s a huge achievement. Finally, all those lessons, practicing at home and studying for your theory tests have paid off.
But now that you’re able to swap that green licence for a shiny pink one – what next? Well, here are some of the next steps you should think about after you’ve passed your test.
Look into car insurance
As a new driver, getting behind the wheel on your own can be very daunting. Anxiety and nerves are very common for new drivers, especially when driving without a supervisor. Nervousness behind the wheel can impact your safety on the road, with one in five drivers being involved in a crash in their first year of driving. With that said, finding a good deal on car insurance is imperative for a newly passed driver.
Get your own car
One of the most exciting things about passing your driving test is the opportunity to have your very own car! But it’s important that, when you shop for your first car, you aren’t just looking for one in your favourite colour – it needs to be one that suits your needs on the road. As a newly passed driver, you’ll want something that is reliable, robust and will last you through any bumps and scrapes. Toyotas have been commonly voted as one of the most reliable cars, so you can’t go wrong by getting yourself down to a reliable Toyota dealership to find your perfect first car.
Practice drives with experienced passengers
For your first couple of drives, you might not feel confident enough to take to the road alone. Consider inviting an experienced parent, family member or friend to be your passenger for these trips, so that they can guide you when things get a little confusing. This will help to calm your nerves and make you feel more confident for your first solo drive.
Easy, familiar journeys
There are many journeys we make every day for which we’ve got the route memorised, like the routes to school, college or work. These will be your easiest journeys when you start driving. This makes them the perfect journeys to build up your confidence with something easy and familiar. After a while, you’ll be more comfortable in extending the journey and driving to new places.
A motorway course
Motorway driving is a very different experience to driving in the suburbs or the city. With that in mind, many new drivers opt to take a Pass Plus course to gain some motorway driving experience and ensure that they’re taking to the roads as safely as possible.
Passing your driving test is such a huge step but involves a lot of newfound responsibility. Consider some of our tips to make sure you’re doing everything you need to do once you’ve stuck that P plate on your bonnet!