Young and inexperienced drivers

If you're a newly qualified driver heading out onto the roads for the first time, statistics show that you're at a much higher risk than experienced drivers of being involved in a road traffic incident.

Below are some things to watch out for and advice that could help prevent incidents and improve your safety on the roads.

Advice for newly qualified drivers

• Always wear your seatbelt; it's against the law to not wear a seatbelt and you can be charged up to £500 for not wearing one. 
• Don't feel pressured to speed or follow dangerous instructions from passengers.
• Don't feel embarrassed to ask for further help if you're not feeling confident. 
• Apply P plates to your car, so other drivers can see you're a new driver.
• Be aware of when not to drive, ie if you're tired, angry, under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Tools to improve driver safety

The DVLA recommends newly qualified drivers take Pass Plus, a short driving course completed after your driving test. Benefits of the course include: 

• helping you to improve your driving skills and safety
• experience of motorway driving, dual carriageway driving, night driving, town driving and all-weather driving
• gaining experience when approaching new obstacles, hazards, complex roads and unfamiliar areas
• a discount on some insurance policies 

Some insurance companies also offer ‘black box’ telematics technology. This technology monitors speed, and driving style and can also be used to set curfews. Drivers abiding by the rules of the technology can be given discounts on their insurance.

Further advice

BikeSafe

BikeSafe is a national Police-led motorcycle road safety scheme that raises awareness of key risks and provides safer riding techniques for motorcyclists.

A police graded motorcyclist or approved BikeSafe observer run the workshops and give advice on hazard awareness and safer motorcycling. Most forces then offer an on-road assessed ride.

THINK! – UK Government’s designated road safety campaign

Crown Prosecution Service – Outline of driving offences and the law