It’s commonplace nowadays that once a person turns 17, they want to start learning to drive. Of course, the overall aim is to pass their driving test so that they can own a car, and enjoy the freedom that goes along with being behind the wheel in your own vehicle.

Most of us naturally want to drive – But how many people really want to learn to drive?

By this we mean the process of learning how to drive correctly – Not a shortcut to getting your drivers license, but instead the process of understanding your vehicle, the Highway Code, the nature of other drivers, how to drive in adverse weather conditions and so forth. We think that if more people wanted to learn to drive, instead of just wanting to drive, the roads would be a much safer place.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Driving isn’t always easy – Just think about having had a long, stressful day of work, when you’re looking to get home and relax… But then you’re faced with insurmountable traffic delaying you endlessly on the commute back home.

Not a pretty thought, right?

Understandably, driving can sometimes take it’s toll on your mind, especially in stressful situations like this. So it is important to ensure that you are always in the correct mindset to be behind the wheel – Don’t drive when you’re angry, stressed, upset, or otherwise not fully fit to be operating a vehicle. If needs be, pull over for as long as it takes to get your head together, or see if someone else can drive for you.

Safe driving from Britannia!

There are a lot of factors that can influence how well you drive – The weather for instance, can drastically affect your abilities behind the wheel to such an extent that many drivers flat out refuse to drive in snow or even heavy rain. So if you choose to be behind the wheel, it is important that you minimise any risk you undertake when doing so.

One vital way to do this is to ensure you are healthy enough to drive. Check your eyes regularly to make sure your vision is optimum for driving, and if you do become ill for any reason, even if it is just a simple cold or flu, always check with your doctor to make sure you are safe to be behind the wheel.

Safe driving from Britannia!

You will likely hear lots of tips about how to keep your car (And yourself!) safe when out and about driving – Keeping speeds down, adjusting driving style for different weather conditions, and so on – But how much do you actually hear about keeping your car safe when you’re not inside it?

When you’re leaving your car at night, make sure it is a safe location, and somewhere you can keep an eye on it when needed. A private driveway or garage is preferable for maximum security, but if you need to park on a road or lay-by, make sure it is in close proximity to your house so you can make sure it is as safe as possible.

Safe driving from Britannia!

As a new or learner driver, you are likely a little apprehensive behind the wheel. This is understandable – Learning to drive isn’t the easiest thing in the world, and there is a lot to learn along the way.

One of the best things that you can do to help yourself improve as fast as possible is to try to improve your confidence when driving. Maybe easier said than done – But we believe that a more confident driver makes for a better driver. So don’t let any little mistakes affect you, and make the most out of the compliments you’re given by your friends and family or driving instructor. We’re sure in no time, you will be much more confident, and consequently a much better driver.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Nobody really enjoys cleaning up – That’s a fact of life. Whether it’s tidying your bedroom, doing the dishes, or keeping your car clean, I’m sure we would all much rather be doing something more enjoyable with our valuable time.

However it is important to keep your car clean for more reasons than you might think. Not only will a filthy vehicle be unpleasant for other drivers to see you in (Not to mention your passengers!), but an accumulation of dirt on your car can impact your performance and hinder safety. Unwashed windows and windscreens can limit visibility, putting yourself and others at risk – So try to stay on top of keeping your car clean every once in a while!

Safe driving from Britannia!

As a new or inexperienced driver, you are going to start hearing lots of different tips about driving. How to watch your speeds, advice on keeping your eye on other drivers, how to drive when in adverse weather conditions, and much much more.

Our advice? Listen to all of it.

Take in as much information as you possibly can, and what’s more, don’t disregard anything other (more experienced) drivers say to you. The chances are they’re looking out for your best interests, and are speaking from their own experience – So any advice is good advice at the end of the day!

Safe driving from Britannia!

If you’re planning to start learning to drive, it’s understandable that this can be a daunting time for you. Not only is there the cost associated with learning to drive – The price of Driving Tests, Theory and Practical Tests, and maybe even a car to learn in – There is also the additional stress of needing to learn all there is to know about driving to a high enough level to pass your test.

Our advice is to throw yourself into the deep end – Start taking driving lessons a minimum of once a week, and spend any free time revising for your theory test and brushing up on your Highway Code. Book your theory test straight away to give yourself a deadline to work towards, and this will help keep you on track to passing your driving test.

Safe driving from Britannia!

If you are a young driver – Especially if you have recently passed your driving test – You might be yearning to get out in your car as much as possible, picking up friends or family members and take to the roads to get a taste of life behind the wheel without L-Plates.

However it is important to stress the importance of safe driving – Statistically as a newer driver, you are more likely to be in an accident than a more experienced motorist. So despite your eagerness to get driving as often (And sometimes as fast) as possible, make sure you are always practising safe driving first and foremost.

Safe driving from Britannia!

As an experienced driver – Or, even if you are still learning, perhaps – You may well be aware of the types of challenges you can face when behind the wheel. From hazardous weather conditions to faults with your own vehicle, there’s certainly no shortage of things that can go wrong for a driver in the modern age.

By far one of the biggest challenges will be learning to deal with traffic. Especially if you’re a commuter who travels in or out of a city around rush hour, you will be forced to contend with hordes of other motorists eager to get in (Or out) of work, as well as parents doing the school run, taxi drivers, couriers, truckers, and even cyclists and pedestrians. So make sure to be aware of the types of challenges you are likely to face, and be ready to know how to tackle those.

Safe driving from Britannia!