Section 1
youngdrivers a guide
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youngdrivers
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youngdrivers Section 1
Section 1
Getting your licence Finding an instructor The theory test The practical test Further training
Section 2 Learning to ride a moped or motorcycle Getting the right gear to ride a moped or motorcycle
Section 3 Insurance Buying a car Basic car care
Section 4 Endorsements on your licence In car safety Drink and drug driving Mobile phones and driving Speeding Seatbelts Driving green Accidents 3 100452 young driver FINAL.indd 3
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Young drivers If you are just about to learn to drive or have recently passed your test then you will be looking forward to a freedom and lifestyle that you will enjoy for years to come. Driving will give you independence from your parents and take you on many adventures; it will entertain and frustrate you in equal measure and it will bring you closer to your friends and may even make you some new ones (you will be asked for a lift a lot!). The flip side of this is that driving is a skill that must be mastered over time and treated with a lot of respect. It is a sad fact that the 17-24 year old age group are involved in the highest number of collisions on the road and whilst there are many reasons for this, two of the major ones are attitude and experience. Young drivers will take more risks, drive that little bit faster, take one passenger too many and concentrate more on their phone than the road than an experienced driver might, they have also yet to fully appreciate the full range of hazards and unwritten rules of the road. We have produced this booklet as a general guide to the beginning of your driving life, from licence application to buying a car and additional training after passing your test. It is in no way meant to replace the invaluable information you will learn from the Highway Code publication and your instructor but should reinforce it. Enjoy learning to drive and enjoy driving alone and with friends but, be safe and be aware.
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Getting your licence
Section11 Section
Section 1 Finding an instructor The theory test The practical test Further training
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Getting your licence •
Download the forms from www.dvla.gov.uk or
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Make sure your photographs are posed correctly.
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Get form D1 from a post office.
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You can apply from 2 months before your 17th birthday.
Get your photos signed and certified by the appropriate person.
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Make sure you send the necessary fee.
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Sit back and wait. It should be with you within three weeks.
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You must wait for your licence to arrive before starting to drive.
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Now all you have to do is pass your test!
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You must hold a provisional licence before taking the theory and hazard perception tests.
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Make sure you complete the D1 correctly.
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Finding an instructor
• Decide how you want to learn. Do you want to have weekly lessons or do you want to go for intensive lessons or a residential course? • A recommendation is a great place to start. Ask your friends who are already driving, or an older brother or sister. A good driving instructor will rarely have to advertise!
• It might be worth asking if the instructor has signed up to the ‘Code of Practice for Approved Driving Instructors’. • A good instructor will let you know when you are ready to take your test. • The more professional tuition you receive will greatly improve your skills and give you more confidence going into the test and beyond.
Section 1
Learning to drive should be a fun experience so take the time to find a driving instructor to suit you.
• There are loads of well known, established driving schools. Contact them and ask them why you should choose them as your instructor.
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The theory test What to expect
You will be shown a series of video clips from a driver’s perspective.
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You will be required to identify and acknowledge the hazards that appear with the click of a button.
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A computer based test.
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50 questions in a multiple choice format.
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Answer one question at a time.
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You can go backwards and forwards through the questions.
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There will be 15 hazards to spot over a series of clips.
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You will have approximately one hour to complete the test.
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The faster you spot a hazard the more points you are awarded.
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Example subjects include: Alertness / Vehicle handling / Accidents / Safety margins / Attitude.
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You are expected to achieve a score of approximately 60%.
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There are various publications available that explain in detail the subjects you will need to revise.
An example hazard might be a pedestrian walking towards a zebra crossing. The zebra crossing is not necessarily a hazard on its own.
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After the questions you will complete a Hazard Perception test
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The best practice for this test is driving. It will build your confidence in spotting hazards as they arise.
Section 1
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The practical test What to expect • You will need to show the correct documents to the examiner (provisional licence/theory test pass certificate). • You will sign a document stating that you are insured for the car you are using during the test. • You will lead the examiner to the car. • Before you get into the car you will be required to read a number plate from about 20.5 metres. If you cannot read the plate at the correct distance you will fail the test and will need to have an eye test before re-applying. • You will be asked two ‘Show me – Tell me’ questions. For example: • Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey? • You will then be asked to sit in the car whilst the examiner checks it for road-worthiness. • When the examiner gets in the car he/she will explain how the test will proceed. • The test will last approximately 40 minutes. • Listen to the examiner and follow his/her instructions. • An emergency stop is only performed on one in three driving tests.
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At the end of the test you will be asked to switch off the engine and the examiner will tell you the result. It is worth having any faults explained by the examiner whether you pass or not – Remember, your examiner is not looking to fail you.
If you pass • You will be given a pass certificate. • The examiner will offer to send your licence away for you. It is advisable to let them unless you need your licence for a reason. • If you apply for your full licence you must do so within two years of passing the test or your pass certificate will expire and you will have to retake your theory and practical tests. • You can drive before your full licence arrives but make a copy of the pass certificate and keep it in your car. If you are not successful • Don’t worry. • You must wait a minimum of ten working days before taking the test again. • You can take the test as many times as you need to in order to pass. • Remember that your theory test pass certificate expires after two years.
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Further training
Completion of some of the courses can even qualify you for a discount on your insurance! This additional training exists to improve the following: • Your attitude to driving. • Your driving skills.
It does this by covering some or all of the following: • Town driving. • All weather driving. • Out of town driving and rural roads. • Night driving. • Dual carriageway driving. • Motorway driving.
Section 1
There are various driving courses you can undertake after you have passed your test and all registered instructors should be able to offer you some sort of additional training, if they can’t, find one who can.
If you decide not to take on more in depth training we would strongly advise you to pay for an extra lesson to familiarise yourself with motorway driving.
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Young Drivers – A guide
Section 1 2
Section 2 Learning to ride a moped or motorcycle Getting the right gear to ride a moped or motorcycle
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Learning to ride a moped or motorcycle A moped can be described as follows: Has a maximum speed not exceeding 50 kilometres per hour (approximately 31mph). • Has an engine capacity of no more than 50cc. To be able to ride a moped or motorcycle: • You will need to have a valid provisional licence. • You can take the theory test when you are 16. • You must complete a compulsory basic training (CBT) program. The CBT program comprises the following: • Introduction. • Practical on site training. • Practical on site riding. • Practical on road training. • Practical on road riding. • The five sections must be completed in sequence. • A certificate of completion is issued (DL196). • The DL196 validates the relevant sections on your licence.
IMPORTANT • A DL196 is valid for two years. • CBT will have to be retaken if theory and practical tests are not passed within those two years. • For mopeds only, if you pass your car test whilst the DL196 is still valid or complete CBT and obtain a DL196 after passing your car test, the certificate will be valid for the life of your licence. • If you are riding motorcycles as a learner the DL196 only remains valid for two years. • Once you have your DL196 it is a very good idea that you take additional training to prepare you for your theory and practical tests. • A CBT can cost from £100 upwards depending on location and whether or not you bring your own bike. • Most places will loan you the equipment if necessary. • The cost of CBT may be incorporated into the cost of a full training course that will lead to a motorcycle test.
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Moped or motorcycle – getting the right gear
• By law you must wear a safety helmet. • A visor or goggles, gloves and boots are a very good idea. When you buy a helmet there are a few things to consider: • It must comply with UNECE Regulation 22.05. • Do not buy a second hand helmet. It may have been damaged in an accident and will not offer you the same protection as a new one – damage will not always be visible on the helmet. • A new helmet will mould to the shape of your head when worn, so if you lend your helmet to someone or get a second hand one it will not fit you correctly.
Goggles and Visors • Wind, rain, dirt and insects. Not what you want in your face when you are riding! • Any eye protection should comply with UNECE 22.05. • Goggles and visors must be kept clean to maintain a clear view. • If you wear glasses or contact lenses these must be worn when riding.
Section 2
If you ride a moped or motorcycle you need to be protected against weather conditions and road surface. Correct motorcycle clothing will help to protect you in poor weather, helps other road users to see you and can help reduce injury in the event of an accident.
Clothing • Man-made or leather, your choice. • Additional protection for knees, elbows and shoulders helps to reduce injury. • Get gloves. Falling off without them could result in a serious injury. • Get boots. Trainers do not protect your ankles and offer little protection to feet. Visibility • You need to be seen from the front, back and sides. • Fluorescent clothing in daylight will make you more visible as will a brightly coloured helmet and clothing, and riding with lights on. • At night, reflective clothing helps.
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Section 3
Section 3 Insurance Buying a used car Basic car care
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Insurance Finding car insurance is one of the times when being young will count against you. When you think about it this should come as no surprise as statistics show that 1 in 5 young drivers can expect to be involved in an accident in their first year of driving. You can secure a lower premium by considering carefully the car you purchase. Obviously we would all like to drive an Aston Martin but back in the real world something with a smaller engine size that is older and slower will be cheaper to insure. The lower the insurance group of the car, the cheaper it will be (groups 1 – 4 ideally). You can of course save money by not getting fully comprehensive insurance; this is something to consider if you did not pay much for your car.
More and more companies are offering reduced premiums to young drivers if they have a ‘black box’ data recorder installed in their car. The boxes record data about your journey and allow the insurer to reduce your premium depending on when and how you drive. In some cases you are charged in a pay as you drive style, paying less for journeys during the day and more at night, when most collisions involving inexperienced drivers occur. Your premiums will reduce as you gain more experience and, crucially, avoid having an accident and making a claim. Drive sensibly and carefully and you will soon be paying less. Shop around.
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Buying a used car
Remember, you can also pay for a vehicle data check which will look at things such as stolen / police interest, write off / accident damage, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) / Chassis check, colour and colour changes etc. If you find that the answers to the following checklist questions are mainly ‘yes’ then it might be a good idea to walk away!
Condition • Are sills, arches and door bottoms rusty? • Is the paintwork in poor condition? • Are there any oil leaks or damaged hoses/belts under the bonnet? • Are the tyres damaged or worn? • Are the seat belts worn or have faulty mountings? • Do the doors or windows show signs of leaking? • Are the electrics faulty? (lights/ warning lights/dashboard)
Section 3
You might be (very) lucky and have a new car to drive or be able to use your parents’ or guardian’s car. If not, and you have been saving, you might be after a used car. The following is only a guide to some of the things you need to check when viewing a used car. We strongly recommend having the car checked professionally or by someone who you are confident will give you good advice.
Has it been in an accident? • Have any of the body panels been replaced? • Is the colour or texture of the paintwork patchy? • Has any welding been carried out on the engine or boot? • Have repairs been carried out in the boot? (check under carpet)
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Buying a used car Has the car had a new identity? • Has the VIN number been tampered with? • Have areas of glass been scratched off windows, lights etc? • Are any of the VIN’s different? • Do stickers conceal altered etching? Has the car been ‘clocked’? • Are mileometer numbers out of line? • Is wear and tear on the car heavy given the mileage? • Does mileage on last MOT certificate contradict milometer? • Does mileage on service history contradict mileometer? Is the car stolen? • Does the seller say that the registration document (V5) is with the DVLA? (The seller should have a green slip if the car was bought very recently and the V5 is with the
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DVLA for change of ownership to be recorded.) Are there spelling mistakes or alterations on the V5 Is the watermark missing from the V5? Is seller’s name and address different from V5? Is number plate different from V5? Is engine number different from V5? Is VIN different from V5?
Test drive Make sure you are insured before going on a test drive • Are brakes defective? • Does car pull to one side when braking? • Do brakes squeal? • Are there any other unusual noises? • Is the hand brake defective? • Does steering wheel shake or vibrate? • Does car pull to one side?
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• Grey smoke from exhaust? (indicates water leaking into engine)
After the test drive
Most people or garages selling used cars are honest and upfront about any problems with the car. Garages will usually offer you a limited warranty with your purchase, private sellers will not.
• Open the bonnet and let the car idle • Does the engine rattle or make any other unusual noises? • Are there water or oil leaks? • Blue or black smoke from exhaust? (indicates badly worn engine)
This might be a lot to check but you are looking to spend your hard-earned money so protect your investment.
Section 3
• Is changing gear difficult? • Does the clutch grab or slip? • Does the engine sound different if the clutch is pressed when the car is idling? • Is there a strong smell of petrol or oil?
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Basic car care Tyres: • Check regularly for wear, cracking, bulging and objects caught in the tread. • Most tyres have tread wear indicators on them – if the tread is level with these indicators it is time to change the tyre. • You can be fined and receive points on your licence for each defective tyre. • Aim to check tyre pressures once a week (including the spare). • Correct pressures increase stability and reduce fuel consumption. • Only check and adjust pressures on cold tyres (after driving less than 2 miles). Changing a flat tyre Changing a tyre on a busy road is dangerous so try and warn oncoming traffic of the hazard. If you get a flat on the motorway you must call for assistance. • Remove the spare wheel, jack and wrench. • Ensure the handbrake is on and first gear is engaged. • Remove the hub cap. • Loosen the wheel nuts. • Find the jacking point (refer to the owners manual if necessary).
• Make sure the jack is on firm, level ground and lift the car until the wheel is just off the ground. • Remove the wheel nuts. • Remove the wheel. • Fit the spare wheel, lightly tighten the nuts. • Lower the car then tighten the wheel nuts. • Stow the wheel and all tools back in the boot. • Get the damaged tyre fixed or replaced as soon as possible. Oils and other liquids Running a car with low levels of oil and other necessary liquids can be disastrous. Look under your bonnet and get familiar with the locations of the following: • Dip Stick (used to check engine oil levels). To check it make sure the engine is cold and the car is on flat ground, remove the dipstick and clean it with a cloth. Reinsert it, pull it out and check that the oil level is between the marks on the stick.
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• Coolant (regulates engine temperature – a good thing). • Brake fluid (keeps your brakes working…obviously important). • Power steering fluid. • Windscreen washer fluid.
In most modern cars all of the above will be clearly marked both under the bonnet and in the car handbook. Check your levels regularly and top them up when they get low. Don’t wait for warning lights to come on…the damage may have already been done if you do. Lights
Section 3
If it is low you will need to add more oil. Remove the oil cap (helpfully marked OIL) and add a small amount of the correct oil (check your car handbook) bit by bit until you have the correct level.
Driving without working lights is both dangerous and illegal, it takes no time to walk around your car and check that all the lights are functioning as they should be. It is a relatively easy job to change a blown bulb but if in doubt take it to a garage. Servicing You should have your vehicle serviced according to manufacturers reccomendations. A regularly serviced car is a safer car.
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Young Drivers – A guide
Endorsements on your licence
Section 4
Section 4 In car safety Drink and drug driving Mobile phones and driving Speeding Seatbelts Driving green Accidents
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Endorsements on your licence If you receive six points on your licence in the first two years you will lose your licence. You can only drive again after applying for and taking your test again, including the theory test. Drink driving, speeding, and using your mobile whilst driving are obviously going to get you and your licence in serious trouble but you can get points for other things like:
As you can see, just a couple of minor offences can mean you are back on the bus! Remember, you must tell your insurance company if you receive an endorsement on your licence and it will have a serious effect on your future premiums.
• Badly worn or dangerous tyres: 3 points. • Driving without valid insurance: 6 – 8 points • Driving without due care and attention: 3 – 9 points • Failure to stop after an accident: 5 – 10 points. • Ignoring traffic signals: 3 points • Defective brakes : 3 points • Parking in a dangerous position:3 points • Carrying a dangerous load (this can mean having to many passengers in the car!):3 points
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In car safety
A driving hazard is not necessarily one that occurs outside the car, your behaviour inside the car can also have terrible consequences.
• Make sure you are all wearing seatbelts. • Shouting and loud music will not help you concentrate on the road, nor will constantly changing CD’s or radio stations. • If your mate asked you to jump into a fire you wouldn’t…so if he asks you to drive like an idiot, don’t.
Section 4
Pedestrians, cyclists, kids running in the road, emergency service vehicles….you, your mates.
• Don’t drive tired. It can be as dangerous as drink driving. • Looking at or sending texts whilst driving means you are not looking at the road. • When you have passengers in the car ask them to act reasonably when you are driving.
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Drink and drug driving Basically, don’t If you are found to have been drinking or taking drugs whilst driving you will lose your licence, you may also receive a large fine and go to prison. If you kill someone whilst driving and are found to have been drinking or taking drugs, you will most definitely go to prison‌.for a long time. The best way to ensure you are always fit to drive is to not drink and not take drugs.
Alcohol stays in your body for a long time and you may still be over the drink drive limit the next day. Be aware of how much you can drink if you know you will be driving the day after going out. It is well worth remembering that some medicines (both prescription and over the counter) can compromise your ability to drive. Check with your Doctor or pharmacist if in any doubt.
Take public transport or a taxi Nominate a designated driver who will remain sober for the evening (they get to enjoy themselves next time) or stay over for the night if you are at a friends house.
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Mobile phones and driving
Section 4
If you are concentrating on what your friends are telling you over the phone then you are not concentrating on the road ahead. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal and if you are caught doing so you will receive a fine and points on your licence. If the case goes to court, as well points and a fine, you could also lose your licence. Is it worth it? • Set your phone to divert to voicemail before your journey. • If you do leave it on, ignore any calls that come through, find a safe place to park and call them back – it may cost you a few pence but save you a hefty fine! • Invest in a decent hands free kit but use with caution as these can be as much of a distraction as using a mobile.
If you are concentrating on what your friends are telling you over the phone then you are not concentrating on the road ahead.
If there is a crash or incident the use of a handheld phone (or hands free kit) can been seen as cause for prosecution resulting in more serious penalties if convicted.
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Speeding Speed limits on roads are a maximum, not a target. Travelling at higher speeds gives you less time to react to the surrounding environment. You will take longer to stop and, if you do crash, injuries could be more severe. The majority of collisions in which people are killed or seriously injured happen on roads with a speed limit of 30mph or less. At 35mph you are twice as likely to kill someone as you are at 30mph! Extensive studies have shown that: • Hit at 20mph, 1 in 40 pedestrians will be killed. • Hit at 30mph, 2 in 10 pedestrians will be killed. • Hit at 35mph, 5 in 10 pedestrians will be killed. • Hit at 40mph, 9 in 10 pedestrians will be killed.
Having passed your driving test you will have learnt how to stay within the speed limit at all times. We all stray above the speed limits occasionally, due perhaps to the speed of other road traffic or a distraction in the vehicle but, to give yourself and others the best chance of survival, here are a few tips for staying within them: • Check your speedometer regularly. • Know the limits – look for signs. • Generally, the presence of lampposts means a 30mph limit although it could be 20mph. • Near schools, even 20mph may be too fast. • Concentrate on your driving. • Give yourself time – remember the tortoise and the hare!
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Seatbelts
Make sure everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt. All those over 14 and not wearing a seatbelt will be fined individually.
Section 4
Seatbelts save lives, yet incredibly people still don’t bother putting theirs on.
In a collision, no matter where you are sitting you could suffer or cause serious injury to yourself and others if you are not wearing a seatbelt. Seatbelts save lives.
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Driving green Minor changes in the way you drive your car can have a big impact on both your wallet and the environment: • Driving with the windows closed reduces fuel consumption by reducing the drag effect on your car. • Air conditioning uses more fuel. • Don’t over rev your engine – it uses more fuel. • Harsh acceleration and braking can use 30% more fuel and increase wear and tear on your car. • Drive within the speed limit.
• Use the appropriate gear for your speed and conditions. • Starting and stopping uses more fuel (plan ahead and slow earlier approaching a queue). • Carrying extra weight increases fuel consumption. • Consider switching the engine off when stationary (stuck in a queue, at level crossing). • Allow plenty of time for your journey. If you are stressed your driving may become erratic.
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Accidents
• Time and date. • Contact details of those involved (including witnesses). • Details of all vehicles involved (make/ model/registration/colour etc). • Number of people in each vehicle involved. • Insurance details of drivers involved. • Weather and visibility conditions at the time of the incident. • Light conditions (day or night) and street lighting if applicable. • Name, epaulet number and station details of attendant police and other emergency services. • Details of damage to vehicles or property. • Details of injuries. • TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS (most of you will have cameras on your mobile phones – if you don’t, get a disposable camera and leave it in the glove compartment.
Obviously, you may not be in a fit state to get all that detail but do your best. It is also a very good idea to make a sketch of the scene to include; • • • •
Position of vehicles involved. Direction of vehicles. Type of road (urban/rural etc). Description of the scene (road markings/signals/obstructions etc).
Section 4
Unfortunately road traffic accidents are a fact of life. If you are involved in one it is crucial to gather as much evidence as you can.
Be aware, it is an offence to not give your details to the other party involved in an accident if there has been injury or property damage. If an accident results in personal injury you must inform the police within 24 hours. Finally, inform your insurance company as soon as you can about the accident. If you leave it too long it may invalidate your policy.
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Accident information Time: Date: Other driver/s details: Driver 1: Address: Telephone:
Driver 2: Address: Telephone: Details of vehicles involved: V1:
Make:
Model:
Reg:
Colour:
V2:
Make:
Model:
Reg:
Colour:
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Number of people in each vehicle:
Section 4
V1: V2: Insurance details: V1: V2: Weather conditions:
Light conditions (day or night):
Visibility: Street lighting: on / off
Emergency Services information: Service:
Name:
Number:
Station:
Service:
Name:
Number:
Station:
Service:
Name:
Number:
Station:
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Accident information continued... Damage to vehicles:
Injury details: Person 1:
V1: Person 2:
V2:
Person 3: Person 4:
Notes: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
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Accident diagram:
Section 4
Take lots of pictures of the scene and from multiple angles.
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All information contained within this booklet was correct at time of going to press and is subject to change.
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