Getting behind the wheel of a road vehicle for the first time can be a daunting experience. If you’re newly qualified, then you’re the bearer of great responsibility.
Getting the best from your career as a motorist typically means developing the right habits in the first few months. Let’s look at some of the best of those habits, and offer a few tips for developing them.
Keep up with servicing
A car that’s regularly serviced might, in the long term, be more pleasant to drive and more affordable to run. Scheduling one every year, or at an arbitrary number of miles, can help you to stay on top of any problems.
The major advantage of a service is that it will make you aware of any problems before they have a chance to worsen. Thus, you can think of it as a form of pre-emptive maintenance: an investment in the future of your vehicle. The problem that you catch early is one that won’t catch you out later on.
Pack the right paperwork
All of your driving-related paperwork should be stored in the same place. This might mean actually keeping it in your car, for reference in case you’re pulled over. Included in this pack should be your license, your V5C logbook, your MOT certificates, and all of your car insurance documentation. Finding car insurance that works for you during the early stages is critical – and you should be able to refer to it at any time.
You should also keep your car’s manual on hand. Write the tyre pressures on the front cover, so that you can reference them easily. Having done this, you should make a regular point of inflating your tyres. Doing so will help you maintain traction on the road, which will drive up fuel efficiency and your running costs.
Drive smoothly
Wasted fuel energy comes from applying the brakes too hard and too often. This, in turn, comes from driving too quickly in the first place. Driving smoothly, with an eye on the road ahead, should help you to minimise your emissions. Learn the principles and try to consciously stick to them. Your driving habits are still being formed at this stage, so ensure you’re building the right ones.
Limit distractions
You would be surprised at what qualifies as a distraction when driving. Your phone’s screen should never be looked at – but even hands-free should be treated with caution since it can distract you when you’re trying to concentrate at a busy intersection. Don’t be afraid of telling your fellow passengers if you feel that you’re being distracted. It’s your car, and you get to make the rules!
