Once you have passed your driving test after completing the learning hours, there are certain requirements to fulfil before you drive independently on the road. For this purpose, you must convert your insurance coverage from learner to fully qualified driver. You can also explore temporary options if a full year’s coverage is required immediately and consider black box insurance that comes with lower premiums for newly quality drivers.
This article provides information about independent driving and licencing and requirements for driving after you have passed your practical test. Additionally, you can learn about different practices and tips that help ensure you drive safely on the roads.
Independent Driving & Licencing
After passing your driving test, you have the legal right to drive independently in the UK as soon as you get the pass certificate from your examiner. You must send your provisional licenced photocard to DVLA for the full licence card within two years of passing your practical test. They will send you a full licence card within three weeks of applying. Before you receive your full licence card, you can start driving if you have insurance, MOT, and a taxed car.
Requirements for Driving After Passing Test
The following are certain things which are required to start driving after passing your practical test:
Black Box Car Insurance
You can opt for black box car insurance, which is suitable for new drivers and comes with a discount on their premiums. The black box uses GPS technology and is fitted to your vehicle to record your driving habits, such as accelerating and braking. This device also monitors the type of roads you frequently travel and the times of day during which you drive, making a comprehensive profile of you.
The collected data is sent back to the insurance company, where a computer algorithm analyses your level of safety. A better score leads to cheaper insurance during renewal.
Car
You can drive your car or your friend’s or parent’s car. If you buy your own vehicle, you must get a new driver’s car insurance policy. You should prefer to buy a smaller car with the lowest insurance groups and tax bands. To choose a suitable vehicle, you can read the latest car reviews and ensure it suits your budget and other requirements.
MOT
If your car is more than three years old, it is essential to have a valid MOT certificate.
Independent Driving
After getting qualified, it is important to drive on your own without having another person by your side to gain more experience and make driving easier for you.
Insurance
It is essential to have car insurance if you are driving in the UK. To do so, you need to let your insurer know that you have passed the test, and they will change the policy to qualified driver cover from learner driver.
P-Plates
As a learner, you will be using L-plates, but P-plates (probationary) are used by new drivers so other drivers on the road know that they are new to driving. Although these plates are not essential, they give new drivers peace of mind, which helps them get better on the road. Fellow drivers can also provide you with breathing space at junctions and roundabouts, which relieves your pressure in the initial days of driving.
Road Tax
You must legally pay the road tax if you own a car in the UK. You should also ensure that your vehicle is well-maintained and up-to-date. The car tax can be paid online as one annual lump sum or on a monthly basis. The type and model of the car you own decide the tax you must pay. Additionally, some vehicles, such as particular types of electric cars, are exempt from car tax.
Things New Drivers Need to Remember for Safe Driving
Becoming a qualified driver and getting a full licence allows you to drive independently. However, you need to remember certain things and follow these tips to ensure you drive responsibly, ensuring the safety of yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road:
- Practice different manoeuvres in an empty car park or a quiet road.
- Be vigilant about the road signs and speed limits to ensure safe driving.
- Ask a friend or parent to accompany you if you feel anxious in the first few journeys.
- Take small journeys initially and then go on longer routes once you have done enough practice.
- Go for a trip, leaving plenty of time to avoid overspeeding and eliminate unnecessary risks.
- Turn off your mobile phone while driving to avoid distractions from notifications or texts and concentrate better on the road.
- Plan your route in advance to get an idea of the directions and types of roads if you are driving to a place you have yet to visit.
- Do not let your friends persuade you to take risks to avoid serious issues, such as penalty points on your licence or a car crash in extreme situations.