You might be excited to finally get your own first taste of independence, but there are other things you need to consider. As a new driver, there are plenty of things you don’t know about yet, and others you need to be prepared for.
Getting this sorted out might seem like it it is taking the shine off of your big achievement, but by starting with the right things, you will be out on the road in no time.
Make sure you have the right insurance
As a new driver, you might not have the first idea of what you are looking for when it comes to insurance. The chances are that insurance is a legal requirement where you live, so you need to make sure you get the right coverage.
New drivers typically have the highest premiums, so you can save yourself the effort and possibly some cash by letting a broker like kbdinsurance.com do the hard work for you. They will know what to look for, but you need to answer all of their questions honestly if you want to get the best cover possible.
Make sure your car is roadworthy
You might have had somebody with you when you bought your new car, but unless they are a professional mechanic, you should get your new vehicle looked over by the professionals before you go too far.
Your local mechanic or garage will know what to look for and can spot anything that might be a problem now and anything that might become a problem later on.
That way, you know what to expect and can save to get it fixed before it breaks down. That way, all you need to do is just carry out basic checks before each journey.
Get familiar with it
You also need to get used to the car and the way it drives. Knowing how quickly it pulls away from junctions or how responsive the breaks are is not something you want to find out the hard way, so take it for a test run to familiar places first of all.
This might be to the local shops (where you can also get some valuable parking practice) or to a relative’s home; make it somewhere you know the way to so you can concentrate on what the car is doing and not where you are going.
Make sure you have the essentials onboard
Even though you might not be going too far just yet, you need to make sure you have everything on board that you need. This does not just mean a jack for changing a tire or other breakdown necessities.
It also includes having enough snacks and water in the car if you are stuck in traffic for long periods of time, headache tablets and other medicines, or a first aid kit for other emergencies.
Final thoughts
Your first car might be your first taste of freedom, but it might also be your first taste of responsibility. You need to ensure your car is roadworthy and that you are familiar with any of its little quirks before you go on any long journeys.
You should also make sure you have everything on board you need and that you are also insured in case the worst happens.
