Just Passed Your Driving Test? Here's What You Should Do Next

Congratulations on passing your driving test! Whether you passed first time or it’s taken you a while to reach this milestone, learning to drive is a wonderful achievement and is something that will change your life for the better.

Now your L plates are finally behind you, it’s time to start thinking ahead, but what should you prioritise now that you've finally passed your driving test? In this post, we’ll explore everything you should focus on now that you can hit the road safely and legally. Read on to find out more. 

Start Thinking About Insurance

If you already have your own car then it’s important that you start thinking about insuring it as soon as possible. It’s a legal requirement for every driver in the UK to have insurance, so don’t skip this part. You can start by exploring car insurance comparison sites for the best quotes and the best options for new drivers. It’s easy to feel bamboozled by all the jargon and all the options out there, so make a list of what you need from an insurance provider and consider multiple ways you can keep your premiums down as a new driver. For example, you could:

Purchase a vehicle in a low insurance group

• Add a second driver to your policy - assuming they’re low risk
• Be wary of additional fees on monthly payments
• Consider paying your premiums annually rather than monthly
• Consider “black box” insurance as this can provide you with cheaper premiums straight away and also gives you the opportunity to earn even cheaper premiums with good driving when you come to renew

Buying A Car

If you don’t have a car just yet, you’ll need to start looking. Remember, buying a car in a lower insurance group is a simple and effective way to keep your insurance premiums low right off the bat. Other things you’ll need to consider are if you need to pay any road tax, engine size, safety features, or even potential costs relating to CO2 emissions. You’ll also need to consider if you want to buy a new car on finance or go for something second-hand. There are thousands of options out there, so make sure you take your time and don’t rush into anything. 

Consider Adding P Plates to Your Vehicle

Yes, you’ve finally dropped your L plates, but many new drivers choose to swap their Ls for Ps. Why? Pass plates let other drivers know that although you’ve legally passed your test, they can still expect you to be extra cautious and even be a little nervous behind the wheel, so they should be a little more patient with you and understanding. Not all drivers will care about such things, but having P plates can give some new drivers a little more confidence whilst getting used to driving solo. 

Consider More Lessons

Yes, you’ve passed your test on local roads, but when it comes to driving there are always new roads to experience and new rules to follow. One such scenario is driving on the motorway, driving at night or even more practice parking if you’re still a little hesitant. Getting in more practice will give you more confidence behind the wheel and some additional lessons or driving courses can even bring down your insurance premiums! 

Final Thoughts…

Congratulations on passing your driving test - follow the steps above to hit the road with confidence!