After the Test

Learner drivers have few accidents because they are always under supervision. But, once they pass their test, and can drive unsupervised, their chances of crashing increase dramatically.

Young drivers are much more likely to crash than experienced drivers, especially in their first year of driving. They are more likely to be involved in:

• High speed crashes
• Crashes caused by losing control of the vehicle
• Crashes in the dark
• Crashes when overtaking and negotiating bends.

Young drivers are more likely to make an insurance claim than other drivers, and their claims are more expensive. This is why motor insurance premiums for young drivers are much higher than for other drivers, and can easily run into several thousand pounds a year.

There are many ways to help newly qualified drivers to reduce their risks:

• Continue with some supervised drives for a while, for example, by letting them drive you when you are travelling together
• Choose the new driver's first car carefully
• Encourage the new driver to use an insurance policy that uses telematics
• Encourage the new driver to take a Pass Plus course
• Encourage the new driver to take other training courses
• Consider making a Parent/Young Driver Agreement
• Encourage the new driver to follow the Safety code for new drivers, which is designed to help new drivers to drive safely in the first year after passing the driving test, when they are most vulnerable.

Remember, new drivers lose their licence if they gain 6 (not 12) penalty points within two years of passing their test. Click here for details of the New Drivers' Act.