First Time Alone

The first time out in your car alone when you have passed your test can be best described as:

Terrifying
Exciting
Scary
Fun

You would have driven many miles with someone beside you when you were a learner. But as a fully qualified driver the time is going to come where you will need to go it alone! So to make sure you enjoy your first time take note of the following points:

1. Plan the time – set aside a time of the day you plan to go out. We suggest avoiding rush hour traffic. You should try and go out in daylight until you get used to driving solo.

2. Weather – If you have done Pass Plus, you will have experienced all weather driving at least in theory. No doubt if you live in the UK you would have learnt to drive in all sorts of conditions, which would have hopefully prepared you well. However, for your first drive try and go out when the weather is settled and dry. This will be safer and more enjoyable for you.

3. Route – Plan a route, in your mind at least. Avoid any roads you may not feel confident dealing with as you can tackle them as you build your experience. Aim to go out for no longer than one hour. This is long enough to get the initial feel of solo driving without tiring yourself out. Make sure you tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back.

4. Get a good CD/MP3 – Relax! You are no longer on a driving lesson. Pick a CD or MP3 with your best tracks on and play it in the car. Try not to have it so loud as you can’t hear what is going on around you, but make sure you can use the music to relax. This will help your driving. If you are finding it hard to concentrate don’t hesitate to turn the music off – it’s entirely up to you. We encourage our students to listen to music when we are training them on Pass Plus as it helps them relax, take more in, and breaks the “classroom atmosphere” often associated with traditional driving lessons.

5. Don’t worry – There are idiots on the road, watch out and anticipate any aggressive behaviour. If you make a mistake try and keep calm and try to think what your instructor would have suggested in that situation. Using P Plates can be extremely effective at reducing other drivers aggressive behaviour. If someone upsets you, stop in a safe place and compose yourself, take time to relax.

DriveRS - Driver Training Pre and Post Test