Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental’s checklist for new drivers
After hours of practice and completing your theory, you’ve passed your driving test and you’re ready to hit the road with a full license.
So, what’s first on the itinerary? A trip to the drive-thru with some friends? Perhaps a shopping trip now that you’ve got a boot to fill? Or maybe it’s time for a good old-fashioned road trip?
Well, whatever you decide, we’ve pulled together some tips to get you there as safely as possible.
Your vehicle
Already got a car or have access to someone else’s? You can skip this step.
Not so lucky? Don’t worry – whether or not you’re a first-time buyer who is looking for the fastest or the most affordable option, Arnold Clark has the best choice for all budgets.
And of course, if you’re not ready to buy, you can always hire from Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental.
Insurance
Once you’ve got your car, the next step is arranging your insurance. This is a legal requirement so don’t forget! Insurance can be costly for first-time drivers, especially if you’re aged between 17 and 21.
It can be good to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Road tax
This is another crucial legal requirement, so check that your car is up to date with its road tax. Note: the law has now changed so you don’t have to display the road tax disc on your vehicle. You can check if your vehicle’s road tax is up to date by visiting the UK Government website.
Get to know the car
Before you hit the open road, familiarise yourself with your car and make sure you know where everything is.
You'll also want to carry out some safety checks before you set off. Think about things like tyre pressure and the position of your mirrors, and make sure you're comfortable with everything.
Road trip
Getting out for the first time after passing your test can be a daunting experience, so why not take a few short trips to get comfortable in the driving seat?
If you’re driving a different car from the one you practiced in, take some time to figure out where all the controls are and familiarise yourself with how it feels.
But if you fancy heading a bit further, why not plan a road trip? You could even plan a UK staycation.
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