Annex 8 - Safety code for new drivers
Information about the safety code for new drivers, including the New Drivers Act and further training.
Once you have passed the driving test you will be able to drive on your own. This will provide you with lots of opportunities but you need to remain safe. Even though you have shown you have the skills you need to drive safely, many newly qualified drivers lack experience. You need to continue to develop your skills, especially anticipating other road users’ behaviour to avoid having a collision. As many as one new driver in five has some kind of collision in their first year of driving. This code provides advice to help you get through the first 12 months after passing the driving test, when you are most vulnerable, as safely as possible.
The safety code
- Many of the worst collisions happen at night. Between midnight and 6 am is a time of high risk for new drivers. Avoid driving then unless it’s really necessary.
- If you are driving with passengers, you are responsible for their safety. Don’t let them distract you or encourage you to take risks. Tell your passengers that you need to concentrate if you are to get to your destination safely.
- Never show off or try to compete with other drivers, particularly if they are driving badly.
- Don’t drive if you have consumed any alcohol or taken drugs. Even over-the-counter medicines can affect your ability to drive safely - read the label to see if they may affect your driving.
- Make sure everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt throughout the journey.
- Keep your speed down - many serious collisions happen because the driver loses control, particularly on bends.
- Most new drivers have no experience of driving high-powered or sporty cars. Unless you have learnt to drive in such a vehicle you need to get plenty of experience driving on your own before driving a more powerful car.
- Driving while uninsured is an offence. See Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements for information on types of insurance cover.
New Drivers Act
REMEMBER that under the New Drivers Act you will have your licence revoked if you get six penalty points on your licence within two years of passing your first driving test. You will need to pass both the theory and practical tests again to get back your full licence.
Further training
You could consider taking further training such as Pass Plus, which could also save you money on your insurance, as well as helping you reduce your risk of being involved in a collision.
Safety Code for New Drivers: What You Need to Know for the Theory Test
New drivers need to turn basic driving skills into safe habits. The key themes are concentration, speed, passengers, night driving, impairment and learning from experience.
Experience matters
Passing the driving test proves that you have reached the required standard, but it does not replace real-world experience. Continue developing your ability to anticipate hazards and other road users.
Look beyond the immediate situation
Do not concentrate only on what is directly in front of you. Scan ahead, anticipate what other road users may do and give yourself time to react safely.
What is the main risk for new drivers?
A common test principle is that newly qualified drivers have limited experience. Safe answers usually involve anticipation, observation, patience and maintaining control.
Night driving needs extra care
Driving at night can be more demanding, particularly for inexperienced drivers. Reduced visibility and tiredness can make hazards harder to identify and respond to.
Avoid unnecessary high-risk journeys
If a journey at a high-risk time is not necessary, consider whether it can be avoided. Never let passengers or other drivers pressure you into taking unnecessary risks.
Why is night driving risky?
Think about reduced visibility, fatigue and difficulty judging hazards. Theory Test questions may ask what makes a journey particularly risky for an inexperienced driver.
Passengers must not distract you
As the driver, you are responsible for maintaining concentration and control. Do not allow passengers to encourage speeding, competition or other unsafe behaviour.
Set clear boundaries
Tell passengers that you need to concentrate. Ignore pressure from passengers or other drivers and focus on reaching your destination safely.
What should you do if another driver is showing off?
Do not compete or respond to risky behaviour. The safest response is to stay calm, maintain control and avoid becoming involved.
Never drive while impaired
Alcohol, illegal drugs and some medicines can affect your ability to drive safely. Always check whether medication can cause drowsiness or otherwise affect driving.
Check before you drive
If you have taken medicine, read the information supplied with it. If alcohol, drugs or medication may affect your ability to drive, do not drive.
Can medicine affect driving?
Yes. A test question may focus on medicines that cause drowsiness or impair concentration, judgement or reactions. Always check the label or medical advice.
Control your speed
Speed affects your ability to control the vehicle and respond to hazards. This is particularly important on bends and in situations where conditions change quickly.
Slow down before the hazard
Do not wait until you are already in a bend or difficult situation to reduce speed. Adjust your speed early enough to remain in control.
Why are bends important?
A common principle is that excessive speed can cause loss of control, especially when cornering. The correct response is to reduce speed and maintain control.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
Several situations can look similar in a Theory Test question but require a different way of thinking.
Safety Code for New Drivers: Theory Test FAQ
Why are new drivers considered more vulnerable?
New drivers may have the necessary basic skills but lack experience in anticipating hazards and other road users' behaviour. Continued practice and further training can help develop these skills.
Why can driving at night be more dangerous for a new driver?
Reduced visibility can make hazards harder to identify, while fatigue can reduce concentration and reactions. New drivers should avoid unnecessary high-risk night journeys.
What should a driver do if passengers encourage risky behaviour?
The driver should remain focused and in control. Do not allow passengers to encourage speeding, competition, distraction or any other unsafe behaviour.
Should a new driver compete with another driver who is driving badly?
No. Do not race, show off or respond to provocation. Stay calm, maintain control and avoid becoming involved in another driver's risky behaviour.
Can over-the-counter medicine affect driving?
Yes. Some medicines can affect alertness, concentration, judgement or reactions. Check the medicine information and do not drive if you are not fit to do so.
Why should new drivers keep their speed down?
Excessive speed can reduce the time available to react and make it harder to keep control, particularly on bends and when hazards appear unexpectedly.
Is the speed limit always the safest speed?
No. The speed limit is the legal maximum for that road, but the appropriate speed may need to be lower because of weather, visibility, traffic, road layout or other hazards.
Can a new driver use a more powerful car after passing the test?
A newly qualified driver may legally be able to drive the vehicle, but a powerful or sporty car can require more experience and careful handling. Build experience gradually before driving a higher-performance vehicle.
What happens if a new driver reaches the relevant penalty-point threshold?
New drivers are subject to special rules under the New Drivers Act. Reaching the applicable threshold during the relevant new-driver period can result in the licence being revoked, after which the driver must follow the required process to regain full driving entitlement.
What is the main safety message for a newly qualified driver?
Keep developing your skills, anticipate hazards, control your speed, avoid distractions and never drive when alcohol, drugs or medication have affected your ability to drive safely.