If you’ve recently passed your driving test, then you’ll know all too well how amazing it feels to finally be able to drive independently on the road. Noone is watching you, and nobody is judging you. Just you and the road. If you don’t already have a car to get started with, there’s a good chance you’re well on your way to buying one already so that you can enjoy your new found independence. But what comes next?
You’ve been working so hard to pass your driving test and because that’s all you’ve been concentrating on, you might be wondering what to do with yourself. Where do you go? Who do you visit? Are you going to make any changes to your car? Let’s take a look at some ideas on the first things you should consider doing once you’ve passed your driving test.
Plan a road trip
You’ve spent your entire life being driven around, and there’s a good chance that because of this, you weren’t always the one in charge of the destination. Well, now’s your chance to get on the road with your friends and enjoy having that freedom. Choose a secluded beach with stunning views, or drive somewhere where you can hike and spend the night camping. Take some time to create a playlist that everyone is going to enjoy so that you and your friends can create memories that are going to last a lifetime. Just don’t forget to pack plenty of supplies!
Give back to friends and family
Up until now, you’ve relied on others to drive you around and make sure you get where you need to be on time, and safe and sound. Now it’s time to give back. Why not invite everyone out for a night out and offer to be the driver? Or, pick someone up and take them to an appointment or whizz them to the shops if they need to get groceries. It seems simple, but it’s a fantastic way of giving back, especially if the people you love helped pay for your lessons (and maybe even your car too).
Personalise your car
You might not want to “pimp your ride” as such, but it’s always good to personalise your car so that it’s more comfortable for you. Let’s take a look at some ideas:
Add an air freshener.
Find a steering wheel cover for those cold mornings where you don’t want to touch a cold steering wheel.
Make sure that your air conditioning is working. If it isn’t, find a mechanic that can repair your air conditioning so you can enjoy the perfect temperature, no matter what the season.
Consider buying a personalised number plate.
Buy matching car mats and seat covers.
Small details like this can make your driving experience even better than you’d imagined! And, they don’t have to cost the earth either!
Look after your car
One thing many new drivers do is forget to actually look after their car. Take the time to learn how to do simple maintenance so that your car can last longer between each service. You can learn how to pump your tires, check your oil and water levels, and even learn how to replace a broken headlamp if the need arises. There are so many different things you could learn how to do yourself which might save you some money in the long run, so it’s definitely worth trying!
Focus on your career
One of the most advantageous parts of driving is the fact that you’re not tied down with your career options, especially those that aren’t within walking distance or easily reached by public transport. Use this to your advantage and start thinking (if you don’t already know) about what kind of career you want to pursue. Once you’ve got it, look for jobs or apprenticeships and go for it!
Bonus tip: Save your no claims
Finally, while this isn’t something you need to do the moment you get your car, it’s definitely something to keep in mind. Lots of people make the mistake of using their insurance for minor things like scrapes or dents. Like we mentioned earlier, there are so many things you can actually repair yourself! The reason for doing this is that with each year that passes and you haven’t used your insurance, you gain another year of no claims. In turn, this drops the price of your insurance with each renewal. Obviously if you need to use your insurance that’s what it’s there for, but saving your no claims might save you some money in the future.