5 Things Every New Driver Should Know
Congratulations, you have a driver’s licence and access to a vehicle that you can actually drive regularly. I bet you’re tingling in all sorts of places to drive that thing, but before you do, take a look at these five things every young driver should keep in mind.
The owner’s manual is actually worth a read
The manual will help you figure out everything from how to pop the hood to what that little status light on the dashboard means. It’ll tell you what you need to know in order to change a tire, what the tire pressure should be and so much more.
Most people just keep the owner's manual in the glove compartment for easy retrieval, but it doesn’t hurt to learn all about the car controls and read the maintenance information before you start driving the vehicle.
You can get auto insurance with a G1 or Class 7 licence
Considering they can’t even legally drive by themselves, most people with basic learner’s permits don’t even think about buying auto insurance, but they can. All they need to do is be the registered owner of a vehicle and voila you can get insured. One catch though: since G1/Class 7 drivers can’t drive on their own, the primary driver on the policy must hold a G2/Class 5 GDL or higher.
TIP:If you’re a young driver, you’re probably paying a lot for insurance. Compare car insurance rates to find which provider offers the best deal for you.
Yes, you can cross the border with your graduated licence
Just like here, driving in the United States with less than a full licence comes with restrictions. Since every state and has different rules regarding licensing, try to read up beforehand on the road rules for your destination as well as these tips for making border crossing a hassle-free experience.
What to do if you get into an accident
I really hope you’ll never need to know this, but the chances are at some point or another whether it’s your fault or not, you’re probably going to get into a car accident. Trust me, it happens to the best of us.
If you get into an accident remember to remain calm. Put on your warning lights and pull over to the side of the road if you can. Make sure you and all your passengers are safe and call 9-1-1. Drivers should always make sure they travel with their cell phone, as well as a pen and notepad for exchanging insurance information with the other driver in case of an accident.
You’re still cool if you drive carefully
The reality of being a driver is that anything can and may happen to you when you're on the road, so DRIVE SAFELY. You might feel excited, blasting music with your friends as you cruise down the streets, but that’s no excuse for reckless driving - always remember to pay attention to the road and be safe.