Learning to drive isn’t just about memorising answers to questions or mastering that fiddly clutch. It’s a deft skill that demands an understanding of traffic laws, road etiquette, and, of course, driving safety. Whether you’re preparing for your very first lesson or brushing up before your test, here are four essential safety rules every learner driver must know.

1. Checking Your Vehicle

Your safety on the road starts long before you even turn the key. Owning your own vehicle can provide valuable practice outside of lessons, but it’s crucial to ensure it’s reliable. Whether it’s a used car from Norwich or a brand-new model from the centre of London, performing regular vehicle checks is essential for safe driving. Skipping these checks could lead to issues that compromise your safety, so make them a habit before heading out on the road.

• Fuel reserve: Running out of fuel can lead to dangerous breakdowns, particularly on busy roads.
• Oil level: Low oil can damage your engine and result in costly repairs.
• Tyre tread depth and pressure: Proper tyre condition improves grip and handling, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Coolant level: Prevents the engine from overheating during long drives.
• Screenwash level: Clear visibility is crucial, especially in poor weather.

2. Defensive Driving

Driving isn’t a naturally aggressive activity, so you don’t want to be on the attack, you want to be on the defence. That’s why defensive driving is such an important driving principle when it comes to safety. This means being alert, anticipating potential hazards, and always considering the safety of others on the road. Driving defensively not only protects you but also helps ensure the safety of passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.

• Maintaining a safe distance: Leave at least a two-second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. Increase this distance in bad weather conditions.
• Avoiding distractions: Keep your focus on the road at all times—this means no texting, no eating, and no unnecessary multitasking.
• Anticipating others’ actions: Assume other drivers may make mistakes and be prepared to react.

3. Navigating the Motorway

Motorways can seem intimidating for new drivers but learning the rules of motorway driving early will set you up well for the future. Because you’re going to have to tackle them eventually.

• Stick to the left-hand lane: Only move to other lanes to overtake, then return to the left.
• Understand emergency lane use: The hard shoulder should only be used in emergencies, such as a breakdown.
• Keep a safe speed: Follow speed limits and maintain a consistent pace to avoid sudden braking.

4. Blind Spots

Forgetting to check blind spots is a common mistake that can result in test failures—and worse, accidents. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that aren’t visible through mirrors and require a physical head check.

You should always check blind spots before:

• Changing or merging lanes
• Turning or reversing
• Opening your car door
• Passing parked cars
• Leaving a kerb to rejoin traffic

Make checking blind spots second nature until it becomes muscle memory; it’s a simple step that significantly enhances road safety for you and everyone else on the road.