Easy Tips for Beginners to Drive Safely in the UK

Every country has its own rules and etiquettes for driving and the same goes for the UK. So, if you are new to the UK, a first-time driver starting from scratch, or preparing for a driving test, you should get enrolled for an intensive driving course in a local, insured, and recognized driving school. Sometimes, this course is also referred to as a crash driving course. This course crams driving lessons into a short duration so that you can be ready to pass your test earlier and drive on the Brit road worry-free.

In this post, we are going to share tips that will come handy to people new to driving in the UK.

· Use horns only when someone’s driving behaviour on the road is rash and dangerous. Prefer a quick pip because prolonged sounding of the horn is deemed as hostile. The use of a car horn is prohibited in built-up areas between 11:30 pm and 7 am.

· If you are in traffic, let at least one car in at junctions and exits wherever possible. It is an act of politeness.

· Allow ambulance, fire, and police vehicles to pass before you safely and legally. Until you find a place where you can safely pull out of the way, continue to drive. Don’t stop right away in the middle of the road or break the law unless instructed by a police officer.

· Don’t try to jump the queue or go up the wrong lane and then try to get in the lane. Drivers won’t let you do this and you may find yourself blocked.

· Roads in the UK are narrow, thus vehicles coming uphill are always given priority.

· On British motorways, you will find no “fast lanes”. Thus, unless you are planning to overtake another vehicle, you should stick to the left-hand lane (“Lane 1”) at all times. When you change lanes, you must inform other drivers by signalling with your car indicator.

· Based on the situation, you can flash your lights or blink hazard lights a few times to express “Thank You”, “You’re Welcome”, or “Go Ahead”.

· For driving below the required speed, the police may arrest you if the officer thinks that too slow driving is a risk to other road users. You might even be fined for driving slowly.

· Maintain an appropriate distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Don’t drive too close. Understand that other drivers behind you are also making an effort to maintain a safe, legal, and braking distance.

· In case you are involved in a road traffic accident, you, as a driver, must stop if anyone is injured or there is damage to another vehicle, property, or an animal is injured. It is recommended to remain at the scene for a reasonable duration and provide your vehicle registration number, insurance details, and your name and address, and that of the vehicle owner to anyone who is authorized to inquire and ask those details.

· If your car breaks down while you are driving, get your car off of the road if possible. Ensure to warn other road users by using hazard warning lights if your vehicle is obstructing the path of other road users or posing any threat to them.

While these tips will help you a lot, it is always recommended to pursue and complete an intensive driving course and pass the test to ensure that you drive safely and don’t cause harm to others on the road.

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