You’ve put in the hard work and you have passed your driving test! Good work! You’ve ripped up your L-plates and wangled the keys to a car. You’re ready to get out on the open road and show what you and your driving skills can get up to. Well, almost ready. Some people say that passing your driving test is the easy part, and it’s a lot harder when driving on own for the first time.

Young drivers have a bad reputation, particularly young male drivers. This seems unfair but the ‘boy-racer’ stereotype is based on actual statistics. Studies have shown that young drivers often have good technical skill, vehicle control and fast reactions, but that they take greater risks on the road and therefore have more accidents.

Research carried out by the insurance industry shows that teenage drivers are 10 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured while driving than motorists in their 40s.

Don’t be a statistic

- Young drivers don’t have the experience or road knowledge that older drivers do, and are more likely to have accidents in bad weather or on new or strange roads. Learn to ‘read the road’ and drop your speed in bad weather.

- Newly qualified drivers often feel empowered when they get on the road, and drive for fun rather than to get from A to B. Don’t let this thrill seeking lead you into risky driving!

- Young drivers are more likely to drive ‘recklessly’ when there are other people in the car, don’t let your mates push you into performing stunts or pushing the speed limit.

- Studies also show that young people are less concerned with breaking the speed limit than older drivers.  Slow down and don’t drive like an idiot - accidents are much more likely to happen at high speeds.

Car Insurance

Young drivers, particularly male drivers are likely to pay higher premiums on car insurance. This is because car insurance companies consider young drivers to be ‘high-risk’. The statistics show that young male drivers will claim more on their insurance than any other group, and their claims will be more expensive.

Have you ever wondered why young people have to pay so much for car insurance? It’s because statistically insurance companies make a loss when they insure younger drivers and that makes it an unattractive prospect.

By driving safely you can reduce the costs of your own car insurance over time.  If you have had an accident free few years, you will start to pay less for your insurance. In 4 years you can expect to see a 60% reduction on your insurance premium with some companies offering 75% discounts for the ‘safest drivers’.  Driving safely will also bring down the statistics for your age group, and if enough people drive safely it will help get cheaper car insurance for everyone.

Pass Plus

Another way to get cheaper car insurance is to take part in the Pass Plus Scheme. Pass Plus is an intensive training course aimed at helping new drivers to become better drivers. Pass Plus builds on your existing skills and knowledge, but widens your experience. The six modules cover driving in town, driving in all weathers, driving on rural roads, driving at night, and driving on dual carriageways and motorways.

A number of local authorities support the Pass Plus scheme and will help you with course costs if you choose a Pass Plus registered instructor from their list. Visit your council website to find out more.

Pass the Pass Plus scheme and you can get a discount of up 35% on your car insurance. The cost of the course is around £150 but the amount you save on your insurance means that it's really worth it!