Common Questions Every New Driver Asks: Your Complete FAQ Guide

Congratulations – you’ve passed your test! But now a whole new set of questions arises. How does insurance work? Can I drive on the motorway? What if I get points? How do I maintain my car?

Every new driver asks these same questions. You’re not alone, and there are no silly questions when it comes to your safety and legal responsibilities. This guide answers the most common questions new drivers have – from practical driving tips to legal requirements and car maintenance. Whether you’re learning with a driving school in Ilford or have found the cheapest driving instructor near me, this FAQ will help you navigate your first months as a qualified driver. And for more detailed guidance, check out our engine oil and fluid check guide for new UK drivers .

Part 1: Insurance Questions

Q1: How much will my insurance cost?

A: For new drivers, insurance is expensive. The average annual premium for a 21-year-old driver with 2 years’ experience is around £1,098 (2025 figure) . For a newly qualified 17-year-old, it can be significantly higher.

Factors that affect your premium:

Your age (younger = more expensive)
Your car (engine size, insurance group)
Where you live (urban areas cost more)
Where you park (garage/driveway cheaper than street)
Your annual mileage (lower = cheaper)
Your job title (some professions cost less)

Q2: How can I save money on insurance?

A: Try these proven strategies:

Strategy	Potential Saving
Black box (telematics) policy	Significant – proves you’re a safe driver
Add an experienced named driver	20-50% (parent on policy)
Pay annually	Save up to 31% on interest
Choose a low insurance group car	Hundreds of pounds
Increase voluntary excess	Lower premium (but ensure you can afford it)
Compare quotes 20-29 days before renewal	Cheapest prices found 20 days before

Q3: What’s the difference between Third Party and Comprehensive?

Third Party Only (TPO): Legal minimum. Covers damage you cause to others. Does NOT cover your own car.
Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT): TPO + covers fire damage and theft.
Comprehensive: TPFT + covers damage to your own car, even if it’s your fault.

For new drivers: Comprehensive is often the best value. The premium difference is often small, and you get full protection for your investment.

Q4: Do I need to insure a car I’m not driving?

A: Yes, under Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) , your vehicle must be insured at all times unless you’ve declared it off the road with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) . Even if parked on the street, it must be insured.

Part 2: Driving Rules and Legal Questions

Q5: Can I drive on the motorway as a new driver?

A: Yes! Once you’ve passed your test, you can legally drive on motorways. However, many new drivers are nervous about motorways – over half (53%) have never driven on one before passing .

Tips for first motorway drive:

Start at quiet times (Sunday morning)
Take an experienced passenger
Practice joining, lane discipline, and leaving
Consider a Pass Plus course (includes motorway module)

Q6: What’s the 2-year probation period?

A: Under the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 , new drivers are on probation for 2 years after passing their first test . If you accumulate 6 or more penalty points during this time, your licence will be automatically revoked .

How easily can you get 6 points?

1 mobile phone offence = 6 points
2 speeding tickets = 6 points
2 red light offences = 6 points
1 insurance offence = 6-8 points

Q7: What happens if my licence is revoked?

A: You must:

Reapply for a provisional licence
Display L-plates
Drive only with supervision
Retake both the theory and practical tests
Pay for everything again

Q8: Can I use my phone while driving?

A: It is illegal to use a hand-held phone while driving , including:

Being stopped at traffic lights
Queuing in traffic
Supervising a learner

Penalty: 6 points and £200 fine – for new drivers, that’s automatic licence revocation .

Permitted use: Only when safely parked, for 999 emergency calls, or contactless payment at drive-through (while stationary).

Q9: What’s the legal alcohol limit for driving?

England & Wales: 35 micrograms per 100ml of breath (80mg blood)
Scotland: 22 micrograms (50mg blood)

Best advice for new drivers: Zero alcohol if driving. Any amount affects your ability. Proposed changes may introduce a near-zero limit for new drivers .

Part 3: Car Maintenance Questions

Q10: How often should I check my car?

A: Perform a 10-minute weekly check :

Check	Frequency
Tyre pressure	Weekly
Tyre tread (20p test)	Weekly
Engine oil	Weekly
Coolant	Weekly
Screenwash	Weekly
Lights	Weekly

Q11: How do I check my tyre pressure?

Find recommended pressure in owner’s manual or driver’s door frame
Check when tyres are cold (not driven for 2-3 hours)
Use a pressure gauge (petrol stations have them)
Press firmly onto the valve
Add air if low, release if over-inflated

Q12: What’s the 20p test?

A: Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If you can see the outer rim of the coin , your tread may be below the legal limit (1.6mm). Driving with illegal tyres can result in fines of up to £2,500 per tyre and 3 penalty points .

Q13: How often does my car need a service?

At least once a year – even if you drive low mileage
Every 10,000-12,000 miles – whichever comes first
More frequently for high-mileage drivers – consider interim service every 6 months

Q14: What’s the difference between a service and an MOT?

MOT: Legal requirement after 3 years. Tests minimum safety standards. Pass/fail only.
Service: Recommended maintenance. Comprehensive inspection + replacements. Prevents breakdowns.

A car can pass its MOT and break down the next day. A service catches issues before they leave you stranded.

Q15: What do dashboard warning lights mean?

A: Colour code:

RED – STOP IMMEDIATELY (oil pressure, brakes, overheating)
AMBER – Check soon (engine, ABS, tyre pressure)
GREEN/BLUE – Information only (headlights on)

Never ignore a red warning light – it could save your engine or your life.

Part 4: Driving Skills Questions

Q16: How do I overcome test day nerves?

Prepare thoroughly – mock tests build confidence
Breathe – use 4-7-8 technique (in 4, hold 7, out 8)
Don’t dwell on mistakes – focus on the rest of the drive
Talk to yourself – verbalising helps focus
Remember – the examiner wants you to pass

Q17: How do I drive safely on motorways?

Join at the same speed as traffic (not slower)
Keep left unless overtaking
Maintain safe following distance (2 seconds, 4 in rain)
Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds
Never drive in a lane with a red ‘X’ (lane closed)
If you miss your exit, continue to the next one – never reverse or stop

Q18: How do I drive in the dark?

Use dipped headlights normally; full beam on unlit roads
Dip headlights for oncoming traffic
Increase following distance to 4 seconds
Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and animals
Keep windscreen clean to reduce glare
Take breaks every 2 hours – fatigue kills

Q19: How do I drive in rain?

Increase following distance to 4+ seconds
Use dipped headlights
Reduce speed – stopping distances double in wet conditions
Watch for standing water (risk of aquaplaning)
Demist windows for clear visibility

Part 5: Practical Questions

Q20: How do I get my first car?

Budget – include purchase price, insurance, tax, maintenance
Insurance group – choose a low group car (1-10 is best)
Engine size – smaller is cheaper to insure (1.0-1.2 litre)
Age – older cars may be cheaper but less safe; newer cars have safety features
Check history – MOT history, service records, mileage

Q21: Should I take a Pass Plus course?

A: Pass Plus is a 6-hour course covering:

Motorway driving
Night driving
All-weather driving
Rural roads
Town driving

Benefits:

Builds confidence in challenging situations
May reduce insurance premiums (check with your insurer)
Some insurers offer significant discounts

Q22: What should I keep in my car?

A: Essential items:

Legal: Insurance certificate, V5C logbook (not always required to carry)
Safety: Hi-vis vest, warning triangle, first aid kit
Practical: Phone charger, screenwash, de-icer (winter)
Emergency: Water, snacks, blanket, torch

Q23: How do I find a good garage?

Look for reviews on Google, Trustpilot
Ask for recommendations from family/friends
Check for qualifications (Garage Watchdog, Which? Trusted Trader)
Get multiple quotes for major work
Ask questions – a good garage will explain what they’re doing

Part 6: Quick Reference – New Driver Checklist

Category	Action	Frequency
Insurance	Compare quotes, consider black box	Annually
Car checks	Tyres, oil, coolant, lights	Weekly
Service	Professional inspection	Annually
MOT	Legal requirement	Annually (after 3 years)
Tax	Vehicle tax	Annually or monthly
Driving	Practice regularly, build experience	Ongoing
Learning	Consider Pass Plus	Once (recommended)
Legal	Stay under 6 points in first 2 years	Ongoing

Conclusion: Your Questions Answered

The questions every new driver asks are normal – and important. From insurance costs to motorway driving, from car maintenance to legal requirements, understanding the answers keeps you safe, legal, and confident on the road.

Remember:

6 points in first 2 years = licence revoked
Check your car weekly – 10 minutes saves money and stress
Build experience gradually – start with familiar roads
Keep learning – Pass Plus, advanced courses, every drive is practice

Ready to continue your driving journey with expert support?

📞 Call Driving Academy Ltd at 07399 696344 – Even after you pass, we’re here to help with Pass Plus, refresher lessons, and any questions you have. Based in Whitechapel, serving Ilford and London.
📧 Email: drivingacademyltd@gmail.com
📍 Visit Us: 101 Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 7RA

Your journey to confident, responsible driving continues here. Book a refresher or Pass Plus course today.