What to Expect After Passing Your Driving Test

If you’ve just passed your driving test, congratulations! With your new freedom to hit the roads, you can get on with starting your best adventures yet. 

Whether you’re starting a new job or enjoying some time off, the first few months of driving are all about building confidence and experience. With a sensible approach, you can manage your expectations to make this time as productive and stress-free as possible. Here’s what to expect. 

1. Getting your full driving licence 

While you’re learning to drive, you can only have the green provisional licence. This allows you to drive a car when you’re being supervised by an adult, who could be a friend, family member or your driving instructor. 

When you pass your practical driving test, you get an instant upgrade to a full driving licence. Usually, you won’t need to reapply for a licence unless you’ve changed your name or address. You’ll pass your old provisional one to your driving examiner at the end of the test. Your new full driving licence will then be sent to you automatically! 

1. Building confidence as a new driver 

Passing your test is just the beginning of your time on the roads. 

Driving regularly and in a range of different environments is the only way to continue building your skills and confidence behind the wheel. If you’re interested in further qualifications to boost your experience and potentially lower insurance costs, you could take a Pass Plus course. 

Even though you’re not legally required to drive under supervision now, you may still choose to drive with an experienced friend or family member. There’s lots to learn in the first few months after passing your test.  

This is also a good time for you to get a young drivers insurance policy to ensure you’re covered from the start. 

1. Understanding your legal and financial responsibilities 

Owning and driving a car comes with a set of legal and financial obligations.  

You’ll have several recurring and unavoidable expenses as a motorist. These include road tax, vehicle maintenance, and insurance. Breakdown cover is not a legal requirement, but we’d strongly recommend obtaining at least a basic policy for peace of mind. Breaking down doesn’t need to mean being stranded on the side of the road for hours.  

The ongoing costs of driving also take many new drivers by surprise. You’ll need to pay for fuel costs, which will vary according to your mileage and vehicle fuel economy. Don’t forget about regular servicing and getting your car through its annual MOT test too.  

1. Learning sensibly 

Passing your test means that your car is now truly yours! 

It’s easy to get carried away with your newfound freedom when you pass your test but remember not to rush the process. New drivers still have every responsibility to abide by the Highway Code, and you’ll also be penalised more harshly for breaking the law. 

If you’re caught by the police using your mobile phone behind the wheel, for example, you’ll immediately get 6 penalty points on your licence – that means needing to take your practical test again. 

So, despite the enthusiasm to get your next adventures started, try to take your time and take each day as it comes. But don’t forget to have fun!