What to do after passing your driving test?

Yay, you’ve finally passed your driving test – only question is, what do you do now? Check out our guide on what to do after passing your driving test and how to safely get on the road in no time! 

Your licence

After passing your test, your examiner will arrange for your provisional licence to be sent to the DVLA, where it will become a full driving licence. It can take up to three weeks to receive your licence in the post, but luckily you don’t need to wait until it arrives to start driving. As long as you have a car that is taxed and insured then you’re all set! 

Choose the right car

As a first-time driver, it may be wise to opt for a used car. Second-hand cars can be significantly cheaper and often cost less to insure and tax. Repairing a used car is also often cheaper, as parts may be more widely available and don’t need to be sourced directly from the manufacturer. 

There are many reputable websites where you can find your perfect car, compare features and prices, and search for vehicles within your local area. CarVansandBikes.com is a popular choice – just be sure to check that the car comes with all necessary documents and has passed its MOT. Also, be sure to test drive before you purchase!

Consider P plates

Although they aren’t compulsory, if you’re still a tad nervous about driving, then green P plates on your car should encourage other drivers to give you a bit of leeway. Widely available, these can be displayed on your vehicle for as long as you wish.

Consider a Pass Plus Course

Usually costing between £150 and £200, the Pass Plus Course is a government-run advanced training course, designed to give new drivers more confidence on the road. The six-lesson course (without a test) covers driving in six different settings – in town, in poor weather conditions, at night, on rural roads, dual carriageways and motorways. Designed to make you a safer driver, once completed you are statistically less likely to have an accident, and as such your car insurance may be lower. 

Register the Vehicle 

If you’ve purchased a new car, the dealer will usually register it for you and you’ll receive a V53 registration certificate (log book) within six weeks. If you’ve purchased a used car, then you or the seller will need to register it in your name with the DVLA. This can be done online or by post. Click here for full details.

Get Insured

If you’re wondering what to do after passing your driving test, before you get behind the wheel you will need to make sure you have sorted out car insurance. First-time drivers often pay a premium, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal that suits your needs. You’ll need to decide which type of car insurance to go for – third party or comprehensive. Third party is the most basic cover and the legal minimum for drivers, and as the name suggests, it just covers damages and injuries to other people. 

Third party won’t cover any costs to your car, injury to yourself, or the replacement costs if your car is stolen. In contrast, comprehensive (the most popular type of car insurance) covers all damages to you and your car, as well as to third parties. Comprehensive policies differ slightly, with some providing cover for the personal contents of your car (such as your sat nav device) – but this may come at an extra cost. 

Get Taxed

If you’re buying a new car from a dealership then they will probably sort out your tax for you. But if you’re buying a second-hand car then you need to ensure that your car has been taxed before you take to the road. The previous car owner should provide you with a V5C logbook or a V5C/2 supplement which will contain a number for renewing your tax. You can enter this number on the government website and follow the steps to tax your vehicle. 

Ready to buy your first car? Check out some amazing deals online now!