Advice For Driving Solo For The First Time

​Now you have passed your test, bought your first car, sorted out the insurance, car tax and MOT; you are now ready for the first solo drive.  

How to prepare your car 

Before you start any journey on the road, it is best to check your car to make sure it is roadworthy.

Key areas that you should look at are the condition of your tyres, making sure there is no damage, and they are at the legal limit of tyre tread.

It is crucial to ensure that your car's fluid levels are between the minimum and maximum markers to prevent breakdowns. The windscreen washer fluid keeps your windscreen clean and clear of dust, dirt, and debris. Engine oil is essential for the smooth operation of your engine, while coolant helps prevent the engine from overheating. For detailed instructions on how to check and refill these fluids when they are low, please refer to our blog on car fluid levels.

Test your lights to make sure they are working correctly. If the lights don’t turn on or they seem low, pick up a new bulb from your nearest automotive store.

Clean your windows, especially the blind spots, so you have a clear view of the road. Use anammonia-free automotive glass cleaner and a microfiber towel to avoid any streaks on the windows.

How to prepare for the roads 

Once your car is ready, you can get ready to drive. Here are some steps you can take to feel comfortable while driving.

Driving in the day 

Driving in the daytime gives you full visibility of the roads, without feeling too limited to the dark or difficult weather conditions.

Avoid rush hours

Rush hour typically occurs from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM when commuters head to school or work, and again from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM when they return home. For your first few solo drives, consider going during the early afternoons or early evenings. This way, you'll have time to practice the roads and manoeuvres you need to work on.

Drive the roads you are familiar with 

Go on the roads that follow your normal walking routes or the roads you learnt, so you aren’t faced with anything unexpected.

Don’t give in to pressure

Your friends, family, or outside noise may make you want to drive faster or on more complicated roads when you aren’t ready. Go at your own pace and don’t push yourself to do anything you are not comfortable with.

Remove distractions from the car

For your first solo drives, drive without any music or radio or with friends, and turn your phone on Do Not Disturb or silentso you can have full control and focus on the road. Once you start to feel confident with driving, start slowly introducing having the music on, then once you feel fully confident you are in control of the car, have a trusted friend or family member in the car with you.

Try the Pass Plus Scheme or Refresher Course 

If you would like an extra boost of confidence, the Pass Plus Scheme or a Refresher Course are great to relearn the basics and get support that what you are doing is correct.

Use ‘P’ plates

‘P’ plates are not a legal requirement to have on your car once you have passed, but they may give you peace of mind knowing that other drivers know you are a new driver and may need more time and patience. 

Handy guides on driving for new drivers

We have created a range of blogs on our website, targetingnew drivers, so they feel confident on the roads.

• Finding your first electric car at Snows

• Understanding electric car charging

• How to check your car’s fluid levels

• How to prepare to drive in the summer

• Top tips for new drivers

• The complete guide to car services

• The Show Me, Tell Me answers 2026

• The car buying process

• How to refill a petrol car

• How to charge an electric car or a plug-in hybrid car

• What is a Seasonal Health Check

• A guide for long distance driving