Once you decided to learn to drive, you must choose a reputable driving instructor in Streatham, Putney or Kingston. They will ensure that you are taught to drive to the correct standard and enable you to pass your driving test.

If you have just passed your driving test then the real test comes in the form of learning how to be safe on busy roads without the need for supervision. A large percentage of drivers find themselves feeling nervous when they face driving a car by themselves with no one sat at the side of them to advise them.

Statistically, new drivers are more likely to have a car accident in their first year of driving compared to any other drivers. The peak time for accidents is in the early hours of the morning.

However, if you are easily distract when you are driving with a passenger who continues to keep talking to you, do not be frightened of saying you need to concentrate on your driving.

Do not show off by speeding as you will put your life and your passengers in danger. As a new driver you will have your licence revoked if you have six penalty points in the first two years after you have passed your driving test.

If this happens to you contact your driving school for further advice on the courses they have which are tailored for this occasion.

If you are a new learner driver ask your driving instructor for more information on the requirements of the Highway code.

Listed below are a few useful tips:

• The sideways glance is essential when you are on the move in your car to check for blind spots. This also is important if you are stationary; check all the mirrors and blind spots before moving off. The sideways glance is a quick glance used while you are moving at a speed in your car to check for any vehicles along the side of the car.

• Driving your car the eco-friendly way will reduce your petrol costs, so avoid sudden braking and acceleration.

• Anticipate the road ahead and keep an eye on other drivers on the road and how they are driving. This gives you time to brake or accelerate in good time.

• Stay within the speed limits, as increased speed uses up extra petrol. Use the gears in the correct manner and be in the correct gear for the correct manoeuvre.

• Make sure brake shoes and pads are in good order and tyres are at the correct pressure at all times.

The wind can cause a lot of poblems for both experienced and new drivers.

Strong gusts have been known to blow a car from one side of the road to the other side. But high sided vehicles are affected the most by the wind.

Windy weather can cause a lot of accidents on the road, motorways and bridges. Cyclists and horse riders have been blown off their course with the strong crosswinds.

A large vehicle on the road can be the cause of an accident by creating turbulence which affects motor cyclists. For this reason, it is important for bike riders to keep well back from them and for vehicles to leave the cyclists plenty of room.

Turn off the music and set the radio to the news and listen to weather reports for your local area.
If you are a new driver and you need more advice contact your driving instructor or your local driving school.
Some driving schools in Kingston, Putney and Streatham offer additional courses to prepare you for bad weather conditions on the road.

If snow falls, it can be a problem for both learner drivers and established drivers as the roads become unmanageable.

Local governments send out vehicles to treat the roads in an effort to minimise accidents. But be aware of a vehicle in front of you which is gritting the road as it can cause an accident.

Motorbike users should be extra vigilant.

Remember a snowplough will be throwing the snow to the side of the road and overtaking a snowplough can bring its own dangers.

You must also be aware of the longer stopping times as listed in the Highway Code.

Icy roads require a driver to keep their speeds low but their gears high. If you have to accelerate or brake then do it slowly.

Going around a bend, you need to take your time and prepare every movement with your car before you actually reach the bend.

Switch on your radio to keep up with details of the weather changes as they can change quickly.

More information on adverse weather conditions is in your Highway Code book.

If you have changed your car, you will have sent all the details of your new car to the DVLA. However you car insurance may need updating to accommodate your new vehicle.

Car insurance needs to be looked at as regularly as you would service your car. Your car insurance will not automatically change and it may be that you need a new policy from your insurer depending on the car you have chosen.

If any of your circumstances have changed such as marriage, divorce or children you may find you are not fully covered or the policy needs changing.

When you have divorced from your partner you may need to take their name off your policy documents. In much the same way, in the case of marriage, you may need a name adding onto the policy. If you have a new family then look at protection for injuries to you and your family.

Caution: if a new learner starts to drive your car, ensure that you are covered accordingly.

If there are changes in your circumstances which require you to update your car insurance policy, there may be an extra charge in order to give you full cover.

There is a large amount of pressure on learner drivers when they are told by the driving instructor that they are ready to take their test.

One of the fears facing learner drivers, is knowing that they have to face family and friends if they fail their driving test. This thought in the back of their heads, can cause nerves to step in on their important date.

A qualified driving instructor will not give false hope to a learner drive by stating they are ready to take the driving test if they were not capable of passing.

There is time for a learner driver to prepare himself or herself by asking their driving instructor to carry out a practice test. This will set you up for the change in the mood in the car during the actual test.

You can also book a lesson before the time of your test, to settle your nerves and gain some more confidence.

Some learner drivers are very nervous on the day of the test but if they try to stay focused and are well prepared, then the nerves should not really get in the way.

If you are thinking of taking driving lessons with a driving school and you are worried about the cost, try calling a few of them to ask if they have discounts available.

For example, if you are a new driver, you may benefit from a set of driving lessons that you pay for upfront. But you may have to have the lessons at off peak times. There are various deals on offer out there.

Some driving schools in Kingston, Putney and Streatham are also offering discounts for their clients who find themselves unemployed. This offers a huge benefit when it comes to applying for jobs that are out of town.
When you make your enquiries with your local driving school, always remember to check the date that the discounts close.

Whilst you are on the phone, there may be other pieces of information you want to find out, such as the model of the car you will be driving if you book with them. Ask if the driving instructors are fully qualified and will pick you up and drop you off at home or work.

Once you have booked your course then it is time to study the Highway Code in preparation for your theory test.

When you move house, it is important you change your address on your car insurance policy. If you had an accident in your car and you have not changed your address details you may find you have no cover.

If you have moved to a different village, city or just another area in the same town there could be either a reduction or increase in your car insurance premiums.

Some of the questions your lender will ask you when you notify them of your new address will determine the cost of your premium.

Car insurance lenders will look at information they have regarding the area you have moved to. A couple of details they take into account are the number of burglaries and any vandalism in the area.

If your lenders details show on their system that you have moved to an area where there is more of a concern to them as lenders, you will have to pay an extra premium to keep your car fully covered.

One thing to remember is you have to pay the extra premium as quickly as possible.

Caution: if you do not pay the extra premium your car insurance will be cancelled and your cover withdrawn.