I’ve passed my theory and I have my practical test booked. What’s the best way to get some more practice without having to fork out for lessons with an instructor?
You can get extra practice driving someone else’s car, perhaps a car owned by a parent or a family friend. You can either do that on their insurance as a named driver or get your own short term learner driver insurance policy. The benefit of that would be that if you did have a prang and you had to make a claim you wouldn’t endanger their no claims discount.
I’ve already bought my own car. Can I get extra lessons in that?
You can get your own car insured as a learner and the policy could cost from under 65p a day*. It’s worth bearing in mind that the year, make and model of the car will all affect the premium. So if the first car is something flash, don’t be surprised if the quotes are high. Adrian Flux offer fully comprehensive learner driver insurance for vehicles up to insurance group 45, valued at less than £20,000.
Can anyone supervise me as a learner driver?
Supervising drivers must be at least 21, have held a full driving licence for a minimum of three years and meet the minimum eyesight standards. They must also ensure the car displays L plates and is safe and in road legal condition. Ultimately, someone supervising a learner driver, is deemed to be in control of the vehicle – even though they are in the passenger seat.
If I pass what happens to my learner insurance policy?
Your learner policy with Adrian Flux only lasts as long as you need it to. When you pass your test the policy will expire and you need to change to a new driver policy. But, as we will already have your details, that is a very swift and painless procedure! We offer great value new driver policies with an app to show you how much you can save by driving safely.
Where can I find out more about passing my test and getting my first motor insurance policy?
Go online and search Adrian Flux Learner Driver Hub. The Hub contains all manner of hints, tips, blogs, videos and guides about passing your test, staying safe and on the move once you get on the road, and finding the best insurance deals.
Adrian Flux offer great insurance rates for new and learner drivers. Cut costs by calling 0800 085 6491.
WELCOME
LEARNING
TO DRIVE is an exciting but nervous time for teenagers and their parents. If anything, it can be harder on mum and dad, as the chances are you’ll foot the bill for lessons, insurance and maybe even a first car. Then there’s the worry of using the family wheels for practice as your child gets to grips with the basics of driving. Even the closest parent-child relationship can be put under strain with a teenager behind the wheel and mum or dad in the passenger seat...
Any parent wants to support their child in learning to drive safely and effectively. That’s where the Learning to Drive – The Parent’s Guide comes in. We’ll show you how to help your child become a safe and responsible driver. From choosing the right instructor to making the most of practice to finding affordable insurance cover, this guide is full of practical advice.
So, good luck to you and your learner driver. Here’s to making the start of their driving career a safe and happy one.
David Motton Editor
Publisher: James Evans
Editor: David Motton
Commercial director: Richard Storrs
Art director: Caroline Creighton-Metcalf
WORTH OVER
2,473 PRIZES £51,518
BUYING... HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT FIRST CAR FOR YOUR CHILD PAGE 28
OWNING... SIMPLE TIPS TO SAVE MONEY AND AVOID HASSLE PAGE 34
6 LEARNING
Your child is about to start their driving career. We’ll help you to support them, with advice on choosing an instructor and helping with practice between lessons.
16 THE TESTS
You probably took one test when you learned to drive. Now learners must pass a theory test as well as the practical test. Here’s what you need to know...
22 INSURANCE
Insuring a young driver is expensive, but there are ways to make it more affordable. We’ll talk you through learner driver insurance and the advantages of telematics.
28 CAR BUYING
Nobody forgets their first car. Whether you and your child plan to buy new or used, we’ll help you pick a safe and reliable firsttime buy.
34 OWNING
Passing the driving tests is just the start. There’s a lot for a new driver to learn about running a car on a tight budget. We’re here to help.
LICENCE
6 6
5 5
2 THEIR PROVISIONAL LICENCE
Nobody can jump straight into a car on their 17th birthday without having a provisional licence first. Don’t wait until the big day – your child can apply long before they turn 17. It’s easy to make an online application if they have a Government Gateway ID or otherwise fill out a D1 form which can be collected from the Post Office. Turn the page for more on applying for a provisional licence.
3 FIND AN INSTRUCTOR
If you want to give your child the best chance of passing first time, you’ll want to find a really good instructor. Practising with relatives is important, but it’s no substitute for expert instruction from a professional. Turn to page 10 to find out more.
4 THEORY TEST
Before your child can take their practical test they have to pass the theory test. There are two parts, one with multiplechoice questions and one assessing their ability to spot hazards. Want to know more? Turn to page 16.
5 PRACTICAL TEST
Has your child passed the theory test? Well done, but there’s still another hoop to jump through before they have their full licence: the practical test. This takes place on the public road with an examiner in the passenger seat and will last around 40 minutes. We’ll talk you through the practical test in more detail on page 18.
6 NEXT STEPS
Passing the practical test isn’t the end of the road – it’s the beginning. Drivers never stop learning, and post-test training such as the Pass Plus scheme can really help guide young drivers through their first months on the road.
Drivers can learn on the road once they are 17, so long as they have a provisional licence
TOP TIP
Driving a car on private land can teach your child the basics of car control and introduce them to the rules of the road. But when they turn 17 and start lessons on public roads, they’ll need to build up experience before their test.
APPLYING FOR A
PROVISIONAL LICENCE
FIND THE PERFECT
INSTRUCTOR
AS THE PARENT of a learner driver it is really important you find the right driving instructor. To help you find the ideal person to teach your teenager, the DVSA has improved its ‘find driving schools, lessons and instructors’ service.
You can now search the database of more than 26,000 approved instructors by the grade awarded to them by the DVSA. Instructors can add links to their website or Facebook page. This will help you find more detailed information, whether the instructor provides a photo
GO BY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION– ask other parents what they think of their child’s instructor.
for security, whether they provide lessons for learners with a special need, the instructor’s availability/ working pattern and the price of lessons.
To find the best driving instructor for your child go to www.gov.uk/find-drivingschools-and-lessons
ASK THE DRIVING SCHOOL THESE QUESTIONS
1 Is the instructor fully qualified (an ADI)?
2 If they are a PDI (an instructor who is still in training) will I pay less?
3 If I sign up for a course and my child doesn’t get on with the instructor, can we change to another?
4 Will my child get the same instructor and car for each of their lessons?
5 How long is each lesson? Can we choose 60, 90 or 120-minute sessions?
6 Is the instructor CRB checked? Are all the school’s instructors checked in this way?
7 Are there apps or online tools included in the price of lessons?
8 Will my child have help with passing both parts of the theory test?
9 Do you offer post-test training to improve my child’s skills after passing?
HACK EVERY LESSON GET THE MOST FROM
You’re paying a lot for an expert to teach your child to drive, so be sure they make the most of their time. Here’s how:
● REST UP
Always encourage a good night’s rest before a lesson. A big night out with their mates before a morning lesson isn’t a good idea –they need to be fully alert and sober.
● FUEL UP
Ask your learner to eat and drink before the lesson to boost their energy levels and keep them high.
● GO LONG
When you book lessons, think about 90-minute or two-hour sessions. Your child will have more time to get into a rhythm than if the lesson lasts an hour.
● LISTEN UP...
The instructor knows what they are talking about, so encourage your child to concentrate hard on what they say and do.
Practise driving in between lessons to reinforce what has been learned. But make sure you stay below the level of difficulty your child has reached with the instructor.
● ... BUT ASK QUESTIONS
If your child doesn’t understand what the instructor is asking them to do, they should say so. Asking questions helps plug gaps in their driving knowledge.
To find out more about driving lessons, visit firstcar.co.uk.
Why do thousands of parents go with Veygo?
Veygo can work out cheaper.
If you’re only occasionally using your car for driving practice, short-term cover could work out cheaper than putting your child on your existing policy. And, there are no admin fees.
Veygo is there for you as long as you need it.
We know there are no guarantees in life, so we have a subscription offer to give you rolling cover as long as you need.
Cancel anytime, with no fees – just like your favourite TV streaming service.
Veygo protects your no claims bonus.
Our flexible car insurance policies run alongside your existing car insurance policy so your no claims bonus won’t be affected if a claim is made.
Veygo can be used for your child’s driving test.
Please bear in mind that the car needs to meet certain legal requirements, which can be found at GOV.UK, and they may be asked to take a copy of their certificate of insurance with them.
Important: If they pass their test, this insurance will no longer be valid. This means they won’t be able to drive home from the test centre. But you can get a quote for our temporary cover if you continue sharing the car.
PARENTAL CONTROL
Unless you are a qualified ADI, then you are almost certainly not the best person to teach your child to drive. But that doesn’t mean you won’t play an important role in helping your teenager to become a safe and responsible driver. Time spent practising between professional lessons can reinforce what your child has been learning. This is best done by working as a team with the instructor, and doing your best not to pass on any bad habits you may have developed. Try following these tips:
1 Parents should read a current copy of The Highway Code and work with their child on the theory exam.
2 Plan before you set out. Choose a suitable area and route, and know what you want to achieve before you get behind the wheel.
3 Use quiet roads until your child is confident, especially in traffic.
4 Stay below the level they’ve reached with their driving instructor.
5 Avoid carrying passengers – they’re a potential distraction.
6 Work with a professional instructor who tells you what your child is being taught and what techniques are being used. Then you won’t give conflicting advice.
7
A learner driver is not ready for all the challenges of the road, so you must be aware of the hazards around you. Constantly anticipate other road users and be ready to spot trouble your child has missed.
THE THEORY TEST
BEFORE YOUR CHILD can take their practical test they must pass the theory test. Book via the official website at gov.uk/booktheory-test. There are third-party websites through which you can book, but they charge extra fees on top of the £23 cost of the test. However, third-party websites often offer unlimited retests for free. With a pass rate of 44% for the theory test, there’s a good chance of having to retake, so you could save cash. Just check any terms and conditions.
To take the test your child will need to go to a
suitable centre where they’ll be allocated a booth with a computer, along with instructions on how to use it. They will work their way through both parts of the test (multiple-choice questions then the hazard perception section) before being given the results for both tests at the end of the session. To give your learner driver the best chance of passing, encourage them to take the theory test seriously –they won’t be able to bluff their way through it.
To find out more about the theory test visit firstcar.co.uk.
GET SOME HELP
There’s a stack of aids to help your child get through their theory test. The apps here are a good start. The official theory test questions aren’t published anywhere, but the DVSA does publish The Official DVSA Theory Test for Car Drivers, and a similar title for motorcyclists. These feature hundreds of official revision questions, plus case studies on every topic, along with info to help understand and remember the theory. There are loads of real-life photos and diagrams, plus links to online resources and videos where your child can learn more. They’ll also need to study The Official Highway Code. Order a copy for your child from tsoshop.co.uk
THE OFFICIAL DVSA THEORY TEST KIT
Because this was created by the same people who set the theory and practical driving tests, you’re not going to find a more useful app, and at £4.99 it’s a bargain.
MY THEORY TEST BY JAMES MAY
With bespoke learning plans, exclusive videos, mock questions, and games, this app will help learn the theory of driving in a few minutes each day. Available for Apple and Android devices, it costs £4.99.
DRIVING TEST SUCCESS
Practise every official revision question from the DVSA with this app. Driving Test Success will even refund the theory test fee if your child doesn’t pass! It costs £4.99.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE TEST IS OVER?
The examiner will talk your child through any faults. If they make the grade, they’ll be given a pass certificate. They’ll be able to start independent driving immediately – there’s no need to wait for their full licence to arrive. To find out more about the practical test visit firstcar.co.uk.
YOUR CHECKLIST FOR
PRACTICAL TEST
SUCCESS
If your child can put a tick in all these boxes they won’t go far wrong
A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
The instructor wouldn’t encourage your child to take the test if they weren’t ready, so encourage self-belief.
GOOD TIMEKEEPING
Allow plenty of time to reach the test centre. Your child’s stress levels will go through the roof if they are running late.
THEIR PROVISIONAL LICENCE
Your child needs to take their provisional licence with them to the test centre. They need their theory test pass certificate too. Don’t let them forget!
SENSIBLE CLOTHES AND FOOTWEAR
Suggest they wear comfortable clothes, and shoes which make it easy for them to operate the pedals safely.
BE WILLING TO LEARN
Just over half of practical tests end with a thumbs down from the examiner. Don’t be surprised if this happens to your child, even if they’ve been flying in their lessons. They’ll be told why they have failed at the end of the test so they can correct what went wrong next time.
HOW TO HELP WITH TEST NERVES
There’s no point in pretending your child won’t be nervous as their tests loom. But there are steps you can both take to prevent nerves taking over.
1 AVOID PEER PRESSURE
If having friends asking about their driving test will make your child nervous, encourage them to keep the test date to themself.
2 PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE
Talk to your instructor and your child about the manoeuvres they have been practising, in particular the
skills they need to improve upon. Then make time so they can practise with you in the passenger seat. Getting a manoeuvre right time after time without the safety net of dual-controls will really help their confidence.
3 REMEMBER, WORRY MAKES IT WORSE
The trouble with worry is that it interferes with concentration. The mind focuses on what might go wrong instead of what needs to be done next. Encourage your child to block negative thoughts and give driving their full attention every time they get behind the wheel.
4 THINK SUCCESSFUL THOUGHTS
The instructor wouldn’t put your teenager in for their test if they didn’t think they were ready. Encourage your child to remember all the times they have successfully tackled tough manoeuvres. If they’ve done these things well before, they can do them again.
5 GO EASY ON THEM
However well they are driving in lessons, your child could still fail. Make sure they understand this isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it will probably make them a better driver in the long run.
... AND SUPPORT THEM IF THEY FAIL
TOP TIP
The Theory Test App from Driving Test Success allows your child to practise every official 2023 revision question from the DVSA. It’s great for practising on the move. There’s more attheorytestapp.co.uk
1 GIVE THEM HELP
If your child didn’t pass their theory test, help them come back stronger by using learning aids such as apps to improve their knowledge. If they’ve failed the practical, discuss what went wrong and help them improve on any areas of weakness.
2 GET THEM BACK BEHIND THE WHEEL
Failing the practical test can be a real blow to a young driver’s confidence, and they may be tempted to take a break from learning. Don’t let them take more than a few days off. They shouldn’t be allowed to get rusty, or to put off facing their nerves indefinitely. Be supportive, understanding and encouraging. It will give them a lift to know you are in their corner.
3 THE LONGER THEY LEARN, THE BETTER THEY WILL BECOME
Anyone who passes first time is very proud of the fact. But did you know there’s plenty of evidence that people who fail their first practical test actually go on to be better, safer drivers?
That’s because the extra practice and instruction will improve their skills, and delay the moment at which they are exposed to the risks of independent driving. So failing may seem like a big deal at the time, but help your child understand that, statistically, it’s going to make them a safer driver.
4 BOOK THE NEXT TEST SOON
Instructors don’t set their pupils up to fail, so if they felt your child was good enough before they should be ready for a re-test. Allow time to work on weaknesses but book another test soon.
Let’s face it – driving lessons aren’t cheap. If you want to maximise your child’s time behind the wheel without maxing out the cost you’ll need to get them some practice in between lessons. That way their confidence and experience will improve much faster. But they’ll have to have insurance!
How much does it cost?
Learners should find cover for around £70 month, or less than £2 per day.
Any restrictions?
Kids won’t be able to borrow their rich uncle’s Range Rover – policies place restrictions on the insurance group and the total value of the car they drive. Typically the highest insurance group allowed will be around group 30-35, and the maximum value of the car somewhere in the region of £30,000 or so.
Anything else I should know?
Policies usually cover learners to drive in one specific vehicle – expect to take out another policy if they want to practise in a second car. There may also be restrictions on the age of whoever is supervising and their driving experience, so an older brother or sister may not have been behind the wheel for long enough. Also, if a young driver has already made a claim due to a crash while learning, they may not be eligible for cover.
TOP TIP
Try to get your child as much practice as you can, at least once a week. Two or three times is even better. It will build their confidence and skills.
I’m looking for cheap insurance but I’ve read about ghost brokers. What are they?
Ghost brokers sell fraudulent car insurance using three basic methods. They either forge insurance documents, falsify details to bring the price down or take out a genuine policy, before cancelling and claiming the refund plus the victim’s money.
Police figures show those most at risk of being targeted by ghost brokers are 17-24 and the scam costs them around £900 each.
Some ghost brokers also operate on social media - always check you are buying from a genuine company before taking out a policy.
I’ve been warned about “fronting” on my motor insurance. What is that?
Fronting is when an older driver - often a parent - tries to save money by saying they’re the main user of a vehicle driven by a younger, higher-risk motorist.
It may save money in the short-term but fronting could invalidate your insurance and even lead to prosecution for fraud.
Adrian Flux offer great insurance rates for new and learner drivers.
Cut costs by calling 0800 085 6491.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER DO’S AND DON’TS I NEED TO REMEMBER?
Do shop around for the best policy.
Or better still go to a broker such as Adrian Flux who have a panel of over 30 insurers to go to. Adrian Flux compares policies saving you the hassle.
Do make your insurer aware of any modifications. You will need to advise your insurer of cosmetic and performanceenhancing modifications. With a specialist broker such as Adrian Flux, you may be surprised that your premium may not increase much or at all for modifications and they can cover most. If you fail to declare mods your car damage cover will be under threat in the event of a claim.
Do insure your car for what it’s worth.
Under-insuring your car may result in a lower premium but if your insurer finds out, your policy could be cancelled and any claim payout could be less than the car’s worth.
Do
agree a voluntary excess.
If you agree to pay an extra voluntary excess it can significantly reduce your premium. But keep it realistic, you will have to be able to afford it if there is a claim.
Don’t forget.
Don’t forget, the cheapest Adrian Flux deals are available on the telephone. Call 0800 085 6491 for your personalised no obligation quote.
them to be the main driver, even if the car is also used by a parent.
What are the drawbacks of telematics insurance? Some policies set curfews that restrict young drivers from getting behind the wheel at night. Whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on your point of view. A teenager may be frustrated they can’t give their mates a lift home from the pub, but a parent may be relieved... Also, just as good driving can be rewarded with a
lower premium, so poor driving can lead to a higher insurance cost – even if the young driver hasn’t had an accident. That’s not universal, though. Some companies are all carrot and no stick, and don’t increase premiums for aggressive driving unless it has led to a claim.
Will my child face any restrictions?
We’ve mentioned curfews, which are actually quite rare. Mileage limits are a lot more common. Generally these are set when the policy is taken
out, and can be extended at extra cost. Some insurers offer bonus mileage as a reward for safe and careful driving.
Is telematics right for me and my young driver?
In most cases, yes. You should be able to find a better price by choosing a telematics policy rather than conventional insurance cover. And it encourages safe driving, too.
To find out more about insurance for young drivers, visit firstcar.co.uk.
THE BEST
NEW CARS FOR YOUNG DRIVERS
Our pick of the coolest affordable small cars
RENAULT CLIO
Euro NCAP safety rating
Five stars (2019)
Autonomous emergency
braking Standard
Insurance From Group 14E
DAB Standard
Bluetooth Standard
Apple CarPlay/Android
Auto Standard
We reckon the Renault Clio is one of the best looking small cars around. That doesn’t necessarily make it a great buy, of course, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
Fortunately the Clio ticks
CITROEN C3
Euro NCAP safety rating
Four stars (2017)
Autonomous emergency
braking Max spec
FROM £13,995
lots of sensible boxes as well.
The safety gurus at Euro NCAP awarded the car five stars, with a near-perfect score of 96% for adult occupant protection. In fact, Euro NCAP rated the Clio as the best supermini they tested in 2019.
FROM£17,795
You don’t need to buy an expensive version to get plenty of safety kit. Autonomous emergency braking is standard even if
Insurance 14E
DAB Standard
Bluetooth Standard
Apple CarPlay/Android
Auto
Not listed
Small cars don’t come much cuter than the Citroën C3. There's a choice of monotone and bi-tone finishes which show off the good looks.
you buy the most affordable Clio, with sensors to detect bicycles and pedestrians as well as other cars.
The Clio is now available as a hybrid. Although prices are up, running costs are down.
It’s not just a pretty face. The C3 is one of the cheapest superminis you can buy. The flipside is that it’s not as affordable to insure as some.
Inside, the Citroën’s cabin is just as fresh and original as the outside. All models have a digital radio and Bluetooth as standard, and all but the most basic spec cars have media streaming so young drivers can play music through their smartphone.
To drive, the C3 puts comfort first with a smooth and forgiving ride. It’s easy to drive too – just what you want from a first car.
TOYOTA YARIS
Euro NCAP safety rating
Five stars (2019)
Autonomous emergency braking
Standard
Insurance From Group 13E
DAB Standard
Bluetooth Standard
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Standard
You (or your child) will need deep pockets to buy the new Toyota Yaris. With prices starting from just over £22,000, this an expensive small car. But there are good reasons to take a closer look.
For one thing, every Yaris is a hybrid, with the promise of small fuel bills and low carbon dioxide emissions. It should be cheaper to fuel
HYUNDAI I10
Euro NCAP
safety rating Three stars (2020)
Autonomous emergency braking Standard
Insurance From Group 1E
DAB Standard
Bluetooth Standard
Apple CarPlay/Android
than most superminis.
For another, the Yaris comes with an automatic gearbox. So if your child finds manual cars tricky to drive, or passes their test in an auto, the Toyota could be just what they are looking for.
They’ll get plenty of kit for their cash, too. There’s
FROM £22,125 FROM£15,420
no need to look beyond the entry-level Icon model for a digital radio, smartphone mirroring, and lots of safety kit including autonomous emergency braking.
It’s not the roomiest small car, and insurance won’t be cheap, but otherwise the Yaris has a lot going for it.
Auto Standard
The i10 is one of the most affordable new cars, as well as being easy to drive and well equipped
It’s rare to find a city car with autonomous
emergency braking as standard, even on the most basic versions. But every i10 comes with this brilliant bit of safety kit included in the price.
Every model has a digital radio and Bluetooth, and it looks good too, doesn’t it? We want one!
THE BEST
USED CARS FOR YOUNG DRIVERS
These cars are good value and cheap to run
HYUNDAI I20
(2015-2020)
Euro NCAP safety rating
Four stars (2015)
Insurance From Group 4
A used Hyundai is a safe bet, especially if you choose the excellent i20. It’s our favourite used car, thanks to an impressive range of talents.
One of the big plus points of choosing the i20 is the transferable fiveyear warranty. Even as the second or third owner, cover continues until the car is five years old with no mileage limitation. So depending on the age of the i20 you are thinking of buying, your new
driver may be protected against any unexpected bills.
There’s a good chance they won’t have to claim on the warranty, given how reliable Hyundais are. The i20 performs really well in reliability surveys and owner satisfaction studies, and if problems do crop up the car is usually cheap to repair.
The Hyundai has a fourstar rating from the safety experts at Euro NCAP, and while some rivals go one better with the full five stars, a score of four out of five is still very respectable.
From the driver’s seat, the i20 is very easy to get on with – just what you want from a first car. The light controls make for easy
manoeuvring, and the soft suspension makes the i20 very comfortable.
It’s practical as well as comfy. Passengers won’t feel cramped in the back seats, and the boot is big enough for festival camping gear. It also makes a very good car for anyone with a young family to take care of.
There’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The diesels are best for fuel economy, but you'll be able to afford a newer, lower mileage car if you stick with petrol. The 75PS 1.2-litre petrol is the cheapest, achieves decent fuel economy, and sits in Group 4 for insurance. That should make for an reasonable premium.
... look after a car. Following these simple tips will help your new driver to stay safe and save money!
HOW TO...
CHOOSE BREAKDOWN COVER HOW TO...
It makes sense to have cover in case a car breaks down, as even simple faults can be costly to fix. Don’t just go for the cheapest breakdown policy, though. Here’s what to look for...
● Make sure the package covers everything your child needs. Some include homestart (fixing the car if it breaks down at home), some don’t.
● Don’t pay for something your child won’t use. There’s no point in having European cover if your new driver never expects to leave the UK.
● If your child drives more than one car, consider a breakdown package that covers them personally rather than a specific car.
HOW TO...
CHARGE AN EV
● Ideally, you and your young driver should charge an EV using a home charger. This is cheaper than using the public charging network. A 3kW wallbox charger is generally cheaper to install than one rated at 7kW, but a more powerful charger will take less time to top-up the car’s battery.
● Make sure you are using a dedicated EV charger. It’s possible to recharge from a domestic three-pin socket, but this will take a very long time and household sockets aren’t always rated for heavy use over several hours.
● Don’t fully charge the battery unless you are about to go on a long journey. Charging to 80% is better for the longterm performance of the battery.
● Look for an electricity tariff that makes
HOW TO...
overnight charging cheaper than in the day, and recharge the car while the family is asleep.
● Ask your new driver to download a mapping app like Zap-Map to their phone. This will help find nearby chargers if they need to recharge away from home.
● There are lots of different public networks. It’s worth finding which ones have chargers on your family’s regular driving routes, and setting up accounts with several companies.
SAVE MONEY ON FUEL
● Encourage your child to obey the speed limit. Not only is speeding unsafe, it burns more fuel which is bad for the environment and their bank balance. Driving at 80mph rather than 70mph on the motorway uses 10% more fuel, according to the Department for Transport.
● Ditch the clutter. Leaving a roof rack, bike carrier or roof box on a car will hit fuel consumption hard.
● Encourage smooth driving.
Instead of stamping on the throttle or brake, recommend being gentle with the controls and anticipating other road users.
