Your First Year On The Road As A New Driver

Passing your driving test is a major milestone, so first of all - congratulations! With the UK pass rate sitting at around 47%, getting that certificate is something to be proud of. But once the excitement settles, it’s perfectly normal to feel a little unsure about what comes next. 

The moment you’ve passed your driving test, real-world driving begins: new responsibilities, new decisions, and plenty of “firsts” that aren’t covered in lessons. In fact, in a previous survey of 2,000 UK adults, new drivers reported a whole host of worries - from tyre changes to motorway driving. 

This guide brings together everything you need to know during your first year of driving, from practical car maintenance to handling new on-road experiences confidently and safely. 

New driver nerves: what the data says

Many of the worries new drivers experience are universal: 

74% said breaking down was stressful 

65% were anxious about getting a flat tyre 

47% felt nervous before their first motorway drive 

34% found their first MOT challenging 

21% worried about refuelling for the first time 

So if you’ve passed your driving test and feel overwhelmed, you’re definitely not alone. Every new driver goes through this - and everything gets easier with time and practice.

Part 1: Practical car knowledge

Below, we’ve listed some of the most common moments drivers encounter in the first year, along with what to do if and when they happen.

1. What to do if you get a flat tyre

A flat tyre can happen at any time, so it’s good to be prepared. Many new drivers feel it's one of the most stressful first-year experiences. 

What to do it does happen: 

• Pull over somewhere safe, visible, and away from traffic 
• Switch on your hazard lights 
• Change the tyre yourself if: 
• You have a spare wheel, jack, wrench, and locking wheel nut key 
• The environment is safe and stable 

If it isn’t safe to change the tyre, move well away from the road and call for assistance. 

Need a step-by-step guide? Our tyre-changing guide walks you through the full process.

2. What to do when you break down

Perhaps unsurprisingly, breaking down topped the list of stressful new-driver experiences. 

If your car suddenly loses power or starts behaving unpredictably, you should: 

• Pull over immediately, where it’s safe to do so 
• Use your hazard lights 
• Exit the vehicle, using the passenger side on motorways 
• Stand well away from traffic 
• Call your breakdown provider 

While even well-maintained cars can sometimes encounter issues unexpectedly, there’s no doubt that regular servicing reduces the risk of breakdowns. That’s why it pays to stay on top of your vehicle maintenance.

3. When a warning light appears

Warning lights can be intimidating, especially early in your first year of driving. Make sure you have a good look at your car’s manual so you’re familiar with what the different lights mean, but as a bit of basic knowledge: 

Red = stop as soon as safely possible 

Amber = investigate soon 

The brake warning light, for example, needs urgent attention. If you’re unsure what a symbol means, or how soon you need to take action, you can pop into your local Kwik Fit and have a technician take a look. It’s always better to get warning lights checked quickly, rather than risk long-term damage.

4. How to jump start your car

A flat battery can happen for several reasons - from cold nights, to short journeys, or even leaving the lights on. To jump start safely, you’ll need:

• Jump leads 
• A second vehicle (or portable power pack) 
• A clear understanding of cable order and safety precautions. 

If you manage to jump start your car but your battery fails again shortly after, it likely needs replacing - a quick job for your local Kwik Fit centre.

Part 2: New driving experiences

All of these first-time experiences can feel daunting at first - but you’ll soon be surprised at how quickly they become second nature.

1. Refuelling at the petrol pump

They don’t teach refuelling during lessons, so it’s normal to feel unsure your first time. 

Before leaving home: 

• Check which fuel your car takes 
• Check which side the fuel cap is on 

At the petrol station: 

• Pull up with the fuel cap near to the pump 
• Turn off the engine 
• Select the correct nozzle 
• Insert fully before squeezing 
• Stop when the pump clicks, or when you’ve added enough fuel 
• Pay inside, or use pay-at-pump if available 

After a couple of tries, this will become automatic. See our guide for more tips.

2. Driving on the motorway

Despite being among the safest roads, motorways can feel overwhelming at first - largely because they’re often more densely populated with traffic. Nearly half of new drivers worry about their first motorway journey. 

To make it easier for yourself: 

• Keep distractions low 
• Stick to the left lane at first 
• Remember: dual-carriageway rules apply 
• Plan your route in advance 
• Bring water for long journeys 

You’ll soon notice how your confidence builds quickly when you start using motorways regularly.

3. Driving on narrow country lanes

Country lanes can feel far more daunting than motorways, in part due to their sharp bends and blind corners - making visibility and reaction times much more limited. 

Many lack clear road markings, adding to the challenge of navigating narrow, winding routes. Drivers may also encounter wild animals, uneven surfaces caused by potholes, and slow-moving road users such as tractors, cyclists, and horses - all of which require extra caution and patience. 

Here are some of our top tips for staying in control on country lanes: 

• Drive slowly 
• Don’t overtake on corners 
• Use full beams on unlit roads (dip for oncoming vehicles) 
• Stay alert for passing places 
• Reverse if needed to allow others to pass safely. 

The key is to always stay calm - reduce your speed, and proceed safely. Here’s some more tips to help you navigate Britain’s roads.

4. Managing a car full of passengers

A full car can feel chaotic when you’ve only driven with your instructor before. If you’ve got a car full of friends or family, remember you can: 

• Ask passengers to keep noise down when needed 
• Expect your car to feel less powerful 
• Allow more time for manoeuvres 
• Focus on reducing distractions 

Over a third of new drivers find this stressful, but it becomes much easier with practice. Remember, you’re in control when you’re behind the wheel.

5. Going through a drive-thru

Most drive-thru restaurants are tight, curbed, and often busy, which can make them intimidating. To help you feel more confident: 

• Take it slowly 
• Check your mirrors 
• Leave enough room at the ordering/collection window 
• Don’t rush 
• Reverse and re-adjust if needed

Part 3: Essential driving habits

As you settle into the first year after passing your test, there are a few important responsibilities to stay on top of - including your first MOT and getting in the habit of regular servicing.

1. Your first MOT

Your first MOT can feel daunting, especially if you’re worried about the cost of potential repairs. But a well-maintained car is far more likely to pass. 

Pre-MOT checks are a great way to make sure that your car is in the best possible condition by the time it is inspected. Remember to check: 

• Lights 
• Tyres 
• Wipers 
• Washer fluid 
• Warning lights 

Not sure when your MOT is due? Use Kwik Fit’s MOT checker to find out.

2. Why regular servicing matters

Long after you pass your driving test, regular, proactive maintenance is key to safety and confidence on the road. 

Servicing helps you identify a range of potential issues, including tyre wear, brake problems, battery faults, low fluid levels, and any emerging concerns with the exhaust or steering systems. 

A serviced car is safer, smoother and far less likely to cause stressful situations for new drivers. Book a service at your local Kwik Fit centre to keep your car running at its best for as long as possible.

Safe car, confident driver

Your first year of driving will be full of new experiences, from motorway trips and country lanes to warning lights and refuelling. But every challenge you face helps you become a more skilled and confident driver. 

If you ever need help, we offer a range of free services, from tyre and brake checks, to wider vehicle safety checks. We can also replace batteries and carry out high-quality services and MOTs, keeping you not only safe, but also road legal. Your local Kwik Fit team is here to support you, every step of the journey.