If you’ve recently passed your driving test and need to do your first long-distance drive, it’s an exciting but nerve-wracking time. While nobody likes to think about breaking down or having an accident, proper preparation is vital if you’re going to have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Luckily, we’ve put together some helpful tips to help you prepare for your first drive below.
How to prepare for your first drive
- Maintain your car
Before setting off, give your car the once-over to check it’s in good condition. As a minimum, you should:
- Check all your fluid levels: Before you set off, make sure your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and screen wash are topped up. It’s not an exciting job but low fluid levels can cause engine overheating or brake failure – both of which are dangerous on a long drive.
- Inspect your tyres: Check your tyre pressure, tread depth and look for any signs of wear and tear. As well as being essential for safety reasons, good tyres can help you save money on fuel, so it’s well worth taking the time to check them!
- Test the battery: Make sure your car battery is functioning as it should. A weak battery might not hold up over a long trip, especially if you’re charging multiple electronic devices.
- Check your breaks and lights: Make sure your brakes are working correctly before you set off and check the lights (including your headlights, brake lights and indicators).
- Plan your route and stops
Properly planning your route will help you feel less anxious during your trip. Start off by familiarising yourself with your route using a Sat-Nav. If you can, try to think of a backup plan just in case there’s traffic, road closures or accidents.
It’s also important to schedule regular stops. Where possible, try to stop every two hours to help prevent fatigue and keep you mentally sharp.
You should also consider whether you’ll need to buy more fuel during your journey. If so, it’s best to find a petrol station away from the motorway as you’ll be able to save money – which is crucial if you’re on a tight budget!
- Plan for comfort
You don’t need to slum it during your journey. Make sure to bring some water, snacks, a first-aid kit and any necessary medication so you can travel in comfort.
To prevent boredom during the journey, prepare a playlist or download a podcast that you can listen to during your drive. Just remember to do this before you set off.
- Check your documents
Make sure you have all your documents including your driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
If you want to share the drive with a friend, make sure your policy covers temporary drivers as well as the named drivers on the policy.
Final thoughts…
Preparing for your first long drive can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be! All you need to do is follow the above steps and you’ll be well on your way to an enjoyable journey.