When 2016 started, I promised myself two things: I would travel more than ever and learn to drive. Both of these I accomplished which made 2016 a year of many firsts and one to remember. It took me over 5 years of starting and stopping to learn how to drive because one thing or another. I realised in life there will always be something that will stop you from doing something. It could be money, other commitments and sometimes time unless you sort your priorities nothing changes. I changed my priorities and focus in 2016 and I am so happy I did.
With learning to drive comes a whole load of learning to be had about the road and your car. As a new driver myself, I have lots to learn from which lights are which to the engine. I will confess nothing was easy for me when it came to learning about my new car. I really did think the engine overheating light was a weather indication light. I was super thrilled when Go Girl Insurance shared this awesome infographic to help us new learners know our cars.
New Driver ~ Learn about your car
Learning about the car and the lights has not been the only thing that I have needed help with. I must confess I was too focused on wanting to learn to drive I didn’t think about everything else I would need after. All drivers have legal obligations to be able to drive on UK roads; valid licence, MOT, car tax and insurance. As a newly qualified driver by law I am required to have new driver insurance and the aforementioned.
I will confess, searching for affordable car insurance as a female and as a new driver has been a challenge. The ridiculousness of the quotes from the so-called best insurance companies in the country have been unbelievable. Many people have recommended many insurance companies which I am considering but oh boy its been scary so far. I am glad that learning about my car dashboard lights have been made easier so I can focus on the road.
People always used to tell me, once you start driving the sky is the limit and now I can not wait. If you’ve read my visit 17 places in 2017, you will know I have a few staycations I want to do. Having my own car means I can travel to things destinations at any time of my choosing not what’s dictated by public transport. I am very much looking forward to this new adventure and can not wait.
Are you a driver? What was your experience with choosing the right car insurance and learning about your car?
*Collaborative
Sally Akins says
It’s nearly 20 years since I learned to drive but I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed when I had my first car! So much to learn about!!
Frosted Events says
This is such a perfecct information! I love learning new things from others. Glad that you share this
Donnabeth says
Congratulations on your new car and new skill! I hope I can have a car and learn how to drive soon too.
Zena's Suitcase says
Well done on learning to drive, I think it’s such an important skill to have. Like you though, those lights baffled me for years
Lubka Henry says
I’ve had my driving license for 10 years now, but never had my own car.
Megan says
Congratulations on becoming a driver! There really is so much responsibility involved in driving, and it’s funny how we really don’t stop to think about the logistics once we are more experienced!
fashion-mommy says
It is a minefield, we all remember the panic of ‘what does that light mean???’
Stephanie Merry says
I passed my test about 10 years ago and change insurers every year to get the best deals x
From Evija with Love says
I only passed my test 5 years ago and absolutely love my car and driving! Well done! When it comes to the insurance I picked out a local company and got a very good deal considering I was a new driver!
Michelle Ordever says
Well done on passing your driving test! I passed many years ago when I was 17 (I’m now 40) and remember buying my first car and insurance – could have done with more advice back then that I had!
Emily says
LOL at those labels. I remember being terrified on my first lesson so a laugh would’ve helped! Car insurance for us has always been done through a broker so we’ve never put much thought into it.
Kristen from The Road to Domes says
As far as my insurance experience goes, my husband works for Geico and has for quite some time now, so he handles all of that. Pretty easy for me! LOL
Coralie says
This is important information. On a side note- everything is reversed from what I am used to – looks really cool.
Rachel Nicole says
This is such an interesting post. I can’t drive but I’m considering to start learning soon.
Amber says
This is so important to do. I made sure I knew all the features when I got my car. And I always knew I’d go with USAA for insurance since they’re good to military families.
Steph says
I passed my test 5 years ago but I haven’t driven since the day I took my test! I detested everything about driving and although I passed 1st time and didn’t have that many lessons I never wanted to drive. There is nothing anyone could say that would persuade me to ever drive a car again!! However i’m pretty good at the techy side of things and know what all the lights and controls mean but don’t want them to be my responsibility!
Melanie Edjourian says
I’ve been driving for around 20 odd years now and I know a little about my car warning lights which helps.
francesca says
I don’t drive myself my husband does although I’m so keen to start this year!! I know very little about cars so I do need to learn!
Beautyqueenuk says
I dont drive but I wonder how many people have ever read the manual that comes with the car and is usually sat in the glove box x
Kara says
The first thing I do is learn where everything is, although I couldn’;t find the fog lights the other day
Mai C. says
Learning to drive is one of my goals too. I think it’s awesome that you reached these goals. Thanks for the tips, I coukd really use these when I start driving myself.
Ali Rost says
What great tips! I just got a new car and it seems every day I’m discovering something new!
Sophie Whiffen says
Fab tips! I’m terrible at knowing what everything in the car means 🙈
Clairejustineo says
I stopped driving when I had my 4th child. I really want to drive again but I need to refresh so much in my mind again.
Echo (The Mad Mommy) says
This is such a good post! Good job on setting goals! I have been driving for quite a while.
Donna says
I am terrible for ignoring stuff like this and only learning the bare minimum! Thanks for the advice so useful
Danielle says
Even today I’m still learning new things about my car and driving in general. For example, in NYC you’re not allowed to make a right turn at a red light, even if there’s no sign indicating that. Everywhere else I’ve ever driven has allowed a right turn on red unless otherwise noted. Luckily, a friend informed me of this so I didn’t have to learn it the hard way by getting pulled over. But at the same time, with all the foot traffic of pedestrians, it’s almost impossible to turn right on red anyways.
Jayne says
Fab tips! I love driving and thankfully I married a mechanic, so hubby deals with any car issues 🙂 x
Stella Kashmoney says
I am still learning to drive. Need to retake my theory test at some point too now that it has expired.
Mellissa Williams says
I use comparison sites to look for insurance, I find this is a good way but then i always compare with direct sites too
Mistee Dawn says
These are really great tips for new drivers! There are so many things to learn!
Emma Oxley says
I’m so rubbish with cars – I know how to drive and thats about it. Don’t know how to check/change the oil and god forbid if I ever got a flat tire – thanks for the tips – I really should learn more about my car!
Kizim Kouture says
Thank you for this helpful post. I’m officially planning on passing my test this year, after many years of starting and stopping like you, but this year is my year. Its now or never!
Joely Smith says
I think it would be so weird driving in the UK being on the “wrong side” of the road lol. The interior of that car however is SWEET! I hear getting a license in the UK is WAY harder than in the states!
Beth says
I don’t drive YET but plan to within the next few months now!
Sarah Bailey says
Getting an insurance when I was a newbie was so hard and complicated. Glad I found a company that has a wide range of coverage options and doscounts. Do not only look for the cost but be sure that they will be there in case of an acciident whenever and wherever 24/7.
tara pittman says
Love those funny things for the dash board lights. It is good to know what those mean
Kachee || KacheeTee.com says
Still trying to get my license! Hopefully this year. Know bits & pieces about the car, but definitely not a pro.
http://www.KacheeTee.com
Deborah Nicholas says
I still havent passed my test but really will be making an effort this year!
Joanna says
Getting my driver’s license is one of my resolutions for this year. I travel so much but I still don’t know how to drive… the insurance scares me also, I’ve heard so many bad things about how high it is for a new driver..
fivelittledoves says
I passed my test at 17 and at 37 I still know nothing about my car, I always get my dad to deal with any issues I have with it, even oil changes and topping up my wind screen wash!! I really do need to learn more about it!