Annex 8 - Safety code for new drivers

Information about the safety code for new drivers, including the New Drivers Act and further training.

Once you have passed the driving test you will be able to drive on your own. This will provide you with lots of opportunities but you need to remain safe. Even though you have shown you have the skills you need to drive safely, many newly qualified drivers lack experience. You need to continue to develop your skills, especially anticipating other road users’ behaviour to avoid having a collision. As many as one new driver in five has some kind of collision in their first year of driving. This code provides advice to help you get through the first 12 months after passing the driving test, when you are most vulnerable, as safely as possible.

The safety code

Many of the worst collisions happen at night. Between midnight and 6 am is a time of high risk for new drivers. Avoid driving then unless it’s really necessary.
If you are driving with passengers, you are responsible for their safety. Don’t let them distract you or encourage you to take risks. Tell your passengers that you need to concentrate if you are to get to your destination safely.
Never show off or try to compete with other drivers, particularly if they are driving badly.
Don’t drive if you have consumed any alcohol or taken drugs. Even over-the-counter medicines can affect your ability to drive safely - read the label to see if they may affect your driving.
Make sure everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt throughout the journey.
Keep your speed down - many serious collisions happen because the driver loses control, particularly on bends.
Most new drivers have no experience of driving high-powered or sporty cars. Unless you have learnt to drive in such a vehicle you need to get plenty of experience driving on your own before driving a more powerful car.
Driving while uninsured is an offence. See Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements for information on types of insurance cover.

New Drivers Act

REMEMBER that under the New Drivers Act you will have your licence revoked if you get six penalty points on your licence within two years of passing your first driving test. You will need to pass both the theory and practical tests again to get back your full licence.

Further training

You could consider taking further training such as Pass Plus, which could also save you money on your insurance, as well as helping you reduce your risk of being involved in a collision.

Author's Explanation

Safety Code for New Drivers Explained (Annex 8)

Passing the driving test means you can drive independently, but newly qualified drivers still need time to build experience and confidence. The first months of driving are especially important because many new drivers are still developing hazard awareness and decision-making skills.

New drivers should avoid unnecessary risks such as speeding, showing off, driving while tired or being distracted by passengers. Staying focused, maintaining safe speeds and learning from every journey helps reduce the chance of collisions.

The New Drivers Act creates stricter rules during the first two years after passing a first driving test. Receiving 6 or more penalty points during this period can result in the licence being revoked and both driving tests needing to be passed again.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: A newly qualified driver avoids late-night journeys between midnight and 6 am because this period has a higher collision risk.

Example 2: A driver tells passengers not to distract them because maintaining concentration is essential for safe driving.

Example 3: A new driver chooses a slower speed on bends because losing control is a common cause of serious collisions.

Example 4: A newly qualified driver completes additional training such as Pass Plus to improve skills and driving confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are new drivers considered higher risk?

New drivers often lack experience in recognising hazards and predicting how other road users may behave, which increases collision risk.

Can passengers distract a new driver?

Yes. Drivers are responsible for controlling distractions and should make sure passengers do not affect their concentration or encourage unsafe behaviour.

What happens if a new driver gets 6 penalty points?

Under the New Drivers Act, the licence is revoked automatically and the driver must pass both theory and practical tests again before regaining a full licence.

Should new drivers avoid powerful cars?

New drivers should gain experience before driving high-powered vehicles because they may require greater control and understanding.

Can extra driver training be useful after passing the test?

Yes. Additional training can improve driving skills, increase confidence and may help reduce insurance costs.