Congratulations you have passed your driving test! And now it's time to get onto those roads alone. This can be a scary time for new drivers but don't worry, we are here to help calm down those nerves! 

Offering lifts:

The freedom of driving is a great feeling. Knowing you and your friends can now go wherer you want whenever you want. Just think of the endless drive through's you can have... But take it easy. Having friends in your car can be a huge distraction! Tell your friends they can have lifts as soon as your are more comfortable driving alone.

Switch off your phone:

Mobile phones are another huge distraction so before you set off make sure it's turned off. 

Pass Plus:

If you are really nervous about solo driving then you can take part in the Pass Plus course. This gives you an additional 6+ hours of practice with a professional instructor. The Pass Plus course has 6 modules, covering driving:

Make drivers aware:

Get some 'P plates' and display them on your car to let other drives know that you're a new driver. 

Practice, Practice, Practice:

It may take a while until you feel completely comfortable on the roads. Take some time to practice around your local area and go out with a parent if this helps you feel calmer. You are likely to make a few mistakes but remember this happens to everything and practice makes perfect! 

Happy Safe Driving! 

Witnessing an accident can be a really daunting thing to deal with. The main thing to remember is the stay calm and do not panic.

Calling Emergency Services:

Witnessing an accident can be just as traumatic as being involved in one. Your instincts are likely to be telling you to help and while this is all very well, it’s important to be calm and collected.

Consider your own safety, as the last thing you want to do is cause another accident.

If you’re in a car, use your hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic of an incident.

Once at the scene, check to see who is injured and to what extent and call the emergency services.

Firstly you should try and get together all the witnesses and get any many people as you can to help. 

If someone is trained in first aid get them to assist the injured until the emergency services have arrived. 

Also try and keep onlookers back from the scene and make sure the scene is safe from any further incidents. 

Make sure that someone speaks to the emergency services consistently so that they get all the information they need. It is best that the person on the phone is calm. 

Looking after the injured: 

If there are people who are badly insured do not try not to move them unless it is dangerous to leave them where they are. 

If you are skilled in first aid make sure that:

If you are not trained in first aid the best thing to do is the leave the injured until the Emergency services arrive. Offering comfort and emotional support is the best thing that you can do. 

After the Emergency services has arrived: 

You may be asked by someone involved in the accident or the police after the accident to give you name and contact details. This is usually to help who is investigating the accident. 

You should make notes and write down a detailed account of what you saw before, during and after the accident. Also if you took photographs after the accident use these as well.