Long gone are your learner plates – it’s time to make room for the special green ‘P’. That’s right, you’ve finally passed your driving test and now you’re ready to take on the road on your own. Exciting as this may be, it’s important to be fully prepared for whatever may happen on your journey.
From the expert advice of the instructors at driving schools in Birmingham and beyond, to some nifty gadgets to help you with the unexpected – here are the top five essentials that any new driver should keep in their car!
1. Car manual
It may seem dull and boring, but your car manual should be treasured, even if it just remains in your glove box. This is your go-to guide when you need to check the correct tyre pressure for your car, or the right oil and coolants to use — which you’re unlikely to know or remember as a new driver. Basically, never remove the manual from your car.
2. Fully charged phone and mounted holder
There’s nothing worse than your phone running out of battery when you’re on the road and using it as a satnav. Plus, you need to remain hands free to drive in the safest way possible! That’s why a phone holder for your car is pretty important – and even better, one that doubles up as a charger for your mobile.
Just remember to find a holder that has the right fitting for your car – whether you attach it to your vents, dashboard or windscreen. It is also vital that it does not obscure your vision in any way, as it shouldn’t be a distraction, and your eyes should be solely focused on the road ahead.
If you’ve already got a mounted phone holder, or don’t need your mobile for navigation, then you should still equip your car with a charger. Your phone will be vital in the case of an emergency, and can be used once you have stopped driving, and turned off the engine. A handy charger that plugs into the cigarette socket can mean that your phone will always be ready to use when it’s safe to do so.
3. First aid kit
The best way to be prepared for any situation, is to keep a first aid kit in your car, holding all the essentials, such as bandages, wound dressings and plasters. It may be the case that a passenger needs them on a long road trip or an accident happens when you reach your destination. With a first aid kit on hand, you can come to the rescue!
You can buy ready-made first aid kits, that come in a box or pouch that you can then easily store in your boot. Or if you prefer, you can make up a kit of your own – just make sure it includes all the important essentials.
4. Portable jump starter
Driving on your own for the first time is fun and exciting, but can quickly turn into panic if you’re unprepared and suddenly breakdown. Well, there’s no need to bother with bulky cables or flagging down another driver when this happens, you just need a portable jump starter kit. All the cables and charge are built-in to the device, so you’ll be back on the road in no time.
5. Emergency essentials
The experts at driving schools across the country, with the wealth of knowledge from their instructors, always recommend to include an emergency kit in your car. This comes in handy when you’re in the sticky situation of breaking down, or if you’re expected to go on a lengthy trip in the car.
Your emergency back-up kit should include plenty of water, some food items, warning signals and a torch, as you never know when you might need them.
If it’s winter, then pack a blanket as well, whereas sunglasses could be added for summer months. You’ll never be caught out when driving with some cleverly packed essentials in your car.