New/young drivers
Information for new drivers about driving skills, speeding and collisions.
On this page:
What to do if you’re involved in a collision with a cyclist
Young drivers
Young drivers are much more likely to be involved in collisions than older drivers.
17-25 year-olds make up 10% of licence holders, but over 20% of collisions.
Young drivers have different kinds of collisions to older drivers.
Young drivers are more likely to be involved in:
- Single vehicle collisions.
- Crashes where they've lost control of the vehicle
This means young drivers will pay more for their car insurance.
Driving skills
Many driving skills are picked up after you learn to drive.
- Anticipating and spotting hazards comes with experience
- Not being able anticipate hazards can cause road collisions. It means that you didn't stop in time
- Observation, concentration and anticipation are skills which you will develop over time.
Courses such as Pass Plus for motorists help with developing your skills as a driver.
Speeding
Speed is one of the most common causes of road collisions. You can still be under the speed limit and kill someone.
Remember, the police are always on the look out for people speeding. Slow down before it’s too late. If you are caught speeding you will get fined and points on your licence.
People who have just passing their first driving test will be "on probation" for two years.
A total of six or more penalty points during that time will mean they have to go back to learner status.
They will have to apply for a new provisional licence and take the test again.
What to do if you’re involved in a collision with a cyclist
The cyclist must stop and provide their name, address and the name and address of the vehicle owner.
The vehicle registration number will also need to be provided. This is required by Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
If someone is injured you should report the incident to the Police as soon as possible. You need to do this within 24 hours (call 101 or attend at your local station).
When there is an injury or obstruction to the road that cannot be easily cleared you should call 999. You should requesting police/ambulance attendance.
