A good driver is not just having a clean licence, as often that can be more luck than judgment; it is someone who consistently takes every trip with care, consideration, and a good frame of mind. It’s much easier said than done, too.

When we pass our driving test, we are taught the basics of driving and car control, but it is continued good practice that creates a great driver. An hour-long test will never take into consideration every issue you may encounter on the roads. Experience, hours behind the wheel, or further advanced driver training will improve your overall safety on the roads and motorways.

Vehicle Maintenance

A great driver ensures the vehicle is in good order before a trip, checking lights, levels, wipers and tyres. Keeping your car or van clean and tidy is also a sign of someone who cares about their vehicle and is more likely to see all signs of damage or wear and tear before they become issues.

Understanding all rules and regulations of the road

One of the first things you will read when taking driving lessons is the Highway Code, and many drivers never re-visit this once they have passed the test. This is something that all drivers should read fairly often and upgrade the book every few years to ensure that any new regulations are understood. Since the establishment of Smart Motorways, new regulations have been written but not necessarily understood, causing numerous issues for drivers taking new motorway routes without knowing the rules. Another great book to read is the Police Drivers Handbook Roadcraft; this will help you understand more advanced driving techniques, and most advanced driving courses will use the system of car control outlined in this. It is worth purchasing this book for new drivers before they take the driving test to give them every advantage possible, as a good understanding of these systems will ultimately produce good drivers for life.

Good Observations 

Great drivers always have good observations at all times, but this can only happen if all windows and mirrors are not obstructed, so making sure that all mirrors are set correctly to the driver and windows are clear, especially during the winter when condensation and ice can take a while to clear.  Driving with an iced-up and obstructed windscreen is illegal and can land you with a fine and possible penalty points. If you struggle to do this quickly, it is wise to check weather reports and, if possible, cover your windscreen the night before or spend a few extra minutes before driving away to de-ice with scraping and, if needed, allowing the screen to demist.  Most modern cars will have superb air conditioning to help clear screens very quickly, and some cars will have heated windscreens.  If you do not have these, ensure you never take a trip, even a short shop or school run, with icy windows.  It is also illegal to drive with lots of snow still piled up high on the car roof, as a sharp brake can cause this to slip and cover windows or melt and fall off, causing issues for drivers behind you.

Driving defensively

Defensive driving is always driving in such a way that you are in control and observant of all possible issues that could occur. Scanning the road ahead and checking all mirrors often, especially before indicating and moving lanes or overtaking, will help minimise collisions. Leaving a space of a few seconds between vehicles is also the best way to avoid needless collisions, and should the car in front stall, you will have enough room to move around; remember that the Tyres on Tarmac phrase will help.  Adjusting driving for the weather is also key to good driving, slowing down in a downpour or fog, using the correct lights so you can be seen and making sure that you leave extra space between vehicles. Paying attention to the actions of other drivers is also a great skill to learn. Making sure that you are seen by a driver waiting to come out of a junction or roundabout can make the difference; just eye contact with another driver can give you more confidence that you have been seen and are safe to make the manoeuvre.

Taking breaks and understanding driver fatigue

Tired drivers have caused many casualties; we have all seen the terrible effects of drivers falling asleep at the wheel.  It is important to understand that your vehicle is a deadly weapon, and if not controlled properly, terrible things can happen very easily.  Lorry drivers have certain rules with tachographs to ensure they are not driving over the allotted safe hours, but this is not the case for car drivers.   If you know you have a long trip, it is wise to ensure that you are fully rested and alert before setting off; plan your route so that you can often stop to have a coffee or even a short nap if parked safely. If you start to feel tired and cannot safely pull over, it is wise to turn the heating down, open windows for fresh air, put some enjoyable music on – loud if needed, even sing if you wish (yes, this helps!) – anything to stimulate your tired, weary, bored brain. Then, if needed, pull over for a break as soon as possible.