{"id":24313,"date":"2025-09-18T19:48:19","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T18:48:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/?p=24313"},"modified":"2025-09-18T19:58:56","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T18:58:56","slug":"tips-and-advice-for-new-drivers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/index.php\/tips-and-advice-for-new-drivers\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips and Advice for New Drivers"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nThere can be quite a few challenges for the newly qualified driver setting out on their own for the first time. City and rural driving have their own unique scenarios, and there are strict rules to adhere to if you are unfortunate enough to have an accident with another car.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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To help ease the stress,<\/span> RedClick Insurance <\/span><\/a>have put together some tips to keep you safe and ease the stress of your first foray onto the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

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City Driving<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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Slow-moving Traffic: City driving is where everyone is in a rush, but no one is going anywhere fast. Traffic is mostly slow-moving at best and can be at a crawling pace during peak hours. You need to accept the fact that there is absolutely no point in being in a hurry. Surrender yourself to the pace of traffic and you\u2019ll have a less stressful experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Route Familiarisation: If you\u2019re going to start driving into the city for work, get to know your route beforehand by driving it in the evening with an experienced driver. Note where you have to change lanes and familiarise yourself with the road signs and what they mean.<\/span><\/p>\n

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One-way System: Quite often, people can get lost on one-way systems in town. If this happens, don\u2019t panic, find somewhere to pull in, park safely and work your route out calmly. If you\u2019re still unsure, ask a local business or police for directions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Concentration: Probably the most important skill you\u2019ll need for city driving is concentration. With buses, vans and lorries all vying for space, your view is very restricted. Expect cars, motorbikes, cyclists and pedestrians engrossed in their smartphones to suddenly appear in front of you. Constantly check all your mirrors and beware car doors opening suddenly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Rural Driving<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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While driving in the country is vastly different to the city, it does bring its own set of unique challenges like farm machinery, livestock and narrow winding roads with tight bends.<\/span><\/p>\n

Safe Speed: Driving on a winding, narrow country road can be difficult. There is quite a bit of gear changing, braking and steering as you navigate around the bends. Some of these roads may have a speed limit of 80 km per hour, but if you attempt to drive at that speed on these unfamiliar twists and turns, you could quickly end up in a ditch or a hedge. Driving at night can be even more tricky, so drive at a pace that you are comfortable and feel safe with.<\/span><\/p>\n

N-Roads: On National or N roads, the speed limit can be up to 100 km per hour. Occasionally, where there are hard shoulders, drivers will move towards them and slow to let following traffic pass without having to cross into the oncoming lane. This a courtesy and not a rule of the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

Farm Vehicles: It can be quite frustrating for some country drivers when, all of a sudden, their momentum is slowed right down by a tractor in front. This is to be expected though, so don\u2019t let your frustrations get the better of you. The farmer or tractor driver will usually pull in as soon as he\/she finds a space to let you pass, often they\u2019ll wave for you to overtake when they can see that the road ahead is clear. You should also be cautious when you approach a tractor coming the other way as it could be towing a low wide load that may cross into your lane.<\/span><\/p>\n

Livestock: Another common obstacle to be expected is livestock. Farmers often drive herds of cows or sheep along roads to bring them to another field or shed. Be patient and wait till the farmer clears them off the road for you before proceeding slowly. You should also be aware of farm animals roaming free. Slow down and pass them with great care and attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Other Drivers<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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It\u2019s important to remember that how you drive can affect other drivers, so always be mindful of the other cars on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

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