It might be what his own dad said to him when he passed, but these words are not helpful at all!
At this stage in the process of learning to drive, a new driver has just driven for 40 minutes or so without breaking any rules in the highway code or putting himself or others at risk after completing (the national average figure) 50 or so hours of professional training and passing a detailed theory test. They've been on various roads and demonstrated competence in various traffic conditions which includes interacting with those who may be un-licenced, drunk, using the phone, arguing with passengers, lost or suffering ill health - they CAN now drive!
Of course, experience is something that takes time to gain and we can all make mistakes - but I've never really understood why we put our most vulnerable drivers in cheap, battered cars with minimal levels of safety feature fitted to them and engines that mean that they're certainly at risk if they attempt an overtaking manoeuvre or attempt to join a dual carriageway or a motorway.
Surely they would be better off in a modern car, with the latest airbag, crumple zone, safety cell and seat belt technology - that way if they do fall foul of the inexperience, then they'll be adequately protected. Many insurance company's recognise this and ask for lower premiums as a result.
There's also a level of pride associated with having a brand new, shiny car that encourages people to look after it rather than not care - nobody want's a 6 month old car with dents and scratches all over it do they?
And what about running costs? Modern engines are less polluting and achieve better mpg than their older cousins. They don't need to go through an MOT for a few years and they often come along with free servicing and warranty.
I always recommend new cars to my learner drivers as they go through the process of learning to drive and have worked with the guys at Marmalade Insurance for some time. Marmalade can provide you with a brand new car at prices starting at £200 a month and you get a year's insurance for free as part of the deal (which is probably worth £100 a month or so). For more details click on this link www.wearemarmalade.co.uk/cars-for-young-drivers and if you decide it's a good idea, please tell them you heard about this from your driving instructor and give them my name - you know it makes sense!
www.nickheathdrivertraining.org.uk
