YOUNG DRIVERS HELP CENTRE
New to driving? Learn everything you need to know with our frequently asked questions for young drivers.
What is insurance?
Motor insurance is a way of protecting yourself against the financial risks of an accident, including repairs and medical costs. If you own a roadworthy vehicle, you must by law have at least third-party insurance. This covers the other party’s damage and injuries when you're involved in an accident and you're at fault.
Two other common types of UK motor insurance are:
- Third-party, fire and theft - which covers damage to others after an accident in which you're at fault
- Comprehensive - which also covers damage to your vehicle as well
What is 'black box' insurance?
This refers to personalised car insurance based on your driving style. It's also known as telematics insurance, smart box insurance, pay-as-you-drive, and usage-based insurance (UBI).
An increasing number of insurers offer a telematics device as a way to lower the cost of your car insurance. The device is fitted in your vehicle, and the way you drive is reported back to your insurer. Responsible, safe driving is rewarded by offering lower premiums. This reflects that you represent less risk to your insurer.
What is road tax?
Road tax or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is a periodic tax payable on vehicles that use public roads. The amount you pay depends on your vehicle's CO2 emissions - the lower the emissions, the lower the tax.
In 2017 new rules were introduced for cars registered after 1 April 2017. The first year’s VED is still based on a vehicle’s CO2 emissions, but cars with 0g/km CO2 emissions – electric and hydrogen vehicles – are exempt from paying tax. So now you can buy a nearly new or second-hand car and avoid paying tax for as long as you drive it.
What's a dash cam?
A dash cam is a small camera placed in your car to record the road while you drive. These devices can help you significantly reduce your insurance premium. And if an accident happens, you can support any insurance claim with video evidence of how, when and where it occurred.
How does the practical test work?
The practical driving test includes an eyesight check, safety questions, and about 40 minutes of driving. This involves a section of independent driving as well.
What are the theory and hazard perception tests?
These are part of the UK driving test.
- The theory test consists of 50 multiple choice questions. To pass, you need to correctly answer 43 (or more) questions out of 50.
- The hazard perception test is part of the theory test. It works by showing you 14 one-minute video clips on a PC screen. You watch these as if you were the driver, and have to spot 15 hazards - at least one on each clip. To pass, you need to score 44 or higher out of 75.
What's an advanced driving test?
The advanced driving test is a special exam for motorists who can drive to a skill level substantially above average. If you pass, you're officially an advanced driver.
Should I buy a new car or a used car?
The decrease in your car’s value over time is one of its biggest costs. This happens at different rates, depending on the model and options you’ve chosen, such as the car’s colour and features. But by the end of the first year, a new car can lose around 30% of its value. Popular models with strong second-hand appeal usually have the best trade-in and sale prices, so keep your eye on current trends.
Choosing between a new or a used model can be tough. Here are some key pointers to help you make your decision.
Benefits of buying new
- You'll have the latest model with up-to-date technology and style
- There are often excellent deals available
- You can add a new-vehicle warranty
- You can choose exactly the right vehicle, with the features you love
- You'll know the vehicle's full history
Benefits of buying used
- Used vehicles are generally less expensive
- You can get warranty and history checks at your Retailer
- Used vehicles depreciate less than new vehicles
What should you look for when buying a car?
When you're looking for a car, it's helpful to think about things like:
- Reliability
- Fuel economy
- Price
- Size
- 3-door or 5-door
- Engine size
- Boot size
- Hatchback, coupé, saloon, SUV, estate or convertible
- Manual, automatic or semi-automatic
Where can I get the best fuel prices?
Fuel is usually more expensive in locations that more people visit, such as motorway garages. It can also be pricer from branded fuel stations, so it's worth trying unbranded garages.
Where do I get the best car deals?
Want to drive away in a shiny new Vauxhall? Our finance offers make it easier for you to buy the way you want. Get started by choosing your favourite model.
What's a test drive?
A test drive is an opportunity to see how a car looks and feels before you buy. It gives you the chance to check out the car's drivability, power, comfort, driver-assistance features and so on.
What are a car's 'safety features'?
We build in many advanced technologies to protect you, your passengers and the car itself in the event of an accident. Some alert systems, like lane-keep assist, help to prevent accidents in the first place. Our recent safety features include Pre-Collision Assist and door-edge protectors.
What kind of infotainment features does Vauxhall offer?
You'll find many different types of infotainment features in our vehicles. Here's a few you might like to check out:
- Touch screen
- Navigation system
- Bluetooth connection
- Radio stations
- Speakers (varying numbers, depending on your model)
- Hands-free calling systems
- Apple CarPlay®
- Android AutoTM
What's the difference between front-wheel and rear-wheel drive?
Front-wheel drive is a transmission system that provides power to the front wheels of a vehicle. Rear-wheel drive, as the name suggests, provides power to the rear wheels.
Front-wheel drive vehicles have better traction - which tends to make your drive safer in poor conditions like snow and rain - because the weight of a vehicle's engine and transmission falls over the front wheels.
What does it mean when number plates are labelled 'L' and 'P', and when should I use them?
In the UK, learner plates are displayed on the front and back of a vehicle. Learners must display red L-plates whenever they're driving to show other drivers they haven't passed their test to gain a full licence.
Green P-plates can be used by drivers who've just passed their driving test. Unlike L-plates, this isn't a legal requirement.
What's the difference between a provisional licence and a full licence?
With a provisional licence, you can drive with L plates and with a qualified driver present to supervise you.
With a full licence, you can drive without supervision and without L plates.
Who needs to be in the car with me when I have a provisional licence?
A provisional driving licence gives you permission to drive on UK roads (excluding motorways) under the supervision of your driving instructor, or another driver over the age of 21 who has held a full driving licence for three years or more.