Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service Badge and name Firefighter Carl Lewis tells Bishops Castle pensioner Margaret Griffiths about the Bogus Callers Task Force. Merged with Rabinder Dhami of Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service Community Fire Safety Team shows Newport MP, Mark Pritchard the ten year smoke alarms and range of Safety Leaflets available to the public
Welcome to the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service website
999 - How to report a RTC
Be Safe Be Seen
Campaigns
Child cycle safety
Child restraint systems
Child road safety
Cycle training awareness scheme
Drink driving
Kill your speed
Mobile phone use
New drivers
Road Safety Advocate
Road safety strategy
Rural roads
Seat belts
Useful links
Winter driving



New drivers

If you've just passed your first driving test - Congratulations!

The Fire and Rescue Service attend numerous Road Traffic Collisions with the Police each year       Firefighters inspect the engine of a vehicle involved in a Road Traffic Collision

But remember, if you clock up six or more penalty points in the next two years, you'll lose your licence and have to take the test again.

Statistics show you're most at risk of having an accident in the two years or so after you pass your test - one in five newly qualified drivers have a crash within a year. We'll take your licence away if you increase that risk by committing offences like speeding.

Insurance ^ Top  

On average it costs nearly £1000 to pass your tests and get hold of a full driving license. It's difficult to get your license, but very easy to lose it!

Facts

  • Insurance can add up to 50% of the yearly running costs of a vehicle
  • By driving safely and giving yourself time and space on the roads, you could stay collision free and see the cost of insurance fall each year
  • After years the insurance cost can be as low as 10% of the running costs
Penalty points ^ Top  

Speeding 3-6 points
Going through a red light 3 points
Careless driving 3-9 points
Driving without insurance 6-8 points
Failing to stop after an accident 5-10 points

If you run six or more penalty points, you'll get a letter telling you your licence is no longer valid. You should inform your insurance company immediately.

You will have to apply for a new provisional licence to continue driving as a learner.


New drivers. Firefighters at the scene of a Road Traffic Collision      

Major factors of crashes involving new drivers

  • Speed
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Ignoring right-of-way
  • Tailgating
  • Improper passing and driving to the right of center
  • Fatigue
  • Reckless Driving

Driving as a learner ^ Top  

Remember, as a learner:

You can't drive on the motorway;
You must display L plates;
You can't drive a car unless you're accompanied by someone over 21 who has had a full driving licence for at least three years;
You're limited to less powerful motorbikes

The retest ^ Top  

The retest is just the same as a normal driving test. You must pay for and take both the theory and practical sections.

If you pass the retest and then run up more penalty points, you won't have to go through the same process again. But any points will stay on your licence, so you risk losing it anyway.


REMEMBER: Between the age of 16 and 25 you are more likely to be involved in a road accident than any other age group so take care and never speed, don’t drink and/or take drugs and drive, don’t use your mobile phone while driving and always wear a seat belt (clunk click every trip)


Further information

  Pass Plus
For new drivers who've just passed their driving test
www.passplus.org.uk


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© 2007 Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority.  This page was last updated 11-Jan-2008


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