Home Highway Code Annex 8. Safety code for new drivers

Annex 8. Safety code for new drivers

Information about the safety code for new drivers, including the New Drivers Act and further training.

Once you have passed the driving test you will be able to drive on your own. This will provide you with lots of opportunities but you need to remain safe. Even though you have shown you have the skills you need to drive safely, many newly qualified drivers lack experience. You need to continue to develop your skills, especially anticipating other road users’ behaviour to avoid having a collision. As many as one new driver in five has some kind of collision in their first year of driving. This code provides advice to help you get through the first 12 months after passing the driving test, when you are most vulnerable, as safely as possible.

The safety code

  • Many of the worst collisions happen at night. Between midnight and 6 am is a time of high risk for new drivers. Avoid driving then unless it’s really necessary.
  • If you are driving with passengers, you are responsible for their safety. Don’t let them distract you or encourage you to take risks. Tell your passengers that you need to concentrate if you are to get to your destination safely.
  • Never show off or try to compete with other drivers, particularly if they are driving badly.
  • Don’t drive if you have consumed any alcohol or taken drugs. Even over-the-counter medicines can affect your ability to drive safely - read the label to see if they may affect your driving.
  • Make sure everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt throughout the journey.
  • Keep your speed down - many serious collisions happen because the driver loses control, particularly on bends.
  • Most new drivers have no experience of driving high-powered or sporty cars. Unless you have learnt to drive in such a vehicle you need to get plenty of experience driving on your own before driving a more powerful car.
  • Driving while uninsured is an offence. See Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements for information on types of insurance cover.

New Drivers Act

REMEMBER that under the New Drivers Act you will have your licence revoked if you get six penalty points on your licence within two years of passing your first driving test. You will need to pass both the theory and practical tests again to get back your full licence.

Further training

You could consider taking further training such as Pass Plus, which could also save you money on your insurance, as well as helping you reduce your risk of being involved in a collision. There are three ways to find out more:

The Faster Way to Pass Your DVSA Theory Test

Our AI-powered theory test app helps you get test ready fast and pass first time

Industry leading reviews from 1883 verified buyers...

Keep up to date with us on social media...

What is the 2025 DVSA theory test pass mark? ✍️🚗 Find out everything you need to know about the theory test pass marks and pass rates for the DVSA driving theory test 👇 https://t.co/8oP2dtoPgl #theorytest #drivingtheorytest #theorytestpassmark #booktheorytest https://t.co/DuiYviXCpk
23 hours ago
💡 Driving theory test tips 💡 Anti-lock brakes may be ineffective when vehicles have poor contact with the road surface because it could cause one or more of the tyres to lose grip on the road. 🚗 Start practising to pass the DVSA theory test now 👇 https://t.co/LIcCIaVlUv https://t.co/w6krtR8oVe
1 day ago
What is a puffin crossing? 🚦 A puffin crossing is a type of traffic-light controlled pedestrian crossing, designed to be more user-friendly and efficient than older models, like pelican crossings. Find out more 👇 https://t.co/HSqCXTdB4b #puffincrossing #theorytest https://t.co/77WVSYOF8N
2 days ago
Looking for DVSA theory test practice material so you can pass the UK driving theory test? ✨ Pass the UK theory test first time using our theory test practice app. Get started for FREE 👇 https://t.co/jlI1c9IM4i #dvsatheorytest #theorytest #drivingtheorytest https://t.co/iWAoC9WuET
2 days ago
Do you know yellow box rules? 🟨🚗 A yellow box junction means you must not enter it unless your exit is clear and you can drive through without stopping. Find out everything you need to know about yellow box junctions 👇 https://t.co/RJT5r0lTeR #yellowboxjunctions #theorytest https://t.co/YuwlgyZppb
2 days ago
Do you have a theory test date booked with the DVSA that you want to change? 🚗📅 Changing or cancelling a DVSA theory test date is a straightforward process. This article gives you the steps to reschedule your theory test booking 👇 https://t.co/hsWfeUOYIZ #changetheorytest https://t.co/wLSAvz7OIG
3 days ago
Looking for a quick and easy way to practice for your DVSA car theory test and PASS first time? ⚡ Get instant online access to the latest DVSA revision questions and CGI hazard perception clips, exclusive tutorial videos, plus much more 👇 https://t.co/Y2wHD1ZtFh #theorytest https://t.co/BY3hKZOqy9
6 days ago
What would you expect to find at a contraflow system on a motorway? 🛣️ Here's everything you need to know about contraflow systems to help you pass your DVSA theory test 👇 https://t.co/SgC8LD44Ds #contraflowsystem #roadsafety #dvsatheorytest #theorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/Cdce9jPImF
1 week ago
✨ The latest 2025 Highway Code ✨ Here you'll find the most up-to-date Highway Code revision, including the new Highway Code rules, organised by sections so you can easily move through the content 👇 https://t.co/cw9v6M6xwS #highwaycode #theorytest https://t.co/Tk38KeypEq
1 week ago
Want to PASS the 2025 DVSA theory test? 🎓✨ Get started with our FREE AI-powered theory test practice trial. Access our theory test app and online theory test tools for FREE now 👇 https://t.co/t4xIylQKpR #theorytest #dvsatheorytest #drivingtheorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/ips7cZ6aI1
1 week ago
💡 Driving theory test tips 💡 Anti-lock brakes may be ineffective when vehicles have poor contact with the road surface because it could cause one or more of the tyres to lose grip on the road. 🚗 Start practising to pass the DVSA theory test now 👇 https://t.co/LIcCIaVlUv https://t.co/AGm6QiBxX9
1 week ago
What is the 2025 DVSA theory test pass mark? ✍️🚗 Find out everything you need to know about the theory test pass marks and pass rates for the DVSA driving theory test 👇 https://t.co/8oP2dtoPgl #theorytest #drivingtheorytest #theorytestpassmark #booktheorytest https://t.co/ADOg5Az38W
1 week ago
Looking for a quick and easy way to practice for your DVSA car theory test and PASS first time? ⚡ Get instant online access to the latest DVSA revision questions and CGI hazard perception clips, exclusive tutorial videos, plus much more 👇 https://t.co/Y2wHD1ZtFh #theorytest https://t.co/VQIuClu5zu
2 weeks ago
Do you have a theory test date booked with the DVSA that you want to change? 🚗📅 Changing or cancelling a DVSA theory test date is a straightforward process. This article gives you the steps to reschedule your theory test booking 👇 https://t.co/hsWfeUOYIZ #changetheorytest https://t.co/GUQ1hplOOU
2 weeks ago
What is the difference between a dual carriageway and a motorway? As a learner driver in the UK preparing for your DVSA theory test, it's essential to understand the differences between various types of roads. Here's everything you need to know 👇 https://t.co/7JvfSU0Vvq https://t.co/JoffBWjbhD
2 weeks ago
What is a puffin crossing? 🚦 A puffin crossing is a pedestrian crossing that prioritises the safety of pedestrians. Find out everything you need to know here 👇 https://t.co/HSqCXTdB4b #puffincrossing #theorytest #booktheorytest #highwaycode #roadsafety https://t.co/UDFWaPqLgQ
2 weeks ago
AI-Powered Car Theory Test Practice and Hazard Perception Test Practice App ✨🚗 PASS your DVSA Car theory test first time with our AI-powered Car theory test practice app and online theory test training tools 👇 https://t.co/V7UF8izlqq #cartheorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/swI5sikJRf
2 weeks ago
What would you expect to find at a contraflow system on a motorway? 🚗🛣️ This article explains what a contraflow system is, where you might see one, and how to navigate it safely 👇 https://t.co/SgC8LD44Ds #contraflowsystem #theorytest https://t.co/MRzc0pviFu
2 weeks ago
Looking for the best AI-powered theory test app? ✨📱 PASS your DVSA theory test first time using Driving Theory 4 All's AI-powered theory test practice app 👇 https://t.co/pf8Nhn0Z52 #theorytestapp #theorytestpractice https://t.co/PAQDtyVQBu
2 weeks ago
Our smart theory test practice app uses AI to help you get test-ready faster and pass your UK driving theory test first time in 2025 ✨ Get started for FREE now 👇 https://t.co/t4xIylQKpR #theorytestpracticefree #theorytest #dvsatheorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/6YjO3z7Aij
2 weeks ago