FirstCar Practical Edition. Issue 1

insurancehow to get cover

HOLLYOaKsHanging out with the stars of the cul t teen soap

Learningpass your tests

PracTicaLEditionIssue 1

car buYingavoid the lemons

Inside : buYing + insuring + sTaYing safe + MainTenance

made in chelseabinKY

Exclusive interview

Supported by

Win Me!page 46

ingenie offers a fresh approach to insuring young people. We use the black box

to treat every young driver as an individual.

After just a year with ingenie, customers’ renewal premiums were on average

£954* (49%) cheaper than their starting price.

So, put in a good performance and you could lower the cost of your car insurance.

*Based on ingenie renewals in Dec 2012 and Jan 2013

Get your own in-car performance analyst

Insurance that gets cheaper as your driving gets better.

Gary Linekeringenie ambassador

GET A QUOTE AT INGENIE.COM

facebook.com/ingenieinsurance

twitter.com/ingenie

ING00001_Performance_210x148.indd 1 18/02/2013 17:00

firstcar.co.uk 3

I f you’re reading this, chances are you’re close to going on the road alone for the first time. Taking your practical test can be stressful but I guarantee, it’s an experience you’ll

remember for the rest of your life. Learning to drive is more than just passing a test though. It’s about being prepared and responsible on the road – and of course, enjoying your new-found freedom.

The first few months after you get your licence will present you with all sorts of new challenges; getting used to travelling on your own or maybe with a car-load of your mates, driving on unfamiliar roads and in bad weather. That’s where FirstCar comes in, helping you with advice on everything from choosing your first car and getting insured, to motorway driving, post-test training and even car maintenance.

Remember, it’s all about being the best driver you can be. Driving is not just about your skill behind the wheel, it’s about having the right attitude to the road. Developing your driving with FirstCar can help you save money and most importantly, stay safe on your adventures.

Safe driving!

Gary Lineker BBC presenter and ingenie ambassador

In contributing to this magazine and helping to make it available to the public, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) implies neither endorsement nor criticism of any person or organisation featured in it, either editorially or through advertising. FirstCar Magazine and its agents, employees, advertisers and other contributors are wholly independent of the Driving Standards Agency and neither FirstCar Magazine nor the DSA can accept any liability for any loss or damages arising from following the advice and guidance contained in this magazine.

FirstCar Magazine is based at The Anchorage, Manor Avenue, Deal, Kent CT14 9PN. You can contact us via [email protected]. The contents of this magazine are copyright © FirstCar Ltd and may not be reproduced or transmitted, in any form in whole or in part, without written consent from the editor. Neither FirstCar Ltd nor its staff can be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it.

Publisher James Evans Editor Richard Dredge Deputy editor Dan SherwoodCommercial Richard StorrsArt director Karen BatesOffice manager Vicky KitchenThanks to: Sharon O’Connor Caroline Creighton-Metcalf

WELCOME

The team Contacts

Foreword

Facebook.com/[email protected] 308853 Twitter.com@firstcaruk

A message fromGary Lineker

contentsStrap yourself in, hold on tight and enjoy the ride...

Hollyoaks stars Anna Shaffer and Jazmine Franks tell all to FirstCar in our exclusive interview.

Buying a car can be fraught with danger, but you can protect yourself by sticking to a few simple rules. Here we spill the beans.

Failed your test? Here’s how to pass next time. Passed it? Then don’t assume you now know it all; there’s plenty of scope for building on your driving skills.

20

4 firstcar.co.uk

Contents

Hollyoaks

BUyInG

6 13leaRnInG

The basics of car maintenance are really very simple, and to prove it, here we show you just how simple.

maintenance

40

firstcar.co.uk 5

Terrified by the thought of motorway driving? There’s no need to be; here’s how to master it.

You’ll want to keep your shiny new licence clean. The problem is, it’s easy to rack up penalty points; here’s how to avoid them.

on probation

4448

tHiS car!Win

Struggling to find the cash to buy a decent set of wheels? Then why not just win a brand

new car instead? Be in with a chance by entering our competition to scoop a new Alfa MiTo, worth £16,590.

46

Young drivers crash too much. Don’t be another statistic; here’s how to stay out of trouble.

roaD SaFetY

25

30

inSurance

motorWaY

22Can’t get to grips with insurance? Then let us be your guide; here we light the way for you.

binkYFirstCar talks to the hottest star of reality TV show Made in Chelsea.

6 firstcar.co.uk

Be a bookwormYou don’t have to sign up to a course or go out with a tutor in your car; all you need is a decent source of information, such as the police driver’s bible, Roadcraft. This tells you how to deal with any situation you’re likely to encounter behind the

wheel, and for just a tenner or so, you’ll learn some great techniques that will make your driving smoother, safer and more comfortable. Also look at the IAM’s Pass your advanced driving test, and Haynes Publishing’s Advanced Driving.

P assing your test gives you a sense of freedom; a means of going wherever and whenever you want. But it’s important to remember that this is just the

first step towards safe driving – it’s important to refresh your skills throughout your driving life. Statistics show that new drivers are at higher risk of being involved in an accident in their first year of driving, so check out the Safe Driving for Life website at safedrivingforlife.info. This invaluable resource has been created in partnership between the Driving Standards Agency and their official publisher, TSO, to give you loads of helpful hints and tips on how to keep safe on the roads. The website includes advice on Pass Plus and other advanced driving courses which can help you become an even more skilful driver. Join in the conversation and follow us on Facebook or Twitter @safedrivinglife. We’d also recommend that you spend some more time having professional tuition; you can find more about this on the next page. There are loads of opportunities to become a better driver once you’ve passed your test; many are great fun and all are worthwhile, because extra training is proven to be a lifesaver.

Learning

FURTHERGO

firstcar.co.uk 7

If you’re not sure what to focus on when driving, the Institute of Advanced Motorists has come up with a few pointers to help:Read the road: the further ahead you look, the more time you have to recognise and respond to hazards. Always be able to stop your vehicle in the distance you can see to be clear. Anticipate: having looked ahead, use that knowledge to anticipate the problems that might come up and plan for them well in advance, to avoid needing to take last-minute action.Use the two-second rule: watch as the vehicle in front goes past a marker, then say “only a fool breaks the two second rule”. If you’re at the marker before you’ve finished, you’re too close. Double it in the wet.Concentrate: at 70 mph your stopping distance is the length of a football pitch. Looking away at a crucial moment can be fatal.Assume the worst: never assume another driver has seen you or will react as you expect. Don’t rely on someone else’s reactions to keep you safe.Look behind – and to the side: use mirrors regularly so you have a 360º understanding of what’s going on around you. Always check over the shoulder before moving out.Manage your personal space: if you keep space around your vehicle, you’ll always have more time and room to deal with hazards. Stay fresh: driver fatigue is a major factor in many crashes. Take at least a 15-minute break after every two hours at the wheel. No sudden movements: if you’ve scanned all around and used that information to predict what may happen, you should never be surprised by another vehicle’s movements.Learn from your mistakes: near misses happen to everybody. After, think how you could have avoided getting into that situation, even if you think it was the other driver’s fault.

Be a safer driver

It’s A fActDrivers coached beyond the L-test are

more aware of other road users, road conditions and hazards on the road, making

them much safer, according to a study by Jean Hopkin Research Associates. It found that 98%

of advanced drivers are more aware of other road users, and potential hazards, while 66%

believe that advanced driver training helped them avoid an incident or

collision, and 78% have better car-handling skills.

top tips for buying your first carA car is a car, right? Well, when it comes to getting insured, not all cars are created equal. At ingenie, we know that the right model car could save you a bucket on your insurance. So, put those supercar dreams on hold for now - these are the cars you need to know about.

Most popuLar cars for young DriVErs

Black box insurance is up to 30% cheaper than traditional car insurance of ingenie customers get

a quarterly discount for better driving

ingenie customers see the average cost of their

insurance go down by

These are the top five most popular cars insured by under-25s making them a good starting place when choosing a car.

Renualt Clio Ford Fiesta Peugeot 206

1

2 43 5

Vauxhall Corsa

Fiat Punto

KEy facts about ingenie

30%70%

£954at renewal

8 firstcar.co.uk

ingenie insurance

in association with®

CAR INSURANCE FOR 17-25s

QUICK CAR LOOKUPIt means you won’t have to go through the pain of a full quote and confirms that you are choosing a car that won’t send your insurance through the roof - perfect for when you’re car hunting.

BUyIng yOUR fIRst CAR? LOOK fOR: A small engine – 1.4 litres or smaller No engine or bodywork modifications outside of the original specification

Cars less than 20 years old – that means M registration plates onwards

5 seats or less, but excluding vintage, specialist or high performance cars, such as hot hatches, convertibles and sports editions

HOW IngEnIE COULD HELP 17-25s sAVE On tHEIR InsURAnCE

@ingenie facebook.com/ingenieinsurance

TRY IT NOW!Go to ingenie.com/quick-car-lookup

No night-time curfews

Premium review every three months

Regular feedback on how you’re driving

Financial incentive to drive better

No mileage caps or top ups

A s soon as you’ve got your full licence, it’s easy to sit back and

relax, getting ever more complacent behind the wheel. But you never stop learning as a driver, and with two under-25s killed in car crashes every day on UK roads, it’s worth taking extra training once you’ve got your licence. The most popular post-test training is Pass Plus, which you have to do within a year of passing your test; the six modules are wide-ranging and invaluable.

There are lots of other courses too, with many driving instructors able to coach you beyond the driving test standard. A Google search

will throw up anybody local who can help out, or there are various national schemes worth a closer look.

The advanced driving test from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) usually comprises of three months’ worth of weekly sessions, with the work done on a voluntary basis by a RoSPA member, so it’s very affordable. The Institute of Advanced Motorists’ scheme works in a similar way, with a volunteer allocated to you, and it’s their task to accompany you in your own car, until you’re up to the advanced test standard. Check out rospa.com and iam.org.uk for more.

10 firstcar.co.uk

Learning

advance It’s easy to continually improve your driving, but you must want to keep raising the bar. Just knowing The Highway Code isn’t enough; here’s what to do.

Remember what your instructor taught you. You paid for their good advice, so don’t throw it away. Keep up the mirror/signal/manoeuvre routines and always anticipate; have an escape option.

Keep up with The Highway Code on facebook.com/HighwayCodeGB twitter.com/HighwayCodeGB tinyurl.com/2rvaah

Criticise each drive. The best drivers are always learning and improving, not lapsing. Think about what you could have done better.

Develop a critic’s eye. Don’t make the same mistakes others do. And note the good driving you see. Be like the best.

Say what you’re doing out loud. It can be a good way to highlight your dodgier decisions. It makes you think about planning ahead and it’s a great confidence booster. It’s best done without passengers though, unless it’s someone you want advice from.

Make enough time. Rushing brings out your worst habits. Set the alarm clock ten minutes earlier.

Driving when you’re angry or upset puts lives at risk. Detach yourself from strong emotions when you drive, or stump up the cab/bus fare.

Be mean with your money. Anyone can press a gas pedal, but it takes skill to take control of the pennies. It’s crazy to race to catch up with the car in front, only to have to brake harder. You paid for that petrol and you’d have been behind that same car at the next lights anyway. Change gear less often, stay in higher gears just a bit longer, and save lots of money in the process.

Stay on top

yourself

TSO (The Stationery Offi ce) is proud to be DSA’s offi cial publishing partner. The marketing of products by TSO is funded by TSO, tso.co.uk. Images and prices are correct at time of going to press but subject to change without notice. The Stationery Offi ce Limited is registered in England No. 3049649 at 1-5 Poland Street, London, W1F 8PR. 82

66

05/

13

For the full range of official DSA products to keep you safe on the roads, visit tsoshop.co.uk/firstcar or find out more by calling 0870 850 6553.

Safe Driving for LifeLearning to drive doesn’t stop when you pass your test.

Join the conversationwww.safedrivingforlife.info @safedrivinglifesafedrivinglife

The Official Highway Code iPhone appAll the rules at your fingertips.

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1 Petrol or diesel? The latter cost more and tend

to be less reliable, but they’re more economical. Most small cars have a petrol engine though.

2 AutomAtic or mAnuAl?

Self-shifting gears can be a real bonus with today’s traffic levels, but such cars are less economical and most small cars are manuals.

3 high-mileAge? Don’t be put off by a high-

mileage car if it’s been cared for. If it’s had one owner and comes with a full history, it may still be a very good buy.

4 where to buy Privately: Generally

cheapest, but beware of optimistic pricing and there’s no warranty.

buying

firstcar.co.uk 13

your first cAr

Buying a car

t here are so many cars out there, that homing in on the right one can take a lot of legwork. However, if you choose badly you could hate your car – which could bankrupt you – but if you buy well your life will be

transformed for the better. Here we guide you through all the things you need to consider, but for even more great advice, check out firstcar.co.uk/buying_a_car.

Exciting and dauntingat the same time,buying your first carcan be nerve-wracking

There are loads of considerations when buying a car, and loads of makes and models. Whatever you buy, the chances are it’ll be a compact hatchback with a small engine. Exactly what you buy will at least in part be dictated by the insurance; there’s more on this in the section that starts on page 30.

basics

franchised dealers: Usually have newer cars in stock, which will often be better cared for and have lower mileages. They also charge the most, in general.independent dealers: Usually offer the same facilities as a franchised dealer, but the cars tend to be higher mileage. Still a good bet though.car supermarkets: Offer low prices as they sell lots of cars and make a small profit on each. Tend to focus on mainstream cars only, but there’s usually plenty of choice.Auctions: The cheapest option, but it’s easy to buy a heap if you’re not careful. Buy here with caution as there is likely to be very little comeback in the event of problems.

buying

Don’t look at a car in the rain or at

night – the paintwork always looks great.

Buying privatelySome dealers masquerade as private sellers and work from home. When you phone, ask about ‘the car for sale’. If they need clarification, they’ve clearly got several vehicles up for grabs. A few simple rules can save you a lot of bother:

Don’t buy from someone who gives only a mobile number; they’ll be untraceable if something goes wrong. If a specific time is given for calls to be made, the seller is probably using a public phone box. Phone outside the specified time and see who answers. Insist on visiting the seller’s house to inspect the car; ensure this is at the address on the registration document. Weigh up how well kept the owner is along with their house and garden. If they take no care of themselves or where they live, it’s unlikely they’ll have cherished their car. Private sellers must describe the car honestly and accurately. But that’s the only requirement and you have no redress. Getting a refund or sorting a problem will be difficult, so check the car thoroughly before buying.

Pay by banker’s draft, as cash offers no redress. A genuine seller will be OK with this.

Buying a car

Pay by credit or debit card, as it brings extra legal protection from the card company. A banker’s draft is still a good way to pay, too. Dealers have a duty to describe the car accurately and it must meet a standard expected of a car of its age, mileage, price and condition. If it doesn’t, you have protection under the Sale of Goods Act for the dealer to sort the problem, provide an alternative car or refund your money.

14 firstcar.co.uk

Buying from a dealer

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Brain boxYou don’t have to be a genius to save money on your car insurance, just a good driver.

GET A QUOTE AT INGENIE.COM

facebook.com/ingenieinsurance

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ingenie offers a fresh approach to insuring young people. We use the black box to treat every young driver as an individual.

Drive well and you could lower the cost of your car insurance.

ING00001_Black_Box_105x148.indd 1 18/02/2013 17:01

The test drive

Never buy a car without test driving it first. Start the car from cold, and make sure it ticks over happily. Let it warm up then take it for a run so you can check everything – make sure you’re insured though. While you’re driving, check for a smoky

exhaust, ensure the engine pulls cleanly and also feel for pulling to one side under braking. Other issues could include a worn clutch (feel for slipping) and listen for any untoward noises – rattles, clonks or whining – that don’t sound right.

16 firstcar.co.uk

Buying a car

Is the interior free of

damage, and the glass? Are there

stickers on the windows to cover an old

registration number etched into the

glass?

Have the steering

wheel and gearknob been worn

smooth? Does this tally with the

recorded mileage?

Does the chassis number

(usually at the base of the windscreen on the

passenger side) match the one on the registration

document? Also check the engine number, usually

on the top, down the one side.

Look for dents and scrapes; also check

panel fit. Any damage will be costly to put right.Check for rust that’s been painted over, plus filler in the wheelarches.

Are all the keys available? There should be at least a spare and probably a master too. Lose the only key and you may have to have everything reprogrammed – which can cost hundreds of pounds.

Have the tyres worn evenly or are they bald? Uneven wear suggests poorly aligned tracking (usually easily sorted) but could be something more serious.

Do all the speedo digits line up properly? Are the old MoTs to hand and does the mileage recorded on these forms tie in with what’s displayed?

the paper trail

A few simplechecks can savea lot of hassle

later on

howto buya used

car

how to buy a used car

Buying a car

18 firstcar.co.uk

The key documenTs you

need To Look AT Are: Registration document or V5C. This tells

you the basics; how many owners the car has had and who it’s currently registered to. The person named on this form isn’t necessarily the legal owner of the car though. Don’t buy a car without a V5C and make sure it’s genuine by looking for the watermark.

The MoT. If a car isn’t MoTed it can’t be taxed, and there’s also a good chance that it isn’t roadworthy.

The tax disc. Make sure there’s a genuine tax disc, not just a copy of one; look for the metallic strips in the paper. If the tax is about to expire, haggle.

Service history. This gives proof of regular servicing and an indication

that the mileage is correct.

WArrAnTiesMost drivers assume that to

enjoy a warranty they must buy a car – new or used – from a dealer. Not so; a

bunch of companies will sell you a warranty on your car, even if you’ve owned it for a while.

They’re selling an insurance policy, separate from your regular insurance, that pays up if some major

part fails. Unlike car insurance, the price of this cover isn’t affected by your circumstances; the

premium you pay is dictated by the car you drive and how many miles it’s done. So while it

might save you a fortune, it might not. For more, check out some of the bigger

companies such as Warranty Direct, Click4Warranty and

Auto Protect.

The V5cThe V5C is the most

important document of the lot; the name on this piece of

paper is the person to whom any speeding tickets or other motoring

fines will be sent. If that person doesn’t deserve them, they have

to prove why – and not telling the DVLA of a change in

vehicle ownership is an offence.

hisTory checks

There are numerous companies out there which collate information

from various databases and produce reports on used cars. These tell you

whether or not a car has been crashed, stolen, has outstanding finance on it or

has ever been the subject of a registration change. The big players

are HPI (hpicheck.com) and Experian (autocheck.co.uk)

and also MyCarCheck (mycarcheck.com).

FinAnceIf you borrow money to

fund your car, whether it’s new or used, don’t sign anything until

you know what you’re getting into. There’s a lot to understand when

borrowing money and we can’t cover it in the limited space available here – but

there’s a full guide to finance at firstcar.co.uk/finance, where you

can learn about APRs, HP, payment protection and

much more.

Think about allthis stuff before buying any car

hAGGLe hArd

Your goal is to pay less than the asking price. Any

seller should set the price above what they’re prepared to accept

– so don’t pay a penny more than you have to. Any discount

on the initial asking price is a victory, so don’t be

greedy.

DOING THE

DEAL

doing the deal

L

Telephone: 0845 470 0014 (Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm)Collingwood Insurance Services (UK) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Register No. 310870. Registered in England No. 4174235. Collingwood Insurance Services (UK) Ltd Collingwood House, Earl Grey Way, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 6AR. For security and training purposes all calls may be monitored or recorded.*Terms and conditions apply. (discount premiums only apply on subsequent purchases and not on the initial policy)

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Insurance Servicesllin

FirstCar talks to the stars of sexy teen soap Hollyoaksabout VW Beetles, Harry Potter and shooting baddies

HollyoaksHollyoaks

Pho

tog

raPh

y ia

n ju

bb

How long Have you been on tHe sHow and How did you get tHe part? anna: I joined a month before Jazmine, so we’ve been on the show pretty much the same amount of time.Jazmine: As our characters are part of the same household, a lot of our storylines are together. We joined the cast at the same time, so we’re really close.anna: We auditioned together for our parts, although I originally auditioned at the production company for a part in a different show, but they ended up offering me the role in Hollyoaks instead, and it’s been great!

if you could play anotHer cHaracter from any tv sHow or movie, wHo would be? J: The little girl in The Grinch. It’s my favourite movie ever! I love christmas films!a: I’d be Elodie Keene from The Wire. I’d love to go around kicking ass and shooting baddies! Either that

or one of the girls from Mean Girls. I love The Wire, but I’m also into romantic comedies and chick flicks too.

wHat would you like to do after Hollyoaks? J: I love musicals so I’d love to be in a West End show. Something like Legally Blonde or Wicked. Something that had a strong funny element to it, as I’m not the best singer in the world; I just love being on stage.a: I just want to continue acting. Maybe do a film again. I played Romilda Vane, a character that featured in three of the Harry Potter films when I was younger. That was an amazing experience.

we bougHt a kia picanto along for tHe sHoot, wHat do you tHink of it? J: Yeah it’s nice! It’s a really cute-looking car – especially in that blush pink paint! a: I’d have one for sure – when I pass my test that is!

20 firstcar.co.uk

celebrity

Meet the cast

Ruby Button,

played by Anna

Shaffer

FirstCar talks to the stars of sexy teen soap Hollyoaksabout VW Beetles, Harry Potter and shooting baddies

Do you hAve Any tipS for reADerS who mAy be tAking their teSt Soon? J: Never give up. When I took my test and thought I’d failed, it would have been all too easy to give up, lose concentration and just make one mistake after another. But if you do your best until the very end, you never know how it will turn out. You might have passed all along.A: Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. They may end up being just minors, which won’t necessarily affect whether or not you pass.

whAt’S more nerve-wrAcking – tAking your Driving teSt, or Acting? A: Taking the driving test, definitely!J: Yeah, I was shaking on my test I was so nervous. I’ve been acting since I was six so I don’t really get that nervous on set any more.

whAt cAr hAve you got? J: I’ve got a BMW 1-Series coupe. It’s my baby and I’d live in it if I could. I love it!

how mAny timeS DiD it tAke you to pASS your teSt then JAzmine? J: I passed first time on 30 June 2009. Although I was sure I’d failed as I thought I’d messed up my parallel park as it seemed to me that I was nowhere near the kerb. Luckily the examiner was happy with my driving.

whAt woulD be your DreAm cAr? J: I’m really into my cars and would love a new Range Rover or a BMW 1M coupe. I’m not sure I could ever afford the insurance though!A: I don’t know much about cars. I quite like older cars though, like old Beetles. I also like the Nissan Figaro. It’s a cute little retro convertible.

i’m not the best singer in the

world; i just love being on stage.

firstcar.co.uk 21

Esther Bloom,

played by Jazmine franks

22 firstcar.co.uk

Driving

KEEP LEFT

Motorways can have anywhere between

two and five lanes on each side of the central reservation.

Unless overtaking, you should be in lane one – the one

nearest the hard shoulder.

STranDED car

If you break down on a motorway you must move to

the hard shoulder. Get as far to the left as possible, get out of the car and stay away from it, ideally behind a crash barrier

and wearing a hi-vis jacket.

OvErTaKingYou should treat overtaking on the motorway the same

as anywhere else. That means you signal, check

it’s clear then pull out to overtake. There’s no rush to get past, but once you’ve overtaken

make sure you pull back in.

MarKErSAt every junction there are

three markers, counting down to the exit. The first is at 300

yards, the second at 200 yards and the third at 100 yards.

If you’re exiting, be in lane one before the 300-yard marker,

then start signalling as you pass it.

rOaD SignUsually, the first sign for a

junction is a mile before it; the next is at the half-mile point.

A mile sounds a lot, but if you’re in lane three at the half-mile point,

you might not be able to get across in time. Miss your junction and you’ll have

to go to the next...

FAST LANELiFE iN ThE

firstcar.co.uk 23

1 Make sure you’ve got plenty of fuel before you get on the motorway. Service stops can be few and far

between and you don’t want to run out of fuel - even if you’ve got breakdown cover. Fuel is also always more costly on the motorway, so you don’t want to be forced to shop there.

2 As you get to the end of the slip road to join the motorway, look at what’s coming up in lane one then try to

match your speed. If it’s busy, slot in between two vehicles already in lane one; they should be making room for you if they

know what they’re doing. What you don’t want to do is stop at the end of the slip

road; you’ll have to start off from a standstill...

3 If you break down, make sure you know where you are. There are emergency

phones every mile with markers every 100 yards that give you the

direction to the nearest phone. These phones will instantly tell the control

centre where you – including which direction you’re travelling.

4 You’ll have to change lanes correctly if you use the motorway properly, as you’ll be pulling out to

overtake then pulling back in again. Before you make any move, always check over your shoulder to make sure you’re not cutting anyone up – and don’t forget to signal before you do this.

5 When you come to leave the motorway, ease off the gas before you leave lane one. Then start

braking gradually as soon as you’re on the slip road; you’ve got a lot of speed to scrub off and you don’t want to get to the end of the slip road before you’ve slowed right down...

StudSReflective markers

separate the lanes from each other (white ones), the slip

road (green) the hard shoulder (red) and the central

reservation (orange).

CloSing traffiC

If you’re in lane two and a vehicle is closing on another in

lane one, they’ll want to pull out. Anticipate this and move out in

time, rather than being forced to at the last second. The key to

safe and smooth driving is planning ahead.

lorryYou can drive at 70mph on the motorway, but

articulated lorries are restricted to 56mph. As a result, they can

take ages to overtake each other, so if you come up behind one already in lane two, prepare

to go into lane three to pass it.

Slip roadSOnce you’re on the

slip road to join or leave a motorway, you’re committed to going forward. It’s an offence

to turn round, so if you’ve made a mistake you’ll have

to keep going forwards and try to get back

on course.

Stay Safewith thesefive key steps

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� e latest news, reviews, and expert advice.

Along with special off ers, discounts and great competitions.

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ON THE WEB…

22 FC_WEB HouseAdHALF.indd 2 06/06/2013 16:00

firstcar.co.uk 25

TOPTips

Avoid whiplash by adjusting your head restraint properly. The top of the rest should be level with the top of your head and angled forward. But head restraints can reduce visibility, so don’t avoid whiplash only to crunch the back of your car reversing into a space, so take extra care.

Road safety

You’re twice as likely to die in a crash if you’re not wearing a seat belt.

Those aged 17-34 are the least likely to bother belting up – but the most likely to crash.

Get caught driving while not wearing a belt and your licence stays clean, but you’ll be fined. You can be fined up to 500 quid, although £30 is more usual. There are a few exemptions, but the only one likely to apply is if you’re reversing your car. For more, check out think.direct.gov.uk/seat-belts.html

Key POinTReckon you don’t

need to wear a belt as your car has airbags? An

airbag is a Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) – supplementary meaning ‘in addition to’. That’s in

addition to the seatbelt!

It’s easy to halve your chances of being killed if you crash your car

D riving in your car, it’s easy to think you’re invincible, as you whizz along cocooned from the outside world. But don’t be fooled

into thinking that your car will protect you come what may. Not only can anti-lock brakes, seatbelts and airbags offer only so much protection, but staying safe isn’t just about staying alive – you also want to remain uninjured and all those other road users around you feel the same way.

Clunk clickIf somebody told you that you could halve your chances of being killed in your car, for the sake of spending a few seconds before each trip, you’d put the effort in. Wouldn’t you? So why is it that so many drivers fail to belt up every time they set off? Young drivers are the ones least likely to bother wearing a seatbelt, yet this simple piece of technology is one of the most effective ways you can stop yourself from being killed.

You don’t have to crash your car to get the full experience though. Instead, run as fast as you can, into a wall. This will give you an idea of what it’s like to crash a car at 15mph, when you’re not wearing a seatbelt. Your car stops in the first tenth of a second, but you keep moving forward at the same rate the car had been moving – until something stops you. Like the steering wheel, dashboard or windscreen. This is at 15mph; crank that up to 30mph and the impact is four times as hard. It’s the same impact you’d feel if you fell three storeys...

We’ve all done it. You hear that bleep and your curiosity gets the better

of you; you just have to see what the message says. So you divert your attention from the road ahead and take a quick look; with a bit of luck you’ll be okay. But if you text at the wheel often enough, you’ll take your eyes off the road just when you really shouldn’t – and the penalties could be seriously heavy.

Y ou can do your best to dodge the law, but there are some laws you can’t escape – the laws of physics.

These dictate that the faster you drive, the more it’ll hurt if you crash. And the faster you drive, the more likely you are to have a crash. That’s why speed limits exist; to give you guidance on the maximum safe speed. The number on that pole isn’t a target; it’s the fastest you can drive in safety, in ideal conditions. But the conditions might not be ideal…

So while it might be safe to drive at 60mph on a fast rural road with good visibility, how do you know you’ve got good visibility? Can you guarantee that something won’t come out of that gate from the field, that there isn’t a pedestrian just out of view or some diesel hasn’t been spilled on the bend you’re approaching?

Then there are the things within your control. Load your car up with mates and the handling – plus the stopping distances – will be adversely affected. Reach for the radio or get involved in a conversation at just the wrong moment, and it could be curtains. Then there are the issues of mobiles, slowed reaction times from having had a drink and poor handling because of bald or under-inflated tyres. Throw a few of these into the mix and an extra few mph can make the difference between life and death.

Also, while we’re taught to obey speed limits, some drivers assume they only have to ensure they don’t exceed the number on the sign and they’ll be safe. That’s not the case; a skilled driver will take into account a stack of other factors, such as the weather conditions and whether or not there are other road users around.

If you’re caught slightly over the limit you’ll be fined £100 and given three points. Two of those and if you’ve passed your test within the last two years, you’ll be banned for a year; to get your licence back, you’ll have to sit an extended driving test. You might be offered a speed awareness course, but these aren’t universal, not everybody gets the option, and you can attend one of these courses only once every three years.

Road safety

The LAW

26 firstcar.co.uk

Get caught using a mobile while driving and it’s an automatic three points plus a £100 fine; the penalty is the same if you’re driving badly while using a hands-free. Cause an accident while using a mobile and the penalties can be far more severe.

The LAW

48% use a smartphone

while driving.24% access

social media sites21% text while

driving8% play games

while driving. 14% claim they’re

perfectly safe using their mobile

while driving.According to the RAC, for drivers aged 18-24

firstcar.co.uk 27

AT 70mph your cAr

TrAveLs The LengTh of six doubLe-decker buses every TWo seconds. if someone ToLd you To cLose your eyes AT ThAT speed for ThAT LengTh of Time you’d Think They Were crAzy – yeT peopLe Are doing virTuALLy The sAme Thing by TAking Their eyes of The roAd To Look AT phones.”The rAc’s AdriAn Tink

Road safety

T he assumption is often made that no matter how sloshed you get, as long as you grab a bit of sleep –

even if it’s just an hour or two – the alcohol in your system will magically disappear. But it doesn’t, which is why many drivers lose their licence as a result of ‘morning after’ testing.

It’s a similar story with drugs; many drivers assume they can’t be caught. However, not only can the police tell when you’re on a high, but the penalties are the same as if you’re caught over the alcohol limit. As if that’s not enough, if you crash your car while high on illegal drugs, and you’re seriously injured, the first thing a paramedic does is put prescription drugs into your system. They won’t have time to test for any illegal drugs already in your bloodstream, so those life-saving drugs become ineffective – or cause more problems than they solve. So if you take drugs you’re more likely to crash your car. Then, when the ambulance turns up, those same drugs could prevent the crew from saving your life. Is it worth the risk?

Despite these dangers, young drivers are more likely to take a chance than somebody more experienced, and an increasing number of drivers are falling foul of the law. Don’t be one of them.

Drink a pint of strong lager and it’ll take up to three hours before you can drive; a couple of large glasses of wine and it can be up to eight hours.

Having a drink or a drag before you drive is a bad idea.A seriously bad idea...

Driving, or attempting to drive while affected by drink or drugs, means a minimum 12-month ban, which becomes three years if you’re caught twice within 10 years. You can face six months in jail or a £5000 fine, and in more serious cases, both. You’ll also get between three and 11 points.

Too much alcohol means anything over 80mg of booze per 100ml of blood, which would be

tested at the station after an initial breath test. Refusal to provide a sample, unless there’s medical proof you can’t, has the same punishments as providing samples above the legal limit – although driving bans can often be six months longer, as an extra deterrent for trying to pull a fast one. Kill someone due to drink driving and you face ten years behind bars plus an unlimited fine.

The LAW

Don’t try to calculate if you’ve consumed enough

to tip you over the drink- drive limit.

Drinks poured at home are usually larger than pub

measures – don’t underestimate how much you’ve had.

If you drive to a party and drink more than you

expected to, don’t risk it. Book yourself a taxi or arrange for a friend or

family member to collect you.If you’re involved in a crash you’ll be breathalysed –

don’t risk it. A drinking session the night before can easily put

you over the legal limit the following morning.

Organise alternative travel plans for the next day.

Drink survival guide…

28 firstcar.co.uk

Carrot Insurance is a trading style of Carrot Risk Technologies Limited. Carrot Risk Technologies Limited is an Appointed Representativeof Principal Insurance Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference

number 551900. The Carrot Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Ltd pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated.This card is an electronic money product. MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of

MasterCard International Incorporated.

Start your journey atwww.carrotinsurance.com/fcpor call us on 0844 310 1721

Insurance

WE’VE GOT IT COVEREDIn the FirstCar Theory edition we guidedyou through the basics of car insurance.But there’s much more to discover...

The premium you pay is based on loads of factors. An insurance company works out how likely you are to make a claim; if you’re statistically a high risk, you’ll be clobbered. And as a young driver, you’re statistically a bad risk, so unfortunately you will be clobbered…

While you can’t change your age (and don’t even consider lying, or you won’t be covered in the event of a claim), there are other ways you can cut the cost of your insurance. These are the key ones:

Cut your premium

T here are some constants in life; things you can’t change no matter how much you’d like to. Ironing will always be a hateful chore and insurance for new drivers will always be painful. You can’t

escape it; with little experience behind the wheel, your insurer is going to hammer you until you prove you’re not a liability.

But there are ways you can cut the cost; what you mustn’t do is tell porkies like 19-year old Simon. Embarking on his second year of driving, Simon was struggling to get his premium under £2000, so he told a few untruths. Having enjoyed a claim-free first year of driving, Simon crashed his car just weeks after renewing his policy. He’d spent the extra on comprehensive cover so he could replace his Peugeot if the worst should happen; when the worst did happen, the insurer refused to cough up.

To cut costs, Simon claimed his car was standard; his insurer would never find out he’d had it chipped, to up the power. His alloy wheels and mega-watt stereo would also slip below the radar, but more power means more speed, while those wheels and stereo made the car more nickable. The assessor also spotted that Simon had no garage – but the 306 was supposed to be locked up at night. With so many porkies having been told, it was no surprise the insurer told Simon where to go when he tried to make a claim.

30 firstcar.co.uk

firstcar.co.uk 31

Richard King, founder and CEO of ingenie

Too many times I’ve heard people boast “I had only ten driving lessons before passing my test”. Every time I

hear it, I can’t help but cringe. They think that passing their test after a handful of lessons makes them a better driver, when in fact it leaves them under-prepared for the challenges of day-to-day driving.

This lack of experience is why one in five young drivers has an accident within the first six months of passing their test and why insurance premiums for this age group are so high - often much higher than the value of their car. Insurance doesn’t just cover the cost of repairing or replacing your car, it’s about the risk that you as a driver present to others on the road.

By taking your test early you might save yourself a few hundred quid on lessons. But have a crash and you’ll be counting the cost of your excess - often between £300 and £500 - plus you’ll lose your no-claims bonus, which could mean missing out on a 30% saving on your premium next year.

So it just doesn’t make sense to cut corners on your driving education. Take your time to learn, get an instructor you like and stick with them. Once you’ve passed your test, pick an insurer who cares about safe drivers. Black box insurers are up to 30% cheaper for 17-25-year-olds and at ingenie, we provide personalised driving feedback with discounts every three months for our safest drivers. Drive well, pay less. It really is that simple.

Cutting corners doesn’t make sense

Shop around to get the best price and deal. Try to price match, playing off one insurer against another. Leave your car standard; insurers don’t like big stereos, spoilers and flash wheels.Consider a larger excess.

Don’t claim for small things; you need to build up a no-claims bonus.Fit a security system – and use it. Keep the car garaged, rather than on the street.Opt for a limited mileage policy.Fit a black box; see over the page for more on this.

Start your journey at www.carrotinsurance.com/fcp or call 0844 310 1721Carrot Insurance is a trading style of Carrot Risk Technologies Limited. Carrot Risk Technologies Limited is an Appointed Representative of Principal Insurance Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) under firm reference number 551900. The Carrot Card is

issued by PrePay Technologies Ltd pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. This card is an electronic money product. MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.* Rewards are paid to all customers who earn a higher driving style score than their starting score for each quarter. £189 is the average projected annual reward in an analysis of all customers with at least one quarter completed on 19/04/13.

So, you've passed your test. That's a ticket to freedom for you, a whole heap of worry for your parents and a big pile of of costs to be met by…well, that's family business.

At Carrot, we've done all we can to make car insurance less costly and more rewarding for everyone. By using the latest in telematics technology, our customers can earn quarterly cash rewards just for driving more safely.

Which means that you can get out on the road, and your parents can sleep at night. And who could possibly disagree with that?

Cheaper carinsurance

Cash rewardsfor safe driving

CARROT CAR INSURANCEFINALLY, SOMETHING YOU AND YOURPARENTS ACTUALLY AGREE ON

No penalties or curfews

• Earn up to 15% of your annual premium in cash rewards for driving safely

• Check your Driving Style Score on your personal online Dashboard

• Our average customer earns £189 in cash rewards during the policy year*

• Get an exclusive Carrot Card prepaid MasterCard® with a £20 welcome bonus

• Earn cashback on the high street with TopShop, Halfords, Zizzi and many more

the right trackYour first year’s insurance is going to hurt,but you could quickly see costs plummet if you take out a telematics-based policy

Insurance

34 firstcar.co.uk

firstcar.co.uk 35

The problem with being a young driver is that you get lumped in with all those other young drivers – the ones who take stupid risks every

time they get behind the wheel. Young drivers have a habit of crashing cars, sometimes through inexperience and often through bravado – and frequently because of the two combined. Because insurance companies can only go by statistics, they’ve always struggled to treat their customers as individuals. But not any more, because modern technology allows your insurer to monitor your driving, to see how safe you are. Thanks to the use of telematics, or black box technology, you can now show your insurer that you’re not a liability.

Jay Nicoll insures his Citroen Saxo through ingenie. He comments: “In general, policies with a black box were much cheaper than those without. ingenie offered further savings for good driving and there are no restrictions on when I can drive. By improving my driving I could pay a smaller premium, so I’ve tried to make my cornering less harsh and have seen the benefits through cheaper cover. Looking for car insurance was daunting; the majority of policies were well out of my reach. The highest was around £6000, and while ingenie’s initial rate of £2630 isn’t cheap, the chance to cut the cost helped me make a decision. Since then I’ve had a discount every three months for good driving, and after a year my renewal quote was just £796”.

You’d be daft not to consider telematics for your own cover, but don’t assume it’s automatically best; some drivers get cheaper cover with a conventional policy. You must also check any restrictions; some insurers won’t let you drive between 11pm and 6am

for example. Any night driving could land you with a hefty penalty. But get the right policy and

you might just find that the black box option allows you to get on the road –

rather than be priced off it.

How it works

According to confused.com, within the UK, London drivers have

the lowest awareness of telematics; just 36% know of it, compared with a national

average of 44%. Just 34% of London’s drivers would consider having a box installed, while in Northern Ireland,

54% of drivers gave the devices the thumbs-up.

iT’s a facT

Opt for telematics and your insurer fits a tiny box to your car that monitors your driving. The box is free, hidden, and it’ll tell your insurer how fast you’re driving, where and when you’re on the move, plus

how harshly you’re braking and cornering. The monitoring is done by software, so your driving can

be constantly monitored and your premium recalculated on a rolling basis. Most insurers

offer a portal so you can see how well you’ve been driving. And because the box does the same thing as a tracking system, your car can

be found more easily if it’s nicked. Plus if you’re in a crash, it could alert the emergency services,

so they get to the scene more quickly.

Insurance

36 firstcar.co.uk

make a claimWe hope you’ll never need thisadvice, but in case you do...

Every year, millions of drivers have to go through the hassle of

making an insurance claim. Your insurer should make it easy for you to do so; that’s why they’re there. This is when you find out whether you chose a good insurer. We hope you did, for your sake...

QUOTe“If whiplash was an Olympic sport, the UK would be gold

medallists. For many it has become the fraud of choice, often aided and abetted

by ambulance- chasing lawyers and claims management firms”.

James Dalton of the Association of British Insurers

A common trick for young drivers is to be added as a named driver to the policy of a parent. It seems harmless enough, but it’s called fronting and it’s illegal – it’s fraud.

Get caught fronting and your insurer can charge a penalty or cancel the policy. After this, getting fresh cover could be very costly if not impossible – also remember that insurers can refuse to pay out in the event of a claim because you’ve broken the contract with them.

You’re telling your insurer they’re taking on one level of risk when they’re taking on something else altogether. So if you crash your car and fronting is suspected or proven, the policy could be declared void and the claim rejected. And even if you don’t crash your car, you won’t build up any no-claims bonus of your own.

all frOnT

Having to make an insurance claim is a pain, but it’s not the end of the world. Before you do so though, think about the knock-on effects of doing so. If the payout is small you might be better off paying for it out of your own pocket, even if that means taking out a loan. Make a claim and not only will you lose any no-claims discount you might have accruded, but you’ll also have a claim on your record – which will push up your premium. if you do need to make a claim though:

Make a set of notes, to include details of where and why the accident happened. If possible, take a photo of the scene. If your claim is because of a criminal offence, such as theft or vandalism, get an incident number from the police; you’ll need this to register your claim

Contact your insurer as soon as possible, giving them the info from your notes – that’ll help to speed up the claims process, and it’ll make it easier for you to get your facts right.

Keep a record of all your dealings with the insurer - as well as the police and any garages or other parties related to the claim. So keep hold of any correspondence and maintain a record of any phone calls. Some insurers can provide a reference number for each phone conversation, and the name of the person who took the call.

Some insurers will only pay for repairs carried out by approved garages, so wait for the OK or you could end up paying for the repairs yourself.

Insurers can refuse to cough up if they feel you’ve flouted the terms and conditions of your policy, or they may pay out less than you’re expecting. If you’re not happy with the way you’re treated you can try to negotiate with your insurer; if this gets you nowhere you can escalate things. If after eight weeks things haven’t been resolved

you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service; if it sides with you it can order your insurer to increase your payout or offer you compensation.

How to make a claim

• Virgin Money also

reckon

s 23-year olds are the riskiest driVers•

people are estimated to have made a false

insurance claim, many for whiplash

£1.1m1.1m •£90: the extra we each pay on our annual prem

ium, because of false insurance claim

s•£90£90£90£90£90£90£90£90£9

0£90

£90£

90£90

38 firstcar.co.uk

• young wo

Men

ar

e far less likely to haVe a serious accident than Men

•

33%of male drivers will write off a car (their own or someone else’s) in their first year of motoring

the payout after a young driver crashed, leaving four teenagers needing

care for the rest of their lives

£18 million

insurance payouts for personal injury claims

are more common than you might think

£10m£10m

swinton says an increasing number of accidents are caused by ‘podestrians’ –people crossingthe road whilelistening toMP3 players

Cold frontMany young drivers try to cut costs by insuring their car in a parent’s name – even if the parent never gets behind the wheel. It might save you some cash, but it’s bad news as you’ll never build up your own no-claims discount, which ultimately allows you to slash your insurance bills. Also, if you have a crash, your parent will lose their no-claims discount, even though they may never have had an accident. Crucially though – it’s an offence.

Hiding behind your parent’s name on the policy is fraud; you’re making a false declaration to your insurance company. It’s called fronting, and if you get found out your insurer can charge a penalty or cancel the policy. After this, getting fresh cover could be very costly if not impossible.

Drivers are more likely to

make a claim in Swansea than

anywhere else in the UK, according to

Virgin Money

Insurance

IF Practical text passed/failed A5 OUTLINED.indd 1 05/06/2013 12:36

Your car is a complicated piece of machinery and there are lots of things that you won’t be able to do

when it comes to maintenance. However, there are also loads of things that you can do, which will reduce the likelihood of problems and which will also help cut running costs. After all, when you take your car to the garage for a small job to be done, the biggest cost of the work is the labour charge. If you do some of the basics yourself you could save a bundle of cash.

Y

Engine coolantTo stop your engine overheating the radiator must be filled with coolant. If the coolant level drops there’s a problem that needs investigating. Every few years the coolant should be replaced; if you need to top it up don’t just add neat water as this will dilute the fluid,

which needs to be a mixture of water and anti-freeze. Let it become too diluted

and it’ll freeze in winter, wrecking your

engine.

BatteryBatteries tend to be sealed for life, so you can’t maintain them as such. However, if the engine doesn’t turn over when you twist the ignition key, the battery is on its way out; replace it before it fails altogether, leaving you stranded.

Maintenance

Windscreen wipers and washersIf your wiper blades fail or washers pack in you could be left having to drive blind. That’s why you should replace your wiper blades every 12 months or so, and use a washer additive to help remove grease from the windscreen.

TyresDon’t under-estimate the value of checking your tyre pressures and tread depths every week or two. If your tyre are soft because they’re losing pressure you need to do something about it or you could lose control at speed. Also, if they’re wearing unevenly or quickly, there’s also a problem that needs fixing – it won’t go away if you ignore it.

LEARNING thE BAsIcs

40 firstcar.co.uk

LEARNING ThE BAsIcsIf you don’t want your car to conk out, youhave to give it some TLC every so often...

firstcar.co.uk 41

Engine oilIt’s likely that your engine will use some oil; some engines do and some don’t. A worn engine will invariably need to be topped up occasionally; you need to make sure your engine’s oil level doesn’t drop to a point where damage is caused. By the time the oil light illuminates on the dash, the damage may already have been done.

Power steering fluidIf your car has power steering (most cars do), check the manual and see where the power steering fluid reservoir is, then check the level visually. The level should never drop; if it has, there’s a problem that needs to be investigated.

Brake fluidThere’s also a reservoir for the brakes and you need to make sure the level doesn’t drop too far. Unlike with your steering you can expect your brake fluid level to drop a little as the brakes wear. But the level should never fall below the minimum level marked on the reservoir; let it do so and you could find that you’ve got no brakes.

Once a car reaches three years old it has to go through an annual MoT. This checks all sorts of things from worn suspension and steering components to the lights, wipers and washers. The test costs around £50, so save some cash by making sure your car gets through first time - although many garages will do a free retest if they’re given the job of putting things right. There are lots of things you can check yourself to make sure your car doesn’t fail on some stupidly trivial point that you could fix yourself. These include:

Pass the MoT

Washers and wipers. Tyres tread depths and pressures. All lights; check the dash too. Handbrake: will it hold the car on an incline?

Windows: are any damaged? Can each door be opened and closed from inside and outside?

Does the horn work? Are the number plates damaged? Does the ABS warning light go out once the engine is running?

LEARNING thE BAsIcs

tOPtips

For more advice on diagnosing faults with your car, plus more maintenance tips, check out firstcar.co.uk/advice

LightsRemember that your lights are to be seen, as well as to allow you to see. That’s why you need to ensure all of them are working; check each one every week or two. If you get a mate to help out you can check all of them in a couple of minutes; don’t forget to check the brake lights and indicators as well as the headlights, tail lights and number plate bulbs.

LEARNING ThE BAsIcs

What would you do if your car broke down? Even if you’re handy with the spanners you

might not have the tools or parts to fix it. Just leave the interior light on overnight or suffer a component failure and you’re on your own. Unless you take out breakdown cover beforehand.

Breakdown cover is effectively an insurance, so you’re paying out for something you may never need. But like any insurance, when you do need the cover, you’ll be so glad you took it out. If you live with your parents and they’ve got breakdown cover, you can probably be included on their policy for free.

Run out of fuel, call out a garage to help,

CoverBreakdoWn

Maintenance

Breakand you’ll pay £60-£100 plus the cost of the fuel. Suffer a flat battery and you can kiss goodbye to £60-£100 while relaying your car 150 miles will cost hundreds, depending on who does it and the time of day.

There are loads of companies offering breakdown cover, from basic roadside assistance to a full-on package with a courtesy car or accommodation should your car throw a wobbly – prices range from £30 to £200+. For roadside assistance and recovery, expect to pay around £60. To look at what packages are available, check out comparebreakdowncover.co.uk.

Don’t take out breakdown cover as an alternative to maintaining your car though; neglect it and trouble is guaranteed.

1 Flat battery 2 Flat tyre or

tyre blowout

6 electrical fault

(including engine management system faults) 7 Blown head

gasket

8 Starter motor issues

9 other engine

problems

10 Mis-fuelling

4 running out of fuel

Diesel

Unleaded

down

Take out personal cover and it means that you can call for assistance whatever car you’re in. Stick with ordinary cover, and only your car is covered in the event of a breakdown.

ToPTips

3 keys locked in

vehicle or lost

5 Transmission failures (including clutch)

Web watch breakdownrecovery.co.uk cover-quotes-uk.co.uk morethan.com/breakdowncover autonational.co.uk/breakdown co-operativeinsurance.co.uk theaa.com greenflag.com rac.co.uk

10 CoMMon

ProBleMSMost

If your car conks out and you’vemade no provisions for it to befixed, it could cost you dearly

w

42 firstcar.co.uk

For your first carstart here...

See 1,000’s of cars all in one place.Loads with low insurance groups.

All with a multipoint checkand an optional AA Guarantee.

@cargiant /cargiantuk@c

l

How did you get into Made in CHelsea? Binky: I was spotted by a scout from Channel 4 when I was at a gig in London. I’d appeared on a TV show for MTV before so, when they asked if I’d be up for being in a reality TV show, I jumped at the chance. I was working as front of house for interior design house Candy & Candy, but had to give that up when filming started. People think all of us on the show are posh, spoilt, private-schooled rich kids that have everything handed to us, but I’ve always worked and earned my own money. I don’t just rely on my parents!

wHat’s it like Having CaMeras follow you around and your life played out on tv? Bf: Although the storylines in the show are all true – there’s no script or anything – it’s obviously only parts of my life you see. I see other people and do other things away from the show, so it’s not as intrusive as you might think. The cameramen shoot most of the scenes from quite far away too, so, after a while, you forget they’re even there. I watch the show from time to time, but tend to shy away when I’m on screen as I get really cringed out watching myself!

reality tv sHows are really popular. wHy do you tHink people are so oBsessed witH peeking into otHer people’s lives? and do you Have a fav sHow tHat you follow? Bf: I think people like to watch them as they show a side of life that they can either relate to – such as the problems and relationships of the cast – or is just so alien to them – be that the wild side of Newcastle or the monied glamour of West London. They tend to have characters in them that you either love or hate too, which always makes good

FirstCar gets its glam on to hang with the starof E4’s Made In Chelsea, Binky Felstead, to talkcruising the King’s Road and eating creepy crawlies

TV. I used to watch Geordie Shaw and TOWIE, also the Hills and Laguna Beach. They’re just so addictive!

your fellow Cast MeMBer, Hugo, swapped tHe streets of CHelsea for tHe australian jungle in ‘i’M a CeleBrity…’ Could you see yourself Coping in tHe jungle? Bf: I would do it, but I’m petrified of all that stuff! You’d never get me in a box with spiders and beetles or eating creepy crawlies and goat’s balls and all that! He did really well, I don’t think I’d cope as well as he did. I’d have to be hypnotised or something!

Could you see yourself taking part in any otHer sHows? Bf: I’d love to do Strictly Come Dancing. I really love dancing and music. It’s a great way to get into shape too! I can’t see myself doing Big Brother, I think I’d go crazy in there!

binkyPh

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Celebrity

my dream car is an audi tt

convertible. it’d fit right in cruising down the king’s road.

When you’re not frequenting sWanky London bars and restaurants, What do you Like to do? bf: I’m a country girl at heart and love to visit my mum out of the city. I also like to chill with friends and family. It can get pretty intense when filming, so I like to get away from it all and have a break from the whole thing every now and then.

you’ve started driving Lessons. driving in centraL London can be a pretty daunting experience, hoW are the Lessons going?

bf: I started a few years ago, but stopped. Now I’m taking it more seriously and am learning with BSM. I’ve had around 15 lessons and can’t wait to get on the road and get my independence. Learning in London is challenging, but it’s a good place to learn – if you can drive in London, you can drive anywhere.’

What WouLd you Like to get behind the WheeL of When you pass? bf: My dream car is an Audi TT convertible. It’d fit right in cruising down the King’s road in Chelsea with some Dire Straits or Pink Floyd blaring from the stereo!

firstcar.co.uk 45

Win a carcompetition

WINTHISCARin association with marmalade

Terms and conditions: The prize draw closing date will be midnight 4 June 2014. The winner will be randomly selected and notified within seven days. By entering, all entrants agree to be bound by the full terms and conditions, available at firstcar.co.uk/win

firstcar.co.uk/win

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MoRe gReAT pRIzeS To WINTo win some great prizes, check out the FirstCar website regularly, where you’ll find an ever-changing choice of competitions to enter. Whether it’s replacement tyres,

top-quality cleaning kit, the latest gadgets, games, events tickets plus learning aids for your tests, there’s loads of great stuff to win. And it takes just 30 seconds to enter!

To be IN WITH A CHANCe of WINNINg, log oN To

FirstCar has teamed up with marmalade, the award-winning young driver insurance specialist, and official insurer for the new Alfa Romeo MiTo Live. As a result, you could win this amazing special edition Alfa worth £16,590!

marmalade is the champion for young drivers and their parents, using clever black box technology to lower insurance costs and help young drivers stay safer on the roads.

46 firstcar.co.uk

AlfA mitolive worth

£16,590in association

with marmaladeThe Alfa Romeo MiTo Live features:■ Award-winning TwinAir engine■ Pioneer® 7-inch touch-screen AppRadio®

■ Insurance group 9. CO2 emissions of 98g/km and 67.3mpg combined■ BOSE® 9-speaker sound system including subwoofer and digital amplifier■ 17-inch wheels with red brake callipers■ Gloss black roof, mirrors and door handles■ Dark tinted windows■ 7 airbags and Alfa D.N.A. driving mode selector switch■ Worth £16,590

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firstcar.co.uk 47

penalyt timepenalty time

Probationary period

Drive sensibly andyou’ll be fine, butbe daft behind thewheel and you’ll befined – and you’llalmost certainlyrack up a load ofpoints too...

D rivers used to be able to notch up 12 points before losing their licence, but when the New

Drivers’ Act was introduced in 1995 it cut this to just six points for the first two years. This 24-month span is called the probationary period, and it applies to anyone gaining a new licence, regardless of age or experience. If you rack up any points when you’re learning, those points will be carried over from your provisional licence to your full – so you won’t be starting with a clean slate.

It’s easy to get caught breaking the rules; get nicked and you can kiss your clean licence goodbye, pushing up your insurance premium in the process. But keeping your licence clean isn’t difficult – just drive sensibly. These are some of the key ways you can come unstuck when driving; be careful out there…

48 firstcar.co.uk

D

penalyt timepenalty time

firstcar.co.uk 49

No insuranceA fine of up to £5000, 6-8 points, you could be banned indefinitely and you might have to sit a retest.

Speed At least three points plus a £100 fine. Contest it when you’re in the wrong and you’ll get up to six points and possibly a £1000 fine; go crazy on the motorway and you could be fined £2500 and get an unlimited ban.

Fail to stop at a zebra crossingAn automatic three points plus a fine of up to £1000.

Dangerous overtakingYou could be done for driving without due care and attention, which means a fine of up to £2500 and 3-9 points.

Using a mobile hand-heldThree points plus a £100 fine. Crash while texting or making a call and you’ll almost certainly go to jail if you kill someone.

Drink or drug drivingA guaranteed 12-month minimum ban, you can also be jailed for up to six months and fined up to five grand. And if you can find any affordable insurance after all this, you’ll be doing well.

No driving licence

You’ll get 3-6 points, get a fine of up to a grand, and if driving while disqualified you can be jailed for six months, fined £5000 and banned indefinitely.

Run a red light

You’re guaranteed three points plus a £100 fine.

Failing to stop after an accidentCause personal injury to someone, and you must give your details, then report the incident at a police station. Fail to do so and you could be banned from driving. Either way you’ll get 5-10 points plus a fine of up to £5000.

Not in proper controlAnything from eating, smoking or drinking to shaving, reading or using a laptop while driving means three points and a £100 fine.

No MoTYou could be fined up to £1000. However, no MoT can mean you also have no insurance…

Defective tyres If they’re flat, bald or damaged, you can get a £2500 fine and three points – for each tyre.

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KeyOFFenCeS

Accident checklist

checklist ACCIDENT INFORMATION:

Date: Time:

Weather conditions (low sun, foggy, raining, sunny):

Road conditions (wet, dry, muddy):

Road where accident occurred:

Brief description of what happened, using a diagram if it helps:

Don’t admit liability – even if you think it was your fault.

Don’t put yourself in danger to make the area safe – call the police.

Don’t leave any valuables in your car if you have to leave it at the scene – damaged cars are often looted.

OThER vEhIClEs: Registration:

Make & model: Colour:

Driver’s name:

Description of driver: Number of occupants:

Driver’s contact number:

Car’s insurer:

Insurer’s contact number:

Policy no:

Take photos of the scene and other car with a camera – if your mobile phone has a camera, use that.

Contact the police – even if you think the accident is only minor, they will have it on their records if any dispute arises.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident.

NOTE: If more than

one other vehicle is involved,

make sure you collect their details too.

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Nobody wants to crash, but if you do, make sure you’ve got this page handy, along with a pen and sheet of paper. If it all goes pear-shaped, just follow the instructions.

If a car involved has failed to stop, take their registration number or a description (make, model, colour) as quickly as possible.

Call the police if there’s debris on the road or an obstruction to traffic. You should also call the police if any other driver is aggressive or uncooperative.

Switch on your hazard lights and, if possible, move the vehicles involved to a safe place. Assess any injuries and offer first aid if you can – if anyone has been injured, contact the police or ambulance service immediately.

FIRsT:

firstcar.co.uk 51

damage to vehicles:

Your vehicle

other vehicle

Your details: Name: Contact number:

Car registration: Make & model:

Colour: Insurer:

Policy no:

Insurer’s contact no:

I confirm that all details on this sheet are to the best of my knowledge, correct and accurate:

You: Other driver:

Signed: Signed:

Date: Date:

Fill this section in

right awaY so in the event

of an accident, you can simply tear it out and hand

it over.

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FirstCar Advert_0513.indd 1 15/05/2013 10:01

FirstCar Practical Edition. Issue 1

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Transcript of FirstCar Practical Edition. Issue 1