FirstCar Theory Edition. Issue 2

Easy TygErLearning to drive with the Outnumbered star

insurancE

lEarningall you need to pass your tests

how it works

ThEoryEdition

Issue 2

Inside : buying + insuring + sTaying safE + MainTEnancE

Supported by

JaDE JonEsolympic champion

Exclusive interview

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

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

firstcar.co.uk 3

I ’m really pleased to be supporting FirstCar magazine; it has lots of really useful information about driving and owning a car, and new drivers should find it really useful.

New drivers are in the news a lot lately; insurance premiums are sky-high, and the road safety stats do not make good reading.

You’re most at risk of having a crash within the first six months of passing your driving test. So why is this? Mostly it’s due to a lack of experience and risk taking. So take it steady; take time to build up your miles and experience. It can all go wrong in a split second. You can lose your licence or write off your car – or much worse, you could kill or seriously injure yourself, your passengers or some other road user. That’s something you’d pay for, for the rest of your life.

Any fool can drive badly, but it takes real skill and consideration to make a good driver. Take your driving seriously and you’ll soon see the benefits of having a clean licence and being accident-free – not least the big drop in your insurance costs.

There are very few experiences that are as good as passing your driving test, so enjoy your driving, but please keep safe.

Lesley Young, Chief driving examiner

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

[email protected] 308853

Facebook.com/firstcarmag

Twitter.com@firstcaruk

A message fromLesley Young

Check out Lesley’s introduction online

Your driving career starts here; if you don’t know how to get started or what to do next, just check out our full guide to learning.

As a young driver you’re more likely to crash than someone with more experience behind the wheel. But there’s loads you can do to protect yourself...

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

Teenage acting sensation Tyger Drew-Honey talks to FirstCar about cars, TV and pole dancers.

4 firstcar.co.uk

LeARning

Contents

20tYgeR DReW-HoneY

RoAD sAFetY

6 24

You don’t need to call in the professionals to keep your car ticking over. If you don’t know where to start to do the basics yourself, here are a few clues.

Insurance is every young driver’s nightmare, but you have to have it to drive on the road legally. This is how it works, including a handy jargon buster.

It’s easy to get caught out when buying a second-hand car, but if you follow these simple tips you should land a peach rather than a lemon.

THIS CAR!

One of the big names of the 2012 Olympics, Jade Jones put Taekwondo on the map. Here, the gold medallist and Jaguar Academy star takes time out to talk to FirstCar.

WINStruggling 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.

mAINTeNANCe

30

firstcar.co.uk 5

BUYINGINSURANCe

36

48

46

JADe JONeS 44

6 firstcar.co.uk

UNDERFinding a great instructor is essentialif you’re to enjoy the learning process

INSTRUCTION

L earning to drive is costly and can be stressful, which is why finding the right instructor is crucial. They’ll help you pass more quickly and you’ll find the learning process more enjoyable,

but to find the perfect driving instructor, you’ve got to put in some effort.

You’ve also got to decide on using an independent instructor or a school. What matters is that you have a tutor who gives you the right guidance and makes you feel comfortable; they

could work alone or on behalf of a school. Take the latter option and a replacement tutor will be provided in the event of an illness; there’s also a better chance of special offers being available.

If you book an instructor but find they’re not for you, don’t stick with them. You’re paying good money for their services, but if they’re not giving you what you need, find someone else. Start looking at alternatives straight away, although it may be worth discussing things with your existing instructor first.

Will I be learning on roads suitable for my level

or just running the last person home in my

own time?

If I sign up for a course and we don’t

get on, can I have my money back?

Only 4500 of the UK’s 30,000 driving instructors are women. That’s just 15%.

Learning

IT’S A FACT

firstcar.co.uk 7

Is the instructor fully

qualified?

Can I change instructors if we

don’t get on?

If I have a trainee will I

pay less?

Do I know someone who has recently

passed the test and could recommend

an instructor?

Where will I be having my

lessons, and for how long?

Will I get the same instructor and car for each

lesson?

Can I get post test training or extras like skid control

sessions?

Questions,Questions?

safer, fairer, simplerThat’s the Marmalade way, and that’s why we offer affordable options for you to buy and insure your car.While you’re learning... we offer Learner Insurance from as little as £85 a month, so you can practise in your parents car without risking their No Claims Bonus.

When you’ve passed... there’s New Driver Insurance, with our clever black box technology that could help you save £100s even £1000s straight away on your premiums*.

When you’re buying a car... you’ll need Cars for Young Drivers, where you can buy and insure a new car and receive up to £3,000 cash back.

So whatever stage of the journey you’re at, we’ll help make it easier and more affordable for you and your parents.

visit wearemarmalade.co.uk to get a quote, get covered and get off the bus.

facebook.com/wearemarmalade twitter.com/wearemarmalade

*Savings vary according to postcode, age and insurer. Marmalade is a trading style of both Provisional Marmalade Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registered in England and Wales, 6779950, and Young Marmalade Ltd, an Appointed Representative of Provisional Marmalade Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales, 4627884.

mmarmalade

marmalade...‘helped me say bye bye to the bus!’ helping young drivers every step of their journey

safer, fairer, simplerThat’s the Marmalade way, and that’s why we offer affordable options for you to buy and insure your car.While you’re learning... we offer Learner Insurance from as little as £85 a month, so you can practise in your parents’ car without risking their No Claims Bonus.







mmarmalade

safer, fairer, simplerThat’s the Marmalade way, and that’s why we offer affordable options for you to buy and insure your car.While you’re learning... we offer Learner Insurance from as little as £85 a month, so you can practise in your parents’ car without risking their No Claims Bonus.







mmarmalade

D riving instructors are rated by the DSA - with grade 6 as the highest recognition of ability - but most

people find their ADI through personal recommendation. It’s important that you feel safe, confident and relaxed with your instructor – it makes learning so much easier.

Some driving schools will send out a potential driving instructor (PDI) and, although they can legally teach, a PDI won’t have completed all the parts of their training. They can be identified by their pink triangular badge, which they should display in the windscreen.

A fully qualified ADI will have a green octagon. Confirm with the driving school whether they’ll be sending you a PDI or an ADI before booking your lessons and always check your instructor’s licence when you first meet them.

To make things easier, the government plans to change the rules so trainee driving instructors will no longer be allowed to teach new drivers, without a fully qualified colleague accompanying them. Currently, trainee instructors can give tuition and the only way you know they’re not qualified is from that windscreen sticker.

10 firstcar.co.uk

Learning

wheel lifeA north London driving examiner was

jailed for two and a half years for taking bribes for driving tests. Barnet-based Richard Cwierzona

pleaded guilty to two counts of soliciting bribes and one of accepting a bribe of between £80 and £1000. Because of

Cwierzona’s actions, 39 driving licences were revoked.

on the JOB

According to the AA, up to one in ten learner drivers (75,000 a year) are taught by a PDI – usually at full lesson rates.

A PDI has yet to pass the exam testing their ability to instruct, and the pass rate of this exam is just 30%.

Beware of phrases like ‘DSA-approved’ – trainee instructors are approved as trainees by the DSA. Also beware of ‘Qualified instructor’ – trainees are partly-qualified, but have yet to sit the key exam on their ability to instruct.

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/fctor call us on 0844 310 1721

12 firstcar.co.uk

When you pay for a lesson you’re paying for the expertise of your instructor – so don’t squander

that time together. It’s easy to switch off as soon as your instructor starts talking, but it’s not them who loses out when you do this, so do your best to stay alert for each session. Eat and drink beforehand and try to get a decent night’s sleep.

A good instructor will be clear about what they want you to do, and why. If you don’t understand anything, don’t be afraid to ask questions; you’re the customer, so if the instructor is difficult, make the position clear.

When you book your lessons, go for 90-minute or two-hour sessions if you can – you should get more out of them. You’re probably better off with a two-hour session once a week than two one-hour lessons; you’ll find it easier to get into the rhythm.

Instead of having a lesson or two each week, over several months, you can cram the learning process into just a week or two. These intensive courses allow you to get everything out of the way quickly, but research shows that, on average, those who pass have had 47 hours of

lessons and 20 hours of private practice.

You really need to practice in

a variety of conditions, but if you do take the intensive

route, prepare fully or you’ll end up throwing all your money away.

Check you’ve got your provisional licence before booking. Ensure you’ve passed your theory and hazard perception tests before booking. Don’t assume you’ll pass; you can fail. The best schools give an assessment session before you book, to gauge your ability. Check the school has booked you a test; some hope they can just grab a cancellation.

IntensIve courses

from your lessonsGet the most

Learning

on the Web...If you need to know more about

how to cancel a driving test, complain about a driving

instructor, find a practical driving test centre – or anything else related to tests and licensing – just log on to gov.uk/browse/

driving/learning-to-drive

IF First Car Theory & Practical A5 OL AW.indd 1 16/05/2013 17:16

MuM’s Getting a parent to teach you can save

cash, or you could end up taking the test before you’re ready – which will

cost you plenty. So by all means practice with your parents, but don’t see this as a substitute for professional tuition.

Parents should read a current copy of the Highway Code and work with you on the theory exam.

Plan before you set out. Choose a suitable area and driving route, and know what you want to achieve before you set out.

Use quiet roads until you’ve developed confidence, especially around traffic.

Stay below the level you’ve reached with your instructor.

Avoid carrying passengers; they’re a distraction you don’t need.

You’re not ready for all the challenges of the road so your parent must be fully aware of the various hazards at all times; they must be constantly anticipating the moves of others.

Keep calm; shouting instructions isn’t effective where calm communication is better understood.

Your parent should be sparing with their comments, but problems must be identified while still fresh in the memory. Confidence needs to be built first.

Work with a professional. Get your parents to discover what you’re being taught and what techniques are being used, to avoid clashing.

Make learning enjoyable. This is one for your parent; make sure they keep their cool so that you both enjoy the process; you shouldn’t be dreading getting into the car each time you go out to practice.

Learning

14 firstcar.co.uk

Anyone supervising a learner driver is effectively in control of the car, which is why in one case, when the person supervising was over the drink-drive limit

the word

PRACTICEIMPERFECT

firstcar.co.uk 15

The pass rate for all driving tests is just 47% - with first-time pass rates even lower. These are the 10 most common reasons for failure:

Observation at junctions - ineffective observation and judgement.Reverse parking - ineffective observation or lack of accuracy.Use of mirrors - not checking or not acting on the information.Moving away - poor observation or control when moving away.Use of signals - not given, not cancelled or misleading signals.Incorrect positioning - at roundabouts, lanes and bends.Reversing around a corner - ineffective observation or lack of accuracy.

Lack of steering control - steering too early or

leaving it too late. Turn round in road - ineffective observation

or lack of accuracy.Inappropriate speed - travelling too slowly.

PASSfirSt timE

and the learner crashed killing two people, the supervisor was deemed responsible and sent to jail.Anyone supervising is breaking the law

by drinking, sending text messages, or failing to wear their glasses while on practice runs with learners – the same goes for falling asleep in the passenger seat.

top tipGo by personal recommendation;

ask your mates what they think of their instructor. Don’t just go for the

cheapest option; you could end up spending more if your

instructor is rubbish.

Learning

ww

If English isn’t your mother tongue, it may be that you need the test delivering in a different language. That’s no problem, because for no extra cost you can listen through a headset, to instructions given in no fewer than 20 different languages:

Albanian Arabic Bengali Cantonese Dari Farsi Gujerati Hindi Kashmiri Kurdish Mirpuri Polish Portuguese Punjabi Pushto Spanish Tamil Turkish Urdu Welsh

If you’re reading this you’ve hopefully pa

ssed

your theory test. But what if you haven’t

?

16 firstcar.co.uk

I f you’re reading this copy of

FirstCar Theory Edition, it’s

because you’ve already taken your

theory test, including the hazard

perception part. OK, so you know that

much, but did you know that more than

a third of the candidates who take this

test don’t manage to pass first time?

If you’re one of this group you’ll be

wanting to know what to do next.

next steps You’ll need to pass both parts of the test

(multiple choice questions and the

hazard perception test) at the same

session to pass your theory test. Your

pass is valid for two years, during which

time you’ll need to pass your practical

test. If you fail the theory test, you can

book another slot from the next day,

but you’ll have to wait at least three

working days before you can actually

take the test. There’s no limit to the

number of times you can retake it, but if

you don’t pass your practical test within

two years of passing your theory, you’ll

have to take your theory all over again.

That’s not the end of the world; you’ve

passed it once already. But each time

you take a test your bank account will

be that little bit lighter, and there are no

discounts for taking

multiple tests –which should provide some incentive for getting

your full licence

within that 24-month period.

get heLp If you didn’t manage to pass your

theory test, you need to establish

why. The most likely reason for failure

is because of a lack of preparation. If

this is the case, check out some of the

great apps that are available (see the

panel to the right) or log on to

tsoshop.co.uk for a stack of official

test aids. You may also have failed because you

didn’t understand what was expected

of you? If there’s a language barrier,

that can be overcome; check out the

panel to the right.Similarly, if you have problems

reading and/or writing, there’s help

available. You could be given extra time

to answer the questions, or if you

prefer you can listen to the questions

rather than read them.

If you have hearing problems, the

last thing you’ll be wanting is more

stuff being spoken instead of written

down. That’s why the DSA can help

with a video of the test in British Sign

Language. This will display on the

computer screen, so you can get

through your test more comfortably.

Remember that if you

need any special

arrangements to be

made you’ll need to

make them when you

book your test. It’s no

good just turning up and

expecting everything to

already be in place,

because it won’t be.

Theory TesTLearning

ww

‘ no more listening to other people’s tunes... ...thanks marmalade!’

Our Learner Insurance can help you get the practice you need to pass your test and can cost as little as £85 a month. so visit wearemarmalade.co.uk to see how we can help you say bye bye to the bus.

facebook.com/wearemarmalade twitter.com/wearemarmalade mmarmalade

Marmalade is a trading style of Provisional Marmalade Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority number 542063. Registered in England and Wales, 6779950.

Traffic signs UK

If you need to brush up on your knowledge of UK road signs, this should be perfect as it contains 600 images and questions. It’s very affordable too, at just 69p.

give yoUrself a helping hand

The official dsa Theory TesT KiTBuy the full version for £3.99 or get a less comprehensive freebie. Written by the same people who set the theory test, this is a must-have if you want to practice on the move.

iTheory driving TesT UKWith all the official DSA theory test questions along with a test simulator, this could be just what you need to help you get through your various tests. Best of all, it’s free.

The official theory test questions aren’t published, but the DSA does publish The Official DSA theory test for car drivers, and a similar title for motorcyclists. These feature hundreds of official revision questions, case studies and info to help you really understand and remember the theory. There are loads of real-life photos and diagrams, plus

links to online resources and videos where you can learn more. Order your copy, from tsoshop.co.uk/passnow

GREAT Apps

Learning

18 firstcar.co.uk

W ith your theory test passed, next comes your practical. Book via the official website (gov.uk/bookdrivingtest); you’ll need your

theory test certificate and once you’ve picked a date and booked your test, you’ll get a confirmation by email.

When you take your practical test you must take your theory test pass certificate, plus both parts of your licence. The test starts with an eyesight check, then two vehicle safety (show me, tell me) questions. The test lasts about 40 minutes and includes a hill start, angle start and some stop/start procedures.

You might have to perform an emergency stop; you’ll have to perform a reversing manoeuvre and drive independently for about 10 minutes, to show you can navigate to a specific destination.

When finished, your examiner will say whether you’ve passed. You must notch up no serious or dangerous faults and no more than 15 driver, or minor, faults. If you pass the examiner will give you a certificate and you can now drive solo; you don’t need to wait for your full licence to arrive. If you fail the test, you must wait 10 working days before you can try again.

practically speakingthis is it; the big one. Get through this andyou’ll able to drive alone for the first time

there’s more...When you take your

practical test, you’ll get a second edition of

FirstCar, which follows on from this one.

It’s natural to feel nervous before your driving test, but these tips should help keep your nerves at bay.

Be prepared. Don’t rush into it. Ensure you’ve had enough lessons and refresh yourself with The Highway Code. Speak to your instructor if there’s anything you’re unsure of. You need a clear head so get plenty of sleep. Don’t rely on caffeinated or energy drinks to get you through; they may leave you feeling jittery. Whilst you’re waiting for your test to start, imagine yourself completing a safe drive and passing your test. A bit of positive thinking will help get you in the right mindset. The examiner is on your side. Take some deep breaths and imagine you’re just taking a friend out for a drive.

For more on what to expect, you can see a test in action in Prepare for your Practical Driving Test – the official DSA guide DVD. You can also find out more at safedrivingforlife.info.

test nerVes

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

04/

13

For the full range of official DSA products for your practical test and beyond, 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.

8266 DSA Fisrt Car Theory Ad V0_3.indd 1 03/05/2013 14:29

Teenage acting sensationTyger Drew-Honey talks toFirstCar about TV, drivinglessons, swear words andeyeing up pole dancers!

tyger!EasyPh

oto

gra

Phy

Mat

t ho

WEL

L

20 firstcar.co.uk

Celebrity

You’ve started to learn to drive. How are Your driving lessons going? It’s going well. I passed my theory test two days after my 17th birthday. I’m learning with RED in a Vauxhall Corsa; I’m doing two 90-minute lessons a week, so I’m progressing quickly. I used to do two-hour lessons, but it was too much and I get on much better now I’ve dropped it by half an hour.

wHat do You want as Your first car? I’ve bought it already; a red Citroen DS3. It looks great and comes with a load of gadgets as standard. Also, with a 1.4-litre engine, the insurance isn’t too high.

anY tips for readers wHo maY also be learning to drive? Get as much experience behind the wheel as you can. I go out in my DS3, with a qualified passenger, between lessons for more practice. Also get a good night’s sleep so you’re well rested before your lesson and in a good mood. It makes a big difference.

wHat’s more nerve wracking? tHe tHougHt of Your test, or acting on set?I wouldn’t say that either is nerve wracking. I’m more excited, although I’m more comfortable acting on set as I’m so used to it now. Taking the driving test is a lot of pressure, but I’m so excited to get my licence and be able to get out on the road in my DS3!

tyger! wHat was Your first tv role and How old were You wHen You got tHe part? My first TV appearance was on the Armstrong and Miller sketch show, with Ben Miller and Alexander Armstrong. I was in some of their sketches and I was only 10. It was a really funny show! I then got my first big break when I was 11 playing Jake in the BBC comedy Outnumbered, with Hugh Dennis.

You’ve grown up a lot since outnumbered and now plaY a moodY teenager (dYlan) in cookoo. wHicH cHaracter do You prefer plaYing and wHY? I liked playing Jake in Outnumbered as there was very little script and we were encouraged to improvise, which was great as you had a lot of freedom to make the character your own. But with Dylan in Cookoo, we’re dealing with more grown up themes and I get to play a rude, grumpy teenager. I also get to swear a lot, which is fun!

are You anYtHing like anY of tHe cHaracters You’ve plaYed? I’m probably more like Jake than Dylan. Dylan is moody and surly and hardly ever happy. I’m much more upbeat. Plus I got to make up a lot of my own lines as Jake in Outnumbered, so there’s obviously a lot of me in how he acts and what he says.

wHat’s been Your favourite scene? I’d say it was one when we were filming Cookoo. We did a montage of a stag night, which was really fun. We hired out a nightclub and pretended to be drunk. We were falling about and watching pole dancers! It was such a laugh!

wHat’s it like working witH comedians? is it Hard to keep a straigHt face? Yeah, we do have a lot of laughs, but when the camera is rolling I find it fairly easy to stay in character. You get the odd moment though, when everyone just cracks up and bursts out laughing.

do You prefer acting in comedies, or would You like to be in a grittY tHriller, drama or even a film? I’ve fallen into comedy, in that it’s the way that my career seems to have gone, but I’d also love to be in a big production period drama or something too. Getting a part in a show like Downton Abbey would be cool, but so would being part of a film. I really like Russell Brand and how he has gone from doing comedy into movies. I think he’s hilarious!

Tyger is an ambassador for young driver insurance specialist ingenie. He comments: “As my 17th birthday approached, I was shocked by the raw deal young drivers get. Then I met ingenie, which uses black boxes to treat us as individuals. ingenie allows you to prove you’re not a careless driver and it’s following my journey as I learn to drive, through a series of web videos on booking and preparing for a theory test. There’s also lots of useful info on learning and post-test training; it’s all online at ingenie.com”.

ingenie connection

firstcar.co.uk 21

®

Richard ignored the crossing warnings signs, crashing his car into a train and killing his two friends

They were best friends;

they’d known each other since they

were three

22 firstcar.co.uk

Advertorial

dangerrail

r ichard was sentenced to five years in prison after ignoring the warnings at a level crossing and crashing into a train,

killing his two friends. I don’t remember seeing the train at all,

or the lead up towards the train. As Richard drove across the level crossing,

he ignored the crossings signs and drove into the path of an oncoming train. He’d not long passed his driving test.

Three days later I started coming round and I remember it was my cousin who told me about the accident. I just didn’t want to see anyone, I didn’t want to hear anyone … I was just buckled and broken.

He now lives every day knowing that because of his decision to not stop at the crossing as a train approached, his two friends were killed. Sadly Richard’s story isn’t the only tragedy at a level crossing. There are around 300 incidents reported every month, some resulting in injury – or much worse.

Being 17 and leading up to 17 everyone thinks you’re on top of the world. But you never think something of that magnitude would happen to you. When I came here it was a real big adjustment. It’s like someone has paused your life.

Richard has learned his lesson, but it’s too late for his two friends. Now he wants others to learn from his mistakes – to save other families being torn apart.

“My name’s richard, I’m 18 years of age, and I’m in Polmont

Young Offenders’ Institution.”

■ Drive carefully up to thecrossing and be ready to stop behind the white line

■ If the amber light is on or the red lights are flashing, stop behind the white line

■ Only cross when the barriers are fully raised and the lights go off

■ Before entering the crossing check your exit is clear

■ Some crossings have barriers across the whole road, some across half the road, some have no barriers

■ The British Transport Police use CCTV footage to prosecute those who drive dangerously at crossings

■ Between 2007 and 2011 there were 48 train collisions with vehicles, and 549 near misses. Most were entirely avoidable

■ For more information, visit networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings

You can watch Richard’s story at www.rail-life.co.uk

along with other real-life stories and some truly alarming CCTV footage of people putting their

own and others’ lives at risk.

level crossing guidehow do i correctly use a crossing?

consequences for misusing a crossing…

did you know…?

watch videos

■ Three points and a fine for jumping red lights

■ A fine for stopping inside yellow junction markings

■ A penalty of up to £5000 for driving without due care and attention

■ Up to 5 years in prison, disqualification for at least a year, and points for causing death by careless driving

■ Up to 14 years in prison, 2-year disqualification and an extended retest for causing death by dangerous driving

■ You and your passengers could be killed or seriously injured

firstcar.co.uk 23

60

Rural roads are the scene of most road deaths

1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist

=95% of crashes caused because of human error

Around half of those killed or injured in car crashes are drivers or passengers.The other half are other road users

Friday and Saturday nightS are peak timeS

For craSheS

Most crashes occur indaylight, with gooddrivingconditions

•two in five crash

es are caused by failing to look properly

•

Under-25 males are ten times more likely to be

killed or seriously injured in a car crash, than those

aged 35 or over

10x•Num

ber o

f people seriously injured each day on U

K roads •

Road safety

24 firstcar.co.uk

firstcar.co.uk 25

I t’s easy to assume you just drive slowly everywhere while keeping an eye out for trouble and you can’t go wrong. But there’s a stack of dangers waiting to catch you

out, and while many are within your control, some aren’t. That’s why it’s important to drive defensively – not just to stick to the rules, but to stay on top of what’s happening around you. The key to driving safely is to always assume that those around you are about to do something daft; not so you’re always on edge, but you can’t just assume nothing could possibly go wrong. So always

check over your shoulder before pulling out, hold back every time before you make that urban manoeuvre, and keep your speed down if there are hazards unfurling in front of you that could lead to you having to brake suddenly. The secret is not to rush headlong into a situation that could bite you very hard.

It’s around town that you have to be particularly careful, but on any road there are hazards aplenty – you just have to ensure that you don’t take anything for granted.

There’s more about staying safe on the road at firstcar.co.uk/driving.

Number crunching

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) looked at 250,000 crashes over a six-year period and found:

Those who drive old cars are most likely to be involved in a smash.

The risk of being in a crash peaks immediately after passing the test, and gradually reduces over the following year.

Drivers under 25 are particularly likely to be in a collision.

Rural roads present a particular danger – young drivers are especially likely to be caught out by bends.

The 10 most common reasons for crashes in the UK; speeding sits outside the top 10 for drivers as a whole, but those aged 17-24 are much more likely to crash from driving too fast for the conditions.

Road safety

It’s easy to be in a crash - yours or someoneelse’s. But it’s easy to avoid trouble too

Faile

d to l

ook p

rope

rly 4

2%

Misjudged other road users 21%

Careless, reckless or in a hurry 16%

14%

Loss

of co

ntro

lPoor turn or m

anoeuvre 14%

10% Pedestrian failed to look properly

10% Slippery road (d

ue to weather)

7% Travelling too fast for the conditions7% Following too close

7% Sudden braking

Road safety

T he assumption is often made that no matter how sloshed you get, as long as you grab some sleep

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

It’s similar with drugs. Many drivers assume they can’t be caught; but the police can tell if you’re high, and the penalties are the same as for drink driving. Crash your car and injure yourself while high on illegal drugs, and the first thing a paramedic will do is put prescription drugs into your system. They won’t have time to test for illegal drugs in the bloodstream, so those life-saving drugs could be ineffective – or could cause more problems than they solve. So take drugs and you’re more likely to crash. Then, those drugs could prevent a medic 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.

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

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.

WEB WATCHWould you try to stop a stranger

from driving, even if they were obviously wasted? Most people

wouldn’t, as confused.com found out; check out the video at

tinyurl.com/akft48t

Drink survival guide…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.

26 firstcar.co.uk

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

Strong coffee will Sober me uponly time rids your body of alcohol. caffeine in coffee can’t keep you alert and restore judgment.

bigger people can handle their alcohol better.body size can affect the rate alcohol is absorbed, but individual metabolism, the amount of rest you’ve had and when you last ate are key factors too.

drink lotS of watera breathalyser measures the alcohol in the air in your lungs, so this one’s a non-starter.

Breathalyser myths

firstcar.co.uk 27

Road safety

Get plenty of rest beforeyou set off. Avoid alcohol before any journey - even a small amount can make you more tired. Take regular and proper breaks - a 15-minute break for every two hours of driving.

Caffeinated drinks can help boost energy but they take 20 minutes to have an effect. Avoid heavy meals before and during journeys, especially at lunch time. If you can, share longjourneys with another driver.

If you’re driving and you start to feel tired…

I t’s reckoned that around 300 drivers are killed each year because they’ve disregarded the signs of tiredness and

just pressed on. It’s no surprise; if you start to feel tired, what are you going to do? Stop and book yourself into a hotel for the night? No, but you can take steps to protect yourself and your passengers. Have a quick nap somewhere safe, or drink a high-caffeine drink – but give it 20 minutes to kick in before you drive again.

Once you’ve been awake for 18 hours, your driving ability is worse than a drunk driver’s. Your reactions will be dulled, so if someone pulls out in front of you, you’ll crash – if you don’t fall asleep entirely.

If your eye lids start to feel heavy as you’re driving, just pressing on can be a big mistake

It’s not just how long you’ve been awake that matters, it’s how much sleep you had the night before. A minimum of seven hours is usually needed for optimum performance; get less than five hours’ sleep and your driving ability is badly affected.

There are lots of mythical remedies for feeling sleepy, from sucking lemons, to holding money out of the window but these aren’t going to stop you having an accident, and neither will cold air on your face, loud music, taking a walk or sheer willpower. There is only one really effective way to reduce sleepiness – and that’s to sleep.

It’s not just heavy eyes and yawning that are signs of driver fatigue; you might feel fidgety and irritable, or find yourself daydreaming – or even see things jumping out into the road, only to realise you were imagining them. If you have any of these symptoms, stop and take a rest. You can’t fight tiredness by sheer willpower. It won’t work.

There are two peaks of sleepiness: the early hours of the morning and the middle of the afternoon. For younger drivers, it’s 2am to 6am that’s the most dangerous time.

28 firstcar.co.uk

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

Maintenance

maintai ninGMA NTAININGYOUR CaR

many drivers wait until something goes wrong with their car before they spend any money on it, but

such a strategy can be catastrophically expensive. Once something starts to wear, if you fail to replace it, it’ll fail altogether – and that’s when things get a lot more costly. So once you start hearing that annoying clicking or whining, do something about it; fail to act and you could find yourself staring at a huge bill.The problem is modern cars are so complex, that even the smallest task has to be performed by a qualified mechanic. As a result, with garage costs so high, maintenance is put on the back burner – and that can be disastrous.

The thing is, it’s possible to save cash without cutting corners. Through recommendation, track down a good independent mechanic, or you could trim your maintenance budget to the bone and do some of the work yourself. Each time you get your car serviced the biggest cost is for the labour – and there’ll be a mark

up on the parts too. But you could go to your local motor factor and buy the parts more cheaply, then do at least some of the work yourself – potentially saving hundreds in the process. We’re not suggesting you rebuild your car’s engine or gearbox, but there are things you can do yourself, and by doing them you’ll save a bundle of cash. Dig out your car’s handbook, buy a workshop manual or check out some of the numerous podcasts and online videos that are available.

You could go even further; think about signing up to some evening classes to learn more about how your car is put together. That way you can tackle some slightly more ambitious jobs like changing the brake pads or brake fluid, or maybe even swapping the cam belt – this latter job can often cost over £300, even though the parts are rarely more than about £30. If there was a way of shaving 90% off the cost of any other necessary expenditure, you’d be mad not to look a bit more closely. Wouldn’t you?

Your engine and radiator contain coolant (a mixture

of water and anti-freeze), to prevent overheating. Most cars have a transparent

plastic coolant expansion tank containing a coloured liquid, with the level between the minimum and maximum marks. If it needs to be topped up, add anti-freeze so it doesn’t get too diluted so it freezes up in winter. However, the system shouldn’t ever need to be topped up as it’s sealed. If the level drops, get it professionally checked for leaks.

Coolant

Go fiGure

10% of drivers

aged 18-24 claim they never

service their car at all. ever.

30 firstcar.co.uk

the basiCsPark your car on level ground,let it cool down, then dig out thehandbook and check out whatsits where under the bonnet. Thenlaunch into these basic checks:

Three-quarters of Brits don’t know how to check

the oil in their engine, according to Mobil, which also found 94% of motorists are unaware that using the correct oil can prolong engine life and improve fuel economy. Let your engine run out of oil and it’ll soon destroy itself. Here’s how to keep properly lubricated.

Your car’s brakes work hydraulically; a fluid in

the system activates them. Brake fluid absorbs water over time, diluting it, so it

must be replaced every two years. It needs checking regularly, to ensure the level isn’t dropping, pointing to leaks. The fluid reservoir is under the bonnet, below the windscreen on the driver’s side. Don’t remove the cap as the fluid absorbs water from the atmosphere - just rock the reservoir gently so you can see the fluid move. It shouldn’t be below the minimum mark.

Park your car on level ground and switch off the engine. Open the bonnet and leave the car for five minutes, for the oil to settle. Pull on the loop of the dipstick and take it all the way out. With a clean paper towel or rag, wipe the oil off the dipstick. Put the clean dipstick back in the engine, pushing it all the way in. Remove the dipstick; at the bottom are two markings. The level should be somewhere between these; if nothing shows at all, the engine is dry and will soon be wrecked. If the level is below the line marked ADD, put in a small amount of oil by unscrewing the oil filler cap, on top of the engine. Using the correct oil (check the handbook), top up the level. Check the level again and add more if necessary; don’t add too much as removing oil is much harder than adding it. Replace the oil filler cap and make sure it’s tight, then make sure the dipstick is back in place as well.

maintai ninGMA NTAINING

Lights aren’t there just to see by – they help other road users

see you, and help you communicate with them. If a brake lights fails, or a headlamp,

one more bulb failure means you could be invisible at night, so regularly check everything. Put the gearbox in neutral, handbrake on, switch on the ignition, then the headlights. Check the headlights and rear lights work, including main beam. Do the same for the indicators. Check the brake and reversing lights by reversing towards a wall and looking for the reflection.

firstcar.co.uk 31

you could shave 90% off the cost

of maintenance by doinG some of the work yourself

Lights Brake fluid

Well oiled

For more car maintenance tips, check out firstcar.co.uk/owning

toPtips

32 firstcar.co.uk

Advertorial

tipsin association with

Top Tyre

T here’s no substitute for experience, and with well over a century of tyre production under its belt, Michelin is one of the world’s most experienced

tyre manufacturers. It’s also one of the largest; it’s been in the UK for 107 years, where it has three factories and employs almost 3000 people. So as you’d expect, Michelin knows a thing or two about tyre safety, which is why it has teamed up with FirstCar to guide you through the maze of keeping your rubber in good nick.

The problem with tyres is that they’re not a very sexy subject. They sit there on your car, looking all black and round, and costing you money when they wear out. But they’re the only thing keeping your car in contact with the road, and with a contact patch about the size of the palm of your hand, it’s essential that your car’s tyres are in good condition.

There’s a lot more to tyres than you think, with all sorts of things to keep on top of, and a stack of variables to take into account when fitting new ones. Any decent tyre specialist can advise you on how to get the most miles out of your rubber, but to give you a head start, these are the essentials. For much more help and advice though, log on to michelin.co.uk

firstcar.co.uk 33

Buying Your tyres must be of the correct size, load index and speed rating. Confused already? Then ask a tyre fitter or go to michelin.co.uk and check out the buying guide.

CHECKing Check your tyres regularly, or you run the risk of experiencing a rapid deflation. Look out for nails or screws in the tread, and don’t ignore stones as they can work their way into the rubber and eventually cause damage. Also look for any other damage such as cuts and bulges or cracks in the rubber which could start to appear as the tyre ages. A tyre that shows any signs of damage or ageing should be inspected by a tyre expert who can decide whether or not it should still be used.

TrEad CarEfully Your tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of their width, all the way round. To check your tyre’s remaining tread depth either use a tread depth gauge or look for the tread wear indicators moulded into the base of the main grooves. For a Michelin tyre these tread wear indicators are in line with the Michelin Man symbols on the tyre shoulder. If the tread surface is level with the tread wear indicators, the tyre needs replacing immediately.

undEr prEssurE Too much or too little air in

your tyres can wreck your car’s handling, make your

tyres wear out faster and increase fuel consumption. Checking the pressure is easy with the correct gauge; you can buy one for less than

a tenner or there should be one built into the air line

that you use to top up your tyres at the garage. Your

recommended tyre pressures can normally be found in your car’s

handbook, or on a sticker on the door frame or petrol flap. Make sure that each tyre valve has an effective cap to help maintain an airtight seal and keep out the dirt.

posiTioning When replacing tyres, it’s best if you do all four at once, but because those at the front usually wear faster than those at the rear, the chances are that just two will need replacing at any one time. If you’re fitting just two new tyres, put them on the back and keep the part-worn rubber at the front, to help maintain stability in the wet.

alignmEnT Incorrect wheel alignment is bad news for your pocket, as your tyres will wear quicker and need replacing sooner, and it can adversely affect your vehicle’s handling and safety. Therefore, if it looks as if your tyres are wearing unevenly, or if your wheels have had a big impact with a pothole or kerb, get your alignment checked by a suspension specialist or tyre dealer.

The contact patch between your car’s tyre and the road is

about the size of the palm of your

hand

did you know...

A few brief car checks on a regular basis aresimple, effective and could save your life

two-MinuteTwo-minuTe

Your tyres are all that keep your car in contact with the road – so maintenance is vital.

Tyreshttp://youtu.be/5RDXfuqfXFU

Your lights allow you to see and be seen, which is why they must always work properly.

Lightshttp://youtu.be/K-yJf-y-Fbo

Your car needs an array of fluids to work properly. If the levels drop, expect trouble to follow.

Fluidshttp://youtu.be/Sfcj-iUgctA

oilhttp://youtu.be/v7Zr87IlRXI

If your handbrake isn’t properly adjusted, your car could run away the next time you park it up...

Handbrakehttp://youtu.be/ZIyfniVjBF8

If your engine has too much oil or not enough, it could be wrecked. That’s expensive...

life savers

T o help you keep your car running smoothly,

the Driving Standards Agency has produced a series of quick-reference videos that guide you through the basic checks you need to make.

T

34 firstcar.co.uk

Maintenance

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

Insurance

I f there’s one word that strikes fear into the heart of a young driver, it’s ‘insurance’. More painful than listening to Cliff Richard, insurance almost takes the fun out of having a driving licence. Things wouldn’t be so bad if your insurance

wasn’t compulsory, but to stay legal you must buy it.To stay on the right side of the law, you need third-

party insurance at the very least, which can cost far more than the value of your car. But your car’s value is immaterial; if you have third party insurance only, it won’t even be covered. But what happens if you

smash into someone, causing serious damage to their car and its occupants? If you were given three grand on the basis that you might have to fork out several million because of somebody else’s carelessness, would you take the risk? That’s what you’re asking your insurer to do.

As a new driver, insurance is costly, but you can reduce the pain and home in on the policy that best suits your needs, by phoning around and using price comparison websites. Some of the best insurers don’t appear in these though, and before you cough up, read

COVER UPAs a young driver, insurance may seemlike your enemy, yet you must have itto drive legally. Here’s how it works

36 firstcar.co.uk

firstcar.co.uk 37

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.

online forums for user reviews. Don’t just go for the lowest price; pay a bit extra if you’re getting a lot more for your money. Things like a much lower excess are worth paying a small premium for.

After years of steep price rises, there’s light at the end of the tunnel as the insurance industry moves towards black box (or telematics) systems, which monitor your driving each time you go out. Drive sensibly and your premium could quickly plummet; read more about this and other aspects of insurance at firstcar.co.uk/insurance.

Cutting corners doesn’t make sense

As a young driver, insurance may seemlike your enemy, yet you must have itto drive legally. Here’s how it works

£2 billionIs the amount insurers pay out each year in claims for whiplash

is the estimated cost to the NHS for treating

whiplash each year

£8 million

of personal injury claims in the UK are for whiplash,

more than elsewhere in the Europe

3/4

whiplash claims are made each day; that’s six

times more than the number of people who claim for

workplace-related injuries!

1200

A new law that came in 2012, where insurers can’t charge females less for cover, has pushed some premiums up by up to

10xDrivers under 25 years old are ten times more likely to be involved in a crash than a driver aged over 30

38 firstcar.co.uk

3%

Men under the age of 25 are responsible for over a quarter of all serious driving offences, yet they account for only around 3% or so of all drivers in the UK

• Drivers under 25 are 10 times m

ore likely to be involved in a crash than a driver over 30• 10X 10

X 10

X 10

X 10

X 10X 10X 10X 10X 10X 10X 10X

is the cost of an average insurance premium for a newly qualified

driver aged up to 22

£3000£3000

60%DID YOU KNOW

Insurance•PersonAl

inju

ry c

lAim

s Account for 30% of All insurAnce PAyo

uts•

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cut the cost ofinsurance in association with

Running a car can be expensive, but don’t let the cost of your insurance keep you off the road. There are lots of factors that determine how much you pay for your premium. While you can’t easily change where you live, or your age, you can buy a car that’s going to save you money when it comes to your insurance.

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

40 firstcar.co.uk

ingenie insurance

®

No night-time curfews

Tiff Needell - 5th Gear presenter

firstcar.co.uk 41

CAR INSURANCE FOR 17-25s

QUICK CAR LOOKUPOur Quick Car Lookup checks you are choosing a car that won’t send your insurance through the roof, without the pain of having to go through a full quote – perfect for when you’re car hunting.

Premium review every three months

BUyIng yOUR fIRst CAR? Tiff reCOmmends yOu 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 plate 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

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Regular feedback on how you’re driving

Financial incentive to drive better

No mileage caps or top ups

Legally, you only have to insure yourself TPO (Third Party Only), which covers claims by a third party if you have an accident that causes damage or injury to someone else. Your own car, however, is not covered.

Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT) is just like it sounds. As well as TPO cover, your car is insured against fire and theft.

Fully comprehensive insurance is the best, as it covers you for everything, even if the accident is your fault. It’s usually more expensive, but the difference can sometimes be very small.

All cars have an insurance group, which in theory dictates how much you’ll pay for cover. There are 50 groups (there used to be just 20) and generally, the higher the number, the bigger the insurance premium will be. A car’s insurance group is dictated by things such as how valuable and powerful it is, plus how costly it is to repair in the event of an accident. Because insurance companies build up their own claims profiles for the various models, a group 3 car could cost more to insure than a group 5 for example. But as a rule, stick with the lowest group you can for the most affordable premiums.

For every year you insure a car without making a claim, you’ll earn a year’s no-claims bonus (NCB) or no-claims discount (NCD), usually up to a maximum of five years. How much this is worth depends on the insurer, but it’s not unusual for a five-year NCD to cut your premium by over 60%.

Normally, you need to have a policy in your own name to start earning your NCD. But if you’re a named driver on someone else’s policy – say, your parents’ – there are a few insurers which allow you to build up a No Claims Discount of your own, as long as you then take out your own insurance with the same company.

The more miles you drive each year, the greater your risk to an insurance company. How you drive also affects your chances of a crash; if you constantly drive too fast or you make a habit of braking and accelerating harshly, you’re an accident waiting to happen. But what if you’re a careful driver? How do you prove this to your insurer? One way is to have a black box fitted to your car, which logs where, when and how you drive. Called a telematics scheme, one of these boxes could slash the cost of your cover; some insurers will only offer cover using this technology.

blackinsurance

TPOTPFTtypes of no-claims

discounts

boxesgroups

cover

understanding theCar insurance is full of weird terms,but it’s really very straightforward.Here’s how to make sense of it all

Insurance

jargon

42 firstcar.co.uk

The excess is the contribution you have to make in the event of a claim, before your insurer coughs up; it’s there to stop people making trivial claims. A £500 excess is usual for young drivers, so if the claim is for little more than this, you’ll be paying most of it, and while your insurer will pick up the rest of the tab, you’ll have a claim on your record. So you’ll ultimately fork out a lot more, which is why if you have a minor scrape that damages your car and nothing else, you’re probably better off paying for the repairs out of your own pocket. It could be much cheaper, ultimately.

excesses

extras

An array of extras can be included with your insurance policy, so spend a bit of time reading through the details before you pick the one you want. See if the policy includes legal cover (for legal advice and fees when claiming for uninsured losses), personal accident cover (if you’re injured), and windscreen cover (if your windscreen gets broken). If there’s anything you don’t understand, there’s usually a number you can call for advice – and, if nothing else, it’s a useful test of the insurer’s customer service. The key thing is that you must never be afraid to ask questions; don’t just make assumptions.

Cold frontMany young drivers try to cut costs by insuring their car in a parent’s name – even if the parent never even 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.

For much more on insurance check out firstcar.co.uk/insurance

Never be afraid to ask questioNs;

doN’t just make assumptioNs

jargon

firstcar.co.uk 43

I ’ve got quite a few good luck rituals, but I’m trying to break out of them. I always wear my lucky knickers and socks though,” laughs Jade Jones. And from the looks of the London

2012 Olympic gold medal around her neck (the only one ever won by a Brit in Taekwondo), I’d say whatever she does, it’s definitely working, and those knickers must be worth their weight in gold. Literally. Hailing from Flint, North Wales, Jade had her first taste of the high-kicking Korean martial art aged just eight, after seeing a poster advertising classes at her local leisure centre.

“My grandfather took me to my first lesson and I really enjoyed it,” says Jade. “The coach said that, even from that first lesson, he could see I was a natural and he told my grandfather that he thought I’d do well in the sport. All I knew was, with all its flashy kicks and spins, Taekwondo was great fun and I wanted to keep doing it”.

Jade soon found herself winning awards at her local club, then national competitions; by 16 she’d left school to pursue her dream of becoming a professional Taekwondo player. “Leaving school to take up Taekwondo full time was a big risk,” explains Jade. “It meant leaving home and moving to Manchester to train at the National Academy. My parents were concerned at first, but it was all I wanted to do. I was just so passionate about it that, in the end, they supported my decision”.

Taekwondo training is brutal and Jade endures four to five hours of training a day broken down into stints of weight lifting, running, kicking drills and the all-important sparring sessions.

“Sparring is a really important part of Taekwondo training, but here in the UK there are not many girls in my weight class at my level, so I usually end up sparring with the boys,” laughs Jade, who says her biggest inspiration in the sport has been her trainer Paul Green. “That’s why, in

FirstCar steps into thering with Gold medal-winning Olympian Jade Jones, to talk high kicks, martial artsflicks and lucky knickers

Teenage kicks

my preparation for the World Championships in Mexico in July, I went out to Korea to train. Taekwondo originated in Korea and it’s the country’s national sport, so there are plenty of people to spar with and they also have some of the best trainers in the world. The food isn’t the best though, so I was glad to get home and have some proper home-cooked meals!”

All that hard work and training has paid off for the beautiful but deadly high-kicking teen, as that golden medal proves. “Competing at the Olympics was incredible, especially as it was on home soil in London,” recalls Jade. “I was so nervous going out onto the mat, but when there’s thousands of people in the crowd cheering you on, it really helps, and makes you even more determined to win”.

But even the most accomplished athletes rarely make it to the top with raw talent and training alone, and Jade is no exception, as she’s benefited from the support of the Jaguar Academy of Sport, for which Jade is now an ambassador. So, as well as training and carrying out her duties as a Jaguar Academy ambassador, what’s next for the girl from North Wales with the lethal spinning kicks?

“I love martial arts movies and would love to do a film with Jet Li!” Jade jokes. “But seriously, after the World Championships in Mexico, there’ll be plenty of other major competitions to compete in and ultimately hone my skills before the next Olympics in Rio in 2016, where I hope to gain another medal to go with this one,” Jade smiles. And if her previous performances are anything to go by, we wouldn’t bet against the Brit bruiser rocking Rio and coming home with the gold. We just hope she packs her lucky knickers… Ph

oto

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S

44 firstcar.co.uk

Celebrity

I love martIal

arts movIes and would love to do a fIlm wIth jet lI

Going for GoldJade was selected to compete for Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the women’s 57kg weight category. In the games Jones beat Chinese Taipei’s top seed Tseng Li-Cheng in the semi-finals having beaten Japan’s Mayu Hamada in the quarter-finals and Serbia’s Dragana Gladović in her first bout. In the final she beat Hou Yuzhuo of China six points to four, to become the first ever Briton to win a taekwondo gold medal.

The Jaguar Academy of Sport was launched in March 2010 and aims to recognise, celebrate and inspire the very best of British sporting talent. As an aspirational club of the ‘Best of British’ sportsmen and women, with sporting superstars such as David Beckham, Dame Kelly Holmes and Sir Steve Redgrave as patrons, the Academy supports an exceptional group of young athletes named the academy’s ‘Rising Stars’. The unique programme provides the selected athletes with a £2000 bursary plus a mentoring and education programme providing legacy commitments and investment in the future of British sport.

jaguar academy

firstcar.co.uk 45

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46 firstcar.co.uk

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firstcar.co.uk 47

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.

automatic or manual? Self-shifting gears can be a real bonus with today’s traffic levels, but such cars tend to be less economical and most small cars are manuals as autos cost more to buy.

Petrol or diesel? The latter cost more to buy and there’s more to go wrong, but they’re more economical. Most small cars have a petrol engine though.

buying a car

48 firstcar.co.uk

Buying a car

buying your first car is exciting and daunting in equal measure. Not only will it give

you the sort of freedom you’ve only ever dreamed of before, but with it comes a whole stack of responsibilities – and also potentially a load of big bills if you’re not careful. That’s why buying the right car is so crucial; all of them cost a chunk of cash to run, but buy badly and you could end up back on the bus.

There are lots of things to consider before you buy any car, and in the space available on these pages we can only scratch the surface. For a fuller picture check out firstcar.co.uk/buying-a-car – in the meantime we’ll give you a few pointers to help you on your way.

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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 on page 36.

It’s easy to be daunted by having to buy a used car, but not if you stick to these basic rules

Basics

Where to buy

the more legwork you put in, the

greater the savings

firstcar.co.uk 00

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There are lots of places to buy a used car; the more legwork you put in, the greater the savings.

Privately Generally cheapest, but beware of over-optimistic pricing and there’s no warranty.

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 may be very little comeback in the event of problems.

7 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?

1 Look for dents and scrapes; also

check panel fit. Any damage will be costly to put right.

6 Does the chassis number

(usually at the base of the windscreen on the passenger side) match the one on the registration document?

9 Also check the engine number,

which is usually on the top of the block, down the one side.

10 Are all the keys

available? Expect a spare and probably a master too. Lose the only key and everything may have to be reset – which can easily cost hundreds of pounds.

5 Have the steering wheel and

gearknob been worn smooth? Does this tally with the recorded mileage?

2 Is the interior undamaged,

along with all the glass? Are there stickers on the windows that cover an old registration number etched into the glass?

3 Check for rust that’s been

painted over, plus filler in the wheelarches.

History Lesson

All cars come with a stack of paperwork, which leaves a trail. So when you buy a car you should be able to piece together where and when it’s been serviced, how many miles it’s done and who has worked on it. While going through any service

records is essential, it’s also worth paying for a history check, which should tell you whether or not the car has ever been the subject of an insurance claim, if it’s ever been written-off, stolen or is still on finance (ie the seller isn’t entitled to sell it…).

8 Ensure all the electrics work – look

at everything, including the instruments.

10

50 firstcar.co.uk

Buying a car

4 Have the tyres worn evenly or

are they worn out altogether? Uneven wear suggests poorly aligned tracking (usually easily sorted) but could be something more serious.

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FirstCar Theory Edition. Issue 2

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Transcript of FirstCar Theory Edition. Issue 2