Attitude

No matter how fast, high-tech, or costly your vehicle may be, it’s ultimately you—the driver—who decides how safe it truly is.

Being a good driver doesn’t mean being flawless. In fact, the idea of a perfect driver is likely a myth. A good driver is someone who understands there’s always room for improvement and is committed to making that effort.

With time and experience, your driving skills will naturally improve. But skill alone isn’t enough. Becoming a good driver also means taking ownership of your mindset and approach behind the wheel. This includes the ability to:

Stay focused and avoid distractions
Look ahead and anticipate potential hazards
Show patience toward other road users
Be aware of your mental and physical state and how it may impact your driving
Drive with confidence in your own abilities

These aspects form what’s commonly referred to as a driver’s attitude. Your attitude—along with factors like your mood, stress levels, and fatigue—greatly influences how you act on the road.

Driving can be highly rewarding, especially when you combine skill with respect and consideration for others.

Keep in mind: the vast majority of road incidents are caused, at least in part, by driver error. Every driver has a responsibility to do their part in preventing them.

While adopting a safe, responsible attitude may come more naturally to some than others, it’s essential for everyone to put in the effort. These behaviours are key to becoming a safer driver.

The best drivers never stop learning. Even with years of experience, they know there’s always more to gain—and more ways to grow—behind the wheel.

As a responsible driver, you must always prioritise the safety of:

Yourself
Your passengers
All other road users

Your Own Safety

Refer to the section on health later for more detailed guidance on protecting your own wellbeing while driving.

Your Passengers

Be mindful of your passengers’ needs. Some may have mobility issues or medical conditions that require extra care or consideration. It's also your duty to ensure all passengers are using seat belts correctly and in accordance with the law.

Other Road Users

Show patience and respect—everyone has a right to use the road. Be especially considerate of vulnerable individuals, such as:

Children and elderly pedestrians
People with disabilities
Cyclists and motorcyclists
Individuals handling animals

Stay alert and plan your driving decisions in advance to reduce the risk of sudden or unsafe actions. This helps prevent danger and inconvenience for everyone. Be aware of both your own limitations and those of others around you.

Important Reminder:

The ultimate responsibility for driving safely lies with you.

To drive safely in today’s busy traffic, you must give your full attention to the road at all times.

Even a momentary lapse in concentration can increase the risk of making a mistake—and mistakes can lead to serious incidents.

Avoid Driving If You’re:

Tired or feeling unwell
Distracted or preoccupied
Upset, angry, or emotionally unsettled
Under significant mental or emotional stress

Fact: In around 38% of reported accidents, the driver or rider failed to look properly—often due to a lack of focus.

Concentration Depends On:

Clear vision
Good hearing
Sound physical and mental health
Self-awareness and the ability to manage your own state of mind

If your vehicle is equipped with technology such as a sat nav or infotainment system, don’t let it divert your attention. Limit how much you look at or interact with the system while driving, and only adjust it when you’re safely parked.

Before You Start Driving:

Turn off your phone, switch it to silent, or place it out of reach
Never use a hand-held phone while driving or supervising a learner
If using your phone or sat nav for directions, set it up before your journey
Make sure your sat nav does not block your view of the road

While Driving, Do Not:

Use your phone for calls, texting, or social media
Read maps or focus on your sat nav for more than a quick glance
Adjust the radio, change CDs, or operate MP3 players
Get drawn into distracting conversations or arguments with passengers
Play loud music or wear headphones, as they can mask important road sounds
Eat, drink, smoke, or vape while driving

Also Avoid:

Placing non-essential stickers on your windows—they can obstruct your view
Hanging objects (e.g., dice, dolls) from your mirror or elsewhere that may distract you or block your vision

Passengers Can Be Distracting

Passengers may unintentionally divert your attention by:

Talking excessively or trying to engage you in conversation
Using mobile phones in distracting ways
Behaving irresponsibly or being disruptive

Travelling with young children can be especially challenging. Plan ahead by keeping them entertained to reduce boredom and crying, which can distract you while driving.

Remember: Staying focused isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a responsibility. Safe driving starts with your ability to concentrate and stay in control.

Driving demands your complete focus at all times.

You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving—unless you need to call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency, and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.

Even using a hands-free device or voice control can distract you. The safest option is simple: don’t use your phone at all while driving.

Let calls go to voicemail, and only check messages once you’ve pulled over in a safe, legal place. If you need to make a call, stop first.

These rules also apply if you’re supervising a learner driver—not just when you're behind the wheel yourself.

Tip: Switch your phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’ before you set off to help you stay focused.

Anticipation in driving means looking well ahead and being ready to act early. With experience, this should become second nature.

Always stay alert and question what other road users might do next.

By planning ahead and anticipating others’ actions, you can:

Avoid the need for sudden or dangerous reactions
Maintain a safe and comfortable distance from other vehicles
Prevent potential hazards from developing
Use fuel more efficiently — heavy braking followed by quick acceleration wastes fuel

When hazards do arise, respond early to minimise risk.

Anticipation and forward planning are key parts of defensive driving, helping you stay in control and avoid unnecessary danger.

If another driver behaves badly or aggressively, try not to react. Resist the urge to respond in kind. Instead, slow down if needed to calm yourself, or consider stopping for a short break.

Strong emotions—especially anger—can distract your brain from essential driving tasks. When you’re emotionally charged, your ability to concentrate, anticipate hazards, and observe your surroundings is reduced, increasing the risk of an incident.

Everyone makes mistakes now and then. Be prepared to show patience and make allowances for other people’s errors.

Remember: Your behaviour on the road can influence others. Setting a calm, respectful example can encourage other drivers to do the same.

Do:

Stay calm
Show patience and self-control
Make thoughtful, responsible decisions

Don’t:

Drive aggressively or competitively
Use rude gestures or offensive language
Try to “teach someone a lesson,” no matter how frustrating their actions may be

Dealing with Learner Drivers

Be patient with learners—they’re still developing their skills and may not react as quickly or confidently as experienced drivers.

Reminder: Not all L-plate (or D-plate in Wales) vehicles have dual controls, and the accompanying adult may not be a professional instructor.

Do Not:

Follow too closely—it can intimidate learners and cause them to panic
Rev your engine or show impatience if they’re slow to move off
Cut in sharply after overtaking them

Expect that learners might make unexpected decisions or take longer to act. Give them space, time, and understanding—we’ve all been learners at some point.

Newly Qualified Drivers

Drivers who have just passed their test may display a green 'P' plate or a similar sign to show they’re new to driving. Be patient and considerate—they're still building experience and confidence.

Older Drivers

While older drivers often have many years of experience, they may also have slower reaction times. Allow extra time and space when necessary, and show the same courtesy you would expect in return.

Confidence is an important part of your overall driving attitude, and it’s closely linked to your:

Skill
Judgement
Experience

Your level of confidence may change over time. Many new drivers start out feeling fairly confident, but after around six months, that confidence often dips—especially if they’ve had a negative experience or been involved in an incident.

The Risk of Overconfidence

Overconfidence happens when drivers overestimate their abilities, which can lead to:

Unsafe driving decisions
Risk-taking behaviour
Speeding and other traffic violations

That’s why it’s essential to regularly reflect on your own driving. Many people believe they’re better drivers than they actually are. Be honest with yourself and look for areas where you could improve.

If you’re feeling unsure or anxious behind the wheel, refresher lessons with a qualified driving instructor can help you rebuild your confidence and sharpen your skills.

The National Standard for Safer Driving

The National Standard for Driving outlines the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to be a safe and responsible driver. Meeting this standard not only prepares you to pass your driving test—it also sets you on the path to becoming a safe driver for life.

You can find the National Standard for Driving at www.gov.uk

ATTITUDE

Responsibility