Reviewing Your Driving

Reflection

To remain a safe and responsible driver, it’s important to regularly review and adjust your driving behaviour throughout your life. Staying informed about changes in driving laws and vehicle technology — and being honest about your own driving performance — plays a key role in protecting both your safety and that of others.

As you progress through your driving life, your circumstances will naturally change. The environments you drive in, the reasons you drive, and even your own physical and mental condition may all evolve over time.

Changes You May Encounter


    • Updates to driving laws and road rules

    • Advances in vehicle technology, including driver-assistance systems (ADAS)

    • Shifts in your personal circumstances or lifestyle

    • Changes in the reasons you drive (for example, work or family commitments)

    • Variations in your health and physical ability

    • Evolving attitudes and driving behaviours

Maintaining and Improving Your Skills

Responsible drivers actively work to maintain and improve their driving skills by regularly reflecting on their performance and identifying areas for improvement. To do this effectively:

  • Learn from experience and apply those lessons in future driving situations

  • Avoid complacency — never assume you know everything about driving

  • Watch for bad habits and correct them early to maintain the standards you were originally taught

  • Develop patience, courtesy, and responsibility when sharing the road with others

Qualities of a Competent Driver

A skilled and considerate driver demonstrates:

  • A strong sense of responsibility

  • Full concentration on the task of driving

  • Good anticipation and awareness

  • Patience and confidence

  • Courtesy and respect for other road users

Opportunities for Ongoing Development

There are many ways to continue improving your driving and adapting to change:

  • Read The Official DVSA Guide to Better Driving — it explores how emotions, attitude, and behaviour affect your driving, and includes real-life scenarios and self-assessment tools.

  • Take a Pass Plus course after passing your test to build experience and confidence.

  • Practise with an experienced driver who can offer constructive feedback.

  • Book refresher lessons with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) if you feel out of practice or want to rebuild confidence.

  • Consider advanced driving courses to further enhance your skill and awareness.

Adapting to New Circumstances

If your driving context changes — for example, you begin driving for work, become a parent, or move from an urban area to a rural one — it’s essential to review and adapt your skills and knowledge to suit your new environment.

Commuting

Driving as part of your job is one of the most high-risk driving situations. This is due to the extended time spent on the road and the potential pressure to meet deadlines. If you drive a company vehicle or use your own car for work, you’re likely to encounter a wide range of driving conditions and may often feel the need to reach destinations quickly. Both you and your employer should consider how to manage work demands while staying within the law. It’s also important to monitor and manage stress and fatigue levels.

Every Driver

Every driver should stay aware of changes in their physical and mental condition. Health issues or age-related changes can significantly affect driving ability. Regular, honest reflection on your driving performance can help ensure you remain a safe and capable driver for years to come.

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