If you’ve been involved in an accident, the most important thing you can do is keep a level head. This way, you can be sure to carry out all the necessary steps that will make your life much easier in the long-term. Head here to read our full guide to what you should do immediately following an accident.
In this post we’ll explore an issue that concerns many young drivers and new drivers: are there any special rules for new drivers who have a collision in their first year of driving?
How Common are Car Accidents In The First Year of Driving?
It’s relatively common for young drivers and new drivers to have an accident in their first year of driving. According to one study, almost 28% of drivers aged 25 to 34 will be involved in a collision in their first year of driving.
Young drivers and new drivers are particularly susceptible to accidents for a number of reasons. Inexperience can make you more nervous behind the wheel and it can also make you less adept at being able to read road conditions, and more likely to take risks.
Because young drivers are comparatively likely to get into accidents, young drivers tend to pay more for car insurance than older and more experienced drivers. It may seem unfair, but insurance is all about risk. If you have a greater risk of having an accident, there will be a greater likelihood that you’ll make a claim on your policy.
What Happens If You Have An Accident In The First Year Driving?
Regardless of how long you have been driving, it will be the same claims process for you as it is for any other driver. You’ll have to report the accident to your insurer who will be able to inform you on the next steps and what will happen based on the policy you have bought.
If you decide not to make a claim, you will have to take care of any damage to your car, and possibly to any other cars or property involved in the accident too.
What Happens If You Get Points Within Your First Year of Driving?
Certain driving convictions come with penalty points. So if for example the accident was the result of careless or dangerous driving on your behalf, then you may get points on your licence.
You can read our full guide to penalty points and convictions. But in short, some of the penalty points associated with accidents include:
- Failing to stop after an accident
- Failing to report an accident
- Careless driving – including causing accidents, injuries, or death through driving without due care and attention
- Driving while using a mobile
- Driving while above the specified drug or alcohol limit, or refusing to provide samples for tests if the police request them
- Speeding on public roads
Different offences carry different penalty points and if you build up too many, then you will lose your licence.
How Can You Lose Your Licence in the First Year?
You will lose your driving licence if you get six points or more within two years of passing your driving test. It doesn’t matter how you got the points. The moment you get six or more, your licence will be revoked.
As most convictions come with a minimum of three penalty points, you only need to get convicted twice in your first two years to lose your licence.
If you lose your licence within two years of passing your test, you’ll have to pay for a new provisional licence and then you will have to pass both your theory and your practical tests again before you can get a new licence.
Don’t Risk Losing Everything!
If you get too many points on your licence in your first two years of driving, it’ll be back to square one. All the newfound freedom you enjoyed after you passed your test will be gone, immediately.
The harsh penalties are essentially a way to encourage young drivers to drive as carefully as possible.
Commit to being a safe and careful driver, and not only will you avoid the particularly severe penalties for new drivers but you’ll also begin to build up a no-claims discount, which will help you save money on the cost of cover in the long-term.
Read our full guide to how young drivers and new drivers can get cheaper car insurance.
At Go Girl we specialise in insuring young and new drivers. We know the challenges facing young drivers and are here to provide the cover you need. Find out more about our young driver insurance.
