If you have taken a break from driving, then it would be a good idea to take your time when getting back on the road. There are a few things that you can to ensure you get back on the road safely, so here are some of our top tips.
Brush Up on Your Theoretical Knowledge
If you have been off the road for a significant period of time, then it would be a good idea to brush up on your theory knowledge. There are plenty of resources online to help you brush up on your knowledge of driving theory.
There are even mini theory tests you can take to online to see if you would indeed pass your theory test if you were to re-sit it. While there is no legal requirement to re-sit your theory test once passed, it is always handy to keep up to speed on current theory and see where your knowledge could use some revisiting.
Also, by doing this you are ensuring that you are being a responsible driver and are up to date on the newest rules of the road. This becomes more and more important the longer you have been of the road.
Make Sure the Car Is Road Read
No matter how long you are off the road for, it is important that you maintain your car so that whenever you do decide to get back on the road, your car is safe to drive.
Keep the handbrake turned off if the car is sitting on a flat surface as this will stop unnecessary tension on your brakes. Consider buying a trickle charge you can plug into the mains and at least once a week let the car’s engine run fora around 15 minutes to avoid getting a discharged battery.
When you’re ready to get back on the road, drain the fuel tank and replace it with fresh fuel, ensure tires are at the right pressure and that your oil and coolant is at least the minimum level.
Check Your Insurance, MOT and Road Tax
If you have declared your car SORN, then you will need to ensure that before you get back on the road, you have gotten your car insurance re-instated as you are not legally allowed to be on the road without this in place.
You will also need to make sure that you have paid any outstanding road tax that you owe so that you are up to date, as it is also illegal to drive without any road tax.
Lastly, make sure that the MOT on your car up to date as this is a requirement of being on the road. After a while and after a while of not being driven regularly, your car may have work needing to be done so that it can drive smoothly and safely.
Be Prepared for Busier Roads
With the easing of lockdown across the UK, those getting back on the road should be prepared for extremely bust roads with research showing that roads may even have traffic that exceeds pre-pandemic levels.
This is understandable given that many people have been confined to their homes since early March. So, if you are planning on getting back on the road as lockdown begins to ease, be aware that you will need to be patient and likely have to accommodate extra time for traffic and bust roads.
Many people up and down the length of the country are itching to get back on the road after such a long period of being unable to go anywhere or do anything. So, if you are one of those many people be sure to take care and get your car ready in preparation for getting back on the roads.
Source: ArticleCube