10 weeks: How long it takes after passing our test to become a bad driver
By Blind Spot DriveBlog
10 weeks: How long it takes after passing our test to become a bad driver
We’ve all been there—finally passed the driving test, got the freedom of the open road, and thought we’d be a perfect driver for life. But as a new study reveals, it only takes about 10 weeks for many of us to start slipping into bad driving habits. Shocking, right? What’s even more alarming is that one in ten drivers start forgetting the Highway Code within just two weeks after passing their test. This article explores the study’s findings, the bad habits that develop so quickly, and what you can do to avoid them.
Outline:
Introduction
- Brief overview of the study by Accident Advice Helpline
- Introduction to the concept of “bad driving habits” post-driving test
How Long It Takes to Develop Bad Habits
- The timeline: 10 weeks after passing the test
- Key findings from the study (e.g., running red lights, forgetting the Highway Code)
Top 10 Bad Driving Habits and How Long They Take to Develop
- 1. Overtaking Dangerously
- Time to develop: 4 months & 24 days
- Why it’s dangerous
- 2. Parking on Double Yellow Lines
- Time to develop: 4 months & 21 days
- Common scenarios where this happens
- 3. Middle Lane Hogging on the Motorway
- Time to develop: 4 months & 18 days
- The risks and why it’s bad for traffic flow
- 4. Tailgating
- Time to develop: 4 months & 15 days
- Consequences of tailgating
- 5. Turning Without Indicating
- Time to develop: 4 months & 12 days
- How it affects other drivers and safety
- 6. Holding the Wheel with Only One Hand
- Time to develop: 3 months & 27 days
- How it compromises control of the vehicle
- 7. Not Using Mirrors When Manoeuvring
- Time to develop: 3 months & 21 days
- The dangers of not checking blind spots
- 8. Chucking Litter Out of the Window
- Time to develop: 3 months & 21 days
- Environmental impact and legal implications
- 9. Not Using a Seatbelt
- Time to develop: 3 months & 18 days
- How risky it is, despite knowing the rules
- 10. Stopping Using ‘Ten and Two’ Hand Position on the Wheel
- Time to develop: 3 months & 15 days
- Why this grip is essential for control
Why Do We Develop Bad Driving Habits?
- Comfort and confidence after passing the test
- Lack of immediate consequences for bad habits
- The “It’ll never happen to me” mentality
The Importance of Keeping Your Driving Skills Sharp
- The risks of getting too comfortable
- Consequences of bad driving habits (e.g., accidents, fines, insurance premiums)
- How staying vigilant can prevent accidents
How to Prevent Developing Bad Driving Habits
- Take periodic lessons after passing your test
- Consider advanced driving courses like Pass Plus
- Sign up for a refresher driving course
- Pay attention to your own habits and ask for feedback
The Role of the Instructor in Post-Test Development
- The importance of regular check-ins with an instructor
- Why you might want a few refresher lessons annually
Advanced Driving Courses: A Lifeline for New Drivers
- What is Pass Plus and how it helps
- How IAM Advanced Driving can benefit you
- How these courses can improve safety and reduce insurance costs
The Survey Results: A Wake-Up Call
- Key takeaways from the survey by Accident Advice Helpline
- How the study emphasizes the importance of continuous learning
Conclusion
- Recap of the 10-week timeline for bad habits
- A call to action for drivers to stay vigilant and take preventive measures
FAQs
- How can I avoid developing bad driving habits after passing my test?
- Is it too late to correct bad driving habits if I’ve been driving for years?
- Are refresher lessons worth the cost?
- How does Pass Plus help reduce insurance costs?
- Can bad driving habits result in legal consequences?
How Long It Takes to Become a Bad Driver After Passing the Test: 10 Weeks and Counting
Driving tests are hard, there’s no doubt about it. After months of practice and nerves, you finally pass the test and take the keys to your first car. It feels like freedom, but as new research shows, it doesn’t take long before some drivers start slipping into bad habits. In fact, according to a study by the Accident Advice Helpline, it takes as little as 10 weeks for new drivers to become less than ideal behind the wheel. What’s more shocking is that 1 in 10 drivers forget the Highway Code within just two weeks of passing the test.
But why is this happening, and how can we prevent ourselves from becoming one of those drivers? Let’s dive into the findings of this study and explore how you can keep your driving skills sharp.
How Long It Takes to Develop Bad Habits
When you pass your driving test, you’ve done all the hard work. But once you’re no longer under the scrutiny of an instructor, it’s easy to relax and let some of those well-practiced techniques slip. According to the research, it doesn’t take long for new drivers to start forming habits that could lead to accidents, fines, and even legal consequences.
The survey of 2,000 drivers found that the average time it takes to develop bad habits after passing the driving test is around 10 weeks. In this relatively short time, new drivers have already begun flouting the law or forgetting key safety practices. This rapid transformation from “model student” to “lousy driver” is a wake-up call for anyone who thought they could simply coast through life after passing their test.
Top 10 Bad Driving Habits and How Long They Take to Develop
Let’s take a closer look at some of the worst driving habits that start creeping in within just a few months:
- Overtaking Dangerously (4 months & 24 days)
- At first, it seems like a harmless way to get ahead, but overtaking dangerously can lead to fatal accidents. Many new drivers begin to overestimate their abilities and make risky moves without considering other road users.
- Parking on Double Yellow Lines (4 months & 21 days)
- You might think it’s just a quick stop, but parking on double yellow lines is illegal. Drivers often forget the rules once they’re comfortable on the road, leading to dangerous behavior that can result in fines or towing.
- Middle Lane Hogging on the Motorway (4 months & 18 days)
- The middle lane is not for cruising. Many drivers forget to move to the left-hand lane when they’re not overtaking, causing congestion and frustration for other motorists.
- Tailgating (4 months & 15 days)
- Following too closely behind another vehicle is dangerous and can lead to rear-end collisions. This habit often develops because of impatience or underestimating stopping distances.
- Turning Without Indicating (4 months & 12 days)
- Failing to signal before turning is one of the most common bad habits. It creates confusion for other drivers and increases the risk of accidents.
- Holding the Wheel with Only One Hand (3 months & 27 days)
- While it might feel more comfortable, driving with just one hand on the wheel can compromise your control of the vehicle. It’s important to keep both hands on the wheel for maximum control, especially in emergencies.
- Not Using Mirrors When Manoeuvring (3 months & 21 days)
- A simple glance at your mirrors could prevent a costly mistake, but many drivers start neglecting this habit as they become more confident in their skills.
- Chuckling Litter Out of the Window (3 months & 21 days)
- A small but significant habit, throwing trash out of your car window not only damages the environment but can also get you fined.
- Not Using a Seatbelt (3 months & 18 days)
- It’s a simple rule—always wear your seatbelt. However, some drivers start ignoring this crucial safety measure once they’re comfortable driving.
- Stopping Using ‘Ten and Two’ Hand Position on the Wheel (3 months & 15 days)
- The “ten and two” hand position is a recommended safety measure for maintaining control. Many drivers, however, relax and start driving with their hands lower on the wheel, compromising their ability to react quickly in emergencies.
Why Do We Develop Bad Driving Habits?
It’s tempting to believe that once we’ve passed the test, we’ve mastered driving for life. But the reality is that comfort and confidence can sometimes lead to complacency. After all, there are rarely immediate consequences for making small mistakes, so many drivers start to push the boundaries of safe driving.
The “It’ll never happen to me” mentality also plays a role. Many new drivers convince themselves that accidents or tickets won’t happen to them because they’re “too good” of a driver. Unfortunately, this false sense of security often leads to bad habits forming quickly.
The Importance of Keeping Your Driving Skills Sharp
The key to preventing bad habits is to stay vigilant and keep practicing. Just because you’ve passed your driving test doesn’t mean you can stop improving. In fact, the longer you go without brushing up on your skills, the more likely you are to develop dangerous habits.
Beyond safety, your driving habits also affect your insurance premiums. The more risky behavior you exhibit on the road, the higher your insurance costs will be. So, staying sharp doesn’t just save you from accidents—it can save you money.
How to Prevent Developing Bad Driving Habits
So, how can you avoid falling into the bad-driving trap? Here are some tips:
- Take Refresher Lessons: Even after passing your test, consider going for a driving lesson every few months. Your instructor can help you spot any bad habits before they become a serious issue.
- Sign Up for Advanced Courses: Courses like Pass Plus and IAM Advanced Driving can help you stay sharp, enhance your skills, and reduce your insurance costs.
- Stay Aware of Your Habits: Regularly check in with yourself and ask whether you’re getting too comfortable behind the wheel. Are you still following the rules, or are you slipping into bad habits?
The Role of the Instructor in Post-Test Development
One way to avoid bad habits is by continuing to learn. Even if you’ve passed your test, it’s a good idea to take a lesson every so often. Your driving instructor can give you constructive feedback on your performance, helping you identify areas for improvement before things get worse.
Advanced Driving Courses: A Lifeline for New Drivers
If you’re serious about keeping your skills fresh, signing up for an advanced driving course can be a game-changer. Courses like Pass Plus cover crucial driving scenarios like nighttime driving, motorway driving, and driving in all weather conditions.
Plus, these courses aren’t just about safety—they can even lower your insurance premiums, as they show insurers that you’re committed to being a responsible driver.
The Survey Results: A Wake-Up Call
The research by the Accident Advice Helpline should be a wake-up call to all drivers. If you’ve passed your test, don’t let complacency set in. Bad habits develop quickly, and once they take hold, they can be hard to shake.
Conclusion
Becoming a good driver doesn’t stop after you pass your test. In fact, it’s just the beginning of a lifelong journey. The 10-week timeline for developing bad habits is a reminder that you need to stay vigilant behind the wheel. So, take steps today to ensure you remain a safe, responsible driver. Stay sharp, and don’t let the road become a place where bad habits rule.
FAQs
- How can I avoid developing bad driving habits after passing my test?
- Regularly check your driving habits, take refresher lessons, and consider signing up for an advanced driving course like Pass Plus.
- Is it too late to correct bad driving habits if I’ve been driving for years?
- It’s never too late! Consider enrolling in an advanced driving course or taking a few lessons to brush up on your skills.
- Are refresher lessons worth the cost?
- Yes! They can help you spot bad habits early and ensure you’re always driving safely and confidently.
- How does Pass Plus help reduce insurance costs?
- Pass Plus shows insurers that you’ve received extra training, which can lead to discounts on your insurance premiums.
- Can bad driving habits result in legal consequences?
- Yes, bad driving habits can result in fines, points on your license, and even accidents that cause serious injuries or worse. Stay vigilant!
Main Image By Pexels
- Yes, bad driving habits can result in fines, points on your license, and even accidents that cause serious injuries or worse. Stay vigilant!
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