Are you prepared for driving alone?

As a learner, you will always have had an accompanying driver sat next to you. Whether that was your driving instructor or mum and dad or a friend. But legally there should have always been someone with you while you have a provisional driving licence, they must have been over the age of 21 years old, and must have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years.

But you've now passed your driving test, and it's probably going to be a little scary going out in the car for the first time on your own.

What we would highly suggest once you have passed your test, is to not jump into a car straight away on your own, but spend a few week possibly going out with a friend, on roads you know and at quieter times of day to start. Hopefully your friend will also hold a fully driving licence and should you feel that it's got too much (and as long as their insurance permits) they could drive you home.
As time goes on, you should be able to push your routes out a bit further, and the times of day will change, and this may be up until such a time as you feel quite comfortable to go it alone. 

Some of the things that may not have been discussed by anyone who may have been teaching you , are simple this to be mindful of when driving alone.

Ensure someone knows where you are going.
Ensure someone knows your expected departure time and expected arrival time.
Ensure as best as possible someone is roughly aware of the route you intend taking.
Always ensure you have enough fuel for your journey.
Ensure you have a fully charged mobile phone and possibly an in car charger as well.
If you car is fitted with the facility to lock yourself in the car, it is always advised to do so. Some cars may have a button to press to lock yourself in. Others automatically do this as soon as you drive off, and others that have central locking may offer the facility to press inwards the door opening latch which will then lock all of the doors (this facility is only usually available on the drivers side door)

When you park up, it is best advised that you park in a well lit area at night time, of if it will be night time when you intend returning to your car.
Park it in a place that is busy and not out of the way in a secluded area.

When fuelling up at a petrol station, ALWAYS lock your car when you go in to pay. In today's society, most petrol stations are now local convenience stores as well and there are always a lot of people walking in and out of their store. Other drivers who are also fuelling up tend to pay no attention to anyone else who is walking around the forecourt. Someone who walks out of the store and over to your car, opens the door, grabs your handbag, wallet, mobile phone, laptop, or whatever, will not be given a second glance by someone who is fuelling up their car. They will naturally think that the person is with you. By the time you go back to the car, drive off and get home and the go to grab your item only to find out it's not there, it's too late, you'll never see it again. All for the sake of locking your car before going to pay for your fuel.

Ideally leave any belongings out of sight, it reduces temptation.