Post-test handover

You passed. Start the first 30 days in the right order.

The first solo drive, policy change, six-point rule and running costs are easier when treated as one timeline.

Read the detailed guide Return to learner guidance

Step 1

Before driving solo

Confirm the policy recognises a full licence; check tax, MOT and insurance; set up the car and phone before moving.

Step 2

First 24 hours

Save claims and breakdown contacts, learn the controls and make the first journey familiar and manageable.

Step 3

First 7 days

Check telematics recording, practise progressively and read the certificate, schedule and key exclusions.

Step 4

First 30 days

Compare actual costs with the budget; diarise tax, MOT, service and renewal dates; update changed use or main-driver facts.

Step 5

First year

Build experience deliberately, protect the no-claims record and review the policy before automatic renewal.

Step 6

First two years

Remember the six-point revocation rule and keep national differences—especially Northern Ireland—visible.

The six-point rule

A driver’s licence is revoked if they accumulate six or more penalty points within two years of passing their first driving test. Unexpired points from a provisional licence can contribute to that total.

Great Britain and Northern Ireland are not identical

Use the official page for the nation concerned. Northern Ireland has R-plate and graduated-licensing requirements that should not be copied from a generic Great Britain article.

Keep a small evidence pack

Insurance certificate, schedule, claims number and breakdown number.
Photos of the vehicle’s condition and important purchase documents.
Service, tyre, tax, MOT and renewal dates.
A record of material facts supplied to the insurer and later changes.