Just passed your driving test?

Congratulations! You're officially part of the club. Now you can join the millions of drivers already behind the wheel. Feeling excited? Nervous? Scared? Maybe even all three???? Don't worry, these feelings are normal. Here's some tips to keep you safe.

Know your limits

When you were a kid and first learned how to ride a bike, you probably started out with the basics. You knew your limits — you kept both hands on the handlebars, your bum firmly in the seat and you didn't go too far away from home. After some time, when you gained experience and became more comfortable with your bike, you probably ventured further and took longer trips.

Driving a car can be similar. As a new driver, the key is to make sure you are extra-careful and fully aware of all of your driving habits. You might notice older friends and relatives doing something risky — like speeding up instead of slowing down at an amber light. But when a driver who doesn't have a lot of experience on the road does it, that kind of behavior can be even more dangerous.

Before you drive a long way, make sure you're completely comfortable going to and from school or work. Before you begin driving at night, when reduced visibility makes driving more complicated, make sure you're fully confident to drive through the day. Before you start driving your friends around, practice driving with a responsible adult and on your own — so you aren't distracted by the company.

Here are some tips for developing safe driving habits:

• Obey all traffic rules.This includes wearing a seat belt at all times, coming to a complete stop at all red lights, obeying speed limits, knowing when to give way etc.
• Avoid distractions.When you first start driving, it's a good idea to avoid taking friends along with you. Driving with friends can be distracting - even for an experienced driver. With more experience, driving with friends can become less stressful. Other things that can distract any driver include eating, putting on makeup and listening to loud music. And remember it's illegal to use your mobile phone.
• Keep alert. This doesn't simply mean paying attention, it means eliminating any factors that might detract from reaction time. Don't drink alcohol, take drugs or drive when you feel sleepy. All of these will reduce judgment, driving ability and alertness.

Responsible driving can also help you save money. A good driver is less likely to fork out money for car repairs and increased insurance premiums.

Know other people's limits

You aren't the only person you have to be responsible for on the road — there are aggressive and inattentive drivers of all ages and driving experiences - so watch out for them!

It's important to be aware of your surroundings. For instance, when a light turns green, make sure the road is clear before you go; someone may run a red light and be headed for you.

Other ways to be better aware of your surroundings include:

• Maintain a safe following distance.If you're too close to someone else you won't be able to react in time if they lose control in front of you or slam on the brakes. If someone is tailgating you, don't freak out — just get out of the way and let them pass. If they're making obscene or threatening gestures, don't respond with the same kind of behavior and try to avoid eye contact.
• See the future.Driving isn't just reactionary; a lot of it is seeing situations develop. If someone three cars ahead of you brakes, know that you'll probably also have to stop and start slowing down. Don't simply wait for the driver in front of you to slam on the brakes — that car's brake lights might be out!
• Check those mirrors.Make sure your mirrors are in position to give you the best view possible — be aware of your surroundings and don't forget to use your rearview mirror.

Know your car

Taking care of your car ensures that it's in good condition and functioning properly. Many breakdowns occur because drivers neglect routine maintenance. To avoid being stuck in one of these situations, try getting familiar with:

• filling the tank with petrol
• checking and changing oil
• checking the car's coolant and brake fluid
• learning how to check tyre pressure and adding air when they are low
• jump-starting the car
• adding windshield washer fluid
• knowing where the jack, lug wrench and spare tire are and how to use them
• make sure your car goes in for its MOT every year

Knowing your car means that you won't be that person who runs out of petrol in the middle of nowhere because he drove around with an almost-empty tank, or the one whose tyre blew out because she forgot to check the air.

Sometimes accidents and breakdowns are unavoidable, no matter how responsible you are. You should keep some emergency items in your car at all times for use in such situations:

• list of phone numbers to call
• insurance and registration documents
• tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, socket wrenches, etc.)
• disposable camera (in case you need to take pictures of your car after an accident)
• first-aid kit
• bottled water and nonperishable food
• flashlight and extra batteries
• jumper cables
• blanket

Practice makes perfect. So get out there and enjoy yourself but keep safety first.