So on 23rd December 2011 I finally passed my driving test. It was my fifth attempt but my first in an automatic car. I thought I would be ashamed of telling people that but I am not. I am never going to be the kind of girl that drives for fun I just want to be able to get me, and my children, from A to B, safely!

And so I switched from manual to automatic for convenience and speed and managed to pass my test without a single fault, of which I am incredibly proud.

But now it is February 5th and I have not driven a car since my test and I have a car, of my own, arriving here one day this week which I will be expected to drive!

I am, it is safe to say, totally terrified about driving the car particularly with the babies on board.

I plan to go out for some practice drives before they are allowed into the car.

Because of my imminent status as a driver I was pleased to publish this guest post from the Sainsburys Finance Blog sharing some great safety tips for drivers and specifically for women drivers.

I hope people find it useful.

Tips for Women Drivers on How to Stay Safe on the Road
Happily, the UK is still a relatively safe country for women drivers, which is just as well since more women than ever own their own car and travel alone. But the fact remains that many female drivers sometimes feel vulnerable on the road, so it makes sense for them to take some simple precautions to keep them safe and give them peace of mind.

Ongoing checks
Your vehicle breaking down in the wrong place, or at the wrong time, could land you in trouble. Do you know how to check the fluids and tyre pressure, and are you doing it regularly? Make sure your car has a regular service and that your battery is well charged.

Before setting off
When making a journey, check you have up-to-date membership of a breakdown service, and that your car insurance cover includes everything you need.

Your mobile phone should be well charged and an in-car charger packed.

Plan your route carefully – know where you will stop for a rest and for fuel. Let somebody know your route and estimated time of arrival, and arrange to speak to them when you arrive.

On the road
Presume other drivers are going to behave badly. Your goal is to reach your destination safely. If somebody cuts you up, don’t retaliate. This can not only distract you from your driving and potentially cause an accident, but it may also escalate the situation. Stay out of their way and put distance between you.

Beside the road
If someone flags you down for help, male or female, don’t stop. Instead, call the police at the next convenient moment and let them deal with it – you can be a good Samaritan without putting yourself at risk.

Likewise, if you breakdown, phone your breakdown service and wait for them. Don’t allow a passer-by to assist you beyond phoning for help, should you be unable to do so yourself.

In the car park
Parking the car – whether at service stations, supermarkets, town centres, country parks, your own street, etc – is a time when women should be fully alert to their environment. Remember…

Park in plain view. If it’s dark or if the light is likely to fade between you leaving and returning to your car, try to park somewhere that will be well lit.

Never leave your car unlocked in a car-park, even for a few minutes.

Never approach another vehicle if beckoned over by its occupier in a deserted car park. Keep your distance.

When returning, scan the area around your car for danger signals.

Have your keys at the ready before hand to avoid delay.

Keep a firm grip of your belongings while you unlock and open your car, and don’t leave them on the ground.

Once in your car, lock your door immediately and not after you have finished scanning receipts, sending texts, etc.

Avoid leaving your handbag on the passenger seat.

If somebody approaches your car and wants to speak with you, lower your window a crack, just enough to hear them but not enough to allow them to reach inside, and keep your doors locked.

We all want to reach our destinations safely and without incident.

Staying alert and following these simple guidelines can help make that happen.

Sainsburys Finance Blog