What to do after the bumps, scrapes, warnings and bad decisions new drivers actually make.
Can a New Driver Lose Their Licence for One Offence?Yes. A new driver's licence is revoked at six or more points within two years of passing, so an offence carrying six points can reach that limit in one go.I Scraped an Alloy Wheel — Is It Just Cosmetic?Sometimes, but not always. A light scuff may only damage the finish; a harder kerb impact can also harm the tyre, bend the wheel or knock the alignment out.What Should You Check After Hitting a Pothole Hard?Check the tyre and wheel as soon as it is safe. Then pay attention to steering, vibration and any warning lights on the next part of the journey.What Should You Do If You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your First Car?If you realise before starting the engine, do not start it. Moving the wrong fuel through the system can turn an inconvenient drain into a more expensive repair.Someone Hit My Parked Car — What Should I Do?Photograph the damage and surroundings, look for a note or witnesses, and contact your insurer if the incident may lead to a claim.What If You Scratch a Parked Car and Nobody Is There?Do not simply drive away. You need to take reasonable steps to provide your details, and some circumstances require the incident to be reported to the police.I Scraped My Own Car on a Wall — Should I Claim?Not automatically. First find out what the repair will cost, then compare that with your excess and the wider effect of making a claim.What Does One Speeding Ticket Mean for a New Driver?A typical fixed penalty for speeding is three points and a £100 fine, although circumstances vary. For a new driver, those points matter more because six points within two years can revoke the licence.Why Is One Phone Offence So Serious for a New Driver?Because holding and using a phone while driving can bring six points. Six points is enough to trigger licence revocation for a driver within two years of passing.Someone Knocked Your Wing Mirror Off — Can You Drive?Only if the car still meets the legal requirements for mirrors and is safe. A dangling housing, sharp edge or exposed wiring can make a simple-looking break more serious.Someone Left a Note After Denting Your Car — What Now?Keep the note, photograph the damage and contact the other driver or insurer calmly. Do not throw away the only evidence you have.What If Your Door Dents the Car Next to You?Treat it as damage you caused, even if it is small. Find the owner where possible, provide details and record what happened.