Would you drive this far if you had passed your driving test a month ago?

[lalallola]

I passed my test two weeks ago and my friend wants to book a caravan holiday an hour and a half away in a few weeks time. Initially I was up for this before I passed but now I have and driving alone I’ve realised there’s so much more to driving then passing your test! I’ve been to the supermarket, to family’s, etc and to a park 20 minutes away but I feel like it would be reckless to go away so soon. Just wondering if other people thought this was the right decision too? Just to add I have 2 under 2 so obviously instant pressure as I will have the most precious little people in my car at all times. Thanks.

This too. Non drivers may have no clue as to petrol costs and cost of running a car. She sees it as free and easy which may not be how you see it.

I would have done the drive shortly after passing my test.

I wouldn't drive towing a caravan now even though I've been driving for more than 20 years. I have driven with trailers but it is much more complicated.

Is she expecting you to tow a caravan as well or use a static?

If you don't feel confident don't do it. Yet.
Lots of people will have, lots of people won't.

Don't feel bad about wanting more time to gain experience as a driver before you undertake a longer journey with your DC. Driving with 2 under 2 can be hugely stressful and very distracting if one or both are crying and you cannot pull over immediately.

I would definitely build up to that! A few weeks after I passed my test I (foolishly) decided to do a 90 minute trip to see family. It was my second time on the motorway and I ended up getting pulled over by a traffic officer who had been behind me for a while. He thought I seemed suspicious as I was 'hesitant'. It frightened the life out of me and when I travelled back, I went via the back roads. I booked in for some motorway lessons and well, 20+ years later, I still cringe at that but feel hugely thankful I did no harm.

It takes a while for driving to become 'muscle memory' and I think a 90 minute trip (presumably to a place you're not familiar with) plus the distraction of your friend and DC, might be a bit too much to manage just yet. Build up your road confidence and practice going further each time, see how you react when you encounter a loony driver (as inevitably you will!) and only do the trip when you feel ready. :)

Could you break it up into 3 x 30 min drives? Or 2 x 45 mins?

Please do not feel pressurised into driving if you are unsure. If you felt confident enough I am sure you wouldn’t have even needed to ask the question. Do what is best for YOU. I assume your friend does not drive.

it is not helpful to hear other drivers doing many hours and miles of driving before their “L” plates had even reached the bin - everyone is different and the total responsibility for the safety of your passengers will be solely down to you.

i well remember, years ago after I had my first baby being told by a friend “Oh I was fine. The day after Jack was born I cleaned the house from top to bottom, cooked and baked for a big bbq get together.

Same as I was told just before I went into hospital for replacement hip surgery - “Oh my Uncle Frank had his done last week and was back to playing 18 holes of golf two days later”.

When in doubt - don’t.

I was married to a driving instructor who then became an Examiner and I feel sure this would be his advice too.

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All of this. Too many distractions for a new, inexperienced driver to take on at once, IMO.

Ignore the “I did it five minutes after I got my license” posts, OP. It’s not a race and you don’t have to prove anything to anyone, let alone anonymous commenters. Take your time to get comfortable, build the muscle memory @littlehoops so rightly mentioned, and you may find driving more enjoyable and less stressful as your skills increase. (This was my experience, anyway - unlike my sister who’s been driving since the 70s and still hates it!)

I would drive the distance but it would depend on the roads for me. If it's wasn't familiar I would be less likely to tackle it. If it was a winding country road or a busy section of the M6, again, probably not. If it was mainly dual carriageway/quieter motorway I would have driven all day long as a new driver. It really would depend on the roads.

Another factor is who is going to be with you because as a new driver the last thing you need is a car full of distraction.

I drove from London to Edinburgh a week after passing. I was nervous but my husband encouraged me. He was right, it was a big boost to my confidence and I never looked back.

I think it's good to put yourself out there - I let myself get into a rut after passing my test and soon would only do a couple of set routes I knew for ages. I finally broke the anxiety when I took on a job thay had deliveries as part of the role. I got given a Berlingo, a list of addresses and a return time and told to get on with it! Best thing I did.
An hour and a half isn't far, so you can break it up into 30 minute or 45 minute chunks if it makes you feel better - you won't lose the whole day even doing that! So what if it takes you 3 hours instead of 1.5hours - gives the kids a chance to stretch their legs too. Or see if there is a fun destination on the way to have a break at.

Did you not ever have any two hour lessons? Idid, and I know they’re not the same as an hour and a half trip but in one level, they are…

I was certainly driving an hour+ away six weeks after I passed my test as I remember where I crashed my car

I drove to see Bryan Adams in Aberdeen years ago from the central belt, same week passing my test. I just didn't give it any thoughts at all about the distance. You don't when you're young.

If you want to be a good driver, you have to drive and practice. I'd drive that far. Don't worry, you'll be fine.

I drove an hour to ikea the day after passing my test as I was so pleased I had that freedom. My dad had his driving test in the morning, passed, came home and packed a bag and drove three hours to his mums as his dad had died the night before.
It is tiring driving but I found it best if you just get on with it 🤷‍♀️

I drove from chesterfield to Leeds 4 days after passing my test. It was fine. But it really just depends on how nervous a driver you are

Yes, I drove an hour up to motorway to the Trafford Centre a week after I'd passed my test. My mother was in shreds, apparently but I was fine. Go for it.

Not sure what is reckless about it.

Presumably your lessons were an hour long so length of time driving us no issue.

Have a go on a dual carriageway and motorway, also driving in the dark if you haven’t done it before you go, and crack on . Driving is driving whether your are heading for supermarket, park or caravan.

You learned to drive in order to do things like this, so enjoy yourself!

I drove from London to Norfolk the day after passing my test. I was nervous but I had my satnav and had written out the directions and mapped it out in my head so I know where I was going. If you haven't done any motorway driving could you book a one off lesson just so you're a bit more confident?

@Sweetladyjane

Satnav.............luxury................old enough to remember the original Monty Python sketch.....😃

Yes, I'd have done it no problems.

I don't think your friend is using you as a taxi - a holiday with a friend is a lovely thing to do and now you can do it. I don't she'll begrudge splitting the travel costs, why would she?

I wouldn’t tow anything, even if you are allowed to, without lessons. Reversing a trailer is hard! So I’m guessing it’s a static van you’re going to.

Id have a look at the route on google maps or satnav now and see if you think it seems ok. Keep an eye out for junctions and other things you’ll be unfamiliar with. Motorways are generally ok once you get on, it’s twisty turney roads Id be worried about as a new driver! You could use street view at any sections you see just now and think could be difficult, so you know what to do.

It’s a responsibility driving with three other lives dependent on you so don’t do it if you’re not sure. Anyone can tell you to crack on but listen to your inner voice.

If finances allow, you could even take yourself off secretly and drive the first chunk alone on a quiet evening and see how you feel driving on unfamiliar roads and then decide if you’re up for it or not?