We do it all the time, but driving is a very complex task. It requires not only motor skills, but a host of cognitive skills like anticipation, emotional regulation, decision-making, and selective attention. These “higher order” skills take time and patience to develop.

One way to be a safer driver is to learn and practice the rules of defensive driving - or driving in a way that anticipate risks and is mindful of mistakes other drivers may make. Check out this excellent video for defensive driving strategies.

As a beginner driver, the best thing you can do is practice. Start with short, familiar journeys before tackling different conditions. Research shows that it can take around 6-12 months to feel comfortable on the road – but everyone is different, and having a variety of experiences is more significant than spending a set number of hours at the wheel. You can find a guide for new drivers here.

Young drivers, in particular, are often stereotyped as reckless. But recent research suggests that they can understand risks, and make informed decisions, just as well as adults. However, there are a few cognitive and developmental factors that make it more tricky for teens to respond to risks in the moment. On the other hand, the early stages of driving are the perfect time to build good habits. And in younger drivers, the brain is better wired to learn from experience.

One way to counteract the risks that all drivers face is to improve our hazard anticipation. This involves a complex combination of learning to read your surroundings, divide and focus your attention, and respond to evolving situations. Online or simulated hazard perception training can help us build this instinctive skill - check out these tips to learn more about this crucial skill.

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