Buying a brand new car is something that many dream of. Although “running in” a car is not so critical today as it was in times gone by, there are a few things to bear in mind as you drive your shiny new pride and joy away from the showroom. This week’s tips give advice on driving a new car, from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman.

Drivers with conditions such as dyspraxia, which affects hand-eye coordination, short term memory and spatial awareness often travel not noticing their condition and find it more challenging using the road than others. Some are even unaware that they are suffering from a coordination disorder. This week’s tips give advice on driving with dyspraxia, from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman.

I can't imagine I'm alone in thinking that the standard of driving on UK roads and especially in my own area is so bad as to becoming intolerable. Whilst reading the Bucks Free Press last week, I was astounded at the amount of crash related stories there were, but however it does seem to be any, everyday occurrence.

Personally I am looking forward to the clocks springing forward an hour to take advantage of longer daylight hours – with a new dog in the family being able to get out with him after work is much more fun in the daylight. Does changing the hour have a positive effect on road safety though? – Well yes, I believe it does.

I drive a car. A car from a European manufacturer that builds lots of cars. Lately, my car has taken on certain stereotypical characteristics akin to its place of birth. It’s defiant (absolutely no need for all of the electrics to work properly), it’s passionate (about guzzling tyre tread at an alarming rate) and it’s suave; given a clean it looks pretty good and gives the impression, albeit falsely in this case, of a real mover.