In-Car Technology
for Learner and New Drivers

If you are practising in your own car or a family car, or you have just passed your test, two pieces of technology are worth understanding: a sat nav and a dash cam. Both are genuinely useful, but neither replaces good driving. This section explains what each one does, how to use them safely and legally, and what to look for when you buy.

Why these guides exist

Recently a pupil of mine was driving along a main road when a car came out of a T-junction without stopping and drove into the side of her car. The other driver admitted it was his fault and agreed to pay for the damage. She was fortunate. If he had told a different story, she had no footage to show what happened. That is why I wrote these guides.

The guides

Sat navs for learner and new drivers

Standalone sat nav, built-in car systems or your phone: how a sat nav helps you, how it is used on the driving test, what to do if you go the wrong way, and the law on using one.

Dash cams for learner and new drivers

Forward-facing and front-and-rear dash cams, how to choose resolution, screens and memory cards, what footage can and cannot do for you, and what to do after a collision.

Using technology safely

The same rule runs through both guides: technology can help you, but it does not replace good driving. Set things up before you move off, never hold a device while driving, and keep your eyes on the road. The road signs and markings always take priority over what a screen tells you.

Related guides on this site

• Think Like a Driver
• Approaching roundabouts
• Driving test overview

ActiveGPS resources

Both guides link to ActiveGPS, an authorised Garmin internet retailer that also stocks BlackVue, Mio and Road Angel. For full specifications and side-by-side comparisons:

ActiveGPS is run by the author of this guide.

• Car sat nav comparison
• Dash cam buyer's guide