Novice Drivers New drivers are a high risk category. While everyone makes mistakes sometimes, some of those errors can be deadly. With this in mind, new laws have been passed in many states to help new drivers learn to drive safely. Extended learning periods, minimum required driving times and requiring new drivers to be accompanied by an older driver are all methods of keeping the roads secure while young people learn the ropes. Alertness After you`ve been driving for a while, it`s easy to get complacent, especially if you are very familiar with the route you`re taking. Did you know that the majority of accidents take place within a few minutes from home? People are familiar with their neighborhood, so they tend not to pay as much attention as they ought to, with tragic results.