When purchasing your first car, it is easy to be caught up in all the excitement and thrill of the new independence it will give you,  and buy recklessly or be convinced into purchasing something you didn't need. As a result, regardless of how excited you are, it's critical that you stay focused at all times. After all, when you are behind the wheel of a car, you are in control of something that can easily cause a devastating accident. Here, we look at how to make sure that you are being a responsible car owner.

Do you have a license and insurance?

First things first, you need to make sure you have a full driving license. Without one, you cannot drive your car alone without a fully qualified driver with you. While parents, friends, older siblings and so on can teach you the basics of learning how to drive, it is always a good idea to take lessons from a qualified driving instructor. They will be completely up to date with the latest rules and will not allow you to pick up any bad habits.

When you have passed your test and bought a car, you need to make sure that you have the appropriate insurance in place. This not only protects other people should you be involved in a road traffic accident, but protects you and your car against accidents, thefts and vehicle fires. It is a legal requirement, so not something that you can avoid.

Do you know what to do in an accident?

No one ever wants to be in a car accident, but unfortunately, every day there are thousands of collisions on our roads. Some may be a minor bump which require nothing other than swapping details and cleaning off a scratch on the fender, while others can be devastating. Knowing what to do if you’re in a car accident is vital - keep calm, stay at the scene of the accident and gather evidence. You should also be aware of what you should do if your vehicle was to break down. It is a good idea to keep some emergency supplies in your car for this situation, including blanket, water, snacks, a fully charged cell phone and the number for your breakdown and recovery service.

Do you understand the rules of the road

Of course, this is covered in your driving test, but remember every state has different road laws, and it is important to know them. Watch out for street signs telling you of potential hazards and speed limits as well as directional road signs and instructions.

Is your car roadworthy?