Drivers of all levels – from learners to those with decades of experience – can gain confidence and feel safer on the road with the ŠKODA FABIA and its comprehensive range of driver assistance features. With more advanced technologies introduced on the latest generation model, the FABIA can help learner drivers avoid simple test failures, while also reducing risks on the road for more seasoned drivers.

Statistics released in 2021 revealed that fewer than half (49.8%) of learners passed their driving test between April 2020 and March 2021ⁱ. With failure to maintain proper control of the steering and poor positioning on the road during driving both appearing in the top ten reasons for test failureⁱⁱⁱ, the new FABIA’s intelligent technology such as Lane Assist can help eliminate many of the errors that lead to a failed test.  

The fourth generation FABIA is also available with Travel Assist for the first time, which combines several assistance systems at once to provide automatic steering support. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) automatically adjusts the speed of the car to that of vehicles ahead, while Lane Assist helps to keep the FABIA in lane by performing corrective steering inputs if required.

Other common mistakes that dashed new drivers’ hopes of getting their licence included not using mirrors correctly, not having control of the vehicle when moving off, and not responding correctly to traffic signs. While assist systems should never solely be relied upon in any situation, the likes of Hill Hold Control and Traffic Sign Recognition can all aid drivers with these frequent faults.

IAM Roadsmart, the road safety charity, provides advanced driver training and champions the education of all motorists on the latest safety and driver assistance technology in vehicles.

Richard Gladman, Head of Driving and Riding Standards at IAM Roadsmart, commented: “Features that improve the safety for drivers and other road users are a real benefit to new vehicles like the ŠKODA FABIA. It is crucial that learners, new drivers and more experienced road users know how to operate these systems and how to get the best out of them.

“They are like a guardian angel helping in the background, there to supplement good driving decisions and help the driver. Used properly, they enhance and relax the driving experience allowing the driver to enjoy it all the more.”

As many as 65% of road accidents are attributed to driver error. Drivers of all levels – from the most seasoned drivers to newly qualified ones – can benefit from the comfort and safety features offered by ŠKODA’s driver assistance systems.

Though the use of parking sensors is allowed during a driving test, drivers can go on to make use of the FABIA’s full Park Assist capabilities once they’ve passed. Working at speeds of up to 25mph, Park Assist displays suitable parallel and bay parking spaces that are available via the FABIA’s instrument panel and, if desired, takes over the steering for safe and stress-free parking in even the tightest of spaces.

Whether it’s assisting a new driver with the basics, providing a helping hand to an experienced road user, or seeking to protect pedestrians, the ŠKODA driver assistance systems found in the new FABIA can help make every journey a safer and calmer experience.

IAM Roadsmart lists the top five basic driving tips that every driver can take into every journey:

• 1. Make sure you know your vehicle, what equipment and features it has and that it is all working as it should be.
  2. Make a positive decision to activate the assistance systems and remember you can intervene manually if you need.
  3. Do not rely on systems in place of your informed decision to control the car.
  4. When using systems such as Park Assist, remember to still use your mirrors and look all around you when manoeuvring.
  5. When using features such as Hill Hold for prolonged periods, remember it keeps the brake lights on at a standstill. Consider using the handbrake to avoid dazzling drivers behind.