If you are learning to drive a car, it can be a very scary experience. It can certainly get rather intimidating on the road with other vehicles around you. But the trick for being a good driver is to be a confident driver who knows how to operate their automobile.
If you allow yourself to get nervous every time you need to make a turn or pass a vehicle, then you will likely get into an accident. You can avoid this by educating yourself on all the basics of driving before you go out on the road.
Related: 5 Tips For Parking a Manual Car (Especially on Hills)
Top 5 Tips for New Drivers
To help you get started behind the wheel, there are 5 tips for beginner drivers listed below. These are tips which can help any beginner driver get off to a good start with their driving.
1) Adjust the Mirrors and Seats
Before you even turn on the ignition to start the engine, you need to make sure you’re in a comfortable driving position. This means you need to adjust your seat to one that is comfortable for driving. Then you need to adjust the side mirrors and rear view mirror so that you can clearly see behind you.
Otherwise, you will find yourself driving uncomfortably while trying to adjust the mirrors. This will increase your chances of an accident, especially since you’re a new driver.
2) Don’t Step Hard on the Gas Pedal
Do not think you need to slam your foot down on the gas pedal to accelerate the vehicle. Just gradually press down on the gas pedal with your foot and slowly increase your acceleration speed.
This offers more control, puts less stress on the engine, and saves your tires and brakes. Stepping too hard on the gas pedal when you don’t need to is bad for many automotive components.
See Also: 10 Car Maintenance Tips Every Vehicle Owner Should Know
3) Use Turn Signals
Each time you need to make a turn or change lanes, you must always activate your signal so that other drivers on the road know where you’re going.
If you fail to signal, then the drivers behind you will be surprised when you suddenly slow down to turn or speed up to change lanes. This could result in an accident and no one wants that.
4) Drive the Speed Limit
You may notice a lot of the other drivers on the road going faster than the speed limit. That is okay if they want to break the law but that doesn’t mean you have to.
As a beginner driver, you should always abide by the posted speed limit that’s on the road. In fact, you may find yourself wanting to go a little slower than that which is okay too. If other drivers want to pass you, then let them.
Don’t feel pressured by the people behind you to go faster. Of course, don’t go too slow either because that can also be just as bad.
Also, stay in the right lane on a multi-lane road unless you’re passing another vehicle or need to turn left soon. Even most veteran drivers don’t follow this rule. The “keep right except to pass” signs aren’t simply there for decoration.
Finally, while cruise control has its advantages, it’s best for newer driver to not utilize this feature as it can cause confusion and even panic under certain situations without the right experience.
5) No Distractions
Beginner drivers in the 21st century are probably going to be tempted to use smartphones or other electronic gadgets while they’re driving. Do not fall into this trap because you can put yourself and other drivers in danger.
You should have nothing distracting you on the road, not even music or the radio. You need to pay attention to your driving as you learn and gain experience at it. Just because you believe you can focus on more than one thing at a time doesn’t mean as a new driver you should try.
Things to Remember
If you don’t even have your driver’s license yet, then you should always have an experienced driver or professional driving instructor in the vehicle with you at all times. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing this for driver’s education or practicing with your driver’s permit.
The law requires you to be in the vehicle with a licensed driver. But even if these things weren’t legally required, it is still nice to have an experienced driver with you to answer your questions and ensure that you’re not doing anything dangerous.
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It is useful information .All driver should follow those advice.