5 Tips for first-time drivers
Learning to drive is an exciting process. It’s one of those milestones you cross on your way to becoming a fully-functioning adult. Unfortunately, driving isn’t always as easy as it looks.
Before you get on the road you need to be well-prepared mentally. You don’t want to be scrambling to remember road signs or rules of the road. Focus on handling the car. Here are five tips for first-time drivers that will help the learning process go smoother:
1. Study the driver’s handbook
Your province’s official driver’s handbook is necessary for getting your licence in the first place, whether your province has a graduated licensing system or not. Arming yourself with basic knowledge of road rules and the theory behind different turning and parking situations will make you more confident when you get behind the wheel.
2. Eliminate potential distractions
When I first got behind the wheel, I was so nervous that I couldn’t stand anything that took my attention from the task at hand – whether it was my cell phone or my Mom’s concerned running commentary on every mistake I made.
Whether you’re used to driving or not, you should be aware of what’s around you as well as what you’re doing. Practiced drivers are more comfortable multitasking along with driving, but the truth is it’s never safe to drive with distractions. An increasing number of police forces are dedicating resources to figuring out how to spot and stop drivers who check their phones while behind the wheel.
3. Practice in every weather condition
Most parts of Canada have a wide range of weather conditions. While it’s easier to get comfortable driving in clear, sunny weather, you also need to be able to handle driving in the rain, snow, or at night. Sometimes you end up with a combination of all three.
If you’re nervous about practicing in less than ideal conditions, make sure you drive slowly and invited an experienced driver with you as a second set of eyes. The biggest issue when driving in bad weather is losing control of your car and going into a skid. Avoid this by checking your speed and driving cautiously. No weaving in and out of traffic or close following. Get comfortable in an empty parking lot first if you can.
4. When in doubt, wait
You hit a busy four-way stop: the pressure’s on and you aren’t quite sure who should go first. Instead of entering the intersection with doubt and uncertainty gnawing at your insides, let the other person go and be on your way after. Similarly, if you’re at a left turn at an intersection and you’re in doubt about making the turn in between oncoming traffic, wait until you feel absolutely certain you have an opening. People may get frustrated with you, and you may be a little slow, but you won’t be involved in a collision. That’s the most important thing when you’re behind the wheel.
5. Take a driving course
At some point, you’ve probably seen a driving school car on the road with a little sign informing other drivers that the person behind its wheel is a new driver. When I see those cars on the road, I know to be a little more easygoing with them. That’s exactly what a young driver needs. Going to a driving school alleviates some of the pressure of learning to drive. It helps to work with an experienced driver who can help stop the car if necessary.
In most areas there are plenty of schools to choose from, but your best bet is to sign up for courses with an institution that’s been approved by your province’s transportation department.
Driving can be a whole lot of fun once you get comfortable with it. Be prepared before getting behind the wheel, and good luck out there.