Whether it’s your first time behind the wheel or you’ve graduated to driving alone with your brand new license you’re probable feeling excited – but maybe a little nervous. Worried about driving in rush hour traffic? Not confident you can parallel park? Wondering what to do if you get lost? That’s normal. Driving safely and confidently will come with time. This article will hopefully help with our 10 tips for new drivers.
1) Know the rules of the road
This is the boring part but it really is important to know what the rules are and what all the signs mean. If you know the rules you’ll be able to drive safely and confidently. Remember – not knowing the rules won’t get you out of a ticket.
2) Start slow
Don’t do more than you’re comfortable with. Try to avoid putting yourself into stressful situations or into something you can’t handle. Start with a low pressure situation like driving in areas you’re familiar with or even an empty parking lot.
3) Prepare
Know where you’re going and look up the directions ahead of time. While using Google Maps or GPS in your car can be helpful be careful that you’re not staring at the map screen and getting distracted. You should only be listening to the voice directions and never looking down at your phone or your car’s screen.
4) Practice
For example if you’re bad at a parallel parking the best thing to do is to practice it! It’s helpful if you have someone who can teach you or try with no vehicles behind you so there’s one less thing to worry about. Check out Youtube for lots of helpful tutorials on how to parallel park like a pro – and any other skill you want to practice.
5) Signal
Always signal your intent to turn or change lanes before you do it! You want about three seconds of time to inform other drivers that you’re going to move over a lane or make a turn. Use your signal even if there isn’t any traffic — not only will this help form a good habit it’s also the law.