Driving Tips For Learners

By Author: Insurance Hunter
Total Articles: 15
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If you have ever learned how to ride a bike, surely you remember those first few pedal strokes – that uncertainty of not knowing whether you will stay up. Driving a car is no different; except that instead of navigating your sister’s embarrassing pink two wheeler, you are behind the wheel of a 4000 pound, gas powered hunk of metal, wires, and glass. There is, however, no need to fear; if you follow these helpful tips for learners you will be king or queen of the road in no time at all.

Be humble

Hold your horses. While your first few drives may make you feel like you are capable of anything, remember that driving, like any other skill, takes practice. Don’t expect yourself to be an incredible driver your first time out – you wouldn’t expect yourself to be a great unicyclist would you? Driving is no different. Being humble means driving the speed limit, only driving in good weather, parking in larger spaces and only driving when you are well rested.

Pick your roads wisely

All roads are not created equal. Depending on the time of day, weather conditions, traffic and speed limits, ...
... some roads can become extremely challenging to drive on. While you will eventually learn to drive comfortably on these roads, during your first few months of driving it’s best to avoid them until you are more comfortable behind the wheel. When you do feel ready to tackle these more challenging roads, make sure to bring someone along in the car with you – an extra pair of eyes will only help (unless its your pesky mother who thinks going 20 under is pushing it).

Pick a car and stick with it

If you do have the luxury of having access to multiple cars (and as tempting as it is to take Dad’s Beemer out for spin), stick to one, easy to drive car. Why, you ask? Like a new pair of shoes (you know when you keep tripping over the toe) a car takes some getting used to. While you don’t need to develop a Knight Rider-esque relationship with your vehicle, take some time to really learn the size and behavior of one car. Every car has a different feel and until you are truly comfortable behind the wheel it is best to stick with one.

Remember – everyone makes mistakes

While this old Sesame Street saying may be cliché, it is true. As cynical as this may sound, at one point you will make a mistake. If and when it does happen, do not freak out and toss your keys into the river – just remember, if driving were easy there would be no accidents. A mistake is an opportunity to learn. There are plenty of drivers on the road and all of them make mistakes. Only the bad ones don’t learn from them.

Start in an empty parking lot

While this tip may seem simple compared to the past four, it is just as crucial. Too many people make the jump to the streets before they are ready. As crazy as you may look driving in circles outside the local Wal-Mart, it is truly the best way to get the basics down. The stakes are low in a parking lot and it is the perfect place to experiment before you get called up to the big leagues.

Keep these helpful tips in mind and you will feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel. One last thing: think of the least competent person you know; odds are they are a perfectly fine driver. If they can do it, you can too. If not, at least you have your bike, right?

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