Learning to drive can be a hair raising experience, not just for the learner, but perhaps more for the qualified driver who needs to be with you while you learn. So spare a thought for the instructor, friend or parent that how takes the time to help you learn and practice. By now you should have already obtained your learners permit and should be ready to get behind the wheel. There are, however, a few safety issues that you need to take care of before you ever start driving down the road.
Safety Issues To Consider
If you want to learn how to drive properly, you need to be safe and make sure you take all appropriate safety precautions. Public roads are a very dangerous place and should not be treated too lightly. Make sure you know where the brake is and the correct way to apply it. Being able to stop once you have started is very important! Before going anywhere, adjust the mirrors in the car so you can see on all sides and behind you properly. Put on your safety belt and make sure your passenger is wearing theirs too. You should be ready to learn how to drive now.
Where to Practice Driving
You are probably not going to relish the thought of learning how to drive on a busy road, so you need to find somewhere less risky. The best place to first start practicing is in an empty parking lot or a side street that gets little traffic. These are two places where you can get used to how the car brakes and the gas pedal react when you press them. It is not as simple as just stomping on them. You have to use a little finesse and each car is different. The only way to get the hang of it is to try it out and keep practicing until you get the feel of it. The same is true with the steering. You do not have to turn it hard for the car to react to your actions. Practice braking and steering before you attempt driving in traffic.
Learn How to Drive
Hopefully you will have read the drivers handbook when you got your learners permit so you know the rules of the road. Follow and obey all road signs. Make sure you always keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. When making turns you should always use the proper signals. Other drivers need to know what you are planning to do so that they can drive safely too. Do not attempt to play with the radio when you are a learner. When you are learning how to drive you need to be totally focused on your driving, so ensure you are not distracted. Listen to the licensed driver and the pointers he is giving you, because he knows the rules of the road.
Finding and Using Instructors
When you learn how to drive you may prefer professional guidance to just using a friend or parent. Hiring an instructor is a very good idea as it ensures that you learn the correct processes and do not get into any bad habits that long term drivers may have slipped into. Not only are instructors better equipped to teach you proper driving skills, but drivers who use an instructor usually pass their final driving test on the first try. It can make a big difference with your insurance also. Instructors are listed in your telephone directory. You may already know one from a friend using one.
Drive safely and have fun as you learn how to drive.
Find more information to help you learn how to drive on K Garrow's Insurance Young Drivers website, which offers a range of information on driving tests, lessons and licences, as well as other issues such as how to get cheap young drivers insurance.