General Advice for First-Time Drivers
The first time you drive a vehicle can be an exciting as well as a daunting experience. Everyone feels anxious about driving in the beginning. This article will list some tips that will help you during your first days of driving.
Follow these safety tips:
- Positioning Adjust the seat and steering so that you are comfortable. Position yourself correctly in the seat – sit up straight with your back straight up against the seat to avoid backaches. Don’t forget to adjust the steering height and distance.
- Mirrors Ensure that you can see clearly out of all mirrors and adjust your rear-view mirrors for maximum visibility.
- Drive on quiet roads Stay off interstates and major highways when you start on the roads. Take your time and gain some experience controlling a vehicle before putting yourself in more challenging driving situations.
Driving Safety Precautions to Remember
Keep a Safe Following Distance
You must practice defensive driving as a first-time driver because your reaction time will be slower than that of more experienced drivers. It is essential to keep enough space between you and the car in front of you. Be sure to follow the ‘2-second rule’ to avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front of you.
Adhere to the Speed Limit
It is crucial to maintain a safe speed when driving, especially when driving during bad weather. Adhering to the speed limit is not only lawful, but it is vital for the safety of yourself and other drivers on the road. Speed kills, and arriving alive is more important than the extra seconds shaved off your route.
Avoid All Distractions
First-time drivers need to make sure they can focus. This is not the time to blast your music or use your cell phone.
Tips for Nervous Drivers
1. Drive With a Calm and Experienced Driver It will make your first driving experience less overwhelming to have a parent or trusted adult there to guide you and give you advice while navigating the roads in the beginning.
2. Don’t Overthink You might feel scared when sitting in the driver’s seat for the first time, with multitasking and all the PA driving rules and regulations to remember, but don’t overthink the situation. Breathe, clear your mind and focus on what you are doing.
3. Know Your Route When you are driving for the first time, stay on familiar roads. New roads might be too overwhelming to navigate initially, and you need to build up your confidence as a driver. At first, stay in your neighborhood and stay away from interstates and major highways.
4. Implement defensive driving techniques.
4. Get plenty of driving practice
5. Learn about how to handle road rage
6. Check out our tips for driving during bad weather
Driving can be very nerve-wracking for beginners. Be cautious, take your time, and try not to let other drivers on the road intimidate you or make you feel pressured. Each driver on the road was a new driver at some point, so be calm and carry on.
Register now for professional driving lessons at Driven2Drive and start off your journey on the right foot.
Driven2Drive is a premier driving school and the leader in Driver’s Education. From our dedicated team of instructors to our innovative state-of-the-art Driving & License Testing Centers, we are committed to instilling safe driving habits for life in a fun and interactive atmosphere. Experience the Driven2Drive difference at any of our conveniently located centers.