Driving a car, especially your first one, feels like newly found freedom. But it also comes with anxiety because you have to drive a car safely. The first time I got behind the wheel felt like a nightmare as there were so many things to keep my eyes on and remember. But the good thing is that with time, it became easier. So, how can you drive safely and carefully? If you have the same question, know that it is not an uncommon problem.
Car driving is certainly a challenge, especially if you are a newbie. However, with the right car driving tips for beginners and regular practice, you can master the art of driving in no time. Now, If you are ready, buckle up! Because this article explores the A to Z of cars driving safely and carefully on all roads and in all weather conditions.
Get Familiar With the Vehicle
Before you even start driving, you need to get two things: 1) Driver’s Ed and 2) Driving Permit. You will find plenty of academies or educational centers that offer driving training like drive safely course, drive safely defensive driving course etc. The training will help you get started by learning to drive in a controlled environment. Once you pass your driving test and get a driver’s permit or license, you can go to the next step.
Understand and Inspect the Vehicle
Don’t just hop in and start your car. First, you need to get familiar with your vehicle. Look around it and inside. If it has three pedals, then it is a manual transmission car. After confirming this, check the ABCs. A for accelerator, B for brake, and C for clutch. For auto transmission, there will be only two pedals, accelerator pedal and brake pedal. Take your seat, put your one hand on the steering wheel and the other one on the gear knob to get comfortable with the car turned off.
Why do that? Well, this way, you can shift the gear without having to look at it all the time. Then, check the tires for proper inflation and ensure that your gas and oil levels are adequate. Make sure all lights and signals are functioning. These small checks might seem trivial, but they can prevent potential breakdowns or accidents.
Learn About Dashboard Gauges and Indicators
How much do you know about the dashboard? While depending on the vehicle model, the dashboard display and features may vary, there are a few common features you can easily catch up with.
The dashboard display shows a speedometer, RPM, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, indicator lights, etc. Knowing them not only helps you understand your vehicle’s status, but they can also help you with regular and proper maintenance. So here is what they are for –
- Speedometer: The speedometer is the most vital part of the dashboard as it tells you about your vehicle’s speed. It can be indicated by kph (kilometers per hour) or mph (miles per hour).
If your car has an analogue speedometer, it will be shown using a circular dial. On the other hand, digital speedometers will flash numbers. It helps you keep your vehicle within the speed limit.
- RPM: Revolutions per minute or RPM indicates how many times the engine has crankshafts by rotating in a minute. If the RPM stays in number 2 or 3, the engine is rotating with a 2000 or 3000 RPM rate. If the indicator turns red, which can happen as the dial hits 5000 or 7000 RPM, you need to slow down the accelerator as it can damage the vehicle.
- Fuel Gauge: The fuel gauge is yet another important thing to pay attention to. As you can tell, it indicates the amount of fuel your car has. Whether analog or digital, you will see that the dial or gauge will show F and E, meaning Full and Empty. You must keep an eye on the gauge as you drive along and refill the fuel tank before it hits E.
- Temperature Gauge: The temperature gauge helps you monitor whether the engine is overheating, as it can lead to further trouble. The gauge usually stays between H (hot) and C (cold), which is ideal. But if you notice it tilting toward one of them more, it means there is an issue.
- Indicator Lights: Other than these, the dashboard display can show various indicator lights. They can mean oil pressure, battery charge, check engine, and other warning lights. You can familiarize yourself with these lights using your vehicle’s user manual.
Set Up the Car for Your Journey
Setting up the car is what you need to do to ensure you can drive comfortably and safely. However, you need to follow some necessary tips and learn more.
Adjust Your Seat
You can adjust a car seat four ways: forward, backward, up and down. This will ensure your seating and driving comfort based on your height and body structure. Adjusting the seat also helps ensure everything is easily accessible to you.
For older car models, you will find a lever to do that, while new cars or electric cars have controls or push buttons for that. Either way, make sure the seat adjustment gives you an optimal view through the windscreen, side mirror, and rearview mirror. Your seat adjustment should also give you easy access to the pedals.
Understand How the Foot Pedals Work
Talking about pedals! There are three pedals in manual transmission. But which one is which? We have talked about the ABC’s earlier. A for accelerator- the right pedal, B for brake- the middle pedal, and C for clutch- the left pedal.
- Right Pedal (Accelerator): The pedal on your right foot side is the accelerator, which is usually smaller in size. As you press it down, it moves your car. The harder you press, the faster the car accelerates.
- Middle Pedal (Brake): The pedal in the middle is the brake. Pressing it down will help slow down the car, which is also necessary to stop it.
- Left Pedal (Clutch): The left pedal is used to change the gear. Pressing it down will help to shift the gear and by releasing it the speed of the car will increase or decrease depending on the gear.
- Right Pedal (Accelerator): The pedal on your right foot side is the accelerator, which is usually smaller in size. As you press it down, it moves your car. The harder you press, the faster the car accelerates.
- Left Pedal (Brake): The left pedal is comparatively larger than the right one, and it is used for the brake. Pressing it down will help slow down the car, which is also necessary to stop it.
Safety tip to remember: Never use both legs on the pedal. No matter how confident you feel, resting both legs on them will increase the chance of pressing them down at the same time. That is why it is best to use your right leg for both or make sure you keep one leg (especially the left one) off the pedal.
Adjust the Mirror
As mentioned earlier, adjusting the mirrors is also a part of safe driving. The mirrors at your driver’s side and passenger’s side should not occupy more than 10% view of your vehicle. These mirrors must offer a maximum view of the roads and incoming vehicles.
As for the rear-view mirror, it should be adjusted in a way so that you get as much view of the back windshield as possible. This way, you can see directly behind you without having to look back. Even if you have backup cameras, it is best not to rely on them entirely but check with the mirrors to help improve your driving skills in all environments.
Locate the Emergency Brake
There is an emergency brake system in your car, which is also known as the parking brake. Depending on your car model or manufacturing year, the brake location or appearance can vary. For older car models, the brake is a hand-pulled lever with a button on the tip. However, for newer cars, it can be found as a push-and-pull button.
The brake should be disengaged before you start driving your car. How do you ensure that? Just make sure the brake lever or button is pushed down.
Learn How the Shift Gear Works
The shift gear is basically a power tool that ensures the engine’s optimal performance and a safe ride. It is either positioned between the front seats in the gearshift box or on the right side of the steering wheel. This shift gear moves to four different positions, indicating neutral, park, drive, and reverse.
The gear helps control the transition or the speed of the wheels. But what happens when the gear is in such positions?
- N-Neutral: It means the engine is running, but the car is not being driven.
- P-Park: If the gear shift is in the Park position, it means the car ignition is on, but the transmission is mechanically locked. It means the car won’t move forward even if you press the accelerator.
- R-Reverse: If it is in Reverse position, the car will move backward if you take your foot off the brake.
- D-Drive: Moving the gear shift to Drive allows the car to move forward when you take your foot off the brake.
Some cars also come with numbers instead of letters. Changing the gear position to a higher number means the vehicle will gain speed. And shifting it to a lower number will reduce the speed.
Find Your Grip on the Steering Wheel
Proper hand placement on the steering wheel has always been a fundamental safety habit. That is why your comfort with the steering wheel is vital for driving a car.
While the traditional “10 and 2” hand position is still valid, the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends placing your hands at “9 and 3” to better control the vehicle. It also reduces the risk of injury during airbag deployment. Keeping your grip firm yet relaxed allows you to make smoother turns and adjustments, reducing the likelihood of oversteering.
How Can You Drive Safely and Carefully? - 7 Steps to Follow
You know the basics already. You have also learned what to look out for and how the vehicle parts work. If you are ready for your practice ride, here is a step-by-step tutorial that will help you.
Step 1: Check the Surrounding
Always check around your car before you get inside. Make sure there is no obstacle. If it is winter, knock on your car hood to ensure there are no animals underneath your car looking for a warm place.
Step 2: Secure Your Seatbelt and Car Doors
If you haven’t adjusted your car seat already, you can follow the tips I have shared already to make adjustments. Once you are in your seat, fasten the seatbelt and make sure it is secured well.
Seatbelts are safety gear that reduces the chances of injury during unexpected occurrences. Moreover, not wearing seatbelts when driving is also illegal everywhere. Don’t forget to close the doors properly.
Step 3: Get Comfortable and Ensure Visibility
Making sure you are comfortable in your seat is necessary. You should also be able to reach the clutch, pedals, ignition key, etc., without any problem. Once again, check the side and rear-view mirrors. The side mirrors should give you the visibility of the lanes behind you, and the rear-view mirror should help you see the road behind you.
Step 4: Keep Your Foot on the Brake Pedal
The shift gear should be Neutral before you start your vehicle. But you should also make sure to keep a foot on the brake pedal. Because if you turn on the vehicle without the brake pedal engaged, the car will begin to move forward automatically, causing trouble.
Step 5: Start the Engine
How you start the car depends on whether you have a key or push-button ignition. If you have a key ignition, insert the key into the ignition and turn it clockwise. Try to use drive safely keychain.
But if you have an ignition button, press and hold it until the engine starts. Give the engine a few seconds before you go into drive mode.
Step 6: Start Driving
For auto transmission, keep your leg on the brake pedal as you shift the gear lever or D or drive. Then, lift your leg off the brake pedal, and the car will begin to move. You can press the accelerator pedal gradually to increase speed. Make sure to keep your hand in the right position on the steering wheel properly.
But if you have a manual transmission car, you should shift to the first gear by pressing down the clutch and keep it that way until you release the handbrake. After releasing the handbrake, smoothly release the clutch and simultaneously press the accelerator, and the car will begin to move. To increase the speed, you have to shift the gear to next gear. To lower the speed, you have to shift to the previous gear depending on the situation.
Step 7: Use Indicators/Blinkers
All vehicles have blinkers or turn signal lights. These are important for letting other cars know whether you want to make a turn or switch lanes. You will find the turn signal level on the left of your steering wheel. And here is how you can use it.
- Push the lever down to flash the left-turn blinker.
- Move the lever up to flash the right-turn blinker.
- Ensure the blinker is turned off once you have made your move.
- Use the blinker when making a turn or wanting to change the land.
How to Turn a Car
Turning a car is one of the easiest yet trickiest parts of driving. The key to turning a car like a pro is to keep both hands on the steering wheel to ensure you don’t lose the grip, as it can become riskier.
When making a sharp turn, go for the hand-over-hand or grip-and-slide method. Just as the name suggests, you keep your hands in a crossed position while gripping the wheel. Let’s say you are making a right turn. So, turn the wheel all the way to the right to the 5 o’clock position, release it to your left hand, and turn again.
If you are making a small turn, you can do it with the movement of your wrist rather than your hand. The trick is not to let go of the wheel, even accidentally.
How to Park and Reverse a Car
Once you get into driving, it is also essential to know how to park the car perfectly and how you can back it out without bumping into anything. Also, you must ensure your car has at least a 2-feet distance from other cars in the parking space.
Parking a Car Perfectly
- Make sure you have at least a 5-8 foot distance between your vehicle and the parking spot before turning your car.
- Turn on your vehicle signal light to let others know you are moving your car.
- Move your leg off the brake pedal and slowly move the car forward.
- Pull into the parking space slowly.
- Move your steering wheel to straighten the car into the right position.
How to Reverse a Car
- Keep your foot on the brake pedal and put the shift gear to Reverse.
- Then, check behind the car using the rear-view mirror and look over your shoulder to see where you are going.
- Slowly back out from the parking space, making sure you don’t bump into anything.
- Once more than half of your car is out of the space, turn it to get out of the parking spot.
How to Switch Lanes Safely
You can’t drive in the same lane the whole time. At some points of driving, you have to switch lanes for various reasons. So make sure to follow these tips when you try switching lanes.
- Turn on the left or right side signal light to indicate you want to change lanes.
- Check the rear-view and side mirrors to make sure you don’t have any obstacles or incoming vehicles nearby.
- Look over your shoulder if necessary to check for blind spots.
- Then, slowly steer the wheel to switch lanes.
- Turn off the signal lights.
10 Car Driving Safety Tips Everyone Should Follow
You can’t expect your car ride to go smoothly without maintaining precautions. Since ensuring road safety is the responsibility of a good driver, make sure to follow these safety tips whenever you are out there.
1. Don’t Overthink
New drivers often tend to overthink their actions, especially when they’re unsure about a situation. While it’s important to be cautious, overthinking can lead to hesitation and mistakes. Trust your instincts and training.
If you’re not sure about a move, like changing lanes or merging, stay calm, signal clearly, and proceed with confidence. Practicing often will help you feel more comfortable.
"ITS NOT WHAT YOU DRIVE, ITS HOW YOU DRIVE IT."
2. Avoid Distraction
One of the biggest hazards for drivers today is distraction. Avoid texting or talking on the phone, adjusting the car GPS, or eating while driving. Distractions like these take your focus away from the road.
To ensure safe driving, always keep your eyes on the road, hands on the steering wheel, and mind focused on the task at hand. If you need to make adjustments or answer a phone call, pull over safely to avoid dividing your attention.
3. Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving refers to driving while being aware of your surroundings. It also involves using your instincts to anticipate potential hazards. So, how do you deal with that?
Always assume that other drivers might make sudden or unpredictable moves. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, watch for pedestrians or cyclists, and be prepared to react in case of emergencies. This mindset keeps you in control and helps you avoid accidents.
"PRACTICE DEFENSIVE DRIVING."
4. Stay in Your Lane
Staying within your lane is one of the important things about safe driving, especially on highways and in busy traffic. You must keep your vehicle centered between the lane markers and avoid weaving in and out of lanes unnecessarily.
Also, make sure to use your mirrors to monitor your position, and always signal when changing lanes. If you find yourself drifting, correct your steering smoothly rather than making sudden moves that could confuse other drivers.
5. Do Not Tailgate
Tailgating is a big issue, as many drivers tend to discard the idea of keeping a safe distance. However, keeping a safe following distance is one of the most important safety tips for new drivers.
The professionally recommended rule is to keep at least a few seconds gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. This allows enough time to react if the car in front suddenly brakes or slows down. Also, you should increase this distance in bad weather conditions or at night when visibility is lower.
6. Maintain Speed Limit
Speed limits are set for a reason. They keep traffic flowing smoothly and help prevent accidents. Stick to the posted speed limit, and avoid the temptation to drive too fast, especially in residential areas, school zones, and on unfamiliar roads. Driving within the speed limit also gives you more time to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.
7. Avoid Unnecessary Honking
Honking should only be used to alert others of immediate danger, such as when avoiding a collision. But unnecessary honking can cause confusion and road rage. Be respectful of other drivers by using your horn without any reason.
8. Follow Traffic Laws
Obeying traffic laws is not just about avoiding fines. It is also mandatory for safety. Follow road signs, traffic signals, and lane markings to keep traffic orderly and predictable. Never run red lights or stop signs, and always yield when required. Familiarize yourself with local driving laws, as they can vary from one region to another.
Follow Road Signs
9. Do Not Drive Under Influence
Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substances. Even small amounts of alcohol or medication can significantly affect your ability to drive safely. If you plan on drinking or taking substances that could affect your driving, arrange for alternative transportation.
10. Keep Necessary Tools in Car
Always carry essential tools in your car for emergencies. A first aid kit, spare tire, jack, jumper cables, and basic tools can be handy when you least expect it. Having these items on hand can help you manage minor breakdowns or accidents until professional help arrives.
5 Important Tips for Confidence Building for New Drivers
Driving cars on roads and highways can become hectic and risky if you lack confidence. So here are some important tips if you want to learn how to build confidence.
1. Overcoming Fear
It’s normal for new drivers to feel nervous, but overcoming that fear starts with practice. Start by driving in low-stress environments, such as empty parking lots or quiet streets. These controlled spaces allow you to get comfortable with steering, braking, and accelerating without the pressure of heavy traffic.
With that, you will gradually become more familiar with the car’s movements and reduce anxiety. You can also try various mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or listening to calming music, which can help ease tension before and during your drive. The key is to start small, focus on one step at a time, and avoid overwhelming situations until you feel ready.
2. Gaining Experience
Confidence grows with experience, but it’s important to take things at your own pace. Start by gradually increasing the complexity of your routes. Drive on quiet roads before moving onto busier streets or highways.
This way, you can get used to different driving conditions, such as night driving or light rain. It will also help you prepare for tackling more challenging scenarios like heavy traffic or poor weather.
With each drive, your comfort level will increase. Even short trips can help you build muscle memory and familiarity with your vehicle.
"REMEMBER TO PRACTICE DEFENSIVE DRIVING."
3. Drive With Someone You Can Rely On
If not for all, driving alone can be a nightmare for many newbies. That is why professionals often suggest having someone reliable with you when practicing or driving around. Knowing someone is there, especially if the person is an experienced driver, can easily help boost your confidence. Besides, if you are stuck with any problem, you will have someone to guide you.
4. Learning to Drive in Different Conditions
As you gain more experience, try driving in various settings. This might include city driving, highways, or rural roads. The more diverse the conditions, the more prepared you’ll feel for real-world challenges, which ultimately boosts your confidence and makes you a more well-rounded driver.
5. Be Calm and Composed
Staying calm and composed is the key to increasing confidence in driving. If you feel stressed or overwhelmed, it’s best to pull over and take a break. Deep breathing can help you refocus. Confidence will naturally grow as you gain experience, but maintaining a calm mindset from the start is necessary.
4 Essential Tips for Navigating in Different Driving Conditions
Different types of environments present different challenges. This ultimately makes it necessary for drivers to adjust their driving style accordingly. Here is how to navigate safely like a pro in different conditions.
1. Urban vs. Rural Driving
Driving in urban areas often involves dense traffic, frequent stops, and numerous pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. On top of that, these roads have frequent intersections, and drivers are often impatient. As a result, patience and alertness are required for driving on urban roads.
Urban drivers always keep an eye on traffic lights, road signs, and crosswalks, and be mindful of jaywalkers or cyclists who may enter your path unexpectedly. Defensive driving is critical in these environments, as the fast-paced nature of city traffic often requires split-second decisions.
On the contrary, rural driving doesn’t have such hectic issues as they have less traffic. Yet, they come with their own risks, such as winding roads, only double lanes, uneven surfaces, and unexpected obstacles like animals crossing.
Research shows that people are more likely to die from a rural traffic collision than urban ones. That is why maintaining a moderate speed and being cautious on narrow roads can help prevent accidents in these less predictable environments.
2. Highway and Freeway Driving
Driving on highways and freeways certainly makes a big difference, as both have different setups, traffic density, and speed limits. Freeways have a higher driving speed limit compared to highways, as they are meant for driving without obstacles. Unlike highways, they don’t have parked cars or pedestrians, which causes the speed limit to stay low.
As a result, highway driving can be intimidating for beginners. That’s why it is necessary to merge onto a highway and match your speed to the traffic flow. You should use indicators to signal your intentions.
Check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, and always keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Be cautious of large trucks and trailers, which require more space and time to maneuver.
3. Night Driving
Driving at night presents visibility challenges, even on well-lit roads. That is why it requires extra precautions than daytime driving, and this can be a challenge for beginners. So, if you are driving at night, make sure that your headlights are functioning properly before heading out after dark.
Use low beams in urban areas and switch to high beams when driving on rural or unlit roads. However, remember to dim them when approaching another vehicle to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. If your car doesn’t have an automatic headlight, make sure to turn the headlights on an hour before sunset and keep them on an hour after sunrise.
Staying alert is critical at night since fatigue is common and visibility is reduced. Use your mirrors frequently, drive at a slower pace than you would during the day, and keep your distance from other vehicles. If you feel sleepy, pull over and rest before continuing.
4. Weather Challenges
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 21% of annual car crashes are caused by extreme weather conditions. And most of them are caused by rain, fog, and snow.
In rainy weather, roads become slippery, reducing tire traction. That’s why you will need to drive safely and carefully, avoid sharp turns, and keep a greater distance between your car and the one in front. If you experience hydroplaning, don’t panic. Gently ease off the accelerator and steer straight until you regain control.
Foggy conditions severely reduce visibility. Use your fog lights if available, and avoid using high beams, as they reflect off the fog and worsen visibility. Drive safely and carefully, and focus on road markings to guide your way.
Snow and ice are particularly dangerous. So, when driving in snow or ice, stay at a very slow pace, avoid sudden accelerations or braking, and steer smoothly. Ensure your tires have adequate tread for winter driving conditions. And, if possible, use snow chains or winter tires in severe weather. You can also opt for Nitrogen Tires to drive safely in extreme weather conditions.
Be Aware of Legal Requirements and Responsibilities
Understanding and adhering to the legal driving requirements is vital for new beginner drivers. First, always ensure you have a valid driver’s license and keep it updated. It’s equally important to carry proof of car insurance, as driving without it can lead to heavy fines and legal consequences.
Also, remember to keep other essential documents like car registration, PUC certification (mandatory for vehicles over a year old), and vehicle manual in the car. These documents are crucial in case of emergencies or routine checks.
Follow local traffic laws, which vary depending on your region. This includes adhering to speed limits, using seat belts, and obeying traffic signs and signals. Additionally, some areas may have specific rules, such as hands-free phone laws or regulations regarding driving under the influence.
As a driver, you also have the responsibility to keep your vehicle properly maintained. Regular inspections, emissions testing and necessary repairs ensure your car is roadworthy and compliant with regulations.
"MAKE DEFENSIVE DRIVING YOUR LIFESTYLE."
Don’t Give Up!
Driving is a lifelong skill that constantly evolves with experience. It may not go smoothly at first, but practicing defensive driving, staying updated on traffic laws, and adapting to new environments will enhance your driving abilities over time.
If you want to improve, don’t hesitate to seek feedback from experienced drivers. By staying open to learning and maintaining a responsible attitude, you’ll ensure a safer, smoother driving experience for yourself and others on the road. Good Luck!
