Taking driver training can help you avoid traffic tickets, lower your chances of getting involved in an accident, and make you a safer driver.
It can also teach you how to properly maintain your car. That can save you money in the long run by reducing maintenance repairs and vehicle value.
Know Your Car
Whether you drive a newer or older car, it’s important to know the layout of your vehicle and where everything is located. This will help you understand how to react to unexpected changes in road conditions. It also helps you remember how to use the many features that are available on newer cars, such as automatic transmission, power steering, and large mirrors.
Another important thing to know about your car is the blinkers. These are flashing lights (sometimes called indicators) on your steering wheel that let other drivers know you’re trying to turn or switch lanes. They should be used for at least two seconds before you begin a change of lanes.
You should also pay close attention to blind spots, which are areas you can’t see directly from the front or rear of your car. These can be especially confusing, so make sure you know the distances to other cars in your car’s blind spots before you switch lanes.
Finally, be aware of drowsy driving and take advantage of your car’s drowsiness warning systems. Most drowsiness alerts are based on a combination of lane departure sensors and a camera that tracks the position of your head and eyes. Some of these systems even give you a little icon that lights up on the instrument panel to let you know you’re getting tired.
Driving is an important part of everyday life, but if you’re not careful, it can be a dangerous experience. It’s best to avoid distractions, such as texting or fiddling with the radio while you’re on the road. If you need to make a phone call, park your car in a safe place and put the phone on silent until you’re ready to answer it.
Know Your Roads
One of the most important aspects of driving is to know your roads. Knowing which lane you should be in and when to make a turn is critical for a safe journey and to avoid a close call. You’ll also want to keep track of the speed limit and other road traffic conditions, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic. Having a solid understanding of these facets will help you and your teen navigate a more pleasant journey.
The best way to learn about these topics is to discuss them with your instructor and hone in on the top few items on the list. Some of these items will be covered in your lessons while others can be discovered through trial and error or a little practice with your newfound friends on the road. Using the best example of this would be to take your teen to a test site and have them drive the car on a few different types of roads in varied conditions. This will not only teach them the basics but also give you a chance to see how they react in a more realistic environment.
Know the Rules of the Road
If you want to become a safer driver, it’s important to know the rules of the road. This includes understanding speed limits and other road regulations that are different from state to state, as well as how to handle situations that might arise when you’re traveling in a foreign country.
While these rules may seem obvious, many drivers ignore them and could end up in an accident. It’s also important to learn how to signal when you change lanes, get off at an exit or make a turn. Failing to use a turn signal is one of the most common driving etiquette mistakes.
Another important thing to remember is that your personal health, including your physical and mental conditions, can impact your driving skills. This is especially true if you are taking medication or drinking alcohol.
Similarly, drivers who are tired or stressed are likely to have trouble keeping track of their surroundings. They can also be more prone to making mistakes and ignoring safety warnings, such as stop signs or red lights.
This can be a serious problem, as it can lead to accidents and injuries. This is why it’s so important to practice safe driving techniques before you take the wheel.
Some of the most common driving rules to know include using low beams when it’s dark or fog, changing lanes safely, and allowing extra room between yourself and other cars on the road. You’ll also need to know how to safely drive in rain, snow and other weather conditions.
You can also learn about the different traffic signs that you might see while on the road. These can include stop signs, school crossing signs, and other traffic controls that require you to slow down or stay in your lane.
As you drive, always be alert to your surroundings and watch for signs of aggressive driving. If a driver is swerving or driving in dangerous ways, pull over to the side of the road or take the next available exit.
The two-second rule is a good rule to follow when you’re following someone on the road. This means selecting an object on the road ahead, like a sign, and slowly counting to two or three. If you reach that object before the other vehicle passes it, you’re following too closely.
Know Your Instructor
Choosing your driving instructor is a big decision and can have a major impact on how quickly you learn to drive. It is therefore essential to find an instructor who is a good fit for you and your learning style, or you could end up having lessons that are frustrating and unproductive.
You should look for an experienced, professional instructor who has years of experience helping people pass their test. They’re likely to have worked with students with a wide range of needs, and will know how to tailor their teaching to your specific needs.
They should also be able to explain their methods in simple terms so you can understand what they’re telling you. This will help you learn better, and avoid becoming confused or overwhelmed.
A good instructor will be patient and understanding, ensuring they take the time to explain things thoroughly before you move on to the next step. This is important for you to learn from your mistakes, and for you to develop a more thorough knowledge of how the car works.
It is also a good idea to check that the person you’re taking lessons from is a PDI or an ADI, as these are the highest qualifications available to teach. They will display a pink triangle or green octagon on their windscreen, and have been vetted by the DVSA to ensure they are qualified to give lessons.
If you’re not sure if a certain person is qualified, ask them for their DVSA certificate or contact the DVSA directly. Any individual who sells driving lessons without a valid DVSA certificate is breaking the law and may be prosecuted.
Your instructor should be able to give you feedback on your progress in each lesson, so make sure they are letting you know how they feel about the manoeuvres and what you need to work on for your test. They should also be able to give you advice on how to practice these manoeuvres outside of your lessons, so you’re more confident and prepared when it comes to your test.