Like a sailor who encounters headwinds on the high seas for the first time, getting behind the wheels on a busy highway can sometimes throw a student driver into a panic. You are just fresh from driving school, and while some motorists may understand why you are being extra cautious, traffic can be very unforgiving. From tough rules, rush hour pressure to bad weather, there are situations you will be encountering for the first time.
This post helps you learn essential student driving tips, but first, let’s begin by answering the most important questions.
Driving School Won’t Teach You Everything
At school, you may have written short essays about life, and may have struggled over how to title an essay. The general rule for a good essay title here is to stick to something you have already lived through. To do that, take a look at what you have learned and experienced. Life is about turning lessons into practical experiences. You have probably got your driving license already, or are in the middle of getting one. So for new drivers, writing about their experiences on the road could be an option. But let’s get deeper into the topic.
Well, while hitting the highway for the first time if often a tricky situation, new drivers should cultivate confidence more than anything else. It is because you are entering a new phase of life where experiences count more than essays you wrote at school.
Moreover, while many a student driver ed covers the basics of road use such as traffic rules, there are things school will not teach you. You learn about them on your own. Follow these essential steps so that you are always safe, alert and professional on the road:
Use handbrakes as often as is necessary
New drivers should always use handbrakes. Whether you are parking or breaking by the side of the road, it is important that handbrakes are always active. However, there are exceptions. During cold weather, avoid handbrakes to save them from freezing.
Avoid turning the wheels before taking a left turn
While some traffic offenses are misdemeanors, you should understand that everyone deserves an equal share of the road. Also, it is noteworthy that something you might regard as less important can cost a life. A case in point is turning wheels beforehand when entering the road from a parking lot. Maintain wheels in a straight position to avoid a scenario where a car might hit you from behind, and you end up running into another in the main highway.
Beware of a false illusion of speed when on the road
When you are on the road, student driver signs are not the only things you should know. The speed, at which you drive, will often seem twice lower, and it can be a recipe for disaster, especially when taking a turn. Thus, it is advisable that you slow down many minutes before taking a turn to avoid a skid.
Always be on the lookout for cars slowing down in the next lane
One of the most important drivers Ed tips is using lanes. Whether they are high occupancy lanes, unmarked, marked or three lanes, you must keep an eye on movements of other motorists. If you didn’t write an essay about when to slow down on the lane, then a good example is to follow suit actions of a driver. Often, when a driver on the next lane slows down, it is likely that they are letting pedestrians or animals cross. You should do the same.
Keep an eye on taller cars ahead of you
The catch here is that motorists in taller cars have a clear view of everything on the road. Examples are accidents ahead, animals crossing the road, cars that have developed mechanical hitches and traffic checkpoints. If you notice some changing lanes, there is likely a situation ahead, and the best advice to any new driver is to switch to another lane.
Windows and mirrors are your best companion during parking
Parking a car safely by the roadside can be tricky for a new driver. You may end scratching your bumper on the sidewalk or curb line. However, with the help of your side mirrors and windows, you should stop as soon as the curb appears under your side mirror. It is especially applicable in perpendicular parking.
In parallel parking, keep an eye on the hubcaps so that you don’t scratch them. The best way to go about it is to stick a duct tape (colored) on your windshield. As soon as it is line with the curb line, stop the car. Experienced drivers advise that you do reverse parking so that your side mirrors provide a clear view of the curb line.
Being a new motorist on the road is often a very exciting experience. However, it is essential that you also practice how to feel the wheels, adjust your side mirrors properly, practice often and drive at your own pace. In the end, it is important to feel comfortable and safe.
