The time has finally come — you or someone you know is about to start the journey of learning how to drive. While driving will feel like a challenge at first, you can rest assured there are many resources available to help you become a safe, educated and skilled driver. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know while preparing for your first few times on the road.
How to Stay in Control While Driving
Being a defensive driver is crucial. This type of driver is alert, always prepared to react should a situation arise. While you can't control other drivers on the road, you can develop your defensive driving skills to be prepared to avoid accidents. Here are the fundamentals of defensive driving:
- Be focused: Making a point to stay focused while driving is crucial. Keep your phone silenced or turned off completely so you aren't distracted by notifications. At first, you may want to drive without music to ensure you're concentrating.
- Be alert: Several factors can hold you back from being alert while driving. A few examples are not getting enough sleep, having alcohol or drugs in your system and incoming phone calls. Make sure you're never distracted for the sake of you, your passengers and other drivers.
- Be aware: Always look out for other drivers, as you can never predict their behavior. Keep a distance of at least three seconds between you and the car in front of you. This space allows you to have enough time to stop if they were to slam on their brakes. In situations where there's bad weather or the car is a motorcycle, increase the space as an extra safety measure.
Have these three points in the back of your mind every time you get into the driver's seat.
Tips for New Drivers
As you begin driving, you'll want to follow the following tips:
1. Get Comfortable
Being comfortable while driving can help your concentration. First, adjust the seat to the right height and make sure there are at least 10 inches between you and the steering wheel. Check that your windshield is clear, so you have a complete view of what's happening in front of you. Other changes to make before you put your foot on the gas are fixing your mirrors, turning on the heating or air conditioning and putting on your seatbelt.
2. Learn Basic Automotive Mechanics
Take a look at your vehicle's manual. Getting familiar with your car's specific functions can properly prepare you and save time if a problem occurs. The dashboard indicators are warnings to let you know how your car is functioning properly. Know the symbols and lights for the gas, oil, tires, lights and battery. Additionally, be sure you know each button's meaning.
Of all the safe driving tips, knowing how your vehicle operates may be the most crucial.
3. Know the Area
It's best to prepare yourself before driving in unfamiliar areas. If you're visiting a major city, you may have to parallel park on the street. Another example is highways with multiple lanes. If you've never driven in a location, you may want to practice beforehand — or at least look at a map to understand where you're going and how you're going to get there.
4. Practice
When driving, practice makes perfect. Going to an empty parking lot to set up cones to drive around is one way to slowly work your way up to more difficult driving. Even after you get your license, you may want to continue driving with an experienced driver in the passenger seat to help guide you. Signing up for approved driver education programs can also make a world of difference.
Check out driver education curriculum guides for more information on how to best practice driving.
5. Look Ahead and Behind
There are many places to look when you're driving. Establish a routine of staying focused looking ahead and checking your mirrors. Anytime you're getting ready to merge into another lane, you should always check your mirrors and glance behind your shoulder to check your blindspot. Keep sight of how close other drivers are in front and behind you.
6. Know Road Sign Meanings
There are road signs everywhere, and each one serves a different purpose. Read up on what each sign means so you never have to guess when you're driving. While you may not have roundabouts in your area, you'll thank yourself when you come across one when you're traveling. A working knowledge of road signs ensures you're navigating the roads as safely as possible.
7. Drive Defensively
Though learning the basics of driving defensively is key, you should implement them every time you get in your car. Remember to be focused, alert and aware at all times. Keeping a distraction-free environment inside of your vehicle makes defensive driving easier. Additionally, you should never attempt to operate a car when you're under the influence or too tired.
8. Maintain a Steady Speed
There are speed limit signs posted for a reason. If you speed, you're increasing your chances of getting into an accident — the faster you go, the harder it'll be to stop, react and control your car. Furthermore, you can get an expensive speeding ticket.
PA Driver Education Resources for New Drivers
Here at AAA, we offer great information and safety tips for new drivers.
If you're a member of AAA, we offer driving school programs that consist of a range of courses. The classes allow new drivers to get a variety of experiences driving in different locations and conditions, and are held part online for learning material and behind the wheel to get more practice in to develop your skills. The classes are scheduled several times throughout the year covering a wide range of information.
After you complete the necessary educational courses and receive your permit, it's time to get some experience in various situations behind the wheel. In-car lessons allow new drivers to get exposure to driving with the help of an instructor. Drivers will get valuable time driving with the help of a licensed professional who can guide them through basic driving techniques, eventually getting to more advanced situations on highways and busy city streets.
AAA also has the option for new drivers to access an online training program that can better fit their schedules. While there are a variety of skills, rules and tips to learn when you first start driving, we understand that you can learn safety information at home, too. Using a combination of our training resources can help you become the safest driver possible.
Additionally, AAA offers drivers training courses for those who already have licenses. As a result, current drivers can refresh their knowledge, mature drivers can assess their comfort level behind the wheel and corporate drivers can prepare to drive company vehicles. These continuous learning opportunities ensure you're always building your driving skills.
AAA has various insurance discounts that drivers can qualify for — check with your agent for more information. Students who complete multiple driving programs, for example, will receive lowered insurance premiums. We'll help you receive the best possible coverage at the lowest price.
AAA Is Here to Safely Prepare New Drivers
As a new driver, you're about to embark on an exciting journey. Make your experience better by navigating our resources on how to be a safe and skilled driver. When you successfully get your license, you can continue to use our resources to ensure you remember your skills, keeping you and others protected on the road.
