Gaining Experience

 

 

 

 

 

 

Practice makes perfect. Don’t worry if you make mistakes—there is no such thing as a perfect driver.  New drivers are especially vulnerable to messing up here and there, but here are a few tips to help you get started.

 

Good Practices

• Know your car and how to do basics, such as pumping gas, changing a tire, jump-starting the car, and adding windshield washer fluid.

• Always let your parents or guardian know where you’re going, and when you’ll be back.

• Try to make short trips when you’re just starting out driving. Little by little, you can increase your distances, but don’t try too much too soon.

• Don’t try to speed up at yellow lights or get away with a quick call while you’re driving. These type of risks are never worth it—especially when a new and inexperienced driver is at the wheel.

• Walk before you can run. Before you take a long road trip, make sure you can handle driving to school or work. Before you begin driving at nighttime, make sure you have daytime driving totally down. Before you start driving friends around alone, practice driving them around with a responsible adult in the car, too

 

Awareness is Vital

• Although it’s very tempting to drive around with your friends, try to limit your passengers in your first year of driving. They can be very distracting.

• Limit your nighttime driving. Darker means harder to see, and drunk drivers tend to drive more at night. You’re also more likely to be sleepy at the wheel at nighttime.

• Never forget to use your signal, mirrors, and seat belt. Be very aware of the drivers around you, from the car right in front of you, to the cars way up ahead on the road.

 

Never underestimate the value of knowing the basics.