Learning to drive is much easier than it looks. It can be scary from the passenger seat, or in the movies, but once you get behind the wheel and your foot is on the pedal, the process will become very intuitive. If you are a cautious driver and learn not to rush at first, you will be well on your way to mastering the basics. This article assumes that you will be driving a car with an automatic transmission. For cars with manual transmission the general procedure will be similar, but covered in another article.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Familiarize yourself with the Car Controls
Step 1. Adjust the seat to reach the pedals well
You can bring it forward or backward, raise or lower it. Some cars have automatic controls (usually on the left side of the car), while older cars will usually have a strap under the seat that will allow you to change its position.
Step 2. Familiarize yourself with the pedals
In an automatic car, the two pedals are accelerator and brake. The rightmost pedal (which is usually smaller than the other pedal) is the accelerator, and pressing it will increase the speed of the car. The pedal on the left (usually the largest) is the brake, and pressing it will slow the car down.
- Even if your dominant foot is your left, use your right foot to use both pedals. It may seem strange at first, but getting used to this technique is important, because it is the correct one and it is safer.
- Do not use never both feet together to reach the pedals. Use only one foot: the right. This will make it impossible to accidentally press both pedals at the same time.
Step 3. Adjust the mirrors of the car to see behind you clearly and effectively
Your car should have three mirrors: a rear view mirror, which allows you to see through the rear windshield directly behind you, and two side mirrors that allow you to see both sides of the car and protect you from blind spots.
- You should position the rear view mirror so that when you are in your normal driving position you can see directly behind you and as much of the rear windshield as possible.
- You should position the mirrors to eliminate blind spots, orienting the side ones more outward than normal, so that they overlap with the viewing angle of the center mirror. While this setup may seem strange to you at first, it allows you to look through your mirrors at the blind spots that you should normally observe when turning your back.
Step 4. Learn where the handbrake is, and what it does
The handbrake is a long lever with a button on the tip. When you pull it, the car should stay still and not move. When the lever is down, the brake is not active and the car can move freely. Make sure the handbrake is down before you start driving.
Step 5. Learn to control the shift lever
You will usually find it between the two front seats of the car, and it controls the car's gears (park, neutral, reverse, drive or drive). In some cases the gear lever is located to the right of the steering wheel.
- If the shift lever is up Park and you start the car, it won't move no matter how fast you accelerate.
- If your shift lever is on N or Neutral (Insane), the car's inertia will keep it moving forward.
- If the shift lever is up Reverse gear, the car will move backwards and not forward when you take your foot off the brake.
- If the shift lever is on D or Drive, the car will move forward when you take your foot off the brake.
Step 6. Get to know the basic dashboard controls
These gauges help show the driver the speed of the car, the amount of fuel in the tank, the engine temperature and its number of revolutions per minute.
- The speedometer is probably the most important gauge on the dashboard. It gives you information about the speed of the car, in kilometers per hour (or miles per hour).
- The rpm indicator shows how hard the engine is working. Most tachometers have a red area that starts at around 6000 or 7000 GPM. When the stick reaches red, you will need to take your foot off the accelerator.
- The fuel gauge indicates the amount of fuel left in the tank. It usually has a lever that goes from "F" to "E" (from full, or full, to empty, empty) or from 0 to 1.
- The car temperature gauge shows you if the car engine is overheating. It usually has an indicator ranging from "H" (hot) to "C" (cold). The lever should usually be in the center.
Part 2 of 4: Learning the Basics
Step 1. Put on the seat belt
In most countries, driving without a seat belt is illegal. Seat belts greatly reduce the chance of a serious injury or death in the event of an accident.
Step 2. Always start the car with your foot on the brake
When you turn the key, the car will automatically roll forward if you don't keep your foot on the brake. With your foot on the brake, you are ready to start driving!
Step 3. Start the engine and apply the handbrake if necessary
Put the key in the ignition, which is usually to the right of the steering wheel, and turn it clockwise. Note that in some more modern vehicles, if the keys are inside the car, just press the "Power" or "Ignition" button to start the engine. Comfortable!
Step 4. Learn how to reverse the car park
If you've parked your car in a parking lot or driveway, you'll probably need to reverse out to start driving. While you may be afraid at first, you only need to remember a few things:
- Put the car in reverse e double check. If the car is not reversing, it will not go back.
- Look over your shoulder and turn your head to get a good view of the road.
- Gently lift the pedal off the brake e Not press the accelerator. For the first few times, don't worry about pressing the accelerator. You can move the car only by taking your foot off the brake. The car will move slowly, but you won't risk hitting something or someone by accident.
- Remember that the steering wheel is "reversed" in reverse. When you drive the car forward, if you turn the steering wheel to the right the car will also turn right and vice versa. This is because the wheels turn that way. When you go in reverse, turning the steering wheel to the right will make the car turn left ", while turning it left will make it turn right. Remember this when you take the car out.
- Use the brake to slow down. Press your foot gently but firmly on the brake to slow the car down.
Step 5. When you are ready to move forward, come to a complete stop and move the shift lever to Drive
Put your foot on the brake, shift the gear to Drive and then take the pedal off the brake. Press the accelerator "slowly" with your foot to make the car move forward. Accelerate to the speed limit, then step your foot over the brake pedal to be ready if you need to slow down.
Step 6. Keep both hands on the wheel in the "9 and 3" position
Imagine the steering wheel is a clock. Put your left hand where 9 o'clock would be on a watch, and your right hand at 3 o'clock. Particularly if you are a beginner, don't try to hold the wheel with one hand.
Step 7. Use the arrows
The arrows, or more properly direction indicators, are yellow flashing lights that are located on both sides of the car, next to the brake lights. They are very important: they tell other cars that you are changing lanes or cornering. The turn signal lever is located on the left of the steering wheel. Raise it to activate the right indicator (to turn right or go into the right lane) or lower it to activate the left indicator (to turn left or go into the left lane).
Step 8. Learn how to make turns using the hand over hand method
Turning is pretty easy when you know how. Like almost all aspects of driving, it is very intuitive. If you need to turn the car only slightly, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the car to turn, but try not to move your hands from the 9-3 position.
- If you need to make a drier turn, use the hand over hand method. Let's assume you have to turn right. Turn the steering wheel clockwise, starting with your right hand. When your right hand reaches 4 or 5, lift it off the wheel and slide it over your left. Grab the steering wheel again and keep turning.
- To straighten the car after a bend, simply loosen your grip with both hands and the steering wheel will straighten itself. Apply more pressure to slow down the correction; fully leverage your hands to return the steering wheel to position more quickly. Your hands should remain stationary as the steering wheel returns to its original position.
Step 9. Learn how to change lanes
Sooner or later you will have to switch from one lane to another when driving, in some cases quickly. Doing so is simple, but you will need to remember to use the turn signals to communicate your intention to other drivers. Here are some things to remember when changing lanes:
- Communicate your intentions for at least 2-3 seconds with the direction indicator before changing lanes.
- Quickly scan the mirrors and look over your shoulder to check the car's blind spots. Don't rely on mirrors alone to gauge the position of other cars; see firsthand quickly before changing lanes.
- Slowly move the car to the other lane. Turn your hands slightly on the wheel to change lanes. A very light movement will suffice. It should take 1-3 seconds to do this. If you take less time you will do it too fast, in more time you will be too slow.
Step 10. Maintain a safe distance from other cars
The distance you should keep from the car in front of you depends on the driving speed. You should give yourself 2-5 seconds to react, based on your reflexes. If the car in front of you were to stop suddenly, at your current speed, would you have enough time to react and slow down calmly without bumping into whoever is in front of you?
To answer this question, look at the car in front of you as a fixed object passes by on the road, such as a sign. As soon as the car passes the object, it begins to count: a thousand and one, a thousand and two, a thousand and three … How many seconds does it take to pass the same object?
Part 3 of 4: Drive
Step 1. Drive defensively
Driving defensively is a very important concept that many drivers take for granted or don't understand. Driving defensively will help you save money, ensure you have a more enjoyable driving experience, and most importantly, help you stay alive. Driving defensively is a term that encompasses many different concepts:
- Don't assume that people will respect the rules, be careful, or be cautious. The rules of the road are designed for everyone's safety. Often these rules are not respected by selfish or ignorant drivers. Do not assume that a driver always uses the indicators before turning, for example. Do not assume that a driver slows down to allow you to enter. Do not assume that a driver will not go through red.
- If you notice a potentially dangerous situation, avoid it before it occurs. Don't stay directly to the right of a large truck, for example. Don't try to overtake a drunk driver who is constantly moving between lanes.
- Use all your senses to always be aware of what is happening on the road. Drivers often learn to isolate themselves from the rest of the world and drive on autopilot, because they have already done so hundreds if not thousands of times. Don't be too cocky behind the wheel. Use your vision to check the speed of other cars and the habits of the drivers. Use your hearing to hear horns and braking sounds. Use your sense of smell to smell burnt rubber or other caustic odors that may indicate an accident.
Step 2. Stay in the right lane if you are going slowly and in the left lane if your speed is faster
On the motorway, and to a lesser extent on normal roads, the left lane is reserved for fast traffic, while the right lane is reserved for slow traffic. It is rude (and dangerous) to follow someone who is moving slower than you in the right lane too closely. At the same time, it is selfish to stay in the left lane when driving much slower than other cars. Stay in the lane that suits your speed and don't change it until you have to turn or exit the freeway.
Step 3. If possible, overtake cars on the left and not on the right
Since the overall speed of traffic increases from right to left, it is important to overtake on the left. You are accelerating and moving faster than the car in front of you, so you should overtake it using the lane intended for the fastest cars. Follow this general rule, even if it's not a law where you live! Remember: drive on the right, overtake on the left.
Try not to overtake never a truck to the right. Trucks and vans are much wider than regular cars, which means their blind spots are larger. Trucks often stay in the right-most lane and rarely move in the left-hand lane. Passing a truck on the left consequently means driving in a territory they rarely frequent, reducing the risk.
Step 4. Obey the speed limits
I am law for a reason. They are not designed to make driving less fun, but to make the road a safer environment for everyone. Make sure you exceed the speed limit of to the utmost 5 kilometers per hour. You will rarely receive a fine for infringement of this magnitude.
Step 5. Be extremely careful under abnormal driving conditions
When the weather isn't ideal, slow down and drive even more defensively than normal. When it rains, for example, the water interacts with the oil on the road surface, making it very slippery. In these conditions it is difficult to have good traction with the tires. When it rains a lot, and small pools of water form on the asphalt, you will particularly risk aquaplaning.
Driving conditions are often more difficult in winter. Learn to drive your car in the winter
Step 6. Be nice on the street
Being kind simply means acknowledging the presence of other people on the road, each with their own intentions, and many of whom don't want to stay long in the car. Simplify their life, if it doesn't mean complicating yours; one day you might get paid off.
- Use the horn to warn other drivers, not to annoy them. The horn is a powerful tool. Use it when someone enters your lane without seeing you, or when the light has turned green but the driver in front of you is not paying attention. Don't use your horn when you're stuck in traffic.
- Wave your hand to thank. When someone lets you into their lane, wave your hand to thank them. It costs you nothing and is a polite gesture.
- Don't break the rules of the road just to be polite. This is important. If you stop at an unprecedented intersection first, you will have to go through. Don't stop and don't let the person who came after you pass. This is not an efficient choice and often creates confusion.
Step 7. Enjoy
Driving can be dangerous, and there are certainly many rules to remember, but it's important to have fun while driving. Even doing it responsibly, driving can be incredibly exciting. Just remember that the road doesn't belong to you alone and you won't have any problems.
Part 4 of 4: Mastering Advanced Driving Techniques
Step 1. Learn how to perform parallel parking
This type of parking is used to park the car in a narrow parking lot and is usually a very difficult maneuver. There are some proven tricks for parallel parking, which you can learn in other articles you find on wikiHow. This is a very important part of urban driving.
Step 2. Learn how to get into heavy traffic
Getting onto a highway can be difficult, especially if the traffic is heavier than you expected. The most important thing to do is accelerate enough and judge if you are driving fast enough to safely slip between two cars.
Step 3. Use the roundabouts
They may not be very popular in the area where you live, but if you've ever tried one, you know they can be challenging. Roundabouts are often used in place of traffic lights and are very efficient, but you need to learn how to use them to reap the benefits.
Step 4. Learn to drive uphill
Driving uphill can be a challenge, particularly if you have a manual gearbox. Learn the art of climbing as you tackle a winding climb.
Step 5. Save gas
Gasoline is very expensive, so driving smart is more than just avoiding accidents. Driving prudently will also help you save money.
Advice
- Wear a seat belt so you will be safer in the car.
- If you are starting to drive, and if you are afraid of driving alone, you may want to get help from your parents or an older friend.
- Don't drive faster than you are comfortable with.
- If you are a beginner, always drive with an experienced driver until you are sure.
- Watch out for the other cars.
- Have your car serviced within the manufacturer's recommended limits.
- When driving large cars, make sure the road is clear before overtaking.
- Maintain your car properly and regularly check oil levels, tire toe, and the condition of lights and brakes.
- When you park and get out of the car, be sure to turn off the headlights, apply the handbrake, lock the doors and remember where you parked (help with the environment if necessary).
- Don't take risks and don't use your mobile phone while driving.
Warnings
- Always use the turn signal and do not use high beams when a vehicle is heading towards you in the opposite direction or you have a car in front.
- Avoid illegal parking or you will risk fines and removals.
- When changing lanes, be careful. Check all the mirrors, flip the indicator and move quickly.
- Always follow the highway code of the state you are in. Make sure you know all the laws before you start driving, or else you risk damage to yourself and your car.
- Don't climb never in a low gear when driving at high speed (for example, do not put the first gear at 80 kilometers per hour). If you did, you would severely damage or destroy the car's engine and transmission.
- Fasten always safety belt.
- Street racing is dangerous, and illegal in nearly every state. If you want to race with your car, take the car to a circuit. Usually your safety will be better guaranteed in those environments.
- This article can only give you advice on how to drive, so don't use it as your sole source.
- In some cities, shifting the gear at full throttle will not only make you look foolish, but can be considered "reckless driving" and risk a fine.
- Stay in the right lane unless you are overtaking. Once you've done that, go back to the slow lane.
- This article cannot replace road education.
- Do not drink and drive. It is the worst thing you could do. You could risk your life and that of other people.
