Advice/Encouragement for first time drivers?

Johnny Rocker89

Actually, I plan on getting my license this Spring. I would say, don't drink and drive, be aware of your surroundings, always stop on a red light, make sure no one in the car with you are too aggravating or irritating thus leading the driver to lose focus on the road. From experience and watching my friends drive, I would say I know I'm going to be an excellent driver.

redbass

Keep your eyes wide open
look forward and use your mirror
Don't oversteer
Don't get distracted, even if he does look hot
Keep off the cell phone while moving
In time you can relax more
Beware of rain, snow, ice, & bright sunlight
Never drink while driving, get a designated driver even if you have to call a family member! The cemetaries are crowded with bodies of idiots that thought they could drive
Stay focussed
Don't rubber neck
Don't get involved in road rage
Learn how to change a tire before you drive
Carry mace or pepper spray
Don't pick up hitch hikers
Stay awake

Tango

Firstly, observe the highway code so you know what the road signs mean etc. and keep studying the contents and try and remember all the important factors. This will give you more confidence when out on the road. Pay attention to what you driving instructor has to say and try to rectify the faults that he or she considers poor. As time goes by, your own confidence will build up and when you take your test, you need to feel 100% that you are a safe driver and that any questions asked on the Highway code you know well.
These are just the basics, but good luck with your driving and remember, confidence is the key.

MominOC

Practice as much as you can when do not have any particular destination. If learning is limited to "Must Do" situations, like "Must pick up my kid on time" Must go to school"...these "Must Dos) create way more stress and and little opportunity for relaxing/focusing while driving as you are most like thinking first and foremost about the destination as opposed to you driving.

Alastair S911

-Observe, your folks and friends how they drive and apply that to your own style.
-Don't panic, you have a brake pedal! And don't jam it or you'll freak-out the driver behind you.
-Allow plenty of time.
-Be alert all the time, all around you.

mustanger

Keep a good following distance. Best way to do it, regardless of speed, is pick out a line on the road or along the side of the road and, when the car in front of you passes it start counting seconds by 1001, 1002, 1003. Keep at LEAST three seconds between you and the car in front and you'll be much less likely to be rear ending anyone. There are questions on here all the time saying, 'I rear ended them but i don't think it's my fault'. However, the basic law is that, when you hit someone from behind YOU are at fault.

biff

First...Make sure you are comfortable sitting in the drivers seat. Have a well qualified driver with you. Do not start driving on busy streets , learn on quiet roads. Keep your speed down. Make sure you read the rules of the road books. Learn how to drive on ALL types of roads, wet and dry, slippery, ice etc. If you live in the north, check out going to a skid school. Learn how to control your car, not it controlling you. Keep your mind on driving, if you dont some thing bad will happen and you will not remember what it was.

UCANTCME

Once in the car, adjust the seat to fit your body height and style. You should sit at least 25 centimeters from the steering wheel and your hands should be bent at approximately 45 degrees.

Drive at the speed limit, as this will show the inspector you are confident in your abilities, but not so confident you're breaking the law.

Be sure to check your mirrors regularly. Make this a little more exaggerated than normal, just so it is clear that you are doing it.

Get a good night's sleep. You'll feel a lot less anxious with more rest. Eat a good breakfast. It's difficult to concentrate when you're hungry.

Get in the car with the inspector. Relax. Adjust your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel to help ensure the inspector that you know what you are doing. Ask any questions that you have prior to the test. The tester will be glad to answer them.

Stop at all stop signs. Use right blinker when you turn right or pull out of the parked position. Keep your eyes on the road, gazing to the right and left, and look in each mirror once in a while to see that no car is coming behind you.

Parallel park as best as you can. Make sure you turn on your blinkers, as not doing so will likely ensure a failure. Try not to bump the curb, go slowly and carefully, looking to the back and sides as you do so. Remember, it's OK to slightly bump the curb, just not jump it. You will lose some points, but that's better than failing the test altogether!

Watch out for the cones.

bleacherbrat34

take a deep breath ,,

may you never have parallel park,,
when you practice parking use a a huge car or truck like minivan to park. than when you go for the road test use a smaller car like a Neon, you can whip right in and out with ease.

Lacieles

Be comfortable in a vehicle, if you're tensed, STOP, CLOSE YOUR EYES & TAKE A DEEP BREATH before even thinking of driving. Think about yourself and tell yourself that it's nothing but just driving, nothing else.
I still remember that as a learning driver, I was a real coward. Every time I'm behind the wheel, I'll become as stiff as a statue, so my parents advised me - if you want to drive, just take it slow, no rush, and so I did just that. But as a driver now, I learnt more than just ethics of the road. I've learnt what the acts are and consequences of such acts...

Survival Steve

Take it slow, don't be in a rush to get to where your going. Drive without the radio on or at least till you become more comfortable at the wheel. Drive the back roads to become familiar to how the vehicle responds in turns. People watch, watch how your parents/friends drive. Hop on the interstate. My first time on the Maine turnpike, I was sandwiched between 3 tractor trailer truck. I think they were messing with me. Made me nervous, but also made me get use to driving around the big trucks. Hope it helps

catduke3

my best advice to you is never drive faster than 5 miles above the speed limit, and watch the other drivers, they crazy!!

Tom B

I was told this and found it to be true.

1 When you get in the car,you are the Boss
2 Make sure that you test the examiners seat belt,to check it's locked.

3 Check that the passenger door is closed properly,reach
over. and check.
4 Ask the examiner if he is ready
5 Check your mirrors b4 turning on engine
6 Don't be nervous,don't stay up late studying,get a good
nights sleep
8 The most important, good luck

The reason i know the 1st three are good? Because everyone i tell reports back that it was good advice, and the instructor made a comment on it.
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