Driving is among the most common skill-set that people have. Most younger people look forward to getting a license and sit behind the wheel once they grow older.
If you are looking forward to learning how to drive and want clear insights on what you can expect, read this article on ten things no one tells you about driving.
1. Passing Your Test Doesn’t Mean You’re Perfect
Although difficult to believe, getting a test pass certificate is just the first step to being a perfect driver. It only means that you meet the minimum requirements set by the relevant body to drive on the road unsupervised.
Surprisingly, driving without supervision might tempt you to lower the usual standards a bit. But, you have to remember that the safety of having someone with dual controls in case trouble comes is no longer there.
2. Some Skills Take Time To Master
With driving, it’s normal for anyone to struggle with one or two skills during lessons.
For instance, some learners master clutch control right from the beginning, while others may spend 10-15 hours of practice to master it. This is the reason many learners consider going automatic.
Other skills that may require time to perfect include roundabouts, junctions, and driving test maneuvers.
If you struggle to master any skill for some time, you need not think driving isn’t for you. Listen to your instructor’s advice and keep going. Before you know it, you will have grasped every bit of what was earlier challenging.
3. The Theory Test Is Equally Important To The Practical Test
You may come across people who say that theory classes are simply common sense; please ignore them.
Theory lessons cover a range of vital topics, including road signs, hazard awareness, and rules of the road. This calls for thorough revision if you are to pass the tests. Ultimately, drivers with the better theoretical background are safer on the road.
To stress its importance further, you cannot book a driving test with a failed theory test.
4. Blind Spots Are So Dangerous
When imparting driving skills to new drivers, one thing often overlooked is teaching about blind spots. Blind spots are areas beyond our vision that might have a vehicle without our knowledge because we cannot see through.
Some modern cars have blind-spot detectors, which detect the presence of vehicles in blind spots. However, having all mirrors open and fitting tiny blind spot mirrors are also sure ways to avoid collisions with vehicles in blind spots.
5. The Correct Way To Use Rear View Mirrors
Many drivers close their rear view mirrors and rely on the in-cabin one, which is wrong. Your driving lessons may not pay much attention to this practice, which is also wrong.
The Outside Rear View Mirrors have a purpose; you should open them so that you see what’s around the car instead of the car itself.
Getting used to this may take some time, but correct rearview mirror positions reduce blind spots.
6. Lane Driving
Today, roads with multiple lanes moving in the same direction have brought discipline through a rule that must be abided by.
The rule is also simple. On highways, slow traffic is supposed to stick to the left, and the lane to the right is for overtaking. No jumping lanes though, you have to cross one lane at a time.
7. You May Not Enjoy It
There is a natural excitement when one is about to learn to drive for the first time. But when the excitement starts to wear off, you may begin to think that you don’t actually like driving.
Typically, the more eager you are to complete your test, the more disappointed you become if you start struggling with one or two skills.
It’s normal to take a while before you click into driving. Once you find out that driving isn’t turning out as you wish, you need to discuss how to rectify the issue with your instructor. If it’s the instructor that you’re uncomfortable with, opt for a new one.
8. Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the driving tests you go through are enough to make you a good driver.
The lessons with your instructor serve as a guide, but actual skills are honed through rigorous practicing, mostly outside of the usual lessons supervised by either family or friends.
Remember that your supervisor should be at least 21 years and have a license they have held for a minimum of 3 years in the transmission you’re learning.
Expect your makeshift supervisors to have poor driving habits that would have irritated your instructor, but that doesn’t mean you follow them.
Always heed your instructor’s advice first because they know what is required of you to pass the test and remember practice makes perfect.
9. Learning To Drive In Your Neighborhood Is Crucial
If your local area’s pass rate is dismal, you might think about heading further afield to learn driving skills. However, that might turn out to be the wrong thought.
After passing your test, you will be driving on your local roads without supervision, so learning how to drive in a different city than your own or rural areas with different road features and traffic rules would do you no good when you return home.
10. Other Drivers May Not Care
Most new drivers tend to think that other motorists may exercise some patience with L-plated vehicles. This is not usually the case, as most learners have a story to tell about impatient drivers they meet.
However intimidating it may be to encounter such drivers, don’t mind them. All that matters on the road is you drive safely and follow the rules.
This stereotype nevertheless fits only a portion of drivers – others may understand and tolerate you upon seeing the L plate.
Conclusion
So, you have decided to add driving to your skill-set. Although driving may seem easy, there are things you might not be taught at driving school.
Keeping the tips above in mind ensures the entire process feels familiar and easier to learn.