Before you start driving as a beginner, it’s wise to consider some driving tips for beginners that will help you drive as a pro.
Before you get behind the wheel and let loose on the streets of New York, it’s wise to take a minute to get professional advice.
Sadly, most accidents in New York are caused by young people. Rather than becoming part of the statistics, get a load of the advice below, and you’ll be confident and safe on the roads.
Learning how to drive on your own or when supervised is daunting and exciting, but it’s good to be safe and confident about what you’re doing. You will count yourself safe on NY roads with the tips elaborated below on the pro driving tips.
Top Driving Tips for Beginners
1. Set Up Your Mirrors Correctly
Before starting the car, your mirrors must be set up to maximize road visibility.
For most drivers, that means moving the side mirrors out until you can just see the edge of the car. However, more is needed. You want to see exactly what’s happening at the side of you.
To do this, move your head over to the left by the window and now adjust the left mirror until you can see the edge of the car. Move over to your right toward the heating controls and do the same to check your right mirror.
To effectively adjust your mirrors correctly, follow the steps briefly explained below:
- Adjust the car’s side mirrors correctly so you can see the car’s side without making head turns.
- Adjust the car’s rearview mirrors perfectly to see the back of the vehicle simultaneously moving your head.
- Ensure that there is proper angling of the mirrors so that there are no light reflections from the sun to your bare eyes.
Now you have the best possible view of the road. That said, it’s still vital that you…
2. Always Check Your Blindspot
The importance of this piece of advice must be considered.
No matter how well you adjust your mirrors, you’ll never have a perfect view of the road behind you. It’s super easy for a cyclist, pedestrian, or another vehicle to be hovering in your blind spot out of view.
Before turning, always check over your shoulder. It only takes a glance; you should practice this until it becomes second nature. Doing so can save your life and those of others.
When changing lanes or turning, you should always be attentive, always allow other cars to merge, check your mirrors and turn,
When changing lanes or turning, you should check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder and using mirrors. Ensure you have signaled your movement to other motorists and pedestrians.
Nowadays, you can also use a monitoring system that detects and alerts you when there is a blind spot. Some sensors can be aware of an object close to your car.
Speaking of keeping your eyes open…
3. Keep Your Eyes Looking Around
Get out of the city and onto the open road, and you’ll soon find that driving can get boring fast.
Finding your eyes glued to the car in front of the long, straight road ahead can be easy. However, this is a mistake and can lead to accidents.
Train yourself to keep your eyes moving. Keep scanning the road ahead, moving your eyes, only your head if you’re changing lanes.
If you become focused on just one point, you can be at risk of a phenomenon known as target fixation. This can lead to accidents, so take our advice and keep those eyes alert and moving.
Looking at your surroundings when driving helps you react to any unexpected change in the traffic condition and avoid crashes. Moreover, it helps you avoid distractors like your phone since you are focused on driving.
4. Adapt to Weather Conditions
In New York, winter weather can get pretty bad.
Roads can be icy, visibility can be low, and snow is a regular feature. All of this requires preparation and careful driving. Ensure that you always have scrapers in your car, and only get going once the car is thoroughly scraped off.
Maintain your car well, including having sufficient tread on your tires. When driving, go slowly. Maintain a greater distance between you and the vehicle in front.
The best way to learn to drive is to take a course with an experienced instructor in your local area. They’re familiar with local road and weather conditions. They’ll be able to train you to get your license and be a safe driver.
5. Gently Does It
Have you ever been driven by someone who loves to accelerate and slam on the brakes?
Of course, you have! Well, don’t be like them.
People who drive like that are causing much trouble to their vehicles, not to mention other drivers. Rapid acceleration puts extra strain on the rear tires, and heavy braking puts extra on the front. It also means you’re more likely to crash.
There isn’t a part of your car that benefits from being driven that way. The best way to provide a comfortable driving experience for yourself and your car is to be gentle. Accelerate smoothly and squeeze the brake rather than ramming it.
Turn smoothly when cornering, keeping the weight balanced across all four tires.
6. Handle the Wheel Correctly
For many years, one of the tips for new drivers was to keep your hands in the 10 and 2 o’clock positions.
That advice is now considered outdated. The safest and most comfortable position is actually around 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock.
Once you’ve got a comfortable grip on the wheel, you can handle it safely. This will allow you to concentrate on the road and avoid hazards.
7. Don’t Drive Distracted
The law is clear – cell phones and driving do not mix.
You’ll end up with points on your driving record, a fine, or worse – you could cause a potentially fatal accident.
Remember, though, that there are plenty of other distractions besides cell phones.
Eating while driving is a big one. Are you trying to juggle a Reuben and your steering wheel? Don’t – pull over, enjoy your sandwich, and carry on.
Maps and navigation systems are also potential distractions. What is the best advice? As much as you can, be prepared before you set off or enlist a capable passenger to direct you.
Driving distractors are critical because they take your mind off driving, your eyes away from the road, and your controlling hands off the steering wheel.
Furthermore, consider safety as your priority. Don’t let petty things make you keep your own life and the lives of the people around you at risk.
8. Stick to the Speed Limit
We know we’re all in a hurry at times. But the risks of speeding far outweigh any potential drawbacks of being late.
The speed limits have been put there for a reason. There’s science behind it. Stopping distances have been calculated, and other road users are considered.
Approximately one-third of crashes are caused by drivers speeding. That is, speeding has contributed to around 29% of accidents.
You may be adhering to the road speed limit but too fast for some conditions like road repair, bad weather, or when driving at night.
Not only is it a bad habit, but it’s also dangerous and best avoided altogether.
How Do I Stop Being Nervous When Driving?
It’s normal to be nervous when you are behind for the first time. However, when you keep on practicing and gaining experience, you will become a confident and comfortable driver.
- Here are ways to overcome nervousness when driving:
- Keep on practicing driving every day and in different conditions
- Drive to a common area where you are familiar to
- Believe and be patient with yourself in every move you make
- Take a driving class in a qualified driving school
- Drive with a confident, experienced driver like a family member or friend
What Are Some Common Mistakes That Beginners Make When Driving?
There are some common mistakes that new drivers make on their first days when they are behind the wheel.
These driving mistakes include close following distance, not signaling their moves, sudden turns and stops, not looking at the mirrors and blind spots, speeding, not checking the surrounding, not allowing pedestrians and other drivers to merge, and texting.
To avoid these driving hazards, you need frequent practice and focus on everything while driving. Moreover, be aware of your mistakes and practice safe and qualified driving habits.
What Are the Most Difficult Maneuvers for New Drivers?
Some maneuvers are challenging for new drivers because they need coordination and frequent practice.
These maneuvers include reverse driving, parallel parking, around-corner reverse, changing lanes, driving when in heavy traffic, and merging directly onto a busy highway.
These maneuvers should be practiced in a safe, reliable environment, such as a clear parking lot before you decide to take a road attempt.
The Takeaway: The Ultimate Driving Tips for Beginners
Every driver wants to feel safe and confident on the road, and if you follow our ultimate driving tips for beginners, you’ll be well on your way.
Remember, safety is your number one priority. Smooth driving will also help you have a comfortable ride and keep your vehicle in good shape for as long as possible.
At Pierre Paul Driving School, we have the skills and experience to help you become the best driver you can be.
If you’re ready to learn from the best, click here for our attractive packages today!