Driving Tips for Beginners

So, you are a new driver, with a fresh, shiny driving license. You feel confident, and willing to take your car out for a ride. The largest number of drivers out there are young drivers, and this is probably where you fit in as well. You are unaware that there is still much to learn, which can lead to potential danger for other drivers, as well as yourself. Traffic is usually fast and dynamic, just like our lives.

Whether you were in driving school, or with your driving instructor, you have probably already heard a lot about the huge responsibility we all take as drivers, so there is no need to go into any further detail. This article is going to give you simple tips that will make your driving experience a lot easier and safer. Here are the most important ones:

Adjust Your Seat

It is very important to carefully adjust your seat, as well as your steering wheel. This will make your reactions faster, and your air bag will be deployed in the best possible way. If you are, for example, too close to your air bag, there is a great possibility of getting seriously injured during its activation.

On the other hand, if you are seated too far away, the safety effect of the air bag will be minimized. Since air bags are meant to keep us from injuries, make sure you are positioned correctly. Remember, you also need to reach the pedals with your feet without extending your legs too much. Make sure you ask an experienced driver for just the right seat position.   

Hands on the Wheel

Before you think: ''Of course I need to have my hands on the wheel!'', remember that there are better positions for your hands than you might think. Many drivers are taught to place their hands in the ''10:10'' position (according to the hands on the clock). Actually, a much better position is ''9:15''.  The former is much more likely to cause air bag injuries, and it makes turning less safe.

Another bad habit is changing the position of your hands while turning. Many drivers will rotate the wheel while ''passing'' it from one hand to the other. The correct way is to cross your hands and never let go of the wheel. There is a reason race car drivers turn this way.  

Take Your Time to Park

First of all, practice makes perfect. Find yourself an empty parking lot, or any large, empty area, and practice all kinds of positions and parking situations. Never rush, be gentle with the gas pedal and move very slowly. This will actually result in getting parked faster, because it will take you less tries to get into the perfect position.

Confidence is also important. If you believe in yourself you will estimate the situation like a professional. Work on self-respect and trust your instincts.

Be Wary of Used Cars

The biggest desire of any new driver is to have their own car. If you didn't get one after passing your driving test then you are most likely going to drive your parents' or somebody else's used car. Now, the problem with a used car is that you have keep track of its performance as well as the shape of its parts. Most beginners don't do this.

The best thing you can do is to take your car to a mechanic for a quick maintenance check. Learn how all the parts work and find the right vehicle service for your car. And last but not least, check you lights, turn signals, brakes, tire pressure and motor oil before going on any longer trip.