I recently started driving. Any tips?

Question

I recently got my permit and started driving today. Today was the first day I've actually been out on busy streets. I tried to remain calm, but my grandma was making me a little nervous. I have a few problems. First, when I'm driving in the right lane, I have a problem staying in the middle of the lane. I tend to drive far to the right; pretty much on the white line. I don't know what the problem is. lol My grandma then started getting scared when I supposedly almost hit a trash can (I was FAR from it. lol) That was attributed to driving too far to the right again. So, when I was looking at the lines on the road, I found myself ignoring my speed. I honestly didn't know what the speed limit was until I saw the sign. Also, I'm only 4'11, so it's kind of hard for me to see everything. Do any of you have any tips for me so I can become a safe driver? Thanks.

Answer 1

well drifting to one side of the lane is a little normal. i did it myself, but i think after  a while you'll get the hang of it.My mom was really critical of me when i started driving as well.  i hink your grandma is just being protective. dont worry, after a month or so you'll get the hang of it The only tip i can really give you is that you should always be concentrating on the road ahead and dont get distracted.As for your speed limit, if ur on the freeway stick to 65mph, if ur on the streets go roughly around 40-45. i myself dont look at the speed signs on a regular basis. i guess that just comes with experience.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

There are kits that can be installed for smaller drivers to assist in reaching the pedals. this will allow you to sit up more in the seat and give you a better view of the road. If your car has power seats raise it up high enough to give you a better view, Again this may require the kit to extend the pedals. another thing to keep in mind is with your size, you do not want to sit too closely to the air bag. if you have a tilt steering wheel you will want to attempt to angle the air bag more to your body then your head. if you do not have any way of raising the seats you may want to consider using a firm pillow to raise you up. Also, as you gain more confidence in your driving, always remember to leave the cell phones off. it's very temping to answer text messages or the phone while driving down the road. if you simply turn it off, there will be no distractions. after all, that's why you pay for voice mail right. and the text messages will come in once you turn the phone back on.  

Answer 3

I'm 5'1, but I have been driving for years. Therefore, I now a thing or two. Um, you should get a pillow and have it behind your back while you drive so you wont have to be so close to the wheel. Try to relax and calm down...its all in your head. Everything will be ok, stay calm and ride girlie! Follow the speed limit and don't always look down at the road. Happy Driving,  

Answer 4

practice makes perfect.  if you can you should take a teen defensive driving course.  it emphasizes on safety and what to do in an emergency driving situation, like learning how to avoid obstacles and learning how to properly steer while stomping on the brakes (this will help you avoid accidents). this class also teaches how to be more aware of the drivers around you.  i think that is very important.  I personally think every one should take this course.

Answer 5

i dont know i hate driving. maybe you should drive with someone new

Answer 6

STEERING Steer smoothly whether you are driving straight ahead, turning or backing up.

ACCELERATION Accelerate smoothly and moderately. Don't race the engine or cause it to stall.

BRAKING Bring the vehicle to a stop gently. Start braking well before your stopping position to avoid "jerky" stops. Make sure you stop your vehicle in the proper position of the lane.

CLUTCH/GEAR Always be sure your vehicle is in the correct gear. With either an automatic or a manual transmission, shift into the proper gear at the right time without "grinding" the gears.

SPEED Obey the posted speed limit, of course, but also adjust your speed properly due to weather, road, visibility and traffic conditions.

FOLLOWING DISTANCE Keep an adequate space "cushion" between your vehicle and those you are following. Use the "two second rule" described in the Driver's Manual. Be sure to increase your following distance in poor weather or visibility.

TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES Know the meanings of signs, signals and pavement markings, and obey them consistently.

STOPPING POSITION If a stop is required, stop your vehicle before it reaches an intersecting street. If stop lines or crosswalks are present, stop before crossing them. If your view is blocked after stopping behind the crosswalk, move up until you can clearly see your way, then stop again if necessary.

LANE SELECTION AND POSITION Keep your vehicle in the proper traffic lane, especially when preparing to make turns. Don't allow room for another vehicle to pass you on the side that you are turning toward.

COMMUNICATION Let other drivers and pedestrians know which way you want to go. Use your directional signals or horn consistently and at the proper times.

OBSERVATION Look for and identify potential problems or hazards in the traffic around you - not just straight ahead, but behind you and on either side. Check your mirrors frequently, but be sure to look over your shoulder behind you when changing lanes or backing up.

ANTICIPATE & REACT TO OTHERS Anticipate possible driving errors by others and be ready to react safely to make up for their mistakes.

Answer 7

OK. You be fine just listen. Do not look at the left lane or the white line. Its like playing video game.Your hands will follow where your eyes go. You should always be scanning with your eyes,side to side and near to far then back to near.  Dont let your eyes get stuck on anything cuz you may hit it or you may be so fixated on looking at the scarey logging truck that you miss the little kid on the sidewalk who darts out in front of your car.

Another visual thing; when you change lanes what you do? check mirrors and blind spot. Most people check blink spot only for lane change into right lane, look over right shoulder. When you change lane into left lane do same an check for blind spot over left shoulder.

You be fine.

About the shortness issue.Two ideas. Get a firm foam cushion that will lift your butt up a few inches, that should help with seeing. Then with your butt higher up you may have trouble reaching pedals safely. Solution is pedal extenders.Not a standard automotive part but specialty or adaptive for little people mechanic will do install no problem.

Answer 8

Riding the line is a problem from two things. Your height, and the fact that you are new to driving.

It will take a couple more days of driving possibly a week or two to become really familiar with riding in the middle of the lines.

Its really important to be able to see the road infront of your vehicle. If you height is causing a 'line' problem i would recomend getting a pillow to sit on and make sure your seat is propped upright.

It might sound weird, but it works trust me.

Congrats on your new drivers license!

Answer 9

you should sit on something since your short! maybe pull up your seat more. you should ay attention because your life and other lives are at stake. if you know you go to the right try going to the left! no but sign up for driving classes i think its like for 6 hrs. i think that would help. pay attention to signs definetly you don't want tickets. pray. stay calm.

i gotta question for you was the permit test easy? lol i still gotta take mine

Answer 10

WHEN U DRIVE  AS LONG AS U KEEP TO UR SIDE OF THE ROAD   HUG THE WHITE LINE NOT TO CLOSE  GET A WEDGE SEAT SO U CAN SEE MORE