Total newbie when it comes to driving. (tips)?

Question

i'm 15 and got my permit on tuesday. i drove for the first time ever 3 days ago. (seriously, the first time ever behind a wheel) even though its not valid until i have my first behind the wheel driving lesson with the school that i enrolled with (its tomorrow). i started using my blinker and reversing/parking. i've been through intersections but not on the high way. i still feel slightly uncomfortable while driving though. i just have that feeling like everytime i do something its wrong and i'm lucky i didnt get hit. i also feel like everyone around me can tell because i'm going to slow so they speed up to get in front of me. but i'm not going to slow.. just the speed limit. i thought driving was suppose to make you feel free.. i just feel like its something i will never be able to do with confidence.

please give me your advice and common tips/rules of the roads.

Answer 1

I absolutely hated learning to drive, and the first year behind the wheel I was completely terrified that I would accidentally kill somebody.  It's such a huge responsibility.  It shows your maturity that you realize this.  That's why you're nervous.  Some people just jump in and think they own the world.  That's how accidents happen.  Trust me, eventually the fear will subside.  I hope you always keep a very slight edge, though, to remind you to be careful.   In the meantime, ignore everybody who goes around you.  As long as you're going at least the speed limit, it's their problem if they're impatient.  Check your mirrors frequently.  Always lock your doors. Don't slam on your brakes at red lights--apply them repeatedly to warn the car behind you that you're stopping, and it will help you bring the car to a smooth spot.  It's better for the car, and safer for you.  Also make sure you give the cars behind you plenty of warning before you turn.  That's very important, because there's nothing more infuriating than somebody who slams on the breaks and makes a right or left without putting the blinker on early.  It's rude, and just plain dangerous.

Also, keep at least 1.5 car lengths behind the car in front of you. Yes, people might say that you're driving like Grandma, but, hey, Grandma lived to be 75 ...  Try to relax, although I really do know how hard it is.  It WILL get easier, with time.  I'm still very slightly nervous, but, again, I know that that fear is healthy, because it just keeps me on my toes.  Welcome to the road!

Answer 2

First off... welcome to the driving world! And Congrats!

You will get better as time goes along. Driving like a race car driver takes lots of practice. I rememeber I was there.

Heres some tricks to help you out...

Be careful when you park, know everything that is around you, and that means going out of a parking stall as well. If you park too close to one side, there may be a car that hits you with its door or fender

Speeding is ok only when it looks like you go the same speed as everyone you dont always have to go the speed limit. But be aware, cops like to play hide and seek.

There will ALWAYS be people that want to go in front of you... keep your cool. In the car world, there is Karma. And there will be times when you want to go ahead because youre late...

Signals are a big help at times, other times people dont care.

Be careful of not only whats outside of your car but inside. Low air in your tires take up some extra gas so use the recommended air pressure for your tires, and check your engine.

and of course, be safe!

Other than that, relax, this feeling is mutual. You will get better through time. And if you hit someone by accident, its ok! It happens! Do what you feel is right and you'll be alright!

=D Enjoy your freedom... its called freedom because you can go where you want, when you want, granted when you can (Gas is money). Good Luck!

Answer 3

just relax on the road dont let anyone tell u to do something u dont want to...just let ppl pass u its not that big of a deal

Answer 4

wow your kinda young to be driving. i didnt drive till i was 18. But basically its gunna freak you out, happens to everyone. i know changing lanes scared me for awhile because i had to look away from the fron of the road. But you just get used to it. so the more you go the more you will get more confident. and the older you get. its only been a day so give it some time,

oh and dont worry about other drivers passin you. they think its your fault or dumb or somethin for going the speed limit and its stupid. so dont let them get to you, other drivers suck your not doing anything worng

Answer 5

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 6

1) Know what is going on around your vehichle at all times.

2) No matter how fast the speed limit is, people will always exceed it.

3) Parking lots can be the most unpredictable places to drive.

4) Please, don't ever text while driving

5) Yield to emergency vehicles

6) If you see one emergency vehicle be aware that there may be more following behind.

7) Try to drive in a way that is predictable to other drivers.

8) When in doubt, turn on your headlights.

9) Relax.

10) Wear your seatbelt.

Answer 7

ahh no worries

after awhile you'll get better and better

first you need to learn to stop and go without having to

think about it so much, you just learn to react.

can you swim? or ride a bicycle? if you remember learning to do those things you didn't just hop right in and know how to do them.

biggest mistake is following too close to the car in front and not looking down the road.

be aware of the traffic not just looking at the bumper of the car in front of you.

don't worry about driving slow or the speed limit.

they always have somebody that's in a hurry to get in an accident.

just try to relax.

don't panic

look where your going

be aware of cars behind you, if they are tailgating just slow down until they go around.

adjust your side mirrors so that you DO NOT see the side of your own car but the cars in the lanes behind you.

the easy way to do this is look in your rear view mirror and keep moving the side mirror out until you can see the cars that are not in your rear view mirror.

not the one right next to you but one car behind.

don't worry it gets easier