What is the best way to learn driving - 1) Simulation 2) Real road driving?

Question

How should one learn driving ?

Answer 1

First get a basic comprehension of the rules of the road. Get a state drivers ed book/pay attention when riding as a passenger and ask questions.

Then get your learners permit  (laws vary on this) and drive rurally. Move up gradually to highways,intercity,etc..

If possible get a small and open vehicle like a jeep instead of a monster mobile as the less bulk/obsturctions you have starting off the more comfortable  you will likely be. I don't think grand theft auto and such are going to help you too much. If you want to be good at skateboarding you go out and skateboard not by playing tony hawk on playstation.

Answer 2

If by simulation you mean computer games, you're kidding yourself.

There's many elements of driving, like sharing the road, and observation, that are not covered in computer games.

There's nothing like real-life practice, especially with a professional instructor. He'll teach you defensive driving techiques - these come in VERY handy.

Answer 3

Driving simulators are good for those who have NEVER driven. They provide you with a safe way to learn some observation skills, some hand/foot/eye  co-ordination practice.

Getting behind the wheel is really great because you can begin in an empty, large parking lot, or on a quiet country road and lear some basic skills that way. Once you can identify where your controls are (you can just sit inside your parents' car while it's parked at home and familiarize yourself with the controls - use the Owner's Manual).

Taking a few lessons to teach you proper methods and techniques will really help you to progress well and also to actually KNOW what you SHOULD do.

It usually takes about 60 hours of driving to develop your basic skills so along with the lessons, make sure you get a lot of short trips (15 min is fine) at home, to practice.

One time do right turns in quiet areas, another time do left turns in quiet areas. As you become more confident add more challenges. Eventually you will become more and more confident about your skills.

Never relax and assume you know everything because that's when something will happen. Anything can happen at anytime.

Recently in my local area, a helicopter fell straight down after hovering, out of the sky onto a parked car and killed a person walking across the street in a residential area. WOW, huh!

Answer 4

Until simulations can reach Star Trek holodeck levels, real life driving will always be better. Safer, no, but better at actually teaching the pilot about how things are.

Answer 5

Go to an arcade game shops and try playing racing games with the same configuration controls just like real cars that's the best way to learn driving. or play the need for speed game series it's simulation is also good try it.

Answer 6

Real road driving.  Simulation you go ooops but then realize there is no consequences for your actions.  Real life driving on the other hand you realize there are consequences both good and bad so you are more likely to make good  choices on the road.  

Also when first learning don't do it alone ride with someone else that has driven for a long time and that is a good driver in general.

Answer 7

Both, 1 first, then 2 & lots of practice under different conditions, lifelong and often.

Answer 8

Simulations are only good for estimations, but for the real experience or feel, one has to really drive on the road. It's like asking, which is a better transmission to be able to drive better - Manual or Automatic? We know it's Manual, because if you can drive manual, driving Auto is not a major problem at all!

Answer 9

Real driving.  Where would you go for simulation (video games)?

If you are afraid, then do it at times when the roads are mostly clear (like sunday mornings).

Good Luck...

Answer 10

Simulators are good for learning the idea or principals of how to shift or opperate the vehicle. But nothing will take the place of actuall road experience. The Simulator may have minor distractions programed into it for the student. But nothing like actuall experience with people, traffic, weather etc.. One should learn driving in a uncrowded place. Until the vehicle basics are covered. Then slowly merge with light traffic situations to heavy populated and freeway conditions. Main thing is to stay accident and stress free while learning. The more you understand. The easier it is.

Answer 11

On the road driving is the best and that is what you should take so that you get hands on experience....