Can I Bring a Bag When Practicing Driving?
2 Answers
You can bring a bag when practicing driving. Precautions for novice drivers: 1. Fasten your seatbelt when getting in the car: Good habits start with wearing a seatbelt. Although it may feel uncomfortable, this small belt could save your life in the event of a high-speed collision. It is advised to develop the habit of fastening your seatbelt as soon as you get in the car. 2. Don't forget to release the handbrake when starting: As a beginner, always follow the correct sequence when starting the car. Regardless of whether the handbrake was engaged when parked, always check and release it before starting. Additionally, if you notice anything unusual while driving, stop immediately to inspect and understand the issue before continuing. Don't just complain about the car without knowing the cause. 3. Position your right foot correctly: Driving school cars usually have a higher idle speed. Instructors often discourage beginners from pressing the accelerator and may even disconnect the throttle cable. Since the car moves at idle speed, it can stop quickly by just pressing the clutch. Over time, many learners develop the habit of leaving their right foot idle. This habit can be dangerous when driving a manual transmission car in an emergency, as you might panic and miss the best braking opportunity, or even mistakenly press the accelerator instead of the brake, leading to serious accidents. 4. Don't forget to shift to neutral when parking: Forgetting to shift back to neutral or P after parking can cause the engine to stall. If you also forget to engage the handbrake, the car might lurch forward, causing damage to yourself or others. 5. Don't forget to engage the handbrake when parking: This issue is similar to wearing a seatbelt. During practice, the training area is usually flat, and instructors might not emphasize this. However, failing to overcome this bad habit can lead to major problems when driving formally. A slight oversight can result in the car rolling away, causing damage to your vehicle or even harming others' property or lives. The mistake may seem minor, but the consequences can be severe.
Can I bring a bag while practicing driving? Of course, I often do this. Carrying a backpack or handbag during driving practice is quite convenient for storing essentials like your phone, wallet, water bottle, or tissues, so you don’t forget them in the car and affect your mood. The key is to place it safely: avoid putting it on the passenger seat or your lap, as it may block your view or interfere with driving. It’s best to secure it in the trunk or on the floor of the back seat, using straps to prevent it from sliding. Remember to stay focused on driving during practice and not let noises from the bag distract you. I’ve seen people bring large suitcases while practicing, only for them to slide out during a turn and nearly cause an accident—so avoid oversized bags. As for driving school rules, most instructors don’t mind small bags, but it’s best to ask in advance to avoid misunderstandings. In short, bringing a bag is fine, as long as it’s safely placed and contains only essentials.
