Can You Wear Sandals While Learning to Drive?

[StDallas]

You can wear sandals while learning to drive. Here are some important considerations when learning to drive: Overtaking and lane changing: Be decisive and firm when overtaking or changing lanes, and try to stay close to the vehicle in front, especially on two-way roads, as this can save time during overtaking. When changing lanes, carefully observe the traffic in the adjacent lane through the rearview mirror—not only assessing the distance but also the speed of the following vehicle. Only change lanes when it is safe to do so; otherwise, if a collision occurs, the vehicle changing lanes will bear full responsibility. Listening to the engine sound: Unusual noises may occur when the car is moving fast in a low gear or when the gear is mismatched. Similarly, abnormal sounds and body vibrations can happen when driving at low speed in a high gear. Generally, after starting, shift to 2nd gear once the car is moving, and then shift to 3rd gear at around 40 mph.

[DeLila]

When I was learning to drive, I wore sandals because I thought it would be cooler in the summer. But during training, when I stepped on the brake, my feet slipped and I couldn't control it at all. I almost hit a cone, which really scared the instructor. He immediately made me get out of the car and change into sneakers, saying it was unsafe. He explained that new drivers are already nervous, and if your feet aren't properly secured, your reaction time on the pedals will be slower. I thought about it and realized that driving requires precise operations. Sandals are not only slippery but can also get caught on the pedals. From then on, I always wore flat shoes for driving practice, and it felt much safer. Learning to drive is a foundational stage, and developing good equipment habits is crucial. Some driving schools even explicitly prohibit sandals to prevent accidents. In short, for your safety and others', wearing closed-toe shoes is the wise choice.

[DiAnderson]

As a driving instructor who has been training students for a long time, I strongly oppose wearing sandals while learning to drive. The design of sandals is unsuitable for driving—exposed toes are prone to injury, and feet may slip when operating the pedals, affecting brake or throttle response. Many new students think footwear doesn’t matter, but a small mistake in an emergency could lead to an accident. Before each lesson, I check students’ shoes and require fully enclosed footwear like sneakers or leather shoes, which provide better stability and faster reactions. The principle of safety first must be applied to details. Wearing proper shoes not only reduces risks but also cultivates disciplined driving habits. The learning-to-drive process is a learning curve, and focusing on basic equipment from the start greatly benefits future independent driving.

[Emmanuel]

From a safety perspective, wearing sandals while learning to drive is a bad idea. Sandals have thin, non-slip-resistant soles and provide poor foot support, which may cause slipping or getting stuck when operating pedals, increasing the risk of incorrect operations. It gets worse if the road is wet or your feet sweat. Driving requires stable foot control, and enclosed shoes offer better protection to prevent accidents. It is recommended to choose comfortable, fully enclosed shoes when learning to drive, as they facilitate better control of the clutch and brake. Developing good dressing habits starts with driving lessons, which not only concern personal safety but also affect traffic rule enforcement. Don't risk major consequences for minor conveniences—simply changing your shoes can ensure a smooth and worry-free training process.