Can You Wear Sandals While Practicing Driving?
2 Answers
You can wear sandals while practicing driving. Here are some precautions to take during practice: 1. 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 lanes, to save time. When changing lanes, carefully observe the traffic in the adjacent lane through the rearview mirror, assessing both the distance and the speed of the following vehicle. Only change lanes when it's safe, otherwise, the lane-changing vehicle will bear full responsibility in case of a collision. 2. Listen to the engine sound: Unusual noises occur when the speed is high but the gear is low, or when dragging the gear. Similarly, abnormal sounds and body shaking can happen when the speed is low but the gear is high. Generally, after starting, shift to 2nd gear once the car is moving, and shift to 3rd gear around 40 mph. 3. Avoid frequent use of neutral gear: Coasting in neutral is acceptable at low speeds when it doesn't compromise safety, but it consumes more fuel in fuel-injected cars. Never coast in neutral when going downhill, as it can lead to brake failure and potential loss of vehicle control if the engine stalls.
As a veteran driving instructor with over a decade of experience, I must seriously warn you: never wear sandals during driving practice! Last month, one of my students wore flip-flops during their Category 2 test, and the sandal got stuck under the accelerator pedal during hill starts, nearly causing a collision with a barrier. Wearing open-toe shoes in official exams will result in immediate disqualification—this isn’t meant to be harsh. Precise ankle control is crucial for clutch operation, and sandals can slip, making semi-clutch control impossible. I recommend keeping a pair of lightweight mesh sports shoes in your bag and changing into them before driving. Those who say, 'It’s fine, I can drive in sandals,' likely haven’t experienced the danger of their foot slipping during emergency braking.
