How Can Beginners Drive on the Road?
4 Answers
Tips for beginners driving on the road: 1. Stay calm: First, adjust your psychological state. Faced with fast-moving traffic and complex roads, don’t get overly nervous—remember to keep a cool head. Beginners often panic, unsure how to shift gears or turn, and may feel like lifting the car when other vehicles pass by. In reality, driving calmly according to the rules will ensure no issues. 2. Have a companion: It’s best for beginners to have someone accompany them. A friend who can drive sitting beside you acts as a reassurance; any mistakes made while driving can be promptly pointed out and corrected. 3. Be prepared: Before hitting the road, mentally review driving essentials and familiarize yourself with the brake, accelerator, and clutch to avoid stepping on the accelerator instead of the brake when nervous. Also, get comfortable with each gear, as beginners often forget to shift up or down when tense. The roaring sound of the engine is frequently ignored by novices, and driving a manual car like an automatic is a common mistake. Therefore, mastering these basic operations before driving is crucial.
When I first started driving, changing lanes was my biggest fear. Remember these points: adjust your seat and mirrors first, fasten your seatbelt, and make sure the gear is in P before starting. On the road, don't follow the car in front too closely—maintain at least a two-second distance so you have time to react if they brake suddenly. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors three times—first the rearview mirror, then the side mirror, and finally a quick glance over your shoulder for blind spots. Signal your turn at least three seconds in advance; don't wait until the last moment at an intersection. Never rush through a yellow light—nine out of ten accidents are caused by speeding. In the city, try to maintain a steady speed of 40-60 km/h; new drivers often struggle with inconsistent speeds. When stopped at a red light, use the handbrake and avoid keeping your foot on the brake pedal to prevent ankle injury in case of a rear-end collision.
When teaching my wife to drive, I emphasized the importance of anticipation. A common mistake beginners make is focusing only on the car in front, leading to panic when a car from the adjacent lane suddenly merges. I trained her to develop a habit of scanning all three mirrors every 8 seconds, like radar scanning. In rain or snow, reduce speed to half of that on dry roads, as braking distance doubles. Be especially cautious of electric bikes when making a right turn at intersections—they often dart out from blind spots. Once, while turning in my neighborhood, a child rushed out just as I started moving; thankfully, I kept the speed under 15 mph. Beginners often overlook tire pressure, especially during sudden weather changes—a difference of 0.3 atmospheres in tire pressure can increase braking distance by 3-4 meters. Remember to refuel when the tank is a quarter full to avoid the distraction of urgently searching for a gas station.
In the first six months after getting my driver's license, I made a checklist every time I went out: oil level, tire pressure, lights, and windshield washer fluid. The most practical tip is to familiarize yourself with your car's braking distance—find an empty space and test emergency braking a few times. Remember, at 80 km/h, good tires require about 35 meters to stop, while worn tires may need an extra 10 meters. When changing lanes, don’t just rely on the rearview mirror; glance at the side window for better safety. If you miss an exit on the highway, never reverse—taking the next exit and driving an extra 20 km is far better than risking an accident. I make it a habit to move to the far-right lane when the navigation says 'turn in 3 km ahead.' At night, remember to switch to low beams when meeting oncoming traffic—many new drivers nowadays can’t even find the light controls. Never drive side by side with large trucks; their blind spots are much larger than you think.
