How to Drive a Car, What Should Be the First Step?

[LailaAnn]

Put the gear in neutral, press the clutch with your left foot and the brake with your right foot, start the car, shift to first gear, and release the handbrake. When the car starts to move, release the brake with your right foot and gently press the accelerator, slowly release the clutch with your left foot, and continue to add a bit of throttle with your right foot. When the RPM exceeds 2000, fully press the clutch, shift gears, and while releasing the clutch, gently press the accelerator. When downshifting, first fully press the clutch, engage the gear, then while releasing the clutch, gently press the accelerator. Downshifting while adding throttle can keep the car smooth and prevent jerking. Press the clutch when driving at low speed, otherwise the engine may stall. At high speed, first brake to reduce speed, then press the clutch and brake to stop.

[DelNadia]

I was extremely nervous the first time I drove alone after getting my driver's license, but following my instructor's teachings was definitely the right approach. First, adjust the seat so your knees are naturally bent, with your wrists resting comfortably atop the steering wheel when your back is firmly against the seat. Then adjust all three mirrors—the left side mirror should show a sliver of your own car body, the right side mirror should be angled downward to minimize blind spots, and the rearview mirror should frame the entire back window. Don't forget to tug the seatbelt twice to ensure it's securely locked. After inserting the key to power on, wait for all dashboard warning lights to turn off before starting the engine. Press the clutch pedal fully with your left foot and shift into first gear. Glance at the rearview mirrors a couple more times before releasing the handbrake with your right hand, confirming no pedestrians or vehicles are nearby. Then gently lift the clutch while applying throttle to start moving—this technique will make the car as stable as an experienced driver's.

[DeMaya]

When teaching my neighbor's little sister to drive, I noticed that beginners tend to forget the most about detailed operations. For example, an incorrect sitting posture can block the view of the dashboard, and improperly adjusted rearview mirrors make it impossible to spot electric bikes when turning. I remember one time she floored the gas without releasing the handbrake, and the tires even started smelling burnt. So I always have to remind her: turn the key to the second position and wait for the fuel pump's humming to stop before starting the engine, press the clutch firmly before shifting gears, and lift the handbrake while holding the button. Oh, and nowadays, many cars have electronic handbrakes that automatically disengage when shifting to D and pressing the gas, but for manual transmissions, you still need to properly release the handbrake when starting.

[Jessie]

The first step to starting a vehicle is always ensuring proper human-vehicle adaptation. Adjust the steering wheel to a height where your shoulders aren't shrugged, and set the seat position so your knees are slightly bent when fully depressing the clutch. Position all mirrors to eliminate blind spots: center rearview mirror aligned with the rear window, left mirror showing the rear wheel, and right mirror angled as low as practical. Fasten the seatbelt until you hear a click and it tightens securely. Insert the key to power on for self-check, and only start the engine after all warning lights go off. For manual transmission: Depress clutch, engage 1st gear, release parking brake, check blind spots, then gradually release clutch to biting point before adding throttle. Automatic transmission is simpler: Brake pedal down, shift to D, release handbrake, and gently lift off the brake to move off. Remember to disable auto start-stop during rainy day starts.