How to Drive on the Road for the First Time?
4 Answers
Novices will encounter many problems when driving on the road for the first time. Here are specific precautions: Maintain Proper Seating Position: When getting into the car, ensure a proper seating position. Adjust the seat so that your right leg is slightly bent when fully pressing the brake pedal. Then, fasten your seatbelt—this is the most basic operation when entering the car. Adjust the Mirrors: Next, adjust the interior rearview mirror and the left and right side mirrors. The side mirrors should be adjusted so that the car body occupies about one-fourth of the mirror's view, minimizing blind spots. Display the Novice Sticker: New drivers must display a "Novice Driver" sticker on the rear of the car. Firstly, this is required by national traffic regulations, and failure to display it may result in fines and penalty points. Secondly, it alerts other drivers to keep their distance, providing an effective safety measure for yourself.
As a first-time driver hitting the road, I was so nervous that my palms were sweating. The best approach is to find a quiet suburban road or empty parking lot to practice starting and stopping. First, adjust your seat and mirrors to ensure full visibility; after starting the engine, gently press the accelerator and maintain a slow speed of 20-30 km/h; constantly check your rearview mirrors and blind spots, and don’t forget to use turn signals when turning or changing lanes. Having an experienced friend accompany you can help avoid common mistakes, like braking too hard or tailgating. Familiarize yourself with basic controls like wipers and headlights in case of sudden rain. The key is to practice short drives multiple times, stay calm, and avoid challenging rush-hour traffic too soon. Remember, safety comes first—after a few days of practice, it’ll start to feel natural.
Thinking back to my first time driving on the road, it was as thrilling as drinking coffee but had to be taken slowly. Choose to go out during early morning or afternoon when there's less traffic, and make sure the route is familiar: drive from near home to the store and back, don't plan anything too far. When starting, keep the throttle steady to avoid jerky acceleration; keep your eyes on the road ahead while glancing at the side and rearview mirrors to watch for passing cars. It's best to have a family member sit in the passenger seat as a quiet guide, only reminding you not to forget to watch traffic lights or yield to pedestrians. Mentally, tell yourself it's normal to make mistakes, like pulling over to adjust if you take a turn too wide. Bring some music to ease the tension, but don't turn it up too loud. Over time, you'll build confidence—the key is to repeat simple routes for about two weeks until your hands and feet coordinate without nervousness.
From a safety perspective, conduct a comprehensive vehicle check before your first drive: ensure tire pressure is normal and brakes are free of unusual noises; start the engine and let it warm up for a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the idle sound. Plan a short and straight route, such as a loop around the neighborhood, avoiding highways or congested areas. While driving, focus on steering wheel grip and throttle control, maintaining a speed below 40 mph; pay special attention to slowing down during turns and signaling in advance. Bring a bottle of water to prevent dry mouth and avoid distractions from passenger noise. Before parking, practice reversing into a space a few times in an open area. Throughout the process, take deep breaths and remind yourself that the rules are simple: observe road signs and prioritize yielding.
