How to judge distance for novice drivers?
3 Answers
Here are specific methods for novice drivers to judge distance: 1. Use fixed reference points on the car to judge the left-side distance. When the midpoint of the left rearview mirror aligns with the left sideline, the distance between the vehicle and the sideline is 1.5 meters. When the first wiper node aligns with the left sideline, the left wheel of the vehicle is on the sideline. 2. When the white line is at the midpoint of the engine hood, the right wheel of the vehicle is on the line. When the white line is at the halfway point on the right side of the engine hood, the vehicle is 30 centimeters away from the right sideline. When the line is at the one-third point on the right side of the engine hood, the vehicle is 60 centimeters away from the right sideline. 3. When the vehicle is 20 centimeters away from an obstacle vehicle, the lowest visible point of the obstacle vehicle is at 80 centimeters. For sedans, 80 centimeters is roughly below the door handle, while for SUVs, it's around the lower edge of the headlights. Therefore, when approaching an obstacle vehicle, ensure you can see below the door handle or the lower edge of the headlights.
When I first started driving, judging distances was really difficult. I found using the hood of the car in front as a reference most effective—when the rear wheels of the car ahead are visible on the ground, the distance is about 5-6 meters, suitable for following; when the hood completely blocks the rear wheels, it means you're too close and should slow down immediately. Rearview mirrors are also crucial: when the car behind occupies half the mirror, it's about 20 meters away, and if it fills the mirror, you can follow a bit closer. Practice simulating parking in a parking lot, using cones or trees as targets to get a feel for the boundaries of your car. Beginners often overlook blind spots—I always quickly glance over my shoulder to check the distance before changing lanes. Remember to maintain a safe following distance; at low speeds in the city, leave about a car's length. After repeating these techniques for a few weeks, my spatial awareness improved significantly, and I felt much less anxious.
As a beginner driver, I often worry about scratches and judge distances through repeated attempts. For example, when changing lanes, seeing the license plate of the adjacent car in the side mirror means it's safe, and a smaller car body indicates greater distance. Before reversing into a parking spot, observe the relationship between the tires and the curb—stop when the tires touch the point. Practice parking regularly to develop a feel, noting deviations each time to adjust your rhythm. New drivers often overestimate the width of their car; it's advisable to find an empty lot to simulate sharp turns and develop a three-dimensional sense. Note that at lower speeds, the distance is shorter, while at higher speeds, you need to leave extra buffer space. Don’t rush the process; gain experience by driving more on suburban roads, and accuracy will improve naturally. Remember to regularly check the cleanliness of your mirrors to avoid misjudgments.
