How to Start Driving?
3 Answers
For front and rear distance adjustment, manual transmission mainly uses the left foot - press the clutch pedal fully with the ball of your foot while leaving slight flexibility. Automatic transmission adjusts the throttle. For manual transmission, rock the gear lever left and right to check if it's properly engaged. For automatic transmission, observe the gear position indicator. Adjust side mirrors to see the door handles as the left/right reference. The up/down standard is having the horizon at the upper 1/3 of the mirror. First turn on the left turn signal, check the rearview mirror, and confirm safety before starting. Press the clutch and engage first gear.
Starting a car is actually quite simple. From when I was a beginner until now, I always emphasize the basic steps. After getting in the car, first sit properly and adjust the seat and rearview mirrors to ensure a clear view of the surroundings. Then release the handbrake. If it's a manual transmission, press the clutch pedal and shift into first gear; for an automatic, just shift to D. When starting, gently press the accelerator and slowly release the clutch (for manual) or brake (for automatic) to avoid stalling. Keep your eyes on the road ahead and the side mirrors—safety first. After a few practices, you'll find the rhythm. Smooth starts reduce wear on the car, especially on slopes or in heavy traffic where patience is key—don’t rush out. Developing the habit of checking blind spots will make everything go smoothly.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, my starting routine has become second nature. Before every ignition, I always check the dashboard for warning lights to ensure everything is normal before proceeding. After releasing the handbrake, manual transmission cars require smooth coordination between the clutch and accelerator, while automatic transmissions are much simpler. When starting off, I prefer to gently apply the throttle to avoid sudden jerks that might discomfort passengers or waste fuel. More importantly, it's crucial to observe the surroundings—scanning the rearview mirrors and blind spots to confirm there are no pedestrians or vehicles approaching. Driving in urban areas requires extra attention to traffic light changes; avoid rushing starts to prevent rear-end collisions. These details make daily driving safer and more efficient. With more practice, it'll become second nature.
