How to Use Reference Points and Lines for Straight Driving?
4 Answers
When driving, if the reference lines in both side mirrors appear parallel to the vehicle body, it indicates the vehicle is aligned straight. If you notice the vehicle is not aligned properly, make slight steering adjustments to correct its position.
When I first got my driver's license, I always drove in a zigzag line. My instructor said I was looking too close and needed to find a reference point in the distance. I started choosing road signs or hills one or two hundred meters ahead, keeping my eyes firmly fixed on them without looking down at the dashboard. At the same time, I used my peripheral vision to glance at the lane lines. If I felt the car slightly veering left or right, I made tiny steering adjustments—small movements like turning a key. After practicing this for a few weeks, my driving became much steadier, and I could maintain a straight line even on the highway without getting tired. New drivers, don’t just focus on what’s right in front of you. Broaden your vision, and driving will naturally become easier.
I've been driving for over a decade, and maintaining a straight line is a piece of cake. The trick is to look far ahead, not just at the road right in front of the tires. I like to focus on the distant horizon or the end of the road, letting the lane markers naturally appear in my peripheral vision. If the car drifts slightly, I just give the steering wheel a gentle nudge—smooth and easy. This method is both safe and fuel-efficient, especially effective on highways. I never feel tense, and my body stays relaxed. Once you make it a habit, the car feels like it's gliding just above the road. Keep your eyes steady and focused about 100 meters ahead—no need to dart them around.
When teaching new learners, I always say: be smart about looking at points and lines. Fix your eyes on a distant stationary point, like a road sign or the top of a tree, without moving your neck, and use your peripheral vision to perceive the lane markings. This way, the car will stay straight without too much steering wheel movement. Practice more on open roads first, avoid letting your gaze jump around, and once you stabilize, speed control will come naturally.
