Should Novice Drivers Dwell on Minor Scratches?
3 Answers
Novice drivers should not dwell on minor scratches, as even experienced drivers can encounter such situations. For car owners who frequently experience scratches, the following methods can be referenced: 1. Display a novice driver sign: According to relevant laws, drivers who have just obtained their license must display a novice driver sign within the first year. This alerts other drivers to keep a greater distance, thereby reducing the likelihood of scratches; 2. Adjust your mindset: Relax and stay calm, as nervousness increases the chance of mistakes; 3. Either slow down or yield: Novice drivers should avoid driving too fast. If a car behind is persistently urging, let it pass. However, avoid driving excessively slow, as this can disrupt normal traffic flow.
When I first started driving, I also often scraped the curb. There's really no need to stress over these minor scratches and dings. As a beginner, it's normal to feel a bit flustered—getting a scratch on your car is no big deal; it's just part of the learning process. Focus on mastering the basics, like checking mirrors when changing lanes or turning the wheel slowly when parking. Once these skills become second nature, scratches will naturally decrease. After all, a car is a tool, not a work of art. Small scratches are cheap to fix, often costing just a few dozen bucks. Overthinking them will only make you nervous while driving, turning even a short trip into a stressful experience—how can you enjoy driving then? Remember, mistakes are common for beginners. Learning from them is far more important than fixing the car's exterior.
As a new driver who just got my license, I think it's right not to overthink minor scratches. After all, a car is just a metal box for transportation. A friend of mine once scraped the door while parking, and it only cost a little over a hundred to touch up the paint. It's better to save that money for something more practical, like tire maintenance or installing a car navigation system. Minor scratches are hard to avoid during the novice period, especially when backing into a parking space and brushing against a tree branch—if it doesn't affect driving, just let it go. The key is to improve driving skills, like handling slippery roads in the rain or driving slowly in areas with poor night visibility. A car will inevitably get small dings as it ages, so learning to take it lightly early on eases the mind and allows for better focus on road conditions while driving—that's what really matters.
