What Are the Essential Driving Knowledge for Beginners?
4 Answers
Here are some common knowledge items for novice drivers: 1. Pay attention to speed: As long as you're not on the highway, it's best for beginners to stabilize their speed around 60 km/h, which helps with control. 2. Observe the rearview mirrors more: Rearview mirrors allow you to monitor the road conditions behind and to the sides of your vehicle, especially when changing lanes, reversing, or overtaking, where they play a crucial role. 3. Maintain a safe distance: Beginners tend to follow too closely. If the car in front brakes or cuts in, a beginner's usual reaction is to hit the brakes immediately, and sometimes excessive nervousness can cause the steering wheel to turn too sharply, leading to accidents. Therefore, keeping a safe distance from the car in front is crucial. When someone cuts in, slow down appropriately to yield. 4. Use lights correctly: Do not turn on the hazard lights randomly. Turn on the parking lights at dusk, and fog lights should only be used in foggy conditions with poor visibility.
When I first started learning to drive, I believed the first step was to familiarize myself with the vehicle's controls. After getting in, adjust the seat position to ensure comfort and easy access to the accelerator and brake pedals; also, properly adjust the rearview mirrors so that both sides clearly show approaching vehicles without distorting the reflection. After starting the engine, take a few seconds to glance at the dashboard to confirm sufficient fuel, normal engine temperature, and no warning lights flashing. Practice starting and stopping in a parking lot or open area to get a feel for coordinating the clutch and accelerator, which is especially important for manual transmission cars—repeatedly practice shifting gears. While driving on the road, develop the habit of scanning the surroundings, including intersections, pedestrian crossings, and blind spots; keep your eyes moving rather than fixed straight ahead, as this helps anticipate hazards and avoid collisions. Always remember to fasten your seatbelt before setting off and check the back seat—ensure items are secured to prevent them from sliding around and affecting your driving. Once these small actions become second nature, driving becomes safer and more confident.
Novice drivers must prioritize obeying traffic rules, as I've learned from personal experience that unfamiliarity with regulations can lead to accidents. Traffic lights aren't just about 'green means go and red means stop'—remember not to rush through yellow lights. Signal turns early to give surrounding vehicles and pedestrians time to react. Maintaining safe distances is critical: keep at least one car length in urban areas despite slower speeds, and follow the two-second rule on highways to minimize rear-end collision risks. In rain or snow, braking distances increase, so reducing speed is wisest. Use headlights at night for visibility but avoid high beams that blind oncoming traffic. Adhere to speed limits—neither overtaking unnecessarily nor driving too slowly to disrupt traffic flow. Patience proves virtuous, especially during rush hours. Park only in safe locations, never blocking sidewalks or fire lanes. These details aren't mere rules but lifelines; simple compliance significantly reduces accidents.
Essential Driving Tips for Beginners: Vehicle Maintenance is a Must. Before each drive, quickly check if the tire pressure is adequate—low pressure wastes fuel and increases the risk of a blowout; monitor oil levels regularly to prevent engine overheating. In emergencies like a flat tire, stay calm, slow down, pull over to the side, turn on hazard lights, and then change the spare tire—never stop in the middle of a highway. During daily driving, slow down and turn on wipers in heavy rain, use fog lights instead of high beams in foggy conditions; keep windows clean for clear visibility. Maintain a tidy car interior to minimize distractions—avoid eating or playing loud music that could divert attention. These small habits may seem trivial, but when practiced consistently, they help prevent accidents and ensure a safe journey home.
