What should new drivers who just got their license pay attention to when driving?
4 Answers
Here are some precautions for new drivers who just got their license: 1. Never violate traffic rules: Not even once as an exception. Many accidents happen in moments of complacency, and when an accident occurs, the responsibility falls entirely on the violating vehicle. 2. Always engage the handbrake when parking: Always engage the handbrake when parking, and make sure to shift into gear (use reverse gear when parking downhill, and first gear when parking uphill or on flat ground). The handbrake is only an auxiliary parking device and only acts on the rear wheels. Relying solely on the handbrake for parking is insufficient, and when the driver is not present, the car can easily roll and cause an accident. 3. Don’t occupy the fast lane when driving at low speeds: Many new drivers like to drive in the fast lane, thinking it’s safer because it’s farther from the sidewalk. Actually, this is not the case. Blocking the way for cars behind can make other drivers impatient, and in a moment of frustration, they might swerve, which is particularly prone to causing side collisions.
When I first started driving, I felt that mindset was the most important. Beginners tend to get nervous and shaky, gripping the steering wheel so tightly it gets sweaty. Don’t rush onto the highway right away—find a quiet suburban road and practice for a month or so until you’ve mastered basics like turning and changing lanes. Be especially careful on rainy days when roads are slippery; leave half again as much following distance as usual to ensure you can stop in time. Before hitting the road, walk around the car to check if the tires are flat and if the lights are working—these small checks can prevent breakdowns. Reversing was the biggest headache; I practiced seven or eight times in supermarket parking lots before slowly getting a feel for reference points in the rearview mirror. It’s best to toss your phone in the back seat and pull over if a call comes in. Remember, even if the light just turned green, don’t rush ahead—trucks have more blind spots than you’d think.
Driving in the city requires being vigilant. On my commute, I've encountered accidents caused by hesitant lane changes by new drivers. Before changing lanes, check the rearview mirror, signal for at least three seconds to confirm safety, then steer. Avoid driving during rush hours if possible; if you must, follow the traffic flow and refrain from unnecessary overtaking. Keep a safe distance at traffic lights so you can maneuver around if the car ahead breaks down. New drivers are advised to mount their phone navigation holder on the left side of the vent for a quick glance at the route with minimal distraction. Practice parallel parking in parking lots; if you can't manage, don't force it—many malls now offer automated parking spaces for convenience. Learn to use the windshield wipers effectively; without fog lights during heavy rain, visibility can be severely compromised.
When traveling with family, I am particularly cautious. For beginners, it is recommended to always keep a warning triangle and a fire extinguisher in the trunk. Always check the tires before driving, and use a coin to measure the tread depth for peace of mind. Brake gently and gradually, as sudden braking can easily cause a rear-end collision. Before going out with children, make sure to activate the child lock and repeatedly confirm that the safety seat buckle is securely fastened. When passing by schools during dismissal times, reducing speed to 30 km/h is the safest. Signal at least 200 meters before turning to give electric bikes time to react. Keep the music volume low, and immediately yield to ambulances when you hear their sirens. Avoid setting the air conditioning too cold; if warm air makes you drowsy, open the window for ventilation.
