Getting your driver’s license for the first time is exciting, whether you’re 16 years old or 30. It’s also a bit scary. Here are five tips for new drivers about to embark on the road alone for the first time. These tips will keep you safe and less nervous about the new driving adventures that await.
Avoid High Risk Situations
There are some situations that are more high risk than others. For instance, driving during a thunderstorm or at night is much more dangerous than driving in dry weather in the light. Plan your first solo drives during ideal weather conditions and time of day to improve your sense of confidence before you go out on your own. There’s no reason to make it more difficult or daunting than it needs to be.
Practice Driving
Before you head out on the road for the first time, practice driving around an empty parking lot, with a driving teacher, or with a friend or family member. If there are certain aspects of driving that you don’t completely feel comfortable with, it’s okay to spend extra time practicing. For instance, if you don’t feel comfortable parallel parking, it’s much better to practice parallel parking around your home rather than downtown where you might hit other cars.
Avoid Rush Hour Traffic
Rush hour traffic can be difficult for even the most experienced of drivers. There are more drivers on the road and more instances of road rage. When you go for your first drive, plan it for a low traffic time where you won’t feel pressured or stressed out because of the traffic conditions. During the day when everyone’s at work or early on a weekend morning is typically great times for reduced traffic levels.
Take it Slow
While driving on your own can be exciting, it’s a good idea to spread out the fun. Your first drives should be short and to places near you that you’re comfortable traveling to. You don’t want to worry about how to get to places in a new city, even with a GPS, during your first few drives. After a year of driving or so, you’ll feel more than confident traveling to new places. For now, just focus on driving where you’ll feel the most relaxed.
Learn Cardinal Directions
For all new drivers, it’s important to learn where North, South, East, and West are relative to where you’re driving. Memorize the names of the city or town nearest to you in each of these directions. Also, if you live where there are other landmarks, such as a beach coast, memorize its location, too. That way, whenever you’re out, you’ll know you’ve gone too far if you see one of these places on a nearby road sign.
Congratulations for taking the first step toward a long and rewarding lifetime of driving. It’s a great skill to have. By using these tips, staying safe, and taking your time, you’ll be able to travel virtually anywhere in your car.
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Image via Flickr by Katy Warner
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