Rules Of The Road: 5 Things To Remember When You’re Learning To Drive

Learning how to drive a car is like a rite of passage. Once you get behind the wheel, a new world of freedom opens up.

However, with power comes great responsibility (thank you, Spiderman). The way you drive will affect you and other drivers on the road.

Mishandling your vehicle can lead to a car accident, and roughly 46,000 people die every year on U.S. roadways. Before learning to drive, here are five things you should know.

Table of Contents

1. Study, Study, Study

Before considering driving a car, studying the road rules is imperative. You can avoid most car accidents by knowing basic road signs and following speed limit laws.

When you take your learners test, you’ll answer questions about traffic conditions and how to operate a vehicle in certain circumstances. After passing, make sure to review the materials to become more adept at driving.

2. Learn About Your Vehicle

Some vehicles will have different features. But there are general symbols you’ll need to know on your car’s dashboard, such as:

Check engine light
Tire pressure gauge
Oil pressure warning signal
Low fuel sign
Battery warning light

You’ll also need to know how to operate essential components like your windshield wipers and indicators. Learning the ins and outs of your car will help you gain confidence in your driving skills.

3. Your Mirrors Hold Value

Adjusting the mirrors is an essential part of driving a car. A driving instructor will emphasize their importance when making turns, lane changes, and parking.

When you enter your vehicle, take a look at your side and rearview mirrors. The side-view mirrors help detect cars in your blind spots. You should adjust the rearview mirror so that you can see the entire back window.

4. Familiarize Yourself With Certain Routes

You may be tempted to drive in places you’ve never been to before when you learn to drive. But there’s no need to get hasty—the roads will always be there.

Instead, familiarize yourself with specific routes to help build your driving expertise. You’ll have a better chance of passing your driving test by easing yourself in.

5. Please Wear Your Seatbelt

Wearing your seatbelt is a non-negotiable when driving. If you’re going to the store a block from your home or driving for two hours, you should wear it.

They might feel a bit restrictive at times, but they’re an essential safety feature in your car. By using your seatbelt, you can reduce the risk of a fatal injury by 45%, which shows their effectiveness.