I have never driven before and ..?

Question

I`ve recently passed by written test for drivers ed and I have just validated my beginners license. However, I am going to have in-car lessons tomorrow and I'm extremely nervous. My mom is too scared to teach me to drive, and I wouldn't feel comfortable having my other family members teach me, haha. Also, I have never even touched a gas pedal in my life, and it sucks because my friends have a huge advantage since their parents already had them drive long distances!

Does anyone have any tips or suggestions for beginner drivers like myself? Any helpful knowledge you'd like to share with me will be greatly appreciated. Thaaaaaaanks.

The roads are very slippery ..

Answer 1

if you're a first timer, don't step on the gas too hard, do it gradually. likewise, when you brake, don't slam on the pedal because it reacts faster than you think. be prepared to stop from a safe distance. if you see a red light, release the gas and slowly come to a stop.

most important thing though, when switching lanes (esp. to the right), CHECK YOUR BLINDSPOT. trust me on that one. it may feel like it's useless but i almost hit someone the first time i started driving.

don't follow too closely because you'll end up making abrupt stops and it may result in your passenger/instructor vomiting in your car. :P other than that, it's all pretty basic common sense stuff and i'm sure you'll get along just fine. that's what the instructor is there for.

good luck!

Answer 2

1. Watch out for everyone else.
- You may be the best driver in the world but if that idiot speeding down the road right there isn't paying attention, it could be over before you even start. Practice defensive driving as much as possible.
2. Take it easy at first.
-Lots of people say "5 or so mph over the speed limit is ok" but while you're beginning (at least), just stick with the speed limit. You're also gonna have less trouble with the police that way.
3. Don't get too nervous.
-It may be a little scary right now, but soon driving will just become second nature to you, something you have to do to get from here to there. And you'll probably drive a lot in your lifetime so before long you'll be like "I was nervous when I started driving? Really?" You may make a few mistakes out there (after all you are just getting started), just don't let them freak you out. Stay in control of the vehicle and the situation and things will be just fine.
4.Make sure you are 100% on the driving rules.
-...which unfortunately not too many ppl are these days. Being aware of what flies on the road and what doesn't will increase your confidence as a driver and allow you to drive easier (and safer). You won't have to wonder if what you're doing on the road is the right thing or not, you'll know.

Well, thats about it for me. Hope this helps a little and good luck.

Remember: It's cool to be safe. :)

Answer 3

first thing to do is make sure you've got the seat & steering wheel + mirrors adjusted properly, then when you've got that sorted take some time to figure out where all the controls are & establish what all the buttons do so you don't have to fart around trying to find important switches while on the move - e.g. the switch for the headlights, etc...... I remember one lesson I had years ago when the weather turned cr*ppy, and I couldn't find the switch for the headlights because it was obscured by the steering wheel.

Then try to get a feel for how the clutch, brakes & throttle (gas pedal) + the steering wheel react to your inputs....... doing it gently, and slowly at first... then just gradually pick-up speed as you build up confidance.... if you feel nervous (e.g. feels faster than you can cope with), then back-off until you're ready.

In slippery conditions, if the car doesn't have Anti-lock (ABS), and you feel a wheel lock, ease off the brake pedal so the wheel unlocks, then apply pressure again.
If the car DOES have ABS, then it requires a different technique if you lock up braking in an emergency - keep the pedal pressed hard down until just before you steer round the hazard (if you ease off like with a non-ABS car, it confuses the system.... I guess it's a bit like when walking in the street, and you move to one side to avoid bumping into someone, and they move over the same direction you did).

In the probably unlikely event the car ends up sideways (I doub't you'll be going fast enough to end up doing that on a first lesson)............ steer INTO the slide, meaning if the back of the car ends up pointing to the right, steer to the right and vice versa....... but what they don't tell you when giving the basics lessons to get you through the test is once the car is pointing towards the ditch, it's time to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to what the car is pointing ("Opposite Lock")........ another trick I know is if the car you're driving is front-wheel drive, you can pull it out of a tail-slide by applying opposite lock and burying the gas pedal (this doesn't work with a rear-wheel drive car, in fact can make things worse).

Answer 4

You will be fine, the teachers are there to show you how to do this. Trust me, they have seen it all and won't be suprised if you do horribly. I think you will be suprised how easy it really is once you have had a few lessons, there is a reason so many people have a driver's liscence. And even after the lessons, the test to get your liscence is a piece of cake- they have many people to get to so it doesn't last long and you can afford to make a few mistakes. Just make sure that you get lots of practice before you attempt to drive a long distance, it takes a long time develop good habits and reaction time. Don't be nervous, breathe, and remember that the car is going to move any time your foot isn't on the break. I taught my sister to drive and her only big problem was learning that your don't always have to have your foot on the brake or the accelerator. Always ease on the gas and brake. Ease on to it even more slowly than you think you should, its very sensitive!

Answer 5

You will be driving for about 7 hours, rest at least every 2 hours for 20 to 40 mins each time to stay alert while driving. Get a mechanic to service your car before going. Stop at petrol stations and ask directions. They have better maps to get you where you want to go. Drive in the slow lane on the interstate and go 10% under the speed limit (eg 60 mph zone, drive at 55 mph) that way, any idiots can go around you and you won't be faster than the other traffic, so no overtaking. Have coca-cola, coffee, snacks, etc to keep awake. Leave about 6 am you'll get there before peak hour traffic. Good luck and have fun

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
I have never driven before and ..?
I`ve recently passed by written test for drivers ed and I have just validated my beginners license. However, I am going to have in-car lessons tomorrow and I'm extremely nervous. My mom is too scared to teach me to drive, and I wouldn't feel comfortable having my other family members...

Answer 7

Ease on the gas pedal when accelerating, ease the steering wheel when turning, ease on the brakes when slowing or stopping. No sudden movements. Basically, go easy on everything until you get a feel for the car. You'll be fine.

Answer 8

Sound like you need to get over your discomfort and get another family member to teach you.
If I understand right, this will be in driver's ed class. If so, then you instructor will teach you. Just take it easy and you should be fine.

Answer 9

Lisateric has some good advice.

Also, remember not to freak out. If you make a mistake, don't dwell on it, because then you'll just make another one. Do what your instructor tells you to do, and try to relax. Remember, you're there to learn.

Driver's Ed would have been so much easier for me if I hadn't freaked out so much.

Answer 10

I would stop being so worried. If you are taking lessons the person teaching you should be well qualified. Who cares if your friends already know how to drive, what matters now is you. So, stop being so worried and scared, everyone needs to start somewhere.