any advice to a new driver?

Question

just passed my driving test a few wks back and now i have a car!! i cant wait to drive it although tonight i drove only to the petrol station which is in the same town but discovered the car is not that great to handle i.e. the indicators arent on the left hand side they are on the right (i knew this prevoious to buying the car but didnt think that it would be a total problem) but i found it hard to rememeber where they were etc silly mistake. then my bf who was in the passenger seat was shoutin at me so that made me nervous and i feel like im havin to flinstone my feet to the floor when im brakin, which is really annoying, apart from that i love the car and overall love driving (well i loved driving my instructors car) now i have my own everyone says to me its ok u will get used to it . any advice??

Answer 1

never allow yourself to be distracted

Answer 2

Over my 40 years of driving I have had the indicators on the right, British cars usually had them this way in the 50's & 60's, and on the left. Recently I hired a car in New Zealand and the indicators were on the right, took a few miles to get it right and stop indicating with the wipers, it was also automatic and I was using the brake as a clutch for a few miles. Just do not take any nervous passengers, like your boyfriend, out untol you are used to the car. As you gain experiance you will be ablt to laugh at this mistake wihch will continue as long as the manufacturers continue to use different sides of the wheel for the same function.

Answer 3

Leave your bf at home for the first few times. Really. You don't need someone shouting at you when you are trying to get used to your car.

I used to test drive cars for a living a couple of years ago and I've done almost anything you can do with or inside a car, so you can trust me on this one: GO SLOW.

I'm not saying you should keep traffic stacked up behind you, but slowly allow yourself to become comfortable with your car. See my answer to your other question about your brakes, but other than that, don't feel you need to rush into it. Soon enough you'll be driving that Hyundai like it's an extension to your own limbs.

And when you get there - continue to go slow. Don't race your car and please don't drink and drive. Just think what you would say if your mum would do it, and see if it makes a whole lot of sense then?

Answer 4

Yes you'll get used to it. I drove a Datsun (Nissan) a few years back which had the indicators on the right side of the wheel - I kept turning on the wipers when I tried to signal left! But that's not how the car handles, that's how you are handling the car. Wait till you've driven a few different cars and you'll find that the reverse gear position (if it's a manual gearbox) can be in one of 4 different places depending on the car. Time is all it takes - then it will be something you can do practically without thinking.
And lay down the law to the b/f - shut up or get out and walk - lol

Answer 5

Best possible thing I can say to any new driver is do the pass plus course. (if you're in the USA I dont know what the equivalent is I'm afraid).

I did it, it cost me £60 and i got 10% off my car insurance for life.

It's not an advanced course, its for people exactly like you, to build confidence and give real world driving advice (i.e. checking your tyres, how to slow down effectively if your brakes fail, checking oil and water, reading the road, looking for hazards, how to jump start a car, how to change your spare tyre etc etc).

By the way, normally only sprts cars have the indictor on the right hand side, it allows you to indicate and change gear at the same time. Small but useless fact!

Tell your BF to shut the door after he gets out to walk.

Answer 6

Congratulations on your pass! As a thought, how about asking your instructor if he will come out with you in your car a few times, some will; you'd have to pay, of course. And how about taking further lessons now you're qualified, that'll help no end.

As for getting used to your own car, all it takes is practice. It'll come very easily, just takes a little time. Like has already been said, why not go out on your own at a quiet time like Sunday morning, have a trundle around, maybe find a deserted car park to explore parking etc.

And tell your b/f to either shut up or get out.

Answer 7

The first answer is good, definitely drive by yourself for a while. Teens get into accidents more often when they have friends in the car--just too distracting. Also, make sure you totally understand right of ways in different situations. I cannot tell you the frustration of driving here in west Texas and the amount of idiots who are middle-age and still don't understand right-of-ways. It's great that you are asking for advice, not too many young drivers think they need any. Take care, drive safe, and give yourself plenty of time to get used to your car. Good luck!

Answer 8

For a while just take an adult with you until you get a little more used to driving. One of the big reasons young people get into accidents is they are fighting over the radio, playing around and not paying attention.

Remember you are driving a 3-5K lb weapon, that is loaded. It is not a toy, never treat it as such. Respect what it can do and do not test your boundarys unless you are alone and on a desserted road, where you can only kill yourself and not someone else. Basically, be careful.

Finally, congratulations on passing your test, I know you are thrilled and excited, just remember it is a responsibility and you will have people's lives in your hands. Good luck

Answer 9

well done pet safety is top priority you need to have eyes in the back of your head when driving mirrors mirrors mirrors keep looking and concentrating dont let music or passengers talking to you disrupt your concentration you must be wary of other drivers, being a new driver you will know to indicate etc, people who have been driving for a long time seem to forget the basics. please keep yourself safe concentrate on the road at all times. Remember a car is not a toy it can be a dangerous item. good luck june x

Answer 10

Well I would see if you can find a mechanic to check out some simple exterior problems such as the signals and get them replaced\fixed. I would take your car out into the country roads and practive out there, there isn't that much traffic and you can get used to high and low speeds. Its usally a couple runs and you will get used to it. I got my learners a couple months ago and I had to get used to my moms 2004 montana because it was a lot more pedal preppy than my grandpas 96 mustang I practiced with all the time.

Answer 11

Just because you pass your test doesn't mean that you stop learning.

Take a couple more lessons, including night driving and motorway driving.

Practice with your car on some quiet roads.

BTW, I have had our latest car for over a year and still wipe the windscreen when trying to indicate :-)