Driving advice for someone who hasn't been on the road much (if really, at all)?

Question

I never had a car to drive and therefore never found the reason get my license as soon as I could. I got my license when I was almost 19 (I'm in Cali) because I was going off to college and my parents got me a car. Weeks later, my parents car broke down and I gave up my car until they could afford a new one. They then took me off car insurance since I couldn't drive anyway and to save money. Now ~1yr later--and two weeks before school starts--I have my car back.

I have very little driving experience, but I have driven to my college (1.5 hrs away from home) with the assistance of my dad a couple times. I'll be driving by myself now. I do consider myself a safe driver, maybe too safe, but I do worry about things like driving slow, tapping my breaks too much, parking next to poles/walls, fwy driving, etc.

Any advice for the meantime? For example I will personally drive for more experience and volunteered to drive my friend anywhere for free as long as he helps me out along the way.

Answer 1

1. Your best insurance is room in front of you.
(I know, - In California traffic this can be hard.)
At any speed, three seconds trail, (two minimum),
behind the vehicle in front of you gives you time to react.
2. Try to stay aware of what's happening all
around you. What's in front, of course has priority,
but knowing what's near you gives you room to
maneuver if neccessary.
3. Try to anticipate and plan ahead. If you see a
'situation` you don't like developing, you can be prepared to avoid it.
4. It generally takes two idiots to have an accident.
Don't be the first idiot. (If you feel something you're doing is 'just a bit risky`, you're being the first idiot.
Best of luck to you.

Answer 2

DRIVE ALERT...........ARRIVE ALIVE

STAY FOCUSED - KEEP YOUR MIND ON THE ROAD