How much driving experience should you have before deciding to take a long roadtrip?

Question

I've had my license for only a couple of months, but I've been driving every day in San Diego, not really in that much traffic though.

Im a college student but i never got my license until now.

How long should you have been driving before to try to make a trip thats longer than 8 hrs? I'd be taking the 5 north.

Answer 1

Kelly, there is no set time but you do need to spent some extended periods of time behind the wheel. What I mean is take some small trips for 3-4 hours round trip to gain experience and also build your endurance for longer trips. 8-9 hours behind the wheel is a long time and you will fatigue. And fatigue can contribute to accidents on the road. Do some test runs with more time around town and in heavy traffic. With your added confidence you will know when it's time for your trip.

Answer 2

You are probably safe to drive it now if you have freeway experience. If you do not, try driving the local freeway a bit before making the trip.

Be sure to remember that if you are going to another state, the turning rules, and a few others may be different.

Also, if the traffic is very heavy, be sure to change lanes well before you get close to your exit.

The best advice I can give you is to be sure to get a map from Mapquest or one of the other sites that give written directions and a map. This will let you know how close you are to exits, etc...

One other thing, Rest areas can be a dangerous place to stop if you are alone. Try going to McDonalds type places instead. They are well lit, and usually have plenty of other people around for safety.

Answer 3

I had gotten my license later than normal and had a car right after. Within 2 months I was on the road driving between Virginia and Georgia. I think that the long trips help you improve your driving and it's a way for you to gain confidence. I don't think you should wait too long to do it but you may want to have someone with you to back you up. I went at it alone and came out good but if I could, I would have taken someone with me for the long trip.

Answer 4

when you feel confident to travel long distances and have a little more experience remember spare tyre jack and oil water tyrer pressure brakes etc these are all things you need to check because of the added cost of repairs on the road
and it isnt nice being broke down in the middle of nowhere
and also it is quite a bit to drive non stop and remember to stop every 2 hrs at least oh and dont foget your tooth brush

Answer 5

I drove a truck today i dont even have my manual license

You should try drive to new places if you're confident in overtaking changing lanes it's all good

Answer 6

The biggest problem you may face will be fatigue. Just take a break once in a while to stay alert.

Answer 7

3 year experience & i want to go with a long roadtrip

Working with M/s VISHAL PIPES LTD. (UNIT-I), C-23, INDUSTRIAL AREA , SIKANDRABAD (U.P.) from May-2007 to till date as an Assistant.(Excise/Dispatch department)