When learning to drive, it can seem as though one will never get it right. There are so many things that you have to take note of and it can be pretty overwhelming to the beginner. Don’t worry, it becomes a lot easier with time and soon you will find that you change gears instinctually. Whilst you are still learning, however, there are some tricks that will help you along the way.
When you decide to learn how to get your licence, it can be tempting to get lessons from everyone who is willing to teach you. It is better, when learning to drive, to get actual lessons from a professional school. Learning from your parents may seem simpler but you need to realise that they may have picked up bad habits from years of driving. Their driver’s tests were also done years ago so they may not be up to date on all the latest requirements when it comes to obtaining a driver’s licence. A professional is also going to be infinitely more patient with you so you will be saving your relationship with your parents.
There are two basic key ideas when it comes to learning how to drive – knowing the theory off by heart and by practising. You should approach your local traffic department for reference material for the theory part of the test. The practise you will get with the driving school. Book more lessons than you think you need in order to get enough practise.
The theory part is pretty simple – make memorising it a little more fun by testing yourself when you are out and about on the road (as a passenger) – see if you can spot the various road signs and see what they mean. Practising driving should, at first, only be done with your teacher – once you are comfortable with the basics, you can use someone else’s car, as long as you have a qualified driver with you.
When you are practising, pretend that you are taking your test and practise using all the requisite moves, etc. Do not pick up any bad habits. It is also perfectly normal for a new driver to be nervous. Just stick to the basic rules and you will be fine. You can travel at a slower speed if you are more comfortable that way – don’t worry about holding up traffic, they can always pass you if they are in such a hurry.
When it comes to learning how to control a vehicle, the most important thing is to get to the point where you no longer even have to think before you act – your action should come as second nature to you. This is important as a driver has a lot that they need to focus on – they need to be able to concentrate on road hazards and not on how to change gears, etc.