How to Drive a Car

Driving is one of the most valuable skills in the world. Before you start, it's essential to remember that driving is a privilege, not a basic right, and you should learn to drive responsibly before turning the key in the ignition. Although there seem to be numerous rules and regulations, if you take the time to understand each step, you'll soon become a professional driver. Keep reading to learn how to drive.

Learn the local driving rules. Before applying for a learner's permit, you must understand the basic driving rules and safety measures essential for responsible drivers. It’s best to study these rules before you sit behind the wheel to avoid reckless driving and mistakes on the road. Here’s how to do it:

• Read the driver’s handbook issued by your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) or transportation agency. Without learning these rules, you won't be eligible for a learner’s permit.
• Some common rules and safety measures include: stopping to yield to pedestrians, following traffic signs, not speeding, and wearing a seatbelt.

A provisional driver's license allows you to drive with the supervision of an adult and within specific curfew hours. Learn your state's laws to find out the eligible age for getting a provisional license (typically between 14 and 17 years old) and the requirements for obtaining it. Here are some general guidelines:

• If you're a minor, a parent or guardian's signature is required.
• You must pass a written test covering traffic rules, regulations, and safe driving practices.
• In some areas, you may need to complete a set number of hours of behind-the-wheel training before being granted the license.
• Many schools offer driver education classes if you're still in school.

Learning to drive. Once you have your provisional license, you need to hone your driving skills. Before venturing onto busy streets, practice driving to become familiar with the feel of being behind the wheel. Be patient and practice regularly, but don't rush. Nobody becomes perfect at driving right away. Here are a few tips:

• Practice with a trusted adult. Drive with someone over 25 years old who can patiently guide you and offer advice.
• Start in a safe, isolated place like an empty parking lot on the weekend. This will help you understand how the car accelerates, how the brakes work, and how to control the vehicle. Each car is different, so get used to the specifics of the car you're driving.

Adjusting your vehicle for comfort and safety. Before starting your drive, make sure to adjust the mirrors and seat for optimal comfort and safety. Always do this before driving to avoid distractions. Here’s how:

• Adjust your rearview and side mirrors to ensure you can clearly see the vehicles around you. Never adjust the mirrors while driving, as this can cause a dangerous distraction.

Ensure both your body and vehicle are ready for the journey. Before placing your hands on the wheel, it’s important to ensure that both you and your car are ready for the road. Here are some essential steps:

• Lock all the car doors. This will prevent outsiders from entering your vehicle (such as car thieves) and minimize the risk of doors swinging open during an accident.
• Fasten your seatbelt. In many places, traffic laws require seatbelt use. Failing to comply not only risks a fine but significantly increases the chance of injury or death in case of a collision.
• Check your dashboard. Make sure your car is in good condition and that no warning lights are indicating maintenance is needed.
• Adjust your seat to ensure you can easily press the brake and gas pedals, while also having a clear view of the road.

Minimize distractions. For your safety, it’s important to reduce distractions before pressing the gas pedal. Remove any obstacles that might interfere with your focus on the road ahead. Here are some tips:

• Put away your phone. Don’t sit behind the wheel while texting your friends. Let them know you’re about to drive and will continue the conversation later. You could even turn your phone off if it’s a major distraction for you.
• Turn down the music. Choose soft, relaxing tunes to help you focus better.
• If you need to brush your hair or apply makeup, don’t do it while driving — finish these tasks before you start the car.

Starting the car. To start the car, follow these easy steps in order:

• Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to start the engine. You will hear the engine come to life.
• Press your foot on the brake pedal.
• Release the parking brake.

Shifting gears. Since you are learning to drive an automatic car, you will shift into either D (Drive) for normal forward movement or R (Reverse) depending on the car's position.

• If you want to drive forward, select D.
• If you need to reverse out of a parking spot or driveway, choose R.
• When reversing, check your rearview mirror first, then place your hand on the passenger seat and turn your head to the right to see behind you.

Lift your foot off the brake and feel the car move. Congratulations, you're driving!

• Gradually press down on the gas pedal to accelerate.

Accelerate the vehicle. You should increase your speed to reach the speed limit in your area. If you're driving on the highway, pay attention to the speed limit but also keep up with the flow of traffic.

• If other vehicles are driving significantly slower than the speed limit due to heavy traffic, you must match their speed to avoid collisions.
• If other vehicles are speeding far beyond the limit, you don't need to break the law, but it is advisable to increase your speed slightly to avoid disrupting traffic.
• Remember that driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as driving too fast.
• Accelerate smoothly. Avoid slamming on the gas pedal too hard, as it can cause the car to speed up faster than intended. Every vehicle has its own acceleration capabilities.

Steering properly. The right steering technique will ensure a smoother driving experience and help avoid collisions. You can steer to turn the vehicle and position it in the most convenient spot. Here are some tips for steering:

• Always hold the steering wheel with both hands.
• Your hands should be positioned at 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock, or higher at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock, depending on your preference. This position allows you to control the wheel safely without making sharp turns.
• When you need to change direction, pull the side of the wheel where you want to turn down and push the opposite hand up. This is called the push-pull steering technique.
• For slow turns, use the crossover technique. This involves a push-pull movement where your pulling hand crosses over the pushing hand to continue steering in the desired direction.

Understand your car’s brakes. You need to know how long it takes for your car to stop at different speeds.

• Always maintain a distance of at least the length of your car from the vehicle in front of you. This will prevent rear-end collisions if you need to stop suddenly.
• At higher speeds, maintain an even greater distance to allow for safe stopping. Follow the two-second rule, which requires you to keep a minimum two-second gap from the car ahead, taking into account road and weather conditions.
• Avoid abrupt stops unless it's an emergency. Sudden braking can lead to rear-end collisions with the car behind you.

Use your turn signals. Keep in mind that the driver behind you can’t read your mind. They won’t know which direction you’re turning unless you signal. You should turn on your turn signal in the following situations:

• When you are about 30 meters from the spot where you intend to turn (left or right).
• Before changing lanes, make sure to activate your signal at least 5 seconds ahead of time.
• Before pulling out or parking on the side of the road.
• Whenever you change your direction of travel.

Use your headlights. Your headlights help you see the road more clearly and avoid potential hazards. You should turn on your headlights in low visibility conditions such as at night, during rain, or in fog.

• The general rule is that if you find yourself asking "Should I turn on my headlights now?" the answer is always yes.
• Observe other vehicles on the road. If most of them have their headlights on, you should do the same.
• Remember, some vehicles have automatic headlights that turn on and off under certain conditions. If your car doesn’t have this feature, you must remember to turn off your headlights when you stop, to prevent draining the battery.

Using the windshield wipers. Learn how to use the windshield wipers before you encounter rainy weather. You can adjust the wipers to move at different speeds depending on how heavy the rain is.

• Some states require that you turn on your headlights whenever the wipers are in operation, regardless of the mode the wipers are in.
• You can also use the wipers to clean dust and grime off your windshield.
• Don’t drive if your wipers are broken. Driving in a storm without wipers is extremely dangerous.

Changing lanes correctly. Change lanes safely by following traffic regulations. There are four steps you must follow when switching lanes:

• TURN ON YOUR SIGNAL to alert other vehicles around you that you're about to change lanes.
• Check your MIRRORS to ensure the lane is clear.
• LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER to make sure it's safe to change lanes.
• BEGIN CHANGING LANES.

Parking properly. After reaching your destination, you need to turn off the engine and park your car safely. Conclude your driving session with these steps:

• Find a suitable parking space and apply the brake to stop the car.
• Shift the gear lever into "P" (Park).
• Turn off the engine.
• Engage the handbrake.
• If the lights are on, turn them off.
• Lock the car to prevent theft.
• Exit the car and check that the car is properly parked within the lines.

Remember that many fundamental principles apply to both automatic and manual cars. While there are some differences between the two types of cars, many basic principles still apply to both. These include:

• Pre-driving preparations, such as adjusting mirrors and avoiding distractions.
• The importance of using turn signals.
• Changing lanes correctly.
• Using headlights and windshield wipers when necessary.
• Proper hand placement on the steering wheel.

Learning to use control tools. Many people think manual transmission cars are harder to drive than automatic ones because they require more steps to operate. However, some find manual driving more enjoyable and rewarding as it gives you more involvement in the driving process. If you drive a manual transmission car, you need to be familiar with and use two additional control tools. These are:

• The Clutch: The clutch controls the connection between the engine and the transmission. Pressing the clutch pedal disengages the engine from the transmission. Releasing it re-establishes the connection. When the clutch is disengaged, the car is in neutral, regardless of the gear. When engaged, the car remains in the gear you’ve selected.
• The Gear Stick: You change gears by moving the gear stick or shifter. The gear configuration depends on the car model, but the “default” position is “N” (neutral), followed by gears 1 to 5 or 1 to 6, and finally “R” (reverse).

Starting the car. Starting a manual car is a bit more complicated than an automatic, requiring more focus. If you’re just learning, it’s best to practice in a safe, quiet area to avoid mistakes. Here’s the procedure:

• Press the clutch pedal. Most manual cars won’t start unless the clutch is disengaged.
• Once the car is running, press the brake pedal and release the handbrake.
• If you want to move forward, shift into first gear. To reverse, shift into reverse gear ("R").
• As you slowly release the clutch, gently press the gas pedal.
• You’ll hear the engine grow louder, and you may feel or hear the clutch “engage.” If the car moves forward without stalling, you’ve successfully started the car in first gear!

Shifting gears according to speed. Shifting gears is the same as switching from neutral to first gear to get started and moving to higher gears. Before shifting, keep the following in mind:

• Shift gears in this order: press the clutch, change the gear with the gear stick, and slowly release the clutch while simultaneously pressing the gas pedal.
• Think of the clutch and gas pedal as working inversely to one another. They operate smoothly together like a seesaw, with one side rising while the other lowers.
• Gradually pressing the gas while releasing the clutch will ensure smoother gear shifts. It takes practice, but once you’re used to the feel of both pedals, shifting will become second nature.

Shifting to higher gears for faster speeds. Each car has a specific speed range for each gear. Some recommend shifting only when the engine reaches a certain RPM.

• Listen to your car and shift when you feel the engine needs it.

Braking properly. Press the clutch and shift to neutral when braking. Shifting to neutral ensures that the engine stops pulling the transmission, preventing stalling as you decelerate.

• You may save fuel and prolong the life of your brakes by shifting to a lower gear when slowing down. However, this requires practice, so start by simply using the brake pedal.

Parking the car. After finding a suitable spot, there are several key steps you must follow to park a manual transmission car properly. Here’s what you should do:

• Do not shift into neutral; keep the car in gear. Typically, the car will be in reverse or first gear. Shifting into neutral will cause the car to roll.
• Remove the key from the ignition.

Taking the necessary steps to obtain a driver's license. Once you have your learner's permit, are proficient in driving both automatic and manual cars, and have been driving on the road for some time (six months in some states), you are ready to apply for your driver's license! A driver's license allows you to drive independently and with passengers. To apply for a license, you will need to follow certain steps depending on your state's requirements:

• Pass the written test.
• Pass a short driving test where your basic driving skills, including parallel parking and performing a K-turn, will be assessed.
• Pass a vision test.
• Check with your state’s DMV for the specific age requirements and additional steps to obtain your license.

Remember that driving is a responsibility. After completing everything necessary to get your license, always drive carefully, safely, and responsibly. If you fail to follow traffic laws, your driving privileges may be revoked, and you may face penalties. Here are some things to keep in mind once you have your driver’s license:

• Always prioritize safety. Safety should come before enjoyment. Never engage in any behavior that compromises your safety, such as overcrowding your car, driving without seatbelts, or driving distracted.
• There is always room to improve your driving skills. Pay attention to areas you want to improve, from making smoother turns to signaling at the right time, and work on improving those weaknesses.
• Ensure the safety of your passengers. Make sure they are behaving appropriately before starting the car. If they are leaning out the window, not wearing a seatbelt, or not respecting general traffic rules, do not start the car.

• Observe other drivers and ask questions. While there is no substitute for hands-on driving experience, this is a great opportunity to review driving rules and techniques.
• If a car behind you accelerates quickly or swerves, allow them to pass.
• Anticipate the actions of others ahead of you, such as a driver exiting the car on the driver’s side, cyclists, children playing in or near the street, and be prepared to apply the brakes.
• As you approach a yellow light, stop if it is safe to do so. Slamming on the brakes when you're almost past the yellow light is more dangerous than simply running through it.
• When reversing out of a parking spot or driveway, be mindful of children and animals, especially those you may not see from the driver's seat, as well as children on tricycles or rollerblades. Always check for pedestrians on both sides before making a turn or backing out of an intersection.
• If your view is obstructed by larger vehicles such as trucks or buses parked near an intersection or corner, exercise caution before making a left turn or crossing the intersection.
• Be aware of cyclists on your right side (in the U.S.), especially when making a right turn or pulling over. If possible, give them space on narrow roads.
• Never assume that vehicles on the cross street will stop when you’re driving through an intersection. Stop signs may be obscured by trees or other factors, or drivers may not be paying attention. Drive cautiously and be prepared to stop.
• While you might be nervous when you first start driving, with practice and these techniques, you will overcome your fear.
• Avoid distractions.
• Don’t text while driving, and never drive after consuming alcohol.
• Never get behind the wheel if you are feeling upset. It’s dangerous for you, your passengers, and everyone on the road.

• Always wear your seatbelt, even on short trips.
• Never drink and drive. Police can pull you over if they suspect you are intoxicated. You not only risk killing another driver or pedestrian, but you can also kill yourself.
• Never talk on the phone (unless using a hands-free device) or text while driving. Using your phone while driving is extremely dangerous and can lead to fatal accidents.
• Check for curfew hours to avoid driving if you have a learner’s permit.
• Never operate a vehicle under the influence of any substances.
• Don’t drive when you’re feeling tired. Pull over and take a quick nap if necessary.
• Don’t drive on highways if you are a new driver. Highways can be dangerous for inexperienced drivers due to heavy traffic. In some places, learners are prohibited from driving on highways and could have their permits revoked for violating this rule. Drivers with provisional licenses should avoid highways unless accompanied by a licensed driver.