If you’re planning to get your driver’s license soon, there are several things you can do to get ready, including enrolling in an online driving school through iGottadrive. Frequent driving practice and state-approved driver’s education can help prepare you for navigating the road and passing the driving exam. Here are ten tips to help you feel more prepared as a new driver:
1. Know the Rules of the Road
Before you are ready to get behind the wheel, you’ll need to know the basic rules of driving. Familiarize yourself with road signs, traffic signals, and driving laws. This information can also help you avoid driving violations once you have your license. You can learn the laws for driving in your state with iGottadrive’s online driving school courses.
2. Study for Your Driving Test
Take the time to study to help you feel more prepared for passing your written driving test. You can make a list of confusing concepts and find answers before taking your exam. Our course allows you to learn at your own pace, review information, and take multiple practice tests to help you prepare. You can use our instructional videos and other driver’s education resources to help you learn the material.
3. Position Your Seat Correctly
When practicing in an actual car, adjust the driver’s seat to fit you correctly. Your seat position should allow you to reach the foot pedals and hold onto the steering wheel comfortably. If the headrest pushes your head forward, adjust it so your head and neck can move freely while driving. Check the position whenever you drive when sharing a vehicle with other drivers.
4. Use the Correct Driving Lane
The right lane is for vehicles that are traveling slower or will be leaving the highway soon. It’s also where vehicles merge onto the highway. Use the middle lanes if you’ll be traveling on the highway for several miles or if traffic in the right lane is heavy. The far-left lane is only for passing other vehicles as required by law.
5. Learn How To Merge Onto the Highway
Merging into heavy highway traffic can be intimidating for a new driver and requires practice with timing. If there are two merge lanes, check for any vehicles in the second lane. Get your vehicle up to the speed of traffic on the highway as you check for merging opportunities. Move over into the lane when you see a gap in traffic.
6. Clear Your Surroundings Before Reversing
Don’t rely solely on the rearview mirror to see what’s behind you when backing up your car. Check your side mirrors and scan all around your vehicle for any obstructions. Angle your body to where you can turn your head over your shoulder and look out the back window. Keep your hand on the steering wheel while reversing slowly. If you are unsure of your surroundings, you can also get out and walk around your vehicle before backing up.
7. Understand How Roundabouts Work
Roundabouts are designed to keep traffic moving. As you enter a roundabout, check that no vehicles are coming. If there are multiple lanes, notice the signs that tell you which lane to be in, and stay in the corresponding lane for your intended exit. If you miss your turn, you can circle around again. Don’t stop while you’re in the roundabout.
8. Adjust Your Mirrors
Check and adjust your mirrors each time you get behind the wheel of a car. You can start with the rearview mirror, angling it to where you can see the road clearly behind you. Then you can adjust both the driver and passenger side mirrors to help minimize blind spots.
9. Check Your Vehicle for Safety
Check your vehicle and immediate surroundings for any hazards before driving. Look for objects that could cause an accident and remove anything in the surrounding driveway or road. Check that the tires aren’t flat or low on air. Look under the vehicle to see if there are any fluid leaks. You can also check for damage, such as broken side mirrors or cracked windshields.
10. Sign a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement
To help teens understand specific rules and expectations when driving, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created a parent-teen driving agreement. Parents can discuss limits and consequences with their teens before signing the agreement together. It can be placed in a prominent place as a reminder to follow safe driving habits, such as wearing a seat belt, staying within the speed limit, and driving with both hands on the wheel.
Get Started With Online Driving School
Sign up for an online driving school to help you be better prepared as a new driver. Driving school teaches you the rules of the road and how to follow them when behind the wheel of a car. For a comprehensive and efficient driver’s education experience, check out the courses offered by iGottadrive.
