When you’re learning to drive there is so much to remember! Many learner drivers initially fail to understand just how difficult driving can be given that it appears to be second nature to more experienced drivers.
Although the driving test prepares beginners for getting out on the road on their own, the old adage is that you only really learn to drive once you’ve passed your test.
This article offers driving tips to ensure beginners don’t stall once they’ve set off.
One of the most important driving tips for all drivers is to minimise distractions in your vehicle. Switch your phone off or mute notifications before you set out and only listen to the radio if you’re sure you can maintain focus. It may take a while before you’re ready for that level of multitasking.
It is also vital you familiarise yourself with your vehicle and plan your route before you leave. Trying to adjust a satnav once you’re on your way is never a good idea. When starting out, however tempting it may be, you should also try to avoid carrying passengers unless absolutely necessary, particularly groups of friends on a road trip. You will be able to adjust to this with time, but may not be ready for it immediately. Find a quiet time to take your car out on your own to practise away from rush-hour traffic.
When it comes to learning to drive an automatic car, it’s important to get comfortable using the gearstick and to learn what the different modes mean. When starting an automatic vehicle, you must always keep your right foot firmly down on the brake pedal to ensure the car can’t jolt away out of your control.
In a manual car, there are more things to remember, such as not resting your hand on the gear stick and carefully timing your gear changes. Hill starts can also be a challenge until you get more used to finding the “biting point”. If you’re struggling with this, you might even want to try driving in a pair of shoes with a thinner sole to increase your feel. Some modern cars feature a hill start assist function that can help with this.
When learning to drive, there are some mistakes that all beginners tend to make. The most common of these are neglecting to check your blind spots, not using your indicators and failing to keep a proper distance from other cars. You must get into the habit of executing the “mirror, signal, manoeuvre” process; missing any of these steps risks posing a danger to other drivers in a way that could have potentially dangerous consequences. Making sure your mirrors are adjusted for you before setting off will help with this.
Getting to know the dimensions of your car can also take time. Parking, in particular, can pose a challenge. In these situations, it is always worth taking a deep breath and trying to relax before executing a parking manoeuvre. Find a reference point, take it slow and keep an eye on your surroundings so that you’re not surprised by the appearance of other vehicles. You should also consider if you will be able to get out of the space when you leave, which may mean that reversing into it is the most sensible choice.
When you’re starting out on your driving journey, it may take a while to work out what type of car is right for you. Leasing is a sensible option when it comes to holding off on the financial risk of purchasing a car outright.
Leasys offer a range of beginner-friendly personal contract hire options that will give you the opportunity to work out which make or model suits you best. With typical leases lasting from 24 to 60 months, changing your car regularly becomes more accessible.
All Leasys rentals come with a number of services included as standard, as well as the chance to purchase an additional maintenance package that will take away many of the concerns raised by new drivers when it comes to looking after their vehicle or the potential for costs to mount up.
