New Driver
Posted by DepartureNegative479@reddit | driving | View on Reddit | 9 comments
How can I become the best driver I can be? I have less than three months experience behind the wheel.
Two things I struggle with are fear of mistakes, and other fools on the road.
I don’t get angry when I drive.
But if you’ve got any tips, drop them down
Sketch2029@reddit
Practice, practice, practice.
Once you have been driving 6+ months so you have some real world experience and are fully comfortable driving take a defensive driving course.
After that look into car control clinics. These are often put on by car clubs that do track events or by race schools that also have classes aimed at street driving. They will teach you how to recover from a skid, how to avoid skidding in the first place by knowing the limits of traction, etc.
PStriker32@reddit
Follow the rules of the road. Yes even the speed limits. They exist for a reason.
Leaving early to get to places will save you more time than speeding to get there.
Don’t focus on being nice. Be predictable. People are trying to see what you do when they drive as well. Sometimes it means they got to wait when it’s your turn, don’t feel bad just move.
Don’t ever give directions and wave people on, because if they get into an accident following your instructions they can sue you.
Maintain the space always.
Being safe is more important than being right. People drive like assholes and make mistakes that could cost you your life. If somebody wants to cut you off or is tailgating, move over let them go. Somebody is road raging on you don’t engage, just let them by and make distance.
Lastly if somebody is road raging and following you; do not stop at your house or work. Find a cop or drive to a police station. Some people are crazy, some are armed, and some don’t give a damn about hurting you. Mix of all 3 is dangerous. Don’t take any chances.
DepartureNegative479@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I always leave early and I am always trying to be predictable. I think I need more parking lot times so I can practice when it comes to maintaining a steady speed.
PStriker32@reddit
Nah, parking lots can only do so much. If you want more practices with steady speeds you need to hit the road. Go to a couple streets that you know the speed limits at. Do some loops around those areas.
You as a driver should be able to tell what going at speed feels like; a 25, 30, 40, 55+ all feel different behind the wheel. So you can tell by feel, as well as the speedometer, what speed you’re going and if it’s excessive for the type of road you’re on and if conditions allow. You shouldn’t be speeding if there’s poor visibility, traction, and bad weather.
If you’re in a busy downtown area with street parking I wouldn’t push 25 even if that’s the legal limit, because the conditions are changed. There’s people walking everywhere, crossing the street on and off the crosswalks, getting in/out of their cars, kids and pets are out too. Same with neighborhoods. You don’t want to be going full speed when a kid gets out in front or something. Give yourself the time to be vigilant in these environments.
katyemery@reddit
Always have an out. For example, don’t drive directly in between two cars on the highway. Try your best not to get blocked in on all sides. Stagger yourself with other traffic. If something were to happen and you needed to react quickly, you’d want to have somewhere to go
DepartureNegative479@reddit (OP)
Thank you
jumper34017@reddit
Keep the Dunning-Kruger effect in mind. Those who only have minimal training in something tend to think that they are far better at it than they actually are. This applies to most drivers on the road, and it is a large factor behind a lot of the jackassery you will see. It applies extra to you, since you are just starting out.
In short:
You are NOT as good a driver as you think you are.
DepartureNegative479@reddit (OP)
Oh, trust me, I’m aware that I FUCKING SUCK at driving. I drive like a fucking coward, I really need to get more practice somewhere that it’s safe and I don’t feel afraid. I’m aware of that. I am a terrible driver.
rayandie@reddit
Hey, I can speak to you better in DM drop me a line we can chat.