They say that it takes 10,000 hours of doing something to truly master it. Regardless of whether this figure is true or not, the truth is that time helps you become more confident and technically proficient in all things. As a newbie (in any field) this threshold of becoming proficient will seem too far in the distance. For beginner drivers, this can be additionally terrifying, seeing as how the traffic may seem like a dangerous environment. So, how do you grow as a beginner driver? Is there a way for you to overcome these obstacles more quickly? Are there tricks you can apply to make it all safer? Here are some of the answers to these questions.
- No rush
Trying to save time or being in a rush is usually what puts you in a bad spot, to begin with. Being late for something will make you go over the speed limit when you could have just started out a bit earlier. Also, a lot of people skip checking the mirrors and the seat (which is a massive problem with vehicles with more drivers) because they’re impatient to get going. Again, this is something you could have skipped if you just started out a bit earlier. It’s all down to your organization and, as a new driver, it’s good to be extra careful.
- Take it safe
Being as safe as possible is not always easy but there are certain behavior patterns that you could adopt/avoid in order to shift these things slightly more in your favor. For instance, if there’s rain try to drive a bit slower than you usually would. Keeping your distance, a bit further from the car ahead of you is also a good idea. At the very least, you should stay one-and-a-half the length of your own car away. In this situation, if they do anything unforeseen, you can react in time. Also, it might be a good idea to use the turning signal a bit earlier than you think you should.
- Make your life easier with tech
Remember that getting a gadget or two in order to make your driving experience better isn’t necessarily a bad idea. Getting a rearview camera can help you get a better idea of your surroundings. Also, buying in dash GPS can allow you to check navigation without having to take your eyes off the road for too long. All in all, it helps you become more consistent and reliable. We’re living in a digital age, which means that cars in the future might rely more and more on these gadgets. It might not be long until they become mandatory features. Why wait?
- Take a veteran driver with you
Keep in mind that once you get your license, you will be on the way to actually learning how to drive. The theoretical and mechanical part is probably clear by now, however, getting enough hours behind the wheel is what matters the most. In order to make this learning curve more effective, you might want to get a veteran driver to accompany you. This way, you can get some insight and street tips that you wouldn’t get from an instructor.
- Learn how to park
Learning how to park properly is something that will take just an hour of your time if you do it the right way around. First, find the right tutorial online and master the theoretical part. Second, ask someone who already knows this to accompany you. Third, try to get a feeling of just how big your car is. The easiest way to do so is to take it slowly and try to figure out where you are relative to the parking spot (while learning to park). Then, you should get out of the vehicle and see how much you were off in your initial estimate. This will help your guess more accurately the next time around.
- Find a mechanic you can trust
Make sure that you’re always in a vehicle that is 100% functional. As soon as you notice that something is off, you should take the car to a mechanic. Even for a veteran driver, a faulty vehicle can cause a huge problem. For a beginner, the problem goes even further than that. A bad experience early on can be traumatic and cause one to be reluctant to sit behind the wheel. Still, the challenge of finding the mechanic you can trust is also something you’ll have to address.
In conclusion
In the end, no matter what steps you take and how hard you try, it always takes time. Even the best tutorial and the most insightful person in the passenger’s seat can’t take this journey for you. Sure, you can shorten the path but you cannot skip it or eliminate it entirely. Fortunately, with the above-listed tips on your side, the job will be a lot easier.