Learn How to Drive a Car Part 3

Do you want to learn how to drive? You’ve come to the right place, as this article is your guide to starting your journey of learning how to drive; here you’ll learn the basics of driving as well as the advanced skills you need. Keep in mind that this article is for automatic cars, so you should read the article on learning to drive a car with a manual transmission in the case of manual cars.

Driving on the road

1. Practice defensive driving

Defensive driving is very important, but many drivers do not understand its significance properly; defensive driving helps you save money, enjoy your driving experience, and of course, keep yourself safe. Defensive driving includes several principles in driving a car, which are:

• Do not assume that other drivers follow all safety rules while driving. Although traffic rules are applied to ensure the safety of drivers, many tend to break these rules; therefore, do not assume that everyone is committed to traffic safety rules. Do not assume that all drivers will commit to turning on the turn signal or slowing down when merging into traffic, and do not assume that all drivers will respect traffic signals.
• Avoid potentially dangerous situations before they happen. For example: avoid large transport trucks and avoid trying to overtake a driver who is driving recklessly between lanes.
• Rely on all your senses at all times. Drivers work to integrate into driving and forget about the outside world, because they have done it hundreds or even thousands of times before; try not to cancel your attention to the outside world and always make sure to check your car’s speed. Use your ears to listen for car alarms and tire screeching, and use your sense of smell to notice tire burning or any other smells that may indicate potential accidents.

2. Stick to the right lanes for slow speeds and the left lanes for speeding

The left lanes on highways are for high-speed cars, while the right lanes are for those who prefer slow driving. Avoid trying to pass a slow car in the right lane, and also avoid slowing down excessively in the left lane, otherwise you will cause others to stop and accidents may occur. Stick to the lane that is appropriate for the speed you have chosen to drive at.

3. Always try to pass cars in front of you on the left side, not the right

It is necessary to pass cars in front of you from the left, not the right, according to the distribution of speeds in the different lanes on the road; this means that if you try to increase your car’s speed, you will need to move to the left lane, and thus you will pass the car in front of you on the left side. Make sure to follow this rule, although it is not mandatory.

• Avoid passing a truck on the right. Trucks are much larger than regular cars, which makes their blind spots much larger. Trucks also drive on the right and usually change lanes on the right side of the road; make sure to pass trucks on the left to avoid their designated lanes.

4. Stick to the speed limit

Speed limits are essential to the safety of all drivers on the road; therefore, you should always stick to them and do not exceed the speed limit by about eight kilometers; this speed increase is enough to get you a ticket in most countries.

5. Be extremely careful in difficult driving conditions

Try to slow down in bad weather and follow defensive driving techniques more accurately than normal; be careful when driving on slippery surfaces due to rain that prevents the tires from sticking to the surface, and be careful when skidding in heavy rain that collects on the asphalt.

• Driving conditions vary depending on the weather; Driving in winter and low temperatures is different from driving in moderate weather. Make sure to learn how to drive in winter and rainy weather.

6. Be polite

Remember that you are not alone on the road and that nearby drivers have their own journeys that they do not want to interrupt; be sure to respect road etiquette and deal politely with nearby drivers.

• Use your horn for the purpose of warning, not to annoy or scold nearby cars. Remember that your horn is very important, so use it only when necessary, such as when alerting a driver who is trying to cut you off when changing lanes, or to alert the driver in front of you when the traffic light changes to green. Do not use your horn to express your annoyance at heavy traffic.
• Waves to the driver who has allowed you to enter his lane; this is a sign of thanks and appreciation and is a simple gesture that you can offer.
• Do not ignore traffic rules just to be polite; it is essential to adhere to the various traffic rules for your safety. For example: If you arrive at an intersection first, you should pass it first, not allow another car to pass you out of politeness.

7. Enjoy your time

Remember to enjoy your time while driving, it is ultimately an enjoyable experience despite the rules that must be followed; you can always abide by the different rules and enjoy your time as long as you keep in mind that the road is not yours alone.