Before turning on the car, there are important safety measures to take which include:
- Adjusting the driver's seat and seat belt for a safe driving position.
- Adjusting all mirrors so you have a good view of your surroundings.
- Making sure all windows are clean and there is nothing blocking your vision.
- Adjusting AC controls so you are comfortable.
Once you have made the necessary adjustments and you start the car, it is crucial to check your blind spots like the front and back of the car for children and pets before actually moving. It's important to always be looking around while driving in order to know what is going on around the car.
Lane Position
When the car is fully ready and adjusted to you and you start driving on the road, it is very important to pay attention to your lane position. You should always keep the vehicle in the center of the driving lane and away from the edges.
Use Of Lanes
Many roads have two or more lanes going in your direction. It is important to remember that:
- Drivers traveling at slower speeds should use the right lane.
- Speed increases as you move to the left lanes.
On two-lane roads:
- The left lane should generally be used only when you’re passing a slower car driving in front of you.
On multi-lane roads:
- You should be in the left lane when passing or preparing to turn left.
- You should be in the right lane when turning right or preparing to enter or leave the roadway.
- Avoid passing on the right.
Speed
You must be able to control the speed of your vehicle at all times. Maximum speed limits are posted on most of the roadways. Breaking the posted speed limit and driving faster than what is safe for current conditions is dangerous and illegal. Always drive more carefully near places where there may be children like:
- Schools
- Playgrounds
- Parks
- Residential Areas
Steering
You control your vehicle by using the steering wheel to point the vehicle in the direction you want to go. Some steering wheel technique basics include:
- Both hands should be placed at opposite sides of the steering wheel at all times.
- Your grip should be firm, yet gentle.
- Use your fingers instead of the palms of your hands and keep your thumbs up along the face of the steering wheel.
- Never turn the wheel while gripping it from the inside of its rim.
- Your hands should be at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions with your thumbs inside the wheel.
- Your hands should never be below the windows unless they are moving into another position.
There are three main techniques of steering: hand-over-hand, hand-to-hand, and one-hand steering.
- Hand-to-hand: Use this method the majority of the time when you are driving.
- Hand-over-hand: Use this method when turning at low speeds with limited visibility at an intersection or when parking your car.
- One-hand: Use this method when backing up or operating vehicle controls (windshield wipers, hazard lights, etc.) that require you to take one hand off of the steering wheel.
Turning
Turning techniques include:
- Reducing speed as you approach an intersection.
- Putting on your turn signal to show your intention.
- Look left, right, left, then at the mirror then look the oppositive direction of your turn before you put your nose into the new lane
- Moving into the correct lane before you near the intersection.
- Turning when you have the green light or right away.
Passing
If you want to pass slower traffic, make sure that you check the road situation carefully. Passing is illegal and unsafe when your line-of-sight is restricted or limited when there is:
- A curve or hill
- Poor weather conditions
- Cross-traffic
- A solid yellow line on your side of the roadway
- A school bus that is loading or unloading children
When overtaking an ongoing car, you should:
- Scan for hazards like oncoming vehicles, vehicles approaching from the rear and merging vehicles.
- Check for blind spots.
- Signal your intention to pass and accelerate into the passing lane.
- Concentrate on the path ahead.
- Check the mirror for following cars.
- Turn off the turn signal.
When returning to the lane, do the following:
- Check the rearview mirror for the front of the car being passed.
- Signal your intention to enter the lane.
- Change lanes and maintain speed.
- Turn off the turn signal.
Parking
There are different types of parking. The most common are:
- Angle Parking: Vehicles Are designated to go one way with angled parking spaces.
- Perpendicular Parking: Parking spaces are marked in a 90-degree angle to the curb or a building.
- Parallel Parking: Used next to a curb in the space between two parked cars.
Reversing
Reversing or backing up requires you to turn your head to see beyond the head restraint. When backing up, you should never depend on your mirrors alone. Reversing techniques include:
- To back up, turn your head and body to the right so you can see clearly through the back window.
- For balance, place your right shoulder into the back of the driver seat.
- Keep your left hand gripping the steering wheel near the top and turn it in the direction that you want the rear of the vehicle to go
- Turning the wheel to the right steers the back of the car to the right; turning the wheel to the left steers to the left.
- Always go slowly, watching carefully in all directions.
Reverse is a more powerful gear than drive, so you should use the accelerator pedal carefully, if at all.
Gas & Brake
Always use either the gas or brake lightly when driving. If you want to use the brake, check your center mirror first to see if there are any cars close behind you.
Driving Schools Near Me
Go Driving, Inc. provides one-on-one driving lessons to first-time/student drivers in the South Florida area. Driving lessons include:
- A Florida certified driving instructor who is a retired police officer
- A new Mustang GT & Camaro SS
- Driving lessons 7 days a week
- Real world driving experience & skills
- Extensive preparation for the driver’s license road test
To schedule a driving lesson with Go Driving, Inc., call today at 954-757-7622.
