Driving for Beginners: How to Get Ready to Hit the Road

Getting behind the wheel for the first time is an exhilarating time for someone, but it can also be daunting for many people. The fears of crashing running through your head, or what if you lose control? These are standard thoughts for first-time drivers, but as long as you're prepared, you've nothing to be worried about.

So that you're ready to get underway, we've put together this guide with everything you need to know before you jump into the driver's seat. 

Prepare the Vehicle in Advance

Before you turn the car on, you'll want to ensure everything is prepared correctly, from putting your seat in a comfortable position to ensuring you've got enough fuel to guarantee you'll make it to your final destination or, at least, a gas station.

Some other things you can do to prepare your vehicle include:

Fix your mirrors so you can see your blind spots correctly.

Check your brakes to make sure they're working.

Turn your lights on and off to confirm they're functioning.

Plug in your seat belt and double-check to see that it's not going to disconnect when you set off.

Give your wipers a little run so you know they'll be able to clear your window if it starts raining.

Understand the Rules of the Road in Your State

Every driver should know the rules of the road in their state; this includes what the road signs mean, the correct speed limits, what lanes you're allowed to use, and anything that could leave you with a fine.

While the vast majority of the rules of the road in each state in the USA are the same, all 50 states are allowed to make their own. This means what's okay to do in one state might not be allowed in another.

If you're unsure of any rules, do your research and refrain from getting in the car until you're 100% sure of what to do.

Know the Roads You're Driving On

When driving at first, stick to the roads you're used to so you don't encounter unexpected surprises during your journey. Consider parts of your local area where there's very little traffic and not many distractions so you can focus on practicing your skills and getting more confidence.

Even if you've gotten past your first drive in one piece, you should stay away from any major highways until you're fully comfortable. It's normal to feel on top of the world when you get through a drive without any problems, but that doesn't mean you're ready for mighty motorways. 

These types of roads are whole other animals, with high-speed traffic coming from all directions. Before taking a highway, a driver must have good reaction skills, be highly alert, and know how to focus carefully.

Learn About the Car's Controls

As a new driver, you'll have to make a conscious effort to learn everything about your car, including its controls. For example, knowing how to accelerate is all well and good, but if you don't know how to stop, you're going to crash into something.

Some of the most important controls a driver can learn include:

• Windscreen wipers

• Accelerator and brakes

• Using the horn

• All of the lights, including the hazards

• The handbrake

• The adjuster for your seat

• The air conditioning and heater to clear your windows

• The radio sound system

Clear Your Mind and Relax

You should expect to be a little nervous the first time you drive, but it's important not to let your nerves take over your ability to control the vehicle so you don't have an accident.

As soon as you're in the car, you need to be fully focused on what you're doing and what's around you. Don't interact with any negative thoughts; breathe slowly, act carefully, and enjoy the ride!

Have Someone Experienced in the Passenger Seat With You

Having someone who knows what they're doing in the car with you when you're driving at first can really help. They've been through the whole experience of learning how to drive, so they can provide some extra tips and keep you calm in certain situations you might find nervous.

Try to pick someone who won't distract you, like a parent or a sibling. Friends are also good options, but you might be more inclined to chat with them in certain circumstances.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Having an emergency kit packed away can help if you ever break down somewhere without much traffic passing by. 

Most cars come without them, so you'll need to invest in one yourself as soon as you buy the car. You might say to yourself, 'It will never happen to me,' but it can happen to anyone; it's just the nature of driving.

Emergency kits for cars come in various forms, but some of the essentials yours should include:

• Jump leads

• A spare wheel with the right tools to put a new one on

• A car jack

• Flares to flag an emergency

• Extra food stashed away in case you're hungry and have to wait for breakdown assistance

• An extra charger for your mobile phone

• A jacket

• A rope if your car needs to be pulled

• A spare set of car keys

• A piece of paper with your breakdown assistance company number on it

Take Advantage of This Guide to Prepare You for Your First Drive!

We get it - learning how to drive isn't easy, but you can do a couple of things from this list to give yourself the best possible chance of starting on a high note.

Everything will be fine if you obey the rules, take all the necessary safety precautions, and know how to operate a vehicle. 

If we can give you one bit of advice, it's to make sure you have someone with you who knows how to drive until you get the hang of things. There's nothing more valuable than being in the company of a safe pair of hands while on the road.