After passing your test, the next key focus should be concentrating on your road safety and building your confidence when driving alone. There are many challenges new drivers can face when venturing out independently for the first time, and it may be things you didn’t prepare for in advance, or perhaps never thought would be an issue.
Common Problems Faced by New Drivers
- Not feeling confident driving alone
- Not knowing how to change a tire
- Being unsure how to conduct maintenance checks
- Feeling uncertain at a gas station
- Uncertain of new routes
- Driving an older car
Top Tips for New Drivers
In order to always feel safe and confident, try these tips.
Get to Know Your New Vehicle
You’ve spent so long in your learner’s vehicle that a new car is going to feel alien to you. Not only that, but learning in a brand-new vehicle can be problematic when you have to then buy an old car as your first car and feel as though you are stepping back in time.
It’s imperative to get to know your new vehicle in every way. Be sure to check where all the relevant dials and warning lights are, and identify everything you need under the hood.
It’s also a good idea to check how to fill your car with fuel because all models are different. You don’t want to pull up at a gas station only to realize you don’t know where your gas cap release is, or what kind of gas your car takes.
Build Your Confidence During Quieter Times
Don’t go straight on to the roads alone during rush hour traffic. Instead, get used to your car and driving alone during quieter traffic times, or during the night if you want to get used to driving in the dark when the roads are quiet.
Know What to Do in the Event of an Accident
Accidents can always happen, especially to new drivers, and even if you’re being extra careful. What to do in the event of an accident may not have been directly discussed or learned during your lessons. In order to be best prepared, keep important contact details on hand for any assistance you might need, whether breakdown or accident services. You can also consult with a claims lawyer, like at accidentlawyersofillinois.com, if you need to receive compensation for any car accident you’ve been involved in.
Don’t Try to Do too Much at Once
You may be excited to head out on the road when you’re free to do so, but don’t try to push it too far before you’ve built your confidence. For example, planning a huge road trip on unfamiliar roads with a car full of friends being rowdy is not a great idea if you’re still a nervous driver and easily distracted.
Decide What You Need to Practice
Think about what you feel most anxious with, and try to practice alone. You may feel that you need a refresher on a particular maneuver, or maybe on larger roads that have more traffic signs and signals. Practicing alone and at quieter times is key for concentration and so that you won’t panic with other traffic surrounding you.