How to Learn to Drive: Part I
While most of the information I write about and share on Cars for Girls is directly related to those readers who are already familiar with the driving process, it occurred to me the other day that I have at least three friends ranging in age from 22 to 67 who have never driven a car. In fact, one of them just went to our local Department of Motor Vehicles on Friday to get his driving permit a big step in itself.
While learning to drive can be a jittery experience, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, knowing what to expect and how to attain your driver’s license can really help ease any pressure and erase any doubts you may have concerning the driving process. Don’t let fear stop you from getting your license conquer it with information that can get you behind the wheel and eventually steer you in the right direction!
Know the Rules of the Road
Each state has a rules of the road or driver handbook. The book is free and can be picked up at any state driver’s license facility. The book addresses every issue you’ll need to know about getting your license, from state fees to traffic safety and everything in between, including all traffic and driving laws, study questions and important information you will need to know for your tests, both written and driving.
Know Your State Requirements
The first step in obtaining your driver’s license is to find out what your state requires. While those still in high school will generally take a driver’s education course, those over 18 generally aren’t required to do so. In Illinois for example, an adult wishing to get a driver’s license will be issued an instruction permit for a 12-month period. Applicants are eligible to drive on a permit as long as they are accompanied by someone who has an equal or greater license classification as the permit driver and has held a valid license for at least one year. Applicants over 18 must also pay the appropriate fee ($10.00) and pass both a vision screening and a written test. Proper identification documents will be required, so check your Secretary of State information to find out what identification in accepted. A simple online web search will probably take you to your state website.
Find a Good Driving Coach or Attend a Driving School
The key to having a good experience when learning to drive is having a good instructor who is comfortable about riding in vehicles with new drivers and who can support you in a friendly yet constructive manner. Someone sitting beside you who is jumpy, nervous and tense isn’t going to be your best teacher as you attempt to maneuver the local roads. A trusted friend or spouse who wants nothing more than to see you succeed and can be supportive in all facets of the learning process is your best bet for getting comfortable behind the wheel and mastering what you need to know.
There are also driving schools you may consider attending, which will provide driving instructors and teach you everything you need to know in a driver education course. Keep in mind that while driving schools charge a fee, the fee usually covers text books and study materials, home pickup for driving instruction and a vehicle for you to use during your driving time. For a list of driving schools in your area, look online or in your local phone book.
Monday: How to Learn to Drive: Part II
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Very good advice, not everyone will find learning to drive easy, but if you keep at it and are determined, you will get there in the end.
As a driving instructor in the UK, I see both male and female pupils struggle with the learning process, but everyone of them that persist and have a good instructor make it in the end, not everyone at the first attempt, for some it will be more.