How to Learn to Drive: Part II
On Friday, I wrote about having a few friends, all ranging in various ages, who didn’t have a license to drive. Their reasons vary, from fear of being involved in an auto accident to low self confidence and a feeling of failure. I’m proud to report that one of them is conquering his fear and went to our local Department of Motor Vehicles on Friday and managed to get his permit. On Saturday, we went for a little drive and he did fantastic! I predict that with a little more practice, by this time next week, he’ll be celebrating a milestone in his life: being a licensed driver.
This is the second in a two part post on learnng to drive. To read the first portion, please click here: How to Learn to Drive: Part I.
Practice
The key to mastering a good driving technique is to practice as much as you can. Most people begin the learning process by starting out in a large parking lot, free of parked vehicles and other traffic. This is a good place to become familiar with all the mechanicals, such as turn signals, horn, emergency brake, hazard lights and if you’re learning to drive a manual transmission, a parking lot is a very good place to familiarize yourself with the clutch and gears. After a few trips to the parking lot, you’ll begin to get more comfortable with the driving process and it won’t be long before you’ll gain the confidence to head in the direction of street driving.
Street Driving
Your success to street driving solely depends upon your ability to take things nice and slow in the beginning. If you begin to feel anxious, take a few deep breaths and if needed, pull over to the side of the road in a designated area or into an off-street parking area and take a few minutes to relax. Sometimes turning on the radio at a comfortable volume helps or if you have a favorite CD, bring it along and pop it in the player. Remember that it’s okay to be nervous; everyone starts out as a beginner.
Highway Driving
Eventually, you’ll work up to feeling confident enough to tackle the local highway in your area. All it takes is finding an on-ramp, merging into traffic, going with the flow and paying close attention to your speed. When you’ve had a good ride, it’s time to exit at the next off-ramp.
Taking the Driving Test
On the day you decide to take your test, remember to take your permit with you as well as any required identification. If you find there may be a little wait time before you take the driving test, this is a good time to review the driver handbook in case there may be things you need to go over. Remember that once you’re behind the wheel, the time for questions are over; you will be given a pass or fail score based on how well you drive and how well you know the rules of the road. The actual driving test normally takes no longer than 20 to 25 minutes.
Key Points to Remember
When taking the driving test, remember:
1) In most states, the vehicle you are using for your driving test must have working signal lights, tail lights, headlights, wipers and horn.
2) Wear your seat-belt and adjust all mirrors.
3) Come to a complete stop at all stop signs and stop lights.
4) Use turn signals at every turn.
5) Be prepared. You won’t have the opportunity to ask questions about your performance. At this point, you will be expected to know driving rules, laws and safety regulations.
Pass or Fail
If you pass your driving test, you will be notified immediately upon your return to the facility. You will be required to sign a document for signature purposes and have your photo taken, which will be the same photo which will appear on your driver’s license. Your driver’s license will also include other information, such as your height, weight, date of birth and whether or not you have any vision or driving restrictions. After a short wait for everything to be finalized, you’re on your way!
If you fail your driving test, don’t despair or beat yourself up. While it’s normal to feel bad, remember that many people often fail their test on the first try, so chin up! You will be allowed to take the test again, so practice a bit more, tell yourself you can do it and when you feel more confident, it’s time to take the test again. In Illinois, you’re allowed three attempts to pass the driving exam within one year from the date you paid your application fee. Keep in mind that your state may be different, so check with your local Department of Motor Vehicle facility for complete information.
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I didn’t drive much as a teen, then moved to NYC, and then SF. Then I moved to So Cal After 8 years w/o driving I couldn’t even remember which pedal was which. Acting rather impulsively, I bought a car from a friend that was a manual transmission thinking, “how different can it be?” I know total morons who can drive stick. Yeah, I’m not one of them.
I have a 24 yr. old girl friend that I’m trying to show her how to drive a stick shift, all she ever driven was an automatic.I have a car that has a clutch starter in it where you have to have the clutch pedal all the way to the floor to start it.I also have a friend that has let us borrow his car, it has a clutch holder, which is when your on a hill it won’t drift back when you start out,because all sticks are different and I wanted to show her that.She’s realy interrested in learning,she says it’s more fun, and I think to and it is more sexy to,especialy watching her learn.The problem is sometimes she does not get the clutch pedal all the way to the floor when changing gears or when she starts it and it acts like a dead battery and you get nothing.That’s why I’m glad in my car you have to have the clutch pedal to the floor to start it. I make her shut car off and start it alot to get the feel of the clutch pedal on the floor.She also insist on wearing her 4.5 inch heel pumps.I love seeing her in them,but I don’t think she should be learning how to drive a stick shift in them .I tell her about it, but don’t do any good. She likes them to much.Told her that might be some of her problem of shifting gears also, besides the car not turning over to start.Nice feature to have, especialy in a parking lot full of cars.