Useful Tips for Teens on How to Become Confident and Skillful Drivers
Many things can get your adrenaline pumping and your heart racing, and driving is one of them. Every driver has had to go through the process of learning and mastering the art of driving.
Apart from the occasional scares that might plague an experienced driver as a result of vehicular wear and tear or human error, teens or first-time drivers happen to scare at every and anything.
Now, this is normal considering the responsibility that comes with driving; however, some tips can get your teenager driving confidently in no time, and they are listed below.
- Remain calm
You should know that everyone is at different levels when it comes to driving. One thing is sure, you will get better. If you make a mistake or suddenly pause at a go sign, just remain calm irrespective of all the honking you will get.
This is because the situation may go from bad to worse if you suddenly put your feet on the gas pedal and accelerate. Do not be in a haste to maneuver a U-turn just because there are a lot of motorists behind you. When you are calm and collected, making driving decisions will come easy.
- Practice more
Practice makes perfect, and everyone knows that. When you begin learning how to drive, the only way to perfect the skill is to practice often. One of the ways to practice more is taking the Illinois CDL practice test, especially if you reside in Illinois.
Though these tests are for commercial drivers and are required as a prerequisite before they are issued their licenses, they are completely free, and anyone can make use of them. These tests will sharpen your driving skills and boost your confidence when you hit the road.
- Do not speed
When you become comfortable driving, there will be the urge to ram the gas pedal, but you should put this in check. Cultivate the habit and maintain a moderate speed whenever you drive. Speeding is dangerous due to vehicular wear and tear, the state of the roads, and human errors of other vehicle users.
- Switch it up
Learning how to drive can be easy depending on the location, the car, the roads, and of course, the teacher. You should learn to drive both in good and bad weather. You should also learn to drive on the highway, on narrow streets, busy streets with lots of traffic, dirt roads, and on hills.
This will make you versed and an all-rounder. It will also allow you to decide what parts of the road to use, analyze the terrain and state of the roads. You should also change cars when practicing so you get a feel of other vehicle types and you’re not taken by surprise.
- Seek help
One of the steps you should not ignore when learning how to drive is to drive with an experienced hand. You could ask your teacher to accompany you and sit in while you navigate turns and bridges or hills. Naturally, they would correct and advise and try to steer you off impending disasters, and this will help you learn more.
- Safety first
There are driving aids that are there to help you navigate. They are essential for first-time drivers. There are parking sensors or monitors that tell that you’re too close to an object or another vehicle. They avert collisions and aid the driver to be better and confident.
Safety here also includes looking out for yourself and being safe, knowing that all safety measures in place are for the driver’s benefit. This also includes looking out for yourself when on the highway. It is good to look out for other motorists, but you should also pay attention to your surroundings and consider yourself.
Accidents happen and while you may not be in the direct line of harm or the cause of the same, be sure not to be collateral damage.
- Avoid distractions
You cannot be confident driving when you are distracted by items like phones, food, or even music. Some people cannot focus when driving because the radio is on. As much as you should train yourself to focus through the noise, avoiding distractions early on will increase your focus and help you retain confidence.
The ultimate way to learn a skill is to practice as this increases your knowledge and enhances implantation of the skill. Slow and steady driving is best for newbies until they are more comfortable, so do not be in a haste to drive speedily.
Learn the art, and your knowledge and confidence will dispel every iota of fear.