Driving is a skill which is learned over time and experience. Having experience means driving a lot of kilometers and spending time in various driving conditions, not to mention having a good idea of what you are like.
Driving takes a lot of time and a lot of that time to be spent on the road, but that is not enough. Here is what a newbie driver should know and should work on if they want to be a better driver.
Manual Shifting – Driving a Stick
This is an essential skill but one which is normal for most inhabitants of Europe. Most driving schools in Europe teach their students in manual cars. This, however, does not mean that every student who passes is good at driving a manual. Some apply no effort and their mastery of the clutch and stick is far from acceptable, let alone great.
Learn how to shift properly and how not to damage the clutch and you will be one step closer to becoming a better driver.
Keep Yourself in Line
While you should almost always stay in your own lane, it is also important to keep yourself in line. If you fail to do so, you might cause an accident through sheer attitude. New drivers often have that attitude of a teenager and they want to show off or overtake someone in a situation which is not optimal or rather, dangerous. Knowing yourself means that you can avoid these types of situations, not to mention that you can avoid other problems like falling asleep while driving.
Learn Different Traffic Laws
A good driver often travels between countries. A good way to still be a good driver is to stay updated on the laws of the country you are driving in. This means learning their laws regarding speed limits, driving in urban areas, driving at night, headlights and a whole list of other things. If you are planning on crossing the border, check the country you are traveling to and see whether you can learn something new.
Driving Behavior
One of the best things that you can learn, for your own sake and that of other drivers is how to behave in traffic. That does not mean learning the rules, but how you should behave. Turning off your high beams when other vehicles approach you should not even be mentioned but it has to be, unfortunately. Letting other vehicles merge into a lane even when you have every right to stay in yours and keep moving is a sign of good etiquette, provided that you don’t put anybody else in danger. These things can help you on the road.
Winter Driving
This is a skill which is often overlooked because people tend to take cabs in winter. Winter driving is a beast of its own and there is a simple rule you should follow, no sudden movements.
These are the tips to follow if you want to be a better driver, which are even more important for new drivers.
