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Driving a car may seem like an overwhelming task to the inexperienced driver, but with a few lessons and a little practice, learning to drive is not nearly as difficult as it seems. Confidence is a major factor in how well you drive. Taking caution and not letting yourself be intimidated by the other cars on the road is the first step toward becoming a confident driver. If you are interested in learning how to drive a car, but aren't sure where to start, the information on this page will walk you through the driving basics.
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Driving a car may seem like an overwhelming task to the inexperienced driver, but with a few lessons and a little practice, learning to drive is not nearly as difficult as it seems. Confidence is a major factor in how well you drive. Taking caution and not letting yourself be intimidated by the other cars on the road is the first step toward becoming a confident driver. If you are interested in learning how to drive a car, but aren't sure where to start, the information on this page will walk you through the driving basics.
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Introduction
- Before driving a car, it's important that you legally obtain a learner's permit in your area. In order to do this, you must follow your state and county's laws regarding testing. Once you obtain your permit and you're ready to begin learning to drive, make sure that you have an experienced driver in the car with you at all times to support and guide you through of tense or tricky situations.
Step 1: Buckle Up
- 25 of the 50 states have mandatory primary seat belt laws that require all front seat passengers to buckle up before they even turn the key in a motor vehicle. While there is much debate over the necessity and choice to where a safety belt, it is important that you follow the laws in your state, otherwise you could lose your chance to drive before you even gain it.
Step 2: Start Your Engines
- When you get into your car, there are a few things you will want to check before you even start the engine.
- Is the car in park?
- Is the parking break on?
- What position are the wheels in?
- Do you have your learner's permit with you?
- Will you need to turn your lights on?
- Once you've taken an open inventory of the above information, you are ready to start the car. Push down the brake pedal with your right foot, put the key into the ignition and turn it away from you.
Step 3: Is Your Path Clear?
- Before you put the car into drive and pull out into traffic, you will want to check all of your mirrors to make sure there are no obstacles or pedestrians in the way of your vehicle.
- Check both side-view mirrors.
- Check the rear-view mirror.
- Look around in front of you and beside you to make sure all is clear.
Step 4: Moving Forward
- If there are no obstacles in your path, it's time to move forward. With your foot still on the brake pedal, move the gear from park into the drive position. Slowly remove your foot from the break pedal and apply it gently to the gas pedal. The more pressure you apply to the gas pedal, the faster your car will go.
Step 5: Stopping
- When you need to stop, you will want to remove your foot from the gas pedal and once more apply it gently to the brake pedal. The harder you push on the break pedal, the more abruptly you will stop, which could be uncomfortable for you and any passengers you have in the car. Give yourself plenty of time to stop, and take it easy.
Step 6: Parking
- Parking the car is as simple as stopping. Be sure that you choose a parking zone to park in, or else you may wind up with a ticket. Apply your foot to the break slowly, and come to a stop. Once the car has come a complete stop, put the car in park. Turn off the engine.
Step 7: Where Is Everything?
- It is essential that you learn where how everything inside the car works. You will need to turn on the turn signals without having to search for them, and a driving instructor may even have you demonstrate that you can turn on the heat in the car without distracting yourself too much from the road. Spend some time inside the car before you begin driving to learn where all of the important knobs and buttons are, so you don't become distracted while you are driving.
Conclusion
- Caution and awareness are half of the battle when it comes to driving. It is essential to be aware of everything that is going on around you, otherwise someone could get seriously hurt. Buckle your safety belt and do a quick inventory before you start the car to make sure everything is in place. Start the car and survey the area. Check your rear and side-view mirrors to make sure there are no obstacles in your way. With your foot on the brake pedal, put the car into drive, and when you're ready to move forward, ease your foot off of the brake and apply it to the gas pedal. When you need to stop the car, remove your foot from the gas and press gently down on the brakes, giving yourself plenty of time.
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