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How to Drive a Car

Driving a car takes patience and practice. Once you have read through the rules of the road and obtained your learner's permit, you will be able to drive a car with a licensed adult in the vehicle with you. 

Step 1: Buckle Up

Twenty-five of the 50 United States have mandatory 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: Preparation and Starting Your Engine

When you get into your car, there are a few things you will want to check before you start the engine:

  1. Do you have your learner's permit with you?
  2. Is the car in park?
  3. Is the parking brake on?
  4. What position are the wheels in?
  5. Will you need to turn your lights on?

Push down on the brake pedal with your right foot, put the key into the ignition and turn it in a clockwise direction. 

If the parking brake is on, disengage. If it is dark out or raining, turn your headlights on.c

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.

  1. Check both side-view mirrors.
  2. Check the rear-view mirror.
  3. Look in front of you and beside you to make sure all is clear.c

Step 4: Moving Forward

If there are no obstacles in your path, it's time to move forward. 

1. With your foot still on the brake pedal, move the gear from park into the drive position. 
2. Slowly remove your foot from the brake pedal and apply it gently to the gas pedal. The more pressure you apply to the gas pedal, the faster your car will go.c

Step 5: Stopping

When you need to stop, you will want to remove your foot from the gas pedal and apply it gently to the brake pedal. 

The harder you push on the brake 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 legitimate parking zone to park in or else you may wind up with a ticket. 

Forward Parking
1. Drive up to the spot, make sure it is clear to pull into, then pull in slowly making sure you do not hit other vehicle or the curb
2. Apply your foot to the brake slowly and come to a complete stop. 
3. Put the car in park. 
4. Turn off the engine.

Backing In
1. Drive up to the spot you want to pull into and stop just after the spot, so the back of your car is facing the spot. 
2. Use your rear view mirror and side mirros to make sure the way is clear and to navigate into the spot.
3. Pull in slowly and use your brake to come to a complete stop when you are far enough into the spot.
4. Put the car in park.
5. Turn off the engine.

Parallel Parking

References

Cars, Money and You Course

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Fast Facts

  • Tip:

    Always wear your seatbelt

  • Tip:

    Avoid driving distractions, like cell phones 

  • Tip:

    Get as much experience as you can
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