There are numerous considerations to be made when learning to drive. In reality, whether a novice or a seasoned driver, it is critical that everyone be extremely cautious behind the wheel.
We’ve put together a list of basic regulations for you to keep in mind. This list is intended for persons who are learning to drive for the first time. However, it is also a reminder to all experienced drivers, as it is they who are most likely to forget the basic ground rules and raise a disturbance on the road. Read on CarSwitch for basic rules of driving.
Find Best Seating Position
The first thing on the list is to fix the ergonomics before you start rolling. Initiate by sliding the seat and going for the pedals. Ensure that your legs aren’t cramped when forcing the clutch pedal to its limit.
Plus, when you’re not working on pedals, your legs should be folded. In case your ride comes with the choice to adjust the seat height, do it in a way that the road can be viewed, but don’t compromise on your comfort.
Afterward, recline the seat to a position in which your hands aren’t cramped while holding the steering wheel. You just need a slight bend in your elbows.
Adjust the Mirrors
It’s not advised to drive without watching your back. So, adjust the IRVM (Inside RearView Mirror) and left and right ORVMs (Outside RearView Mirrors) depending on your ease, remembering that the mirrors have the responsibility to display what’s behind. A pro tip of adjusting the ORVMs is doing it in a way that your tail lies on the side of the mirror.
Learn the Controls
After you have discovered the best seating position for yourself, the mirrors, and the steering wheel, it’s time to sort your way with the various buttons, control knobs, stack, and levers situated in the cabin. Turn on the motor and initiate by utilizing the stalks visible on both sides of the steering wheel, similar to German vehicles.
After the stalks, attempt to familiarize yourself with the purposes of numerous buttons present on the dashboard. This will make it easier for you to locate the button you want to press during driving without being distracted.
Read More: 8 Car Driving Tips for Beginners in Dubai
Check Handbrake before you Start Driving
Beginners typically forget to disengage the handbrake and they occasionally forget to engage it before leaving the vehicle. Therefore, learn how to engage and disengage the handbrake properly.
Moreover, while engaging the handbrake, you shouldn’t only pull the lever, but enjoy the pleasant sound of the lever technique. What you should do instead is press the release button and pull it. This will elongate the lifetime of your handbrake.
Familiarize yourself with the Vehicle
A common mistake that can prove to be costly is not knowing the body language of your car. Learning the controls isn’t sufficient. Get to know the dimensions and proportions of your vehicle too.
Not only this but allow yourself some quality time with the vehicle to observe the feedback from the car and your input. In short, learn to move according to the vehicle’s feedback to the throttle, steering input, and brake. Plus, if there’s an automatic transmission, learn how to use it.
Observe the Surroundings during Reverse Parking
Parking can be tricky, especially reverse parking. To solve this, the best driving tip is pulling the handbrake, getting off the vehicle, observing the vicinity, and then going on to park. This will allow you to know the amount of space available to you for corrections and mistakes.
Hold the Steering Accurately
There are tons of tips to hold the steering wheel that also explain the science behind it. However, let’s just see the thumb rule. The basic rule is to hold the steering wheel by putting your hand on the 3 and 9’O clock positions, just like in the clock.
Don’t Override the Clutch
When it comes to a manual transmission, a clutch is an essential mechanical connection. It links the gearbox to the engine. Therefore, when you ride with a depressed clutch pedal, it will result in harm to the pressure plates and clutch. So, the next time you drive with a foot placed on the clutch pedal, know that it will influence the lifetime of your clutch plates.
Take Precautions for Lane Change
Splitting lanes during riding appears simple as all you have to do is only swerve the steering wheel. But this isn’t all. While splitting lanes, take a look at the mirrors and see if any other vehicle is intending to cross that lane. Moreover, utilize indicators to inform the other drivers that you are changing lanes.
