The last time the Federal Highway Administration performed an audit, they discovered that 87% of driving age people (16 or older) had a driver’s license. Each year thousands of teens across the country slip behind the wheel for the first time.
If you’re getting ready to learn how to drive a car, there are a few things you need to know. Keep reading for 4 things you should know before you take your first driving lesson.
1. The Right Attitude
You need to approach learning to drive with the right frame of mind. Remember, you are going to be in control of a couple of thousand-pound metal box that can move quite fast.
Be prepared to have an open mind and listen to constructive criticism. Driving is a privilege, and if you don’t do it correctly, that privilege can be taken away.
Show up to your lesson fully rested and not hungry. This will enable you to have a clear and focused mind.
2. Have a Basic Understanding
Before you start driving a car, you should have a basic understanding of how a car works. The engine and the transmission are what enable the vehicle to move.
The engine combines air and fuel with a spark to create combustion. This explosion of energy creates a force that is sent to the wheels for movement.
The transmission is the gear that the car is in. If you have an automatic, then the shifting is done for you. If you have a manual, you’ll need to shift the vehicle into the different gears.
3. Know the Gauges
When you sit behind the wheel, you will see a cluster of gauges in front of you. Learn what these gauges are telling you so that you can operate the car.
There will be a speedometer that tells you how fast the car is moving. You need to know this, so you comply with the posted speed limits.
The gas gauge will tell you when it’s time to fill up again. Without gasoline, your car won’t run.
The oil temperature gauge will tell you how hot the engine is operating. If your engine gets too hot, you risk damaging it.
4. Learn the Road Signs
The signs on the road direct traffic flow and prevent accidents. Because of this, you need to pay attention and follow them. There are obvious signs like the red stop sign and yellow yield sign.
But there are more detailed signs you should learn. Driver’s ed schools like the Carlisle Driver Training will help you learn them as you practice your driving.
Learn How to Drive a Car
Once you learn these four things, you are ready to get behind the wheel and learn how to drive a car. Remember, safety should be your priority, as driving has the potential to be quite dangerous if not done correctly.
With proper training, though, you’ll be a pro in no time!
Check out the lifestyle section of our blog for more helpful articles like this one.
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