First time driving – what to focus on?

Are you about to get behind the wheel for the first time? We’ll tell you what you should keep in mind, what mistakes you shouldn’t make, and we’ll start it all with getting ready to drive.

Preparing to drive – quick step by step

How much you will gain in the eyes of the examiner depends on this, as well as whether he will not mark your first mistakes on his list. Preparing to drive is also crucial when it comes to safety. Well adjusted mirrors or seat also means more comfort during the journey, so let’s get to the specifics.

1. Before you get in the car, remove any bulky clothing; the seat belt needs to be placed as close to your body as possible, then it protects you best.
2. Now you move on to adjusting your seat. Move it closer so that your left leg is slightly bent at the knee when you press the clutch (in automatic cars, press the brake pedal with your right foot).
3. Adjust the seat height. Avoid extremes, the rest is left to you, it is an individual matter.
4. Now the angle of the backrest. With the joint of your hand on the straightened arm, you must touch the top of the steering wheel while at the same time not detaching your back from the backrest.
5. Move on to adjusting the headrest. Ideally, it should be in the middle of the top of your head.
6. Adjust all the mirrors.
7. Fasten your seat belt.

Done, everything set perfectly, you’re good to go! So let’s move on to good habits that you should build in yourself from your first drive.

What to focus on during your first drive?

Let’s start with your hands on the steering wheel. You should always have both hands on the steering wheel (not counting when you shift gears). Always keep your hands on the steering wheel with both hands on the wheel (not counting when you’re shifting gears), like it’s 1:50 or 2:45 p.m. Remember to press the clutch all the way down when you’re shifting gears – it’s easier to manoeuvre the stick and the clutch will thank you for it, you’ll get more mileage out of it

Keep your focus on what’s in front of you. Don’t turn your back when you’re talking to a passenger, but keep your eyes forward, or to the side if you want to make sure there’s nothing coming from that direction. Just these few habits can make your driving safer.

What else should you focus on? Observe your surroundings. You are not alone on the road, there are almost always other vehicles, and possibly pedestrians. That is why you should never charge, never try to show off in front of others, because many such situations have led to tragic scenes on the roads

When starting off and braking, try to do it smoothly and only brake suddenly if necessary. Remember also about signs, check the horizontal ones as well as the vertical ones. Often young drivers, when entering a new street, don’t pay attention to a sign that may, for example, indicate a no-turn sign. This leads to exit problems because, as it turned out, they entered a one-way road. The most important thing, however, is that you always use common sense and sober thinking!

(Photo: pixabay.com)