Driving isn’t just about moving from one place to another, it is a skill that comes handy throughout life. Be it a manual or automatic vehicle, driving requires utmost concentration and a sense of direction. Before you begin your driving journey, there are certain basic techniques that are crucial to be known to start driving competently. This is why we have compiled a list of the top 10 things that beginner drivers must keep in mind before driving.
Get Familiar With The Vehicle
First things first, before any driving tip or trick comes into play there is something that is so crucial that it should never be ignored. Yes, we are talking about being familiar with the vehicle and its key controls. A car is made up of several different components that perform key functions while you drive. Each of these components is operated by a set of buttons, levers, and knobs. Therefore, before you start driving any vehicle, it is important that you know where these controls are located, and what they actually do.
Even though most manufacturers do not change the layout of basic controls such as wipers, headlights, dipper etc., some models like the Polo come with inverted controls, which can be confusing if discovered while driving. Therefore, whenever you begin driving a vehicle for the first time, or if you happen to be someone who is new to driving, make sure you are familiar with the functioning and location of key controls such as wipers, headlights, washer, handbrake, seat adjustment controls, AC control etc. Once you are familiar with all the key controls, you are good to go.
Find A Comfortable Driving Position
Once you are familiar with all the key controls of a vehicle, the next step is to find a comfortable driving position. Since driving is quite a demanding task, both mentally and physically, finding your own comfort can help you drive with ease and comfort. In fact, cabin ergonomics and seating comfort is so important that every manufacturer does its best to provide top-notch seating comfort and adjustment options. Therefore, once accustomed with vehicle controls, start by finding a comfortable driving position.
To begin with, start by sliding the seat to reach the pedals. Fully depress the clutch all the way down, and make sure your legs aren’t strained. When pedals aren’t depressed, make sure your legs are comfortably folded and not cramped. Adjust your seat for reach, until a comfortable reaching position is achieved. If your vehicle allows for height adjustment as well, settle for a position from where you get a commanding view of the road. Finally, adjust your recline in such a way that your hands are neither strained nor too cramped while holding the steering. Once you’ve got your perfect sweet spot, sit back, relax and get ready to roll!
Adjust The Mirrors
While driving a vehicle, your eyes are not the only source of your vision. The mirrors on board your vehicle play a huge part in ensuring your overall safety and security by providing you with a clear view of what’s behind you. Generally, vehicles have three mirrors: two outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs) placed on each side of the front doors and one inside rear view mirror (IRVM) that is placed in front of the windshield. All these mirrors together make up the “extra eyes” that help you cruise on without hesitation.
Whether or not you are new to driving, adjusting the mirrors is a crucial step to take before driving any car. To adjust the ORVMs, begin by opening them out, if your vehicle does not feature electronic opening of ORVMs. When fully opened, adjust the mirrors either by on-board electric controls, or by the manual adjustment knob/handle. Adjust the mirrors in such a way, that only the tail of your vehicle is visible towards the edge of the mirror, while the rest of the view is dominated by the road behind. In a similar fashion, adjust your driving position, and then go ahead adjusting your IRVM in such a way, that the road behind you is clearly visible through the rear glass area. Once you’ve truly got your “eyes” on the road, turn on the ignition and let the drive begin.
Carry All The Documents
Whether a newbie or a trained driver, no one wants to be in a situation where you are caught driving without necessary documents. In fact, with the new Motor Vehicle Amendment Act now enforced, driving without necessary documents can cost you dearly. As per the Indian Motor Vehicle law, there are 4 essential documents that you must carry before driving a four wheeler in India. These include:
- Driving license of the driver
- Registration certificate of the vehicle
- Pollution under control document
- Vehicle’s insurance policy.
In case you cannot find or have misplaced any of these documents, you can even carry them in an electronic format via the Digi Locker application or the mParivahan App. By having all documents in order, you can be assured of a hassle free drive.
Hold the Steering Wheel Correctly
The steering of your vehicle is the only thing that lets you maneuver the vehicle. This is why your grip on the steering wheel is a crucial thing to note. Even if you have been told otherwise, make sure to hold your steering wheel in a proper and firm positioning.
Begin by adjusting your seat in such a way that you can easily reach out to the steering at all times. Now imagine your steering wheel to be a clock. Place your right hand on the 3 o’clock position and your left hand on the 9 o’clock position. Hold the steering firmly at both the positions for proper control and maximum grip. Do not hold the steering with one hand when you have just started to drive. Do not try to take turns with a single hand maneuver. If you face problems figuring out your hand placement, use the image above for reference.
Do not Ride the Clutch
Whenever you drive your vehicle your engine is continuously working to spin the wheels and accelerate the vehicle. However, in order to change the speed at which your wheels are moving, you need to engage the transmission without cutting the engine. This is where the clutch comes in. Thus, the primary job of your clutch is to cut the engine flow to the wheels, so that you can engage your desired gear.
However, the most common mistake made by drivers both new and experienced is riding the clutch, or in other words, pressing the clutch while driving. When you do this, your clutch plate undergoes excessive wear and tear, eventually leading to its failure and the failure of the transmission itself in extreme cases. This is why you must make sure to keep your feet off the clutch pedal, when you are not engaging gears. One way to ensure that you keep your foot off the clutch is by finding a comfortable driving position that gives you enough room to rest your foot off the clutch. Alternatively you can use the dead pedal, if your vehicle is equipped with one.
Follow All Traffic Rules
Safety is something that is central to everyone. Whether you are a newbie or a trained driver, following all traffic rules will not only keep you safe, but will also ensure the safety of all those around you. Moreover, by following traffic rules, you can be saved from hefty fines and penalties that the law entails on those who break the rules.
Whenever you drive, make sure to stop at signals, halt before the zebra crossings, avoid lane jumping etc. Be familiar with all traffic rules before you take out your vehicle. Do not drink and drive at any cost. Follow directions given by the traffic police and do not indulge in malpractices such as driving in the wrong lane, driving against the flow of traffic, excessively using the horn, carrying illegal modifications etc. To have a fair idea about common traffic rules in India, you can download the Road Signs PDF from https://www.aptransport.org/html/pdf/road-signs-english.pdf
Do not Over Speed
As a driver, you should always stay vigilant about the speed limits and the speed you are travelling at. While a high speed run might excite you for a short while, it also endangers the safety of you and everyone around you. Thus, if you are someone who has recently learnt how to drive, make it a rule not to over-speed. Be aware of your surroundings, and drive within the respective speed limits. Even if you want to overtake, make sure you do it from the right direction and with a speed that isn’t over the speed limit. When driving around the city, make sure to stay below the 70 kmph mark, while on a highway, do not cross the 100-120 kmph, depending upon whether it is a national highway or an expressway. Remember; speed thrills, but kills.
Use the Turn Signal
Often ignored by many, the indicators are a crucial component of your vehicle. Not only do they come handy when taking turns, they are also important when changing lanes, overtaking, or merging with ongoing traffic. This is the reason why one should always make sure to use turn indicators while driving.
No matter where the indicator lever is placed inside your vehicle, make sure to correctly use it to indicate a turn, overtake, lane change, or merger you are about to make with your vehicle. Make sure not to fidget with the turn indicator, as it might confuse the driver behind you, leading to accidents. Before making a lane change, make sure to check your rear view vehicles, and use the turn indicator only when it is safe to change lanes.
Do not Tailgate
Tailgating refers to a practice of driving a vehicle too close to the vehicle in front. Since India as a nation is still developing when it comes to driving manners, tailgating is a common phenomenon here. However, no matter how common the practice is, make sure you do not indulge in tailgating.
Driving too close to the vehicle in front of you will not only block your vision, but it will also reduce your reaction time in case there is an incident ahead. Moreover, when you do not maintain a safe distance with the vehicle in front, the maneuverability of your vehicle is also compromised. Do not closely chase heavy-loaded vehicles, and overtake from a safe distance. By maintaining a safe distance, you can quickly maneuver your vehicle away, in case the vehicle in front of you brakes suddenly.
Car Driving Tips: Summary
As you begin driving, keeping these 10 tips in mind will help you become a competent and safe driver. No matter where you destination is, make sure you stay calm and composed while you drive. Always stay aware of your surroundings and other drivers while you are driving and you should be able to enjoy your driving experience.
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