The ability to drive a car brings with it an unmatched level of independence. However, driving a car is not a piece of cake. It requires proper training and complete knowledge of the road signs and highway codes. Knowing the basics and being able to drive your car safely is not only good for you, but it also ensures the safety of other drivers on the road as well.
No matter how much you think you know about driving a car, taking Ezlicence driving lessons from a professional trainer makes a huge difference. The professional driving course covers all the itsy bitsy of the driving, the roads, and the car. You can never get to know about these things better than from a proper trainer.
Going for your first driving lesson can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. You want to be your best and certainly don’t want to attempt anything foolish. If you are planning to take driving lessons but have a few doubts, keep reading to know what it takes to make the best out of your driving lessons.
1- Prepare yourself
- You need to prepare yourself mentally and physically before your first driving class.
- Have a good night’s sleep. Do not take any drugs that may make you drowsy or induce dizziness.
- Strictly no alcohol before driving.
- Have a healthy and hearty breakfast
- Go through the reading material related to driving a car. Things enlisted will help you in understanding the trainer’s instructions in a better way.
- See a car physically. Ask someone to show you the key parts of the car. It will help you when the instructor tells you about the functions of these parts.
- Read about the highway codes. It is the compilation of the rules of the road designed or everyone from drivers to pedestrians to cyclists and motorcyclists. Doing this will enrich you with useful knowledge.
- Bring your provisional driving license. You should apply and receive your provisional driving license before your first driving lesson. Your instructor may want to make sure that you can legally drive a car.
- Wear comfortable clothing for your driving lessons. Your clothes should not hinder your driving.
- Wear flat-soled shoes or slippers. This will make the feet movement and controlling the pedals easy.
- Wear spectacles if you are a weak sight. They are required while driving a car.
2- Find the right instructor
It is very important that you find a driving instructor who makes you feel comfortable. Initially, getting your driving lessons from a family member or a friend may seem like a good option as it can save money. However, soon you will find that sometimes when you are bonded to someone it leads to arguments, frustrations, and criticism that halts the progress. Therefore, getting your driving lessons from a professional trainer is the best idea.
A professional trainer has thorough knowledge to take you to a driving lesson. He will know the tips and tricks that will prepare you for your upcoming test. Also, the trainers are specifically trained to make the trainees go through well-formularized series of exercises in order to polish their skills.
A professional trainer from a driving school will have a car with dual controls. This feature is an absolute necessity if you are new to the road. It will also make you feel safe and provide an element of control while you are driving your car. In the initial lessons when you will not be familiar with the things, having a dual controlled car can help you in focusing on the controls of your car rather than having to think about everything at the same time.
The best wat to ace your lessons and get a hang of everything is to take your lessons from a professional trainer and then practice what you have learned with a friend or family until your next lesson. Keep in mind that to drive your car or your friend’s car you will need a learner’s driver insurance.
3- What happens in the first driving lesson?
You may be nervous. Don’t worry, your instructor will not make you sit in the driver’s seat instantly. Instead, your instructor will drive you to a quiet road where he will tell you about the basics and fundamentals of car control. You will be told about the ABC of the pedals namely; accelerator, brake, clutch and which foot to use for which control.
After you are done with the basics, your instructor will swap places with you and tell you about the cockpit drill. Cockpit drill is an exercise that every driver has to do soon after sitting on the driver’s seat.
The exercise includes a series of checks and actions often called DSSSM, It includes:
- Doors: check that all the doors are locked and secured before turning on the ignition.
- Seat and steering: adjust your seat and steering as per your comfort. You should be able to see the road clearly and be able to reach your pedals with comfort. The headrest should be set in a way that may save you from any whiplash in case of an accident.
- Seat belt: make sure you and other passengers are wearing seat belts.
- Mirrors: check and position all the mirrors to minimize the blind spots.
4- Moving off the vehicle
After your instructor thinks it safe for you to move the car, he will ask you to start driving. Don’t be nervous and prepare yourself to safely do the prepare-observe-move routine.
- Prepare: this means getting the vehicle ready to move when the road is clear. Press the clutch with your left foot and put the car in the first gear. Press the gas pedal until it reaches 1200-2000 rpm. Release the clutch slowly till you find the biting point. Release the hand brake.
- Observe: observe your surroundings and make sure it’s safe to pull out your car. Show your instructor that you have observed your surroundings.
- Move: release the clutch and press the gas pedal slowly. Recheck your mirrors and slowly start moving your car.
5- Be positive
Driving a car may require professional training but it’s no rocket science. Practice and following the instruction carefully will make you master this art quickly. Listen intently to your instructor and make notes for your mistakes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions no matter how foolish they seem.
Conclusion
It is best to learn to drive a car by a professional instructor. Prepare yourself before your driving class. Practice what you have learned before your next class. Don’t be afraid of your mistakes. Instead, take them as your chance to improve yourself.