Learning How to Drive
First Car, Student Drivers, Safety First, Drunk Driving, MADD
They Might Be Thinking:
- How will I pass my written exam?
- How many times will I need to take the driving portion of the exam?
- What are all of the requirements to get my license?
- What proof of identity will I need to provide?
- Is there a vision screening process?
- What part of driving should I learn first - braking, steering, using my mirrors, etc. ?
- How do I coordinate the brake and gas pedals?
- Should I learn to drive a standard/manual transmission car first?
- What do I need to bring to a driver's license test?
- What documents are needed to get a driver's license?
- How do you get your driver's license?
- Can you drive by yourself if you're 18 and have a permit?
- Can I drive while using my cell phone?
Words That Might Be Encouraging:
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Don't drink and drive.
- I am here to answer any questions you might have.
- Don't let anyone drive your car unless they have a license and are insured to drive your vehicle.
- Stay calm and always know that your brakes are your friends.
- You are in command. Take it one step at a time.
- If you ever need someone to give you a lesson, I am happy to help.
- Always check your vehicle to make sure it is working properly.
- Don’t abuse your vehicle.
- Check mirrors and gauges.
- Make a positive glance over your shoulder.
- Scan parked cars and back up carefully.
- Check wheel-to-ground reference.
- Allow 2-4 seconds following time.
- Check the road 10-12 seconds ahead.
- Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds.
- Pick a point of decision (point of not stopping) at traffic lights.
- Stop so you can see the rear tires of the car ahead touching the ground.
- Count “1-2-3-delay” after the car ahead starts to move.
- Look left-right-left at all intersections.
- Use your horn to establish eye contact.
- Don’t forget the hazards of rural and in-plant driving.
Words That Might Be Discouraging:
- Driving is relatively easy.
- Once you pass the written exam, everything else will be a breeze.
- I am not really sure why you are struggling.
- You just have to put it all together now.
- Are you trying to kill us?!
- STOP THE CAR!
- Haven't you learned anything from all the years I've been driving you around?
- Wearing your seat belt isn't a big deal.
- Don't worry about how I am driving; you need to follow the laws.
- It's okay to drive 5-10 miles above the speed limit.
- Now that you have your license, you are all set.
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