If you’ve just passed your driving exam and received your driver’s license, you are technically ready to hit the road. Nonetheless, there are some things to keep in mind when you venture out as a new driver.
The guiding principle for any driver is that one can never be too safe. You’ll also need to know what to do if your car is stolen or has been damaged while parked. To help you as you begin this new activity, here are our top considerations for new drivers.
1. Know the Car You’ll Be Driving
While this may seem obvious, it’s important to familiarize yourself with all the controls and gadgets in your car. Check that all lights and signals are working especially if you plan on driving after dark. Familiarize yourself with the location of the controls and with the vehicle’s dashboard and symbols on buttons or gauges.
If you did not practice or take your driving exam in the car you will be driving, you may want to do some practicing with an experienced driver beside you until you feel completely comfortable driving the vehicle. This is particularly important if you have no experience driving on freeways or interstate roads and will need to.
2. Acquire Appropriate Insurance
You need to have car insurance for new drivers. In most states liability insurance is mandatory. Whether you have a vehicle or drive a family car will influence the type of policy you purchase. You may be able to use your parents’ coverage if you are still living at home or are going to college or an accredited school.
Collision or comprehensive coverage will not be obligatory in all states but may be worth the expense. Comprehensive car insurance will cover multiple situations including auto theft and vandalism.
Consult your insurance provider and read your policy thoroughly before completing your purchase.
3. Store a Safety Kit in Your Car and the Necessary Documents
This is a must as you never know when a vehicle might break down, get a flat tire, or be involved in an accident. Safety kits can prove to be vital if you are on a seldom-traveled road that is not illuminated, and you must wait for help to arrive.
Safety kits should contain jumper cables, flashlights with batteries, a spare tire, road flares, a tire iron, a jack, coolant, windshield washer, oil, water, and a selection of tools. If you drive in winter weather, include a blanket and some sand, kitty litter, or salt in the event you get stuck. Keep a recharged cell phone in your car always.
The vehicle registration, insurance proof, and your driving license should be readily available in your vehicle whenever you drive.
4. Put the Phone Down and No Texting
Cell phones should never be used while you are driving. This is a common cause of distraction and car accidents. It is impossible to concentrate on driving and using your phone at the same time. Avoid talking and never text while you are behind the wheel. If you need to phone, pull over to the side of the road.
5. Pay Attention and Remain Alert!
You may want to drive your friends around and have fun or enjoy the view. If you are the driver, you shouldn’t be doing either.
You can transport friends, but you should be concentrated on the road not on chatting and goofing off. Admiring the view is an activity for passengers alone. Also avoid exaggerated loud music, eating, or smoking while driving, which can be equally distracting.
6. Read and Obey Traffic Rules and Road Signs
A long road may have varying speed limits in various sections, and it’s crucial that you pay attention and are aware of these variations so that you adjust your speed accordingly. Whatever you do, respect speed limits. If you drive in bad weather, drive a bit slower than the limits posted.
Pay attention to all road signs, traffic indications, and especially parking signs. You want to avoid no parking zones, or you risk finding a parking violation or that your car has been towed. In either case, it will cost you.
7. Maintain a Safe Distance
Make a point to keep your distance from the car in front of you. Tailgating is a great way to be involved in a fender bender. If the car in front of you suddenly brakes, you may rear-end it if you are following too closely. Rear-ending the car in front of you can lead to injury, car damage, a traffic violation, and a hefty bill to pay.
8. Buckle Up Those Seat Belts
Wear your seat belt and insist that your passengers do as well. If you are in a car crash through no fault of your own, your seat belt may be the only tool keeping you alive.
9. Don’t Drive When You are Tired or Under the Influence
Never drive if you have ingested alcohol drugs or medication or are suffering from a lack of sleep. Consequences can be severe and, in some cases, fatal. Park your car and call a cab or someone to come and get you. It just isn’t worth the risk and if you get stopped, you’ll lose that new license.
