Most Helpful Driving Safety Tips for New Drivers

Adjust Your Seat

If you aren’t sitting comfortably when driving, you’ll feel on edge and unprepared. Move the driver’s seat forward or backward so your legs can properly reach the pedals.

Did you know you can adjust the height of your seat as well? Your feet may reach the pedals and your body may be slightly reclined, but your head could hit the ceiling, or you could hardly see over the steering wheel. No matter which issues you encounter, adjust the seat until you’re at a comfortable height. This seat adjustment will immensely increase your comfort when driving.

Limit Distractions

As a new driver, limiting distractions is the best way to learn the ropes. First, limit the number of people in the car. If you don’t yet have your license, you’ll need an adult in the passenger seat to help you along the way. Don’t drive your entire family around while learning the basics.

Phones and loud music are a big no as a new driver. Keep your phone stored away. Don’t glance at notifications, respond to text messages, answer calls, or change the music. When you take your eyes off the road and look at something else, your attention is immediately taken away from driving. You need to focus on the road to stay safe and master driving effectively.

Keep Your Distance

Keeping your distance from other cars is another helpful driving safety tip for new drivers. You’re still learning how to operate the brake and gas pedals and understand your vehicle. If you create distance between other cars, you won’t need to slam on the brakes in a rush.

Three-Second Rule

The three-second rule can help you maintain a safe distance behind other drivers. Use a landmark or road sign to help you with this rule. When the car in front of you passes that landmark, you should pass that same landmark about three seconds later. This is not a mandatory rule, but it’s a helpful trick when learning to drive.

Learn About Your Vehicle

Cars are complex machines with many moving parts. You might not understand all of your car’s quirks quite yet. For example, there are so many common myths about tires and engines that you might not know what to believe!

While your car is off and parked, look at some of the features of your vehicle before driving. Open the hood to look at the engine, examine the tread on the tires, and test out the levers by the steering wheel. Understanding as much as you can about the vehicle is a great way to feel comfortable behind the wheel.

Learning how to drive is a stressful process, but these helpful safety tips should leave you feeling prepared for your next drive!