Knowing the rules of the road and how to drive are important facets of driving a motor vehicle on the road. It is important to be confident when you drive too. Second-guessing for even a split second or rash decisions can lead to dangerous outcomes. In this blog, we will cover 5 tips to be a more confident driver.
Tip #1: Practice. Practicing is a great way to get better at anything. It will not make perfect, but it will get you closer. Attempt to get behind the wheel and drive to a variety of places at a variety of times. Watch others, more experienced or better drivers are preferred, but learning from peers' mistakes is also valuable. If you are unable to drive a vehicle, visualize or think about situations when driving.
Tip #2: Drive in all weather conditions and on different terrains. You can not control the weather, but you can prepare for it. When first starting, you may want only to drive on sunny days and at nonbusy times, but safely push your limits to other driving situations. Do not be reckless. If the weather is too dangerous and other drivers are not on the road, it is probably a good idea for you to stay at home as well. If you have questions or concerns about weather related driving, look back at some of the previous blogs. If you do not see a topic that you wish was covered, leave a comment down below. Also, every once in a while drive on a dirt road or too. You will never know when your GPS will take you down a dirt road unbeknownst to you.
Tip #3: Bring an experienced friend or certified instructor along with you. It is important to practice, but practicing the wrong thing is never beneficial. It teaches bad habits and bad driving. If you do not have a trusted experienced driver in your life, contact Drivers Edge School of Driving. Having someone there to talk you through new situations or correct you when you are doing something reckless is a valuable learning opportunity.
Tip #4: Drive multiple vehicles. This one is similar to practicing. Practice driving different vehicles, big ones, little ones, slow ones, and fast ones. It does not even need to be a road-worthy vehicle. Do not drive non-road-worthy vehicles on the road. Driving tractors, side by side, or even riding bikes is a great way to understand speed control, turning, coordination, and other driving related skills.
Tip #5: Know your limits. One must know their limits when training. Do not make too big of jumps in difficulty too early. This may be hard to know on your own. Also, know your limits mentally. If you start to feel fatigued, tired, or overwhelmed when driving take a break in a safe location. It is okay to take breaks and regroup yourself. Sometimes after complicated maneuvers, taking a minute to go over it in your head will help it stick. Doing this while trying to pay attention to the road is incredibly difficult. It is important to not be too confident while driving as well. Driving too confidently will make you make rash decisions.
Driving can be difficult. There is a reason rules and regulations are in place for individuals to get their driver's licenses. Driving is not a right it is a privilege. One should treat it with the resort it deserves for it can cause sticky and life-threatening situations. This blog aims to give you ways to increase your confidence behind the wheel. It is okay to be confident, but do not get cocky behind the wheel.