Learn How to Drive (for Beginners)

Driving is an extremely useful skill, but it’s important to learn how to be a responsible driver before you put your keys in the ignition. This article covers the basics of driving both automatic and manual cars, preparing to drive, and how to get your driver’s license. Plus, we spoke with expert Driving Instructor Simon Miyerov to get tips on driving safely. All the rules and regulations of driving can feel overwhelming, but if you take them one step at a time, you'll be a pro on the road in no time. Read on to find out more.

How to Drive an Automatic Car

Place your foot on the brake and start the engine.
Release the handbrake and put the car into gear.
Lift your foot off the brake as you press on the gas.
Slowly press down on the gas to accelerate smoothly.
Make sure to always keep both hands on the steering wheel.
Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you.
Always use your turn signals when turning or changing lanes.

Section 1 of 4:

Driving an Automatic Car

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1
Start your car with your foot on the brake. Follow a few easy steps in the right order to start your car. Here's what you do:^{[1]
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- Put your foot on the brake.
- Put your key in the ignition and turn it, or press the starter button on a push-button ignition. You’ll hear the engine turning on.
- Release the handbrake if it is engaged. Some people only use the handbrake (also called the safety brake) when parked on an incline.
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Put your car in Drive (D) or Reverse (R). Since you’re learning on an automatic, choose Drive (D) or Reverse (R). The gear you choose depends on how you’re parked and which way you’re planning to go.^{[2]
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- If you're driving forward, put your car in Drive (D).
- If you're driving backward to back out of a driveway or a parking spot, put your car in Reverse (R).
- If reversing, check your rearview mirror and then place your hand on the passenger seat as you turn your head to the right to look behind you.
- If your car has a driver-assist camera, use it to get a clear view behind you. However, it’s still a good idea to turn around and check each side.
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Gradually lift your foot off the brake and press on the gas pedal. As you lift your foot, the car will move forward in Drive (D) or backward in Reverse (D). Gradually press harder on the gas to accelerate your car. If you’re moving forward, continue to press on the gas until you reach the speed limit in your neighborhood. Don’t worry about shifting gears as you move forward. The car uses sensors to shift automatically at the appropriate time.^{[3]
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- When you're on the highway, be aware of the speed limit, but go with the flow of traffic.
- If all the cars around you are going much slower than the speed limit due to traffic, drive accordingly to avoid crashing into them.
- If all of the cars around you are driving much faster than the speed limit, you don't have to match their speed and break the law. Move your car into the right-hand lane to drive with slower traffic.
- Remember that driving too slow can be just as dangerous as driving too fast.
- Accelerate your car smoothly. Don't push your foot too hard on the gas, or you may go much faster than you intended. Know that each car has its own acceleration rate.
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Keep your hands on the steering wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock. These positions allow you to safely maneuver the wheel and prevent you from making any sharp turns. Other positions, including 10 and 2 o’clock were previously recommended, but due to airbag technology, they’re no longer safe in some cars.^{[4]
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Research source} Good steering placement makes your driving experience smoother and helps you avoid collisions. It also helps you turn and position your car in the most convenient way. Here are some tips for good steering:
- When turning, pull down on the side of the wheel you wish to turn towards and push up with the opposite hand. This is called “pull-push” steering.
- To make sharper turns at lower speeds, use hand-over-hand turning. To do this, perform a push-pull turn, but bring your pull hand over your push hand in order to continue moving the wheel in the desired direction.^{[5]
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Always maintain a safe driving distance. Miyerov says, “The best tip I would give is to have a space cushion with every car you're driving around. Obviously, driving when it's raining…you have to drive slower. Make sure you have space in between each car so you don't rear-end them.”^{[6]
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Simon Miyerov
Driving Instructor

Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.} Always drive at least a car length or 2 - 4 seconds behind the car in front of you. If you have to make a fast stop, you don’t want to crash into the front car.^{[7]
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- Get to know how long it takes for your car to reach a full and complete stop when traveling at various speeds.
- When traveling at a faster speed, it often takes more than one car length to come safely to a stop. Take weather and road conditions into account when gauging how long it takes your car to stop.
- Try not to stop suddenly unless it’s an emergency. Sudden stops may cause vehicles behind you to plow into your rear.
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Use your turn signals to let other drivers know your next move. Remember that the person in the car behind you can’t read your mind. They don't know which direction you’re planning to move unless you signal. Use your signal in the following situations.^{[8]
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- As you approach the last 100 feet (30.5 m) before your turning point (left or right turn).
- Before you change lanes, be sure that you signal at least 5 to 6 seconds prior to moving into the new lane.
- Before pulling into or out from a curbside parking spot.
- When changing directions.
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Follow safety guidelines when you change lanes. It’s important to follow the rules for properly and safely changing lanes. Signal at least 100 feet (30.5 m) before turning and 5 seconds before changing lanes, even when you don’t see other cars around you. Use the mnemonic device S.M.O.G. to remember the correct way to change lanes.^{[9]
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- S: SIGNAL to let the cars around you know that you intend to change lanes.
- M: Check your MIRROR to see that it is clear.
- O: Check OVER-THE-SHOULDER again to make sure it’s safe to proceed.
- G: GO.
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Use your lights to see the road more clearly and avoid danger. Turn your headlights on when it's dark, raining, or foggy. A general rule of thumb is if you ask yourself, "Should my lights be on right now?" then the answer is always yes.^{[10]
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- Check the other cars on the road. If most of them turn their lights on, flick yours on too.
- Remember that some cars have lights that automatically turn on and off under certain conditions. If you don't have one of these types of cars, make sure to turn your lights off when you park your car, or you may drain your battery.
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Use your wipers to keep your windshield clear. Adjust them to move back and forth at different speeds depending on how hard the rain falls. Generally, the harder the rain, the faster your wipers should be. Additionally, clean your wiper blades regularly and replace both at the same time when they show signs of wear, like splitting or warping.^{[11]
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- Learn how your windshield wipers work before the first drop of rain falls.
- Some states require you to turn your full headlights on when you run the wipers from intermittent to fast speeds.
- Keep your windshield washer fluid topped off during bad weather conditions to help keep your windshield as clean as possible.
- Do not drive if your wipers are broken. Driving in a storm without wipers is incredibly dangerous.
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Park your car fully in a spot and engage the parking brake. After you've reached your destination, park your car safely and then turn off your engine. Here's how to make sure your car is properly parked:^{[12]
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- Find a good parking spot in a designated parking area with plenty of room for your car.
- Slowly pull into the spot, keeping your car straight and moving evenly between any lines. “Once you're inside the spot, slow down and make sure you're in the middle of the spot,” says Miyerov.^{[13]
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  Driving Instructor
  
  Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.}
- Stop the car by putting your foot on the brake.
- Shift gears into "Park."
- Turn off your engine and pull up your parking brake to prevent your car from rolling. If your lights are on, turn them off.
- Get out of the car and make sure it fits in the spot. If it’s evenly inside the line of the parking spot, lock your car to prevent theft and be on your way!

Section 2 of 4:

Learning to Drive a Manual Car

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Learn how the clutch and gearshift work. Some feel a manual car is trickier to drive than an automatic but more fun because you have more control over the car. When learning to drive a manual car, get familiar with how the clutch and shifter work before you start driving.^{[14]
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- The clutch: The clutch controls the connection between the engine and transmission. Pushing on the clutch pedal disengages the clutch and disconnects the engine from the transmission. Releasing will engage the clutch and connect them. When disengaging the clutch, you effectively place the car in neutral regardless of whether it is in gear or not. Engaging the clutch will place the car into whichever gear is currently selected.^{[15]
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- The shifter: Shifting gears is done by moving a stick called either the gear stick, shift stick, gearshift, gear lever, gear selector, or shifter. Gear numbers and shift patterns will vary by model, but the “default” position is (N) Neutral, followed by gears that range from 1 to 5 or 1 to 6, and then (R0 Reverse.
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Press on the brake and clutch, and then start the car. Starting your manual car is trickier than starting an automatic car…and takes more practice. When you're starting out, make sure you're in an isolated location to help prevent any distractions or accidents. Get a licensed driver to take you to a safe spot to practice if necessary. Here's how to do it:^{[16]
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- Begin by pressing the brake with your right foot and stepping on the clutch with your left foot. Most manual cars will not start unless the clutch is disengaged.
- Turn the ignition key or press the starter button.
- Once you have started the car, keep your foot on the brake and release the emergency brake.
- If moving forward, place the car into 1st gear, marked with a 1 on the shifter. If reversing, place the car into Reverse (R).
- Slowly and smoothly release the clutch. As you feel the car start to inch forward, slide your foot off the brake and slowly apply pressure to the gas pedal.
- As the engine revs up and the car edges forward, lift your foot a little more off the clutch until you feel and hear the clutch “catch.”
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Lift your foot off the clutch and smoothly press on the gas pedal. If the car moves forward without the engine stalling, then great work! You have successfully started the car and are traveling in 1st gear. If it does stall out, don’t worry! It takes practice to start a manual car. Just start over at the beginning to try again.^{[17]
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- When starting a manual car while facing up a hill, use the same process, but switch your foot more quickly from the brake to the gas pedal. Press down on the gas and let up on the clutch smoothly but quickly. If you start to roll backward. Press on the clutch and brake to stop, and then try again from the beginning.
4
Shift gears as you increase and decrease your speed. Shift gears by depressing the clutch and moving the shifter to the next higher or lower gear. Then, slowly take pressure off the clutch while pressing on the gas pedal. Move into higher gears for higher speeds, says Miyerov.^{[18]
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Simon Miyerov
Driving Instructor

Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.} Different cars have different speed ranges for each gear. Before you start switching gears, remember these points:^{[19]
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- Listen to your car and switch to a higher gear when the engine revs or gets louder. Shift to a lower gear as you slow down, and the RPMs drop.
- Think of the clutch pedal and gas pedal as being inversely proportional to the other in pressure. They act in concert in the same way as a see-saw or scales. When one goes up, the other goes down.
- Gradually applying gas while engaging the clutch makes shifting gears smoother. It takes time to get the hang of it, but once you master the feeling of the clutch and gas, it becomes second nature.
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Brake and then apply the clutch when you’re below 5 mph to stop. Once you’re at a stop, move into Neutral (N) and ease off the clutch until the light changes. Moving the car into Neutral (N) ensures that the engine is no longer moving the transmission and prevents you from stalling as you wait for a green light.^{[20]
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- Don’t put your car in neutral to brake for longer periods. While it may be the easiest way to avoid stalling the engine, it limits maneuverability. This can be a safety issue because it prevents you from reacting as quickly to hazards.^{[21]
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- You may potentially save gas and extend the life of your brakes by downshifting to decelerate. This takes practice however, so begin by just using your brakes.
6
Park your car in gear and engage the parking brake. Once you've found the right place to park your car, it's important to follow a few key rules to park your manual car properly. Pull into the spot and come to a complete stop, fully depressing the clutch and brake. Turn the engine off and shift the car into Reverse (R) or 1st gear. Pull up on the parking brake. Don’t forget to take your keys out of the ignition.^{[22]
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- Leave your car in gear, not Neutral (N). If you leave it in Neutral (N) and the parking brake fails, your car may roll.
7
Many driving rules apply to both automatic and manual cars. Though there are differences in how you drive the two types of cars, many of the basic rules still apply. They are:
- Signaling 5 seconds before changing lanes and 100 feet (30.5 m) before making a turn.
- Using your lights and wipers for better visibility at night and in inclement weather.
- Place your hands on the steering wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock.

Section 3 of 4:

Preparing to Drive Safely

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Adjust your mirrors and seat before you start driving. It's important to adjust your mirrors and seat, so you’re ready for the road. Doing this before you drive instead of while you're driving ensures that you stay safe and focused, says Miyerov.^{[23]
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Simon Miyerov
Driving Instructor

Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.} Here's what to do:
- Check your rearview and side mirrors and make any necessary adjustments. Make sure you have a good view of the cars on either side and behind you. Do not adjust your mirrors while driving – this can be far too distracting.
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Fasten your seatbelt, adjust your seat, and check the dashboard. Before you put your hands on the wheel, it's important that your body and car are ready to venture out onto the roads. Take the following steps to prepared to drive safely:^{[24]
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- Fasten your seatbelt. Depending on where you live, there is most likely a law that requires you to wear a seatbelt. Not only can you get cited for breaking this rule, but your chances of injury and fatality during a collision also increase exponentially.
- Check your dashboard. Make sure your car is ready to drive and that there are no alarming lights that signal your car is malfunctioning.
- Adjust your seat. Move your seat backward or forward to make sure your feet comfortably reach the pedals, and you can still see the road.
- Lock all your doors. This prevents unwanted people from entering your vehicle (i.e. carjackers) and reduces the chance of the doors inadvertently opening in the midst of a collision.
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Put away your phone and turn down any music to minimize distractions. To be safe, eliminate any obstacles that keep you from focusing on the road. That means don't get behind the wheel if you're in the middle of an intense texting session with your best friend. Finish the conversation by saying you're going to drive and will talk later. Turn off your phone while you’re in the car if you're prone to to getting distracted.^{[25]
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- Turn down your music or put on something soothing and relaxing to help you stay focused.
- Don’t do any grooming like combing hair, shaving, or putting on makeup while driving. Finish getting ready before you put the keys in the ignition, or wait until after you’ve parked.

Section 4 of 4:

Getting Your License

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Learn the driving rules for your location. Before you get a permit, it's important to be aware of the rules of driving and the basic safety precautions of a responsible driver. Miyerov says it's much more advisable to learn the rules before you get behind the wheel so you don't wing it and make mistakes as you go along.^{[26]
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Simon Miyerov
Driving Instructor

Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.} Here's how:
- Read the driver's handbook provided by the DMV or your local department that regulates driving and automobiles. Miyerov advises, “Obviously, you would want to read the learner's permit manual. Once you read the manual fully, I highly recommend taking a sample test.”^{[27]
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  Simon Miyerov
  Driving Instructor
  
  Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.} If you don’t learn the rules, you won't be able to get your permit.
- Some basic rules and common-sense safety precautions include stopping for pedestrians, obeying traffic signs, staying within the speed limit, handling emergencies, and wearing your seatbelt.
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Get your learner's permit. A learner's permit allows you to drive under the supervision of an experienced driver who has a valid driver's license. All states require you to pass a knowledge test before issuing your permit.^{[28]
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Research source} The minimum age for a learner's permit in most states is 16. However, some states issue learner’s permits at 15 and a few at 14, so check with your state's requirements. Here are some general guidelines:
- Most states allow you to practice driving with an adult age 21 or over. Only a few states allow you to legally practice with someone younger than 21.
- Most states also have a curfew for permit drivers. You cannot drive at night even if accompanied by a licensed driver.
- If you're a minor, most states require a signature from your parent or guardian before you start driving.
- You'll have to pass a written test about driving rules and regulations and safety on the road before you receive a learner’s permit.
- Some jurisdictions will require a certain number of hours of “behind-the-wheel” driver’s education in order to get your license. If you’re still in school, your high school may offer classes in driver's education to meet these requirements.
- Depending on the jurisdiction, your learner's permit may only be valid after you start behind-the-wheel lessons. In other jurisdictions, your learner's permit is only valid during behind-the-wheel lessons.
- Certain jurisdictions require the placement of an "L" (learner), "Student Driver", "New Driver", or the shoshinsha mark (🔰) on the back of your vehicle during driving practice and/or for the first year after you get your learner's permit or driver's license. You can be ticketed if these are absent.
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Practice driving to hone your driving skills. Before you take your car on the highway, get comfortable behind the wheel in a safe location under adult supervision. Take it one day at a time, and be patient. Nobody's a perfect driver at first. Here are some tips to improve your skills:^{[29]
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Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

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- Practice with an adult you trust. Drive with a responsible driver over the age of majority who can guide you and give you advice without getting frustrated. By law, the adult may have to sit in the front seat and have gotten their license. The adult must also be in a position to instruct, and, depending on the jurisdiction, the vehicle might need dual-controls (second brake pedal).
- Practice in an isolated and safe location, such as an empty parking lot. This will help you understand the way your car accelerates, how your brakes work, and how to generally maneuver your car. Each car is different and it's important to get a feel for what makes your car unique.
- In some jurisdictions, you’re permitted to practice at the test site, but not every jurisdiction allows practice sessions on the road test course.
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Pass writing, driving, and vision tests to receive a license. Once you've gotten your permit, have mastered either the automatic or manual car, and have driven on the road for the requisite amount of time (six months in some states), then you’re ready to get your driver's license! The driver's license will allow you to drive alone, at any hour, and with more than one other person in the car. To get the license, there are a few things you may have to do, depending on your state:
- Pass a written test that covers driving rules, road signs, and driving safety. Miyerov advises, “Have a good night's rest, a good breakfast, and use the restroom before you go. Make sure you have all your documents, meaning your permit and your driver’s certificate, for the road test.”^{[30]
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  Simon Miyerov
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  Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.}
- Pass a short driving test, which evaluates your basic driving skills, including how to parallel park and make K-turns.
- Pass a vision test to ensure your vision is strong enough to drive safely. Don’t worry if you have glasses or contacts. Just make sure you wear them for the test. Be aware that you may be required to wear your vision correction to drive.
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Remember that driving is a privilege, not a right. Once you get your license, remember to be a cautious, safe, or responsible driver. If you don't drive by the rules, your driving privileges will be revoked and you may get in trouble with the law. Here are some things to keep in mind once you're a licensed driver:
- Always put safety first. Don't do anything that compromises your safety like cram seven people in your car, drive without a seat-belt, or be a generally distracted driver.
- You can always improve your driving skills. Make notes of things to work on, from making smooth turns to signaling ahead of time, and work to address your driving flaws.
- Keep your passengers safe. Make sure your passengers are behaving appropriately before you start the car. If they are hanging out of windows, not wearing seat-belts, or not respecting the roads, don't start the car.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What's the difference between an automatic and semi-automatic car?

Simon Miyerov
Driving Instructor
Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment.

Simon Miyerov

Driving Instructor

Expert Answer

It's actually pretty simple. Automatic vehicles shift gears automatically. Semi-automatic require manual shifting without a clutch pedal (which you would find in a manual car).

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Question

How do I know who has the right of way at a stop sign?

Simon Miyerov
Driving Instructor
Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment.

Simon Miyerov

Driving Instructor

Expert Answer

It depends on the intersection and the situation, but in general, whoever stops first gets to go first. If you arrive at the same time as another driver, whoever is on the right goes first. That's the general rule of thumb.

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Are you allowed to make U-turns if it's safe?

Simon Miyerov
Driving Instructor
Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment.

Simon Miyerov

Driving Instructor

Expert Answer

U-turns are always a matter of local and state laws. Some cities, like New York City, have an outright ban on U-turns and you can't make one anywhere. Some cities allow them basically anywhere if it's safe and there isn't a sign saying otherwise. You just have to look it up to see what the rules are where you live.

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Watch others while they drive and ask questions. While there is no substitute for firsthand practice, this is a good opportunity to review rules and techniques.

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Utilize the outside lanes for normal driving. Use the inside lanes for passing other vehicles.

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Drive defensively. Don’t assume that just because you are following the rules others will. Even experienced drivers make mistakes.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you see speed limit signs, obey them by going the same speed as the speed limit or a little slower. Avoid going too much slower unless absolutely necessary, since it can disrupt traffic around you and lead to accidents.
Avoid shifting into lower gears at high speeds since it can damage your engine or transmission.

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Warnings

Never drink and drive. The police will stop you if they have reason to suspect you driving under the influence. Not only do you run the risk of killing a fellow driver or pedestrian, but you may also kill yourself.

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Do not talk on the phone (although it may be acceptable for you if you have a wireless headpiece) or send text messages while you're driving. It is absolutely dangerous and can have consequences, such as serious injury to you or others, or in worse cases, death.

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Do not operate a vehicle if you are feeling tired. Pull over and take a nap if you must.

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Check which times are curfews for being off the road if you have a learner's permit.

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Remember to always wear your seat-belt, even on short journeys.

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Do not operate a vehicle while under the influence of any substance. Taking substances, whether it's illegal or not can have devastating consequences because it impairs the driver from seeing the road ahead.

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Stay off of highways if you are new. Highways have lots of cars and can be a dangerous place for inexperienced motorists. In some jurisdictions, it is illegal for a driver who has a learner's permit to drive on highways and can be a cause for your license to be revoked if caught. It is not recommended for license holders who have a junior license to drive on highways. If at all possible, get someone who has a regular license drive on highways.

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Driving without a license, or with an invalid license, is a criminal offense in much of the world. You can be fined, arrested, jailed, and/or have the vehicle impounded or towed, and it can potentially ruin your driving record.
- If you wear corrective eyewear such as glasses or contacts, your license may be invalid when driving without them. Schedule an appointment with your motor vehicle's agency after corrective vision surgery such as LASIK to have these restrictions removed.
- If you take your driving test in an automatic transmission car, your license may be restricted to automatic transmission vehicles, such as in parts of Europe. Your license may thus be invalid when attempting to drive a manual transmission vehicle.
- If you have a non-commercial driving license, you cannot drive semis, buses, or other large vehicles without first getting a commercial driving license.
- Your license may also prohibit you from certain activities, such as operating a taxi or rideshare vehicle.
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