As a new driver, mastering the basics of driving is crucial for your safety and confidence on the road. From how to control your vehicle’s speed and braking to executing perfect parking manoeuvres, here’s a detailed guide to get you driving like a pro.

Learning to Control Speed and Braking

Controlling your speed and mastering the art of braking are foundational skills for safe driving:

• Speed Control: Always adjust your speed according to road conditions, traffic flow, and posted speed limits. Use the accelerator gently to avoid sudden jerks.
• Smooth Braking: Start braking well in advance of where you need to stop. Apply gentle pressure to the brake pedal and increase pressure smoothly as you come to a stop to avoid abrupt halts.

Perfecting Steering and Lane Changing

Steering and changing lanes safely are vital skills that require practice:

• Steering Techniques: Maintain a relaxed grip on the steering wheel. Use the “push-pull” technique for smoother turns, where one hand pushes the wheel up while the other pulls it down.
• Lane Changing: Always check your mirrors, signal your intentions early, and glance over your shoulder to check blind spots before changing lanes. Make sure there is sufficient space in the lane you are moving into.

Understanding the Use of Mirrors and Blind Spots

Proper use of mirrors and awareness of blind spots are key for safe driving:

• Mirror Adjustment: Adjust all mirrors before starting to drive. Your rearview mirror should give a full view of the road behind, and side mirrors should show a slight part of your car’s sides.
• Blind Spots: Even with well-adjusted mirrors, be aware of blind spots. Always perform a shoulder check before changing lanes or merging.

Parking: Parallel, Reverse, and Bay Parking

Parking is often daunting for new drivers but becomes easier with practice:

• Parallel Parking: Find a space large enough, signal, and pull up alongside the car in front of the space. Reverse into the space slowly, turning your steering wheel as needed to fit into the space.
• Reverse Parking: When backing into a parking space, use your mirrors and go slowly to maintain control.
• Bay Parking: Drive past the bay and then reverse into it, using landmarks and lines as guides to keep the car straight.

Emergency Manoeuvres: Reversing and U-turns

Knowing how to handle your car in emergencies is crucial:

• Reversing: Always check for obstacles or pedestrians behind you. Reverse slowly, using your mirrors and turning your head to see all angles.
• U-turns: Only perform U-turns where they are allowed. Signal early, check for oncoming traffic, and execute the turn smoothly and quickly.

In Conclusion

Mastering the basics of driving takes time and practice. By focusing on these fundamental skills, you’ll enhance your ability to drive safely and confidently in various conditions. Remember, every driver was once a beginner, and with patience and practice, you’ll find yourself handling the car with increasing ease and skill. Safe driving!