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AUTO BILD INDIA takes a look at what a new driver should keep in mind while learning to drive
Everybody learns to drive some time or the other. Some learn at home at a young age others may start a little late. For some its easy to pick up but for others it might be a little tough to get a hang of. This time around we have some tips for new drivers which will help you learn to drive well.
Choose which car you want to learn in. Get familiar with the controls like the clutch, brake, accelerator, steering, gear stick etc. Learn what functions each one performs and how to operate the controls. Learn to sit in a comfortable position where you can easily reach all the controls. This will help you react better in an emergency situation instead of frantically searching for the right thing to operate. Know how to make best use of the mirrors and how to keep blind spots to a minimum.
A lot of people begin at home, learning from their parents or siblings. Then there are driving schools like the Maruti Driving School http://www. marutidrivingschool.com which charge a fee and put you through a course with practical as well as classroom coachings. Pick a learning school which has been authorised by the state government. Choose wisely as a good teacher will be able to pass on his/her driving skills better. Also, make sure you have put up the mandatory L sign in red on the front and rear of the car and that it's big enough to be visible to other road users.
Just learning how to drive isn’t enough. Pick up the basics of car maintenance and things like changing a punctured tyre. These skills will keep you in good stead and you won’t be left stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Learn the basic traffic rules like lane driving, speed limits. Know what traffic signs mean, etc, before you get behind the wheel. Knowing what road signs mean beforehand is helpful and keeps you and other road users safe. Get yourself a learner’s driver licence, which is valid till six months, from the nearest RTO. Find out what are the requirements for a learners licence in your state. The Delhi government for example lists the license requirements on its website. Visit http://delhigovt.nic. in/dept/pubserv/DrivingLic.asp for more information.
Now that you know what each control does, try using mind visualisation to prepare yourself before heading out on the road. This is something professional athletes do to ready their mind and body before the actual event. This keeps the body and brain ready for what you are about to go through, and keeps the fear of driving at bay. Begin by moving the car around a small distance to get a feel of the car and how the controls react to your inputs.
Pick a deserted road or an open area to be taught how to drive. This way you not only learn in a safe environment but also don’t become a danger for other road users. Try learning early in the morning when there is less traffic on the roads. As you gain confidence venture out in traffic and see how you handle it. Learn driving in night and get used to driving within the reach of your headlamps.
