Introduction
Driving for personal needs or as a profession, the art of driving requires more than just knowing how to start a vehicle or steer the wheel, Five Stars Driving School recommends following the best driving tips from a beginner to pro. The right driving techniques practicing defense driving following some basics like the best steering wheel hand position, and strengthening parking skills are mandatory which can be achieved by taking driving classes and a defensive driving course. This blog enlists the best driving tips and driving techniques you need to know guiding you toward becoming a confident and competent driver whether you are a nervous beginner or pro looking to refine your driving skills.
1. Basics of vehicles
First and foremost, before hitting the road, one of the best driving tips is to ensure familiarity with the controls and features of the vehicle you’ll be driving. The basic routine is to adjust the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel according to your comfort and visibility. The functions of pedals, indicators, wipers, headlights, and tires need to be checked, which is required for safe and efficient driving.
2. Maintaining the right mindset
Since driving requires focus, patience, and confidence, it is strictly advised that most common distractions like phones, eating, drinking, and engaging in intense conversations are avoided. Additionally, a good driver needs to always be composed, even in challenging situations like heavy traffic or dealing with other drivers’ mistakes on the road, as your attitude behind the wheel plays a vital role in your driving performance and safety.
3. Defensive Driving Skills
Most of professional driving schools like Five Stars Driving School provide a comprehensive defensive driving course, that is primarily focused on teaching about anticipation of potential hazards and reacting proactively to avoid accidents. Defensive Driving skills include the habit of maintaining a safe following distance and using mirrors frequently.
4. Master Steering Control
Another basic but important tip and technique is regarding the right positioning of hands on the steering. The best steering wheel hand position is to keep the hands at the “9 and 3” or “10 and 2” positions for maximum control. Mastering steering control requires enough practice so that it becomes all-natural.
5. Efficient usage of brakes
Although brakes play a crucial role in preventing accidents. It is very important to understand that it is best to avoid slamming on the brakes unless in case of emergency. Efficient usage of brakes includes practicing threshold braking that ensures a comfortable ride and driving experience.
6. Master Parking skills
In busy cities like Philadelphia, one of the most intimidating challenges for drivers is the challenging parking requirements. Hence, it is very beneficial to familiarize yourself with parallel, perpendicular, and angled parking techniques. Five Stars Driving School prioritizes parking maneuvers, teaching reference points to enhance accuracy for parking in challenging conditions.
7. Understand Traffic Rules and Signs
In addition to the skills and knowledge of driving safely, it is a compulsion to understand and adhere to traffic rules and signs. Building the habit of understanding and checking the traffic rules and signs is very helpful while navigating unfamiliar areas with confidence and avoiding the risk of violations and fines.
8. Cautiously navigate Intersections
Since intersections are known to be the hotspots for accidents, it is advised to slow down and observe all directions for oncoming traffic, and pedestrians while approaching intersections. Moreover, make eye contact with other drivers to ensure mutual understanding while being at the intersections.
9. Driving on the highways
Driving on the highways can be uncomfortable due to higher speeds and multiple lanes. To boost confidence, it is advisable to drive initially during off-peak hours to build confidence and get habitual to using indicators, and maintaining or changing lanes and speeds while cruising.
10. Night Driving Skills
Understand the fact that night driving can be challenging due to reduced visibility. The proper use of headlights and high beams should be used appropriately for the safety and comfort of others on the road. Safe speed and road signs for animals and zebra crossings should be frequently checked to avoid accidents.
11. Understand Blind Spots
Another crucial tip is to develop an understanding of blind spots of the vehicle you’ll be driving as they easily cause accidents if not aware of. It is necessary to adjust mirrors properly and remain aware of other vehicles’ positions.
12. Up-to-date vehicle maintenance
In addition to skillful driving, it is necessary to make a habit of keeping the vehicle well-maintained to ensure proper and safe operation and functioning of the vehicle and its elements. A reliable vehicle enhances the confidence on the road.
Conclusion
In addition to detailed knowledge, it is crucial that optimum practice is required for safe driving skills and techniques. The above-mentioned best driving tips and techniques should be kept in mind at all times whether being a beginner or pro driver. Five Stars Driving School is the best driving academy in Philadelphia offering robust detailed classes focused on more behind-the-wheel sessions in real-time road conditions with simulations to enhance driving skills. Get in touch with the experienced team to get all the information for efficient, progressive, and result-oriented driving classes.