11 Driving Tips Every New Driver Should Know

Looking to improve your driving skills? We’ve put together a comprehensive list of driving tips to help you drive better and safer. After reading this you’ll feel confident to hit the road and start improving your driving skills right away. 

10 Driving Tips Every New Driver Should Know

Everyone can improve their driving. Whether you’re a learner driver or more experienced, it’s never too late to pick up a few tips. That’s why we’ve provided a list of the 10 most important safe driving tips every driver should know. 

1. Check Your Car Regularly

Regularly checking your car is important for extending its lifespan, guaranteeing safety on the road, and preventing costly repairs down the line. By doing so, you’ll be able to identify potential issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run.

Start by checking your car’s fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Low levels can lead to engine damage.

Also, inspect your tyre condition, including pressure and tread depth. Properly inflated and well-maintained tyres improve fuel efficiency and safety. Don’t forget to check your brakes and brake pads are in good condition. Worn brakes can lead to accidents so check them regularly. 

Check all lights, including headlights, brake lights, and indicators. Use the acronym FORCES (Fuel, Oil, Rubber, Coolant, Electrics, Screenwash) to remember essential checks, and keep a maintenance log to track when each check was last performed.

2. Learn Your Vehicle

Knowing your vehicle inside and out is key to driving better and being a safe driver. You’ll want to start by familiarising yourself with the owner’s manual, which contains information about your car’s maintenance schedule, recommended fluids, and troubleshooting tips. Keep it in the glove compartment for easy reference. This will help you with diagnosing dashboard warning lights.

Be able to find your vehicle’s specifications, including the engine type, tyre size, and other important details. This will help you perform accurate maintenance and repairs. You can find this information in the owner’s manual or on the car manufacturer’s website.

3. Drive According to the Conditions

As a driver, you’ll face various weather conditions, road types, and traffic scenarios that require you to adapt your driving style. Weather conditions like rain, snow, and fog call for extra caution. Slow down, and increase your following distance to guarantee a safe distance from other vehicles. 

In these conditions, you must also turn on your headlights to improve the visibility of the road ahead. Then, maintain a safe speed to leave enough time for necessary adjustments or obstacles.

On different road types, you’ll need to adjust your speed limit and driving style to avoid damage. On gravel, mud, or uneven surfaces, slow down, and steer carefully to avoid losing traction or causing damage to your vehicle.

4. Understand the Rules of the Road

You’ll need to have a good understanding of traffic laws and regulations to drive safely and avoid fines. This means paying attention and understanding speed limits, road signs, and right-of-way rules.  Familiarise yourself with road signs, including those for construction zones and school areas. Understanding who’s the right-of-way in various driving scenarios can help prevent accidents.

5. Be Patient

When you’re patient, you’re more likely to watch and anticipate the actions of other drivers and maintain a calm demeanour. This is key to defensive driving. With this method, you’ll be less likely to get frustrated or angry, reducing the risk of road rage incidents.

Plan your trips to allow extra time for delays, and avoid rushing to your destination. If you’re feeling stressed or tired, it’s best to avoid driving altogether. Instead, take a break or reschedule your trip for when you’re feeling more relaxed. 

You can also use techniques like deep breathing to help manage stress and stay patient while driving. Listening to calming music or audiobooks can also help you stay relaxed.

6. Plan Your Route

Planning your route in advance is important for a stress-free and efficient drive. It can save you time and reduce stress by helping you avoid traffic congestion, road closures, and unfamiliar areas. 

It’s best to also plan for regular breaks during long trips to avoid fatigue. Make sure to share your route with someone, especially on long trips, so they know where you’re headed.

Before you start your journey, check traffic reports to get an idea of the road conditions. You can use GPS devices or mobile phone apps for real-time traffic updates and route planning. Just make sure you can safely use the device from your driver's seat.

It’s also a good idea to identify alternate routes in case of unexpected delays. This way, you can quickly switch to a different route and avoid getting stuck in traffic.

7. Speed Management

When driving, you must always adhere to posted speed limits. These limits are in place as road rules for a reason, and exceeding them can have serious consequences.

You should also be prepared to adjust your speed according to road conditions and traffic. For example, if the road is wet or icy, you should slow down to reduce the risk of skidding or losing control.

Use cruise control on highways to maintain a constant speed. This can help you avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, which can reduce fuel consumption. Be mindful of speed limits in residential and school zones, which often have lower speed limits to protect pedestrians and children.

8. Blind Spots

Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that aren’t visible in your mirrors. It’s important to be aware of blind spots when changing lanes and merging.

To minimise blind spots, properly adjust your mirrors and consider installing blind spot mirrors for additional visibility. Before making any lane changes, signal early and check your mirrors and blind spots by turning your head. This head check is essential to guarantee it’s safe to change lanes.

9. Keeping a Safe Distance

You can use the two-second rule to gauge a safe following distance. Simply choose a landmark, such as a sign or a marking on the road, and count ‘one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two’ as the vehicle ahead passes it. If you reach the landmark before you finish counting, you’re following too closely.

In adverse or dangerous weather conditions, such as rain or fog increase your following distance from the other driver. Double the two-second rule to four seconds to account for reduced visibility and longer stopping distances.

10. Indicate

Using your indicators signals your intentions to other drivers reducing the chances of an accident. Make sure to signal early, before making a turn or changing lanes, to give others enough time to react.

Be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians when signalling, as they may not have the same visibility or protection as cars. Remember, it’s a simple habit to develop, but it can make a big difference in your safety on the road.

Want to Practice Your Driving?

If you’re learning to drive then a professional driving instructor is what you need. With EzLicence, you can find experienced driving instructors in your area at a time that suits you. Simply search through instructors and pick one that suits you. They can help you to get the experience you need to become a confident driver and pass your driving test quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Handle a Medical Emergency While Driving?

Pull over safely, call 000 and try to remain calm. You’ll need to assess the situation and provide basic care until help arrives.

What to Do if My Car Gets Towed?

If your car gets towed, you’ll need to act fast. You’ll want to contact the towing company to find out where your car is being taken and what the fees are.

What if I Forget My Driver’s Licence at Home?

If you forget your ID at home, you’ll likely face inconvenience. You might need to return home to fetch it or deal with the consequences of not having it, like being turned away or fined.

How do I stop being nervous when driving?

To stop being nervous when driving, start by practising in low-traffic areas to build your confidence. Deep breathing exercises can help you stay calm. Gradually expose yourself to more challenging driving situations as your skills improve.

How long does it take to get better at driving?

Getting better at driving typically takes a few months of regular practice. Most new drivers start feeling more comfortable and confident after 20 to 50 hours of driving under various conditions. Everyone learns at their own pace, so consistency and practice are key.