Preparing for your first driving lesson can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, with the right preparation, you can make the most of your experience and build a strong foundation for your driving skills. Here are five essential things you should know before you get behind the wheel:
1. Know How to Start Your Vehicle
One of the first things you’ll need to master is starting your vehicle. Different cars have different ignition systems, so it’s important to understand how yours works. Some modern vehicles have keyless starters, where you simply press a button while holding the brake pedal.
2. Use Only Your Right Foot for Driving
A common mistake many beginners make is using both feet to control the pedals. This can lead to confusion and potentially dangerous situations, especially when you need to brake suddenly. Always use only your right foot to operate both the brake and the gas pedals.
Your left foot should remain on the dead pedal or rest comfortably on the floor. Practice pivoting your right foot between the brake and gas pedals smoothly. This should become second nature as you gain more experience behind the wheel.
3. Master the Use of Turn Signals
Using turn signals correctly is a crucial part of safe driving.
Before your lesson, ensure you know how to operate your vehicle’s turn signals. Many drivers make the mistake of letting go of the steering wheel to activate the turn signal, which can cause them to drift out of their lane. Instead, keep your hand on the wheel and use your ring or middle finger to activate the turn signal.
This technique helps you maintain control of the vehicle and stay in your lane while signaling your intentions to other drivers.
4. Don’t Forget to Deactivate the Parking Brake
It’s easy to overlook the parking brake, especially when you’re eager to start driving.
However, driving with the parking brake engaged can damage your vehicle and impair your ability to drive smoothly. Always check your dashboard for the parking brake indicator light, typically a red “Brake” symbol. Make sure to deactivate the parking brake before you start driving.
