Best Tips for New Drivers

Driving can be overwhelming for new drivers or permit holders. Here are my best tips that I use when I am driving.

1. Be Calm- Do not work yourself up before driving, it will cause anxiety and really affect your driving. Before you turn on the car, take a few deep breaths and reassure yourself that everything will be ok.

2. Permit Handbook- Keep the handbook in the glove compartment for at least the first year of driving. If you are confused on a rule you can always go back and look at the handbook for reference.

3. Music- If you are like me, you need a little music to do almost anything. Sometimes silence just doesn't work. Before taking your car out of park, find an upbeat playlist that isn't distracting and put it on at a low volume. This way you're more focused on the road and not sitting in silence.

4. Phone- According to EndDD.org, people on their cellphones while driving are 5.36 times more likely to get into a car accident than undistracted drivers. After putting on your playlist of choice, place your phone in the backseat, glove compartment, or the armrest console. If your phone is in these places, you won't be able to see it light up and if you don't see it light up, then you won't grab for it. Regardless, put your phone away and don't check it until you are at your destination.

5. Know Your Parent- As permit drivers, we all have our favorite parent to drive with. One may stress us out while another comes off as more helpful. Drive with your favorite parent as much as you can. It makes driving more fun and causes less panic attacks on the road and behind the wheel.

6. Consistency- Drive as much as you can and as consistently. This way you will feel more prepared for the driving test when getting your license.

7. Gas- Check how much gas you have when you get into the car and before you get out. This will get rid of the element of surprise of your car sputtering and stopping in the middle of the highway.

8. Glasses- I know this is silly and seems obvious but ALWAYS have your glasses on if you don't have contacts in. I am guilty of this. I have glasses that I need to see for away things. I have been known to forget my glasses before driving at night. While I can see good enough to drive without them, it still feels safer to have them on and it makes me feel like I have more of a warning for upcoming signs.

9. Backup Camera- Don't rely on it. It may be helpful but it leaves a lot of blind spots. Use it when you have to, not all the time.

10. Don't Get Flustered- If you are a new driver, odds are you will go slower and stay at the exact speed limit. That is totally fine, I even do it. However, expect people to go around you. do not get flustered and just let them go around. It is not your fault.

I hope these ten tips are helpful because I know how stressful driving is and how it affects me.