driving alone for the first time

[greencolorpack]

When you learned to drive what do you wish someone had told you before going out to drive on your own? Trying to think how to advise teenage pupils about how to drive once they have passed their test and are out driving their clapped out old bangers.

Don't put the radio on! And if you do, don't sing along and get carried away and not watch the road....

Thanks. thats a good one. I must admit I listen a lot when not working..

Ah, I found I drove better once I put the radio on - I was hyper vigilant and a bit twitchy without it, lol

my advice would be, if you're not sure if the car will fit, don't try it.

I'd say put the radio on! :)

I'm waaayyy older than teenage, but passed a year ago this week. The first time I had to drive by myself I was terrified! some music and chewing gum really helped. Singing along made me relax a little and chewing gum stopped me from clenching my jaw so hard and also stopped the dry mouth from nerves!

Also go out lots, little and often. Every day if possible. I did 100 miles in the first week, no where in particular, just little trips out and about. Started with places I knew then as I got braver, I went further.

Don't let the car behind you make you feel hassled .

Don't be pressurised to go faster than the speed you're comfortable driving at .

I'm glad my Dad (when I was learning) showed me how to do things like put the petrol in, change the tyre if need be, check the air pressure, etc., etc.

Good advice all. Gingeroots that's important. I try and get that one across in lessons. Bumpy I did that too. passed my test at 18 and didn't drive til I was pregnant and 28 so I did the little and often thing. I had totally forgotten how to change gears.

I wish I had been told how to put petrol in. Also I learned to drive in the summer and borrowed my brother's car to go out one evening just after I passed my test. When I came to go home at about 10pm it was dark & I couldn't see where the light switch was - I had never driven in the dark before!!!

Plan your routes and keep maps in the car. If you're used to being told "turn left here", or to taking the bus, it can be a bit tricky finding your way.

I guess in these days of SatNav, I'd also say, "Don't rely 100% on the SatNav!"

if you're going somewhere scary (so that's pretty much everywhere for the first time!) have a look on google street view first. I found it really helpful to work out which lane I needed for roundabouts etc

Learn where all the controls are in your own car! May well be different from instructor's.

Don't take all your rowdy mates on your first trip!

Keep safe distances.

Take someone with you the first time you go to a busy car park.

Thanks all, good stuff. I got a new car a couple of years ago and was racing the dusk as I went home as the headlights switch was hidden under the steering wheel. Oopsy!

And if it's an old Ford Focus like mine ,make sure you know how to open the bonnet ?

Where the light switches are on your new car?

I remember a DF and me having to stop and search her new Mini in the gathering gloom.

Discuss peer pressure - from friends to drink and drive, or to drive faster, or to let them get rowdy in the car. The driver needs to not be afraid to stand firm on all of these. Oh, and no mobiles!

That turning the light switch just one click does not turn the main headlights on but the sidelights only.

I made the instructor show me how to get petrol as part of the lessons!

Petrol, screenwash, check oil and change tyre. Also, what to do in case of an accident

yes - what to do in case of accident .
Been driving 40 years and I'm still not sure about this one .
Need a flash card in glove compartment .

Also, what to do in case of breakdown. Our breakdown cover is individual so covers DH and me in any car we might drive. When DS drives he is not covered unless we take out breakdown cover for him.