Dos and Don’ts to Bear in Mind Before Learning to Drive a Car

24 Sep 2021

Learning how to drive a car is a handy skill that helps you commute from one place to another without having to depend on anyone else. When you first learn to drive a car, the task may seem quite challenging. Additionally, driving comes with many responsibilities, including the safety of your own life, the safety of the people who travel in your car, and the safety of other commuters on the streets. To ensure that everyone is safe, it is essential to keep these points in mind before you learn how to drive a car.

Things to Know Before You Drive a Car

Before you learn how to drive a car, here are a few things you should know:

• Learn the Essential Functions of a CarBefore you learn how to drive a car, you must understand all the vehicle’s parts, along with its many features. Understand how to check the air pressure of the tyres, the indicators, oil levels, fuels indicators, sidelights, and warning lights. Knowledge about these mechanisms come in handy all the time and enable you to ensure that your car is always in ship shape.
• Display the Learner’s SignIf you are driving on a learner’s license, it is essential to display an ‘L’ sign in red on the front and back windscreens of the car. This signage helps inform the other drivers that you are still learning how to drive. Moreover, this is a move mandated by the Government of India too.
• SeatbeltsLearning to wear a seatbelt is another vital thing you should know. Always make sure to buckle up and fasten your seatbelts before driving. Seatbelts help you remain strapped to your seat in case of any mishaps.
• Communicate effectivelyDriving on the road will involve you having to change lanes and take U-Turns. It is essential to learn how to communicate effectively using the indicators, and sometimes, hand signals.

How to Drive a Car for Beginners – What Not to Do

If you are learning how to drive a car for the first time, here are some things you must ensure you never do.

• Driving Without FocusThe task of driving a car requires 100% of your focus. If you are not in the right state of mind due to stress, emotional instability, or sleep deprivation, it is best to avoid getting behind the wheel. These factors can cause you to lose your focus which can lead to mishaps.
• Exceeding Speed LimitsIn India and every country worldwide, you will find designated speed limits on all types of roads, whether they are national and state highways and roads within city limits. Make sure you stick to driving within the mentioned speed limits and never exceed it. Over speeding can cause you to lose control of the vehicle while manoeuvring or in case of any emergency on the roads.
• Talking on the MobileWe live in a world where gadgets tend to control our lives. However, as a learner driver, you must ensure that you keep your mobile aside and concentrate on the road. In India, talking on the phone and texting while driving is deemed a punishable offence. This distraction is the leading cause of accidents today. It is also considered negligent behaviour by insurers, primarily if accidents are caused due to the use of mobile phones while driving.
• Driving while IntoxicatedNever get behind the car wheel if you have consumed alcohol or any other potent substances that can affect your concentration while driving. Driving while under the influence of such substances delays your reaction time and can cause mishaps. Also, insurance claims filed for accidents caused while intoxicated can result in the claims being rejected.
• TailgatingTailgating is the act of driving behind another vehicle without maintaining adequate distance. This act can be hazardous. If the vehicle driver in front of your car hits the brakes urgently, you will have no time to slow down your car and may end up hitting and thereby damaging the vehicle.

Final Note:-Learning how to drive a car for the first time can be both exciting and challenging. With proper practice and a road sense, it can be a safe and fun experience. Ensure you get the ‘L’ signage and your learner’s license before beginning the learning process. Once you get the license and perhaps a new vehicle, you should also get the necessary car insurance policy so that you are always protected against accidental liabilities.

Disclaimer: For more details on risk factors, terms & conditions please read sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. *The discount amount will vary subject to vehicle specification and place of registration