Adult Driver's Ed: Important Things To Remember For New Drivers
Driving can be intimidating for new drivers. During adult driver's ed classes, you will learn all of the necessary skills you need to drive safely. One thing to remember is that driving on the road and by yourself is a lot different than driving with an instructor. When it finally comes time to get on the road for the first time by yourself, it's vital to remember what you learned in class. But you also need to know how to handle unique situations. In today's blog post, Bick's Driving School examines three important things for new drivers to remember.
Learn Your Vehicle
Knowing your vehicle is essential to learning how it operates and when you may need vehicle maintenance. Few things will save you more money than knowing what your car sounds and feels like when it operates. As you drive your vehicle more frequently, pay attention to how it feels and sounds so you can identify irregularities when they happen. Understanding your vehicle also keeps you safer because you realize the limitations that your car has.
The best way to maintain your vehicle and improve your safety is to know when something is potentially wrong. Drivers can do that by knowing what their car feels and sounds like. Adult driver's ed courses teach you a variety of things. But knowing what your vehicle sounds and feels like is a skill you develop during your day-to-day driving.
Know What to Do When You Encounter Damage or Mechanical Issues
When a driver knows what their vehicle sounds and feels like, it helps them know when there is potential damage or mechanical issues. You need to know how to handle a situation correctly when it arises. If you suddenly blow a tire drive 60 mph, what should you do? Adult driver's ed trains you for this type of situation. In the event of a flat tire, get entirely off the road as soon as possible. Call roadside assistance to either have the tire replaced or your vehicle towed. You can also change the tire if you know how to install the spare. Make sure to stay completely clear of oncoming traffic.
For mechanical issues, the process is a bit trickier. If you see your oil light on, you want to pull over immediately (and safely). Driving without oil may create irreversible damage to a car. However, when it comes to your Check Engine lights or other lights, you want to make a judgment based on the vehicle itself. Meaning, if there aren't any symptoms of a mechanical problem or damage, you don't necessarily have to pull over immediately. You will want to get the car to a mechanic sooner rather than later. Adult driver's ed can teach you what the lights on the dashboard mean when you have a problem arise.
Be Prepared for Rain and Snow
Driving in the rain and snow takes practice, so you shouldn't be scared to drive in adverse conditions. Adult driver's ed trains you to drive in these conditions. However, when you encounter rain and snow, you want to be prepared. Always make sure your tires have plenty of treads so that your tires maintain contact with the road more readily. For snowy weather, clear ice off of your windshield and windows so that you can see well. Be careful when driving over bridges as they can accumulate ice on the road surface.
Contact Bick's Driving School for Adult Driver's Ed Tips
If you're an experienced driver, one of the best ways to stay safe on the road is to enroll in adult driver's ed. Our classes can train and prepare you for various driving situations. For more information on the programs Bick's Driving School has to offer, give us a call at (513) 251-7111 or contact us online today.