How to Drive in Six Easy Steps

Learning to drive can be completely overwhelming when it seems like there is so much to remember while the world zips past you on the road. You may feel like you don't have time to think about your next move when the person behind you is riding your tail or beeping at you to hurry up. Follow these six easy driving steps to keep your cool behind the wheel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Car
• Driver's License or Learner's Permit

1. Take care of the basics while in "Park". Do all the little things before even hitting the road. Start the ignition, make sure your seat is comfortable, the mirror is adjusted, the radio is set where you want it, there's gas in the tank and you have anything handy that you will need while driving (like directions or maps) so you don't have to fumble around dangerously while you're driving.
2. Keep clear vision. Don't just look both ways-- look left, right, then left again to be sure traffic is clear when pulling out of parking spaces, parking lots or turning at any time.
3. Take the weather into consideration. If it's raining or the roads are wet, give yourself some distance between your car and the one in front of you in case hydroplaning occurs. Do the same in wintry conditions to keep from sliding into other cars. If you happen to be driving westward while the sun is going down, be cautious at stop lights as they can sometimes be difficult to see if the sun is in your eyes.
4. Be a defensive driver. Remember that a lot of accidents are caused by the other parties involved. Protect yourself by treating other cars like a potential threat. If you're stopped at a light and the person behind you rear-ends you, sending your car into the one in front of you, it will be your fault for rear-ending the guy in front of you because you didn't maintain a safe and assured clear distance.
5. Wait your turn. At a 4-way stop, the first person to come to a complete stop has the right of way, and then it goes counter-clockwise from there. At a 2-way stop, the person going straight or right goes first.
6. Make sure you know the speed limit. If a police officer pulls you over and asks if you know the speed limit and you say "No", you're off to a rocky start. Take note of the signs, especially "Reduced Speed Ahead" signs, and follow them accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• It is best to learn these steps from a certified driving instructor who has plenty of experience and a lot more patience than, say, Ol' Dad.
• It may sound obvious, but give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going so you don't feel rushed and make a costly mistake.
• Never flash your headlights at other drivers, for any reason. Although lots of drivers do it to alert other drivers that their bright lights are on or that a cop is ahead, it is illegal and if you get caught, you will get pulled over.
• Make sure you have proper identification with you, such as your Driver's License or Learner's Permit.