Learning to drive is exciting but nerve-wracking. But with the right guidance and mindset, you soon feel confident behind the wheel and ready to tackle that driving test.

Here, we share our driving tips for new drivers when learning to give you the knowledge needed before you put your feet to the pedals.

These essential tips will set you up for success.

Preparing for your first driving lessons

Choose the right instructor

Your driving instructor plays a big role in shaping your driving habits and skills. You want someone who is patient, experienced, and has a teaching style that suits you. You’ll know after your first lesson whether or not it’s a good fit. Get in touch with Ashley Neal today if you’re looking for a reliable, experienced instructor.

Dress comfortably

Wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear. Avoid wearing shoes with thick soles or high heels, as you won’t have full control of the pedals.

Stay calm

It’s natural to feel anxious. Remember though, everyone has to start somewhere. Deep breaths and a positive attitude can make a big difference.

Mastering the basics of driving

Before you start driving, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the car’s controls. Look at the indicators, wipers, lights, and, of course, the pedals. Having a feel for them will instantly boost your confidence.

Next, practice gentle acceleration, braking, and steering. Good, smooth pedal control means a more comfortable drive and improved safety.

Mirror, signal, manoeuvre—this routine is crucial. Regularly check your mirrors, indicate where you’re going, and then perform your manoeuvre.

Building confidence on different road types

Start small: Begin on quiet residential streets before you venture onto busier roads. This gradual exposure will help to build confidence.
Adapt to conditions: Experience driving in different weather conditions. Rain and fog present their challenges, and practicing in them prepares you for your test and for driving in the real world.
Understand speed limits: Speed limits vary across different roads, so it’s important to take on new routes and get used to checking for different speed limits and driving to match them.

Essential manoeuvres to practice

Parking skills: Practice parallel parking, bay parking, and reversing. These manoeuvres are common in daily driving and will be required in your driving test.
Three-point turns: This manoeuvre tests your car control and observation skills. Mastering it ensures that you’re prepared for tight spots.
Hill starts: Learn to balance the clutch and accelerator to prevent rolling back when the car is on an incline. If you live in a hilly area, this is definitely one to master.

Staying safe and avoiding common mistakes

Keep a safe following distance

A safe following distance is important to help prevent accidents and give yourself plenty of time to react to sudden changes in traffic. The general rule of thumb is to maintain at least a two-second gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you. However, this should be extended in bad weather like fog, snow, and even rain.

Not only does it give you more time to react to hazards, but it also helps you get a clear view of the road ahead so you can see what’s coming.

Avoid distractions

Distracted drivers are one of the leading causes of accidents. Using your mobile phone while driving is a big no. It takes your attention away from the road, slows your reaction time, and impacts your decision-making.

Use hands-free. No text is that important to not wait. However, a phone call might be an emergency, so make sure that you can connect your phone through the car and speak hands-free.
Avoid eating, adjusting the radio, or other activities that divert your attention from driving.
If you’re driving in an unfamiliar area, plan the route ahead of time so you have an idea of where you’re going.

Check road signs

Road signs provide vital information about upcoming hazards, speed limits, and road conditions. Ignoring or failing to notice them can lead to dangerous situations. Adjust your driving as needed.

Anticipate actions of other drivers

Unfortunately, you need to think about more than your driving. You also need to observe the behaviour of other drivers and their signals. If the car ahead signals to turn, it’s time to reduce your speed as they might slow down. Brake lights up ahead could mean the car is coming to a stop.

Preparing for your driving test

Plenty of lessons: In preparation for your driving test, take an adequate amount of lessons. Your instructor will let you know if they think you need more time behind the wheel. And they’re not trying to squeeze more money out of you; they simply want you to feel confident enough and ensure that you can pass the first time.

Common pitfalls: Many learners fail their driving test down to simple reasons, such as a lack of observations at junctions or not using their mirrors enough. Being aware of the common pitfalls ensures that you can avoid them.

Staying relaxed: On test day, you want to ensure that you’re well prepared, have everything you need, and of course that you’re well rested. Having a calm mind will help increase focus and performance.

Learning to drive is an exciting step to take, giving you unmatched independence in your life. Along with these driving tips for new drivers when learning, the most important thing is that you enjoy the process and put in the work to become a safe and successful driver. Everyone on the road was once a beginner, so take on our tips, and if you’re looking for a driving instructor in Liverpool, then get in touch with Ashley Neal today and we’ll get you booked in with one of our experienced instructors.