I’ve been driving for almost a year and a half now, and in that short time I’ve seen a lot, driven a lot and learnt – A LOT. So I’ve written down 20 things I’ve learnt in that time to share with you all. The advice I have given isn’t professional but just from a fellow driver after their first year and some of the things I believe to be true. The Wind is scary. Cyclists are a pain. Don’t even get me started on people who tailgate. Let’s have a look, shall we?
20. The Driving Instructor
It’s crucial that when you begin to learn to drive, your instructor is good. Check out their pass rate and see if anyone you know has been taught by them and what they think. If you do know someone taught by them and they’re a terrible driver now, best bet find another instructor. Although people pick up most of their habits in their first year, there is a reason why it was so easy for them to become bad.
Find an instructor that’s well-qualified, friendly and above all, that you feel comfortable with. You’re about to spend a lot of time with them as they say it takes approximately 3 months to learn to drive if you’re having 2 one hour and a half lessons a week, or six if you’re doing one a week. But don’t rush it. Good things come to those who wait, plus you’ll be a better driver because of it; more time on the road means more experience. You’ll have better knowledge than people who learn on Intensive Courses.
19. Never Take Risks
Every time I get in my car I see at least one act of stupidity and that’s just going to the Supermarket. People take risks all the time when they’re driving. This is how accidents happen (and laziness but that’s a whole other kettle of fish). For example, I see people putting their foot down to get onto a roundabout even though there’s a car coming, fast towards them. Most of the time, everyone drives away unarmed but there are so many things that could’ve happened in that situation that could endanger drivers or even be life-threatening.
I get it; when it’s busy, you need to get out. But honestly, most of the time it’s not worth it. Who wants to get home? Aye. Who wants to go home in a body bag? Not me. Taking assessed risks, again at a roundabout is different. You come to judge people’s speed and distance but even the most experienced drivers get it wrong. Be safe and don’t take stupid risks.
18. Faffing and Pootering Is Not Allowed
Although speeding isn’t acceptable either, faffing at junctions or “pootering” (as my old driving instructor would say) is just plain irritating. Faffing can even be a hazard. Strike true and hard! That’s my belief. Once you’ve decided on something (quickly and rationally in the split second you usually get) just get on and do it. Commit and go! If you’re turning onto a busy road from a side road, get your foot down when you know you can go and just drive!
Don’t hesitate otherwise you’ll end up with someone going into the back of you. Ain’t nobody got time for that. When it comes to “pootering”, although it isn’t a hazard as such, you can end up agitating drivers behind you, and while you shouldn’t be bullied by other motorists, “pootering” is sloppy and makes you look distracted. Keep up with traffic by doing the speed limit – that’s if you feel the road condition is safe to do so. So many things, my brain is overloading at the realisation that there’s so much to driving!
17. Turning Right Is Hard (Or Left for everyone else in the world)
Turning right is definitely the bane of my life if it’s on a busy, national speed limit road. Turning across traffic not too bad but turning right can definitely be one of the hardest manoeuvres ever. Forget parallel parking; that’s all down to you. But turning right? Imagine it; you’re at a junction wanting to turn right. Cars are speeding down at 60-70mphs both ways and it’s rush hour. No gaps and if there are, the cars are moving too quickly for you to be able to squeeze through. Every time there’s a clear space on one side, there probably isn’t on the other.
I find the best thing to do here is just turn left but if you must, have to go right. There’s no other option! The world is relying on you turning right, then just be patient and when you do decide to go, get your foot down. Worry about changing into second gear later and just remember to steer. And remember, don’t get angry and don’t take risks. Even if there are people beeping on their horns behind you, trying to get you to go, if you don’t think it’s safe, don’t go. You are the driver, not them. Do not be bullied and stay safe. You’ll be able to turn right soon….
16. Hill Starts Are/Can Be Hard
Handbrake on when stopping on a hill. Raise the clutch for biting point, give it some acceleration, lift the handbrake off and away we gooooo! Yeah, no. It might be just the car I drive (Vauxhall Corsa with a stupid eco-engine) or just that I’m terrible at hill starts. Either way, you may find yourself struggling. Most driving school cars are very good cars so it means they’re easier to learn in. However, if you’re not rich and you buy a car, it’s usually going to be second-hand and from the early noughties (late 90s if you’re really scrimping).
Although still good cars, if you get one from the “eco-engine” age, you may struggle with hills. There was a Fiat only last year that even the Stig couldn’t get going up a hill. Countless times have I rolled back, stalled and rolled and even once, had to get someone else to get my car up a steep slope, in Bournemouth.
15. It’s the Other Drivers
Before I started driving my cousin once said to me “It’s not you, it’s the other drivers you need to worry about.” Oh my god is that so true. You could be the best driver in the world and still get into a car accident for numerous reasons. Admittedly, really good drivers should be able to avoid collisions because they’re focused and have super powers in order to see everything before it happens but a lot of accidents are just unavoidable. We live in an age where some people deliberately crash into others for insurance claims.
And don’t even get me started on people who like to chat away on their phones when they’re driving. Dangerous bastards. All of them. So the point is, just keep your eyes peeled and the more you drive, the better you get at noticing road positioning (which is basically body language for cars), hazards and learn how to avoid collisions. You have to be on constant alert even if it tires you out. You must be ready for literally anything.
14. Manoeuvres
Ah yes. Half of your driving lessons are spent learning to Bay Park, reverse around corners, do a three point turn and of course the loathsome parallel park. However, I’ve noticed that in my first year of driving I only use three of those; even when I Bay Park I do it forwards not in reverse. Too much effort unless you’ve got mirrors everywhere. I’m not saying they’re a waste of time. Of course not. A three-point turn is a key tool in a driver’s arsenal.
But parallel parking? Rarely (at least where I live and drive). In fact, when I see people doing it I tut and think “You’re quite clearly showing off.” So if you’re not too great at it then don’t sweat it. Pass your test and then you might never have to do it again. Just make sure you perfect the three-point turn; it’s crucial.
13. Cyclists Are a Nuisance
Like I didn’t know that before?! But yes, cyclists on the road are a pain in the arse. Some Sundays when I drive I literally have to pass ten of them. Round my way, we even have Cycle Races. Bane of my life. Some like to ride two abreast, three abreast and even overtake each other when a car is trying to pass. Some cars swerve out too much, which can cause accidents. Cyclists can sometimes wibble wobble everywhere, sending you off balance.
And who would get the blame if there was a collision? You, the motorist of course. How stupid of you to think differently. There was an incident in my local news recently about a young woman who hit a cyclist who was coming around a country lane corner, on the wrong side of the road. She was almost jailed.
He wasn’t harmed but his bike was mangled. Good, I say. And yet, tonnes of people took his side?!?! It baffles my mind! But they are just something we as drivers must put up with (unless you come from Milton Keynes where they have off-the-road cycle paths). And tip: don’t drive in Cambridge unless you love cyclists talking on their mobile with their headphones in, not indicating when they move across traffic. I love them especially.
12. Pot Holes, Animals and Random Objects
When you live in the country like I do, deer, rabbits (and that mouse once) enjoy terrifying the living shit out of you as they dart across the road. Do they make it? Most of the time and for the majority of your driving, you will find that you can avoid hitting animals crossing the road. Deer can be dangerous as they have a habit of stopping when they see you and a huge deer with antlers will do more damage to your car than you think. So just be aware that animals don’t always look both ways.
Potholes, like cyclists, are a nuisance, hard to get around safely and also something you can’t do much about (plus hitting them can cause problems). It can ruin your steering going down too many so if you can, avoid them. Your car will thank you.
Finally, random objects. You will often find branches, rubbish and bits of car scattered across the road. This isn’t a game; if you hit them you won’t get points. Steer around them safely and if it’s big like a tree branch or even scaffolding poles (happened to me once), call your local council to get it removed to avoid any accidents. I’m such a good citizen now I drive.
11. Passengers
When you first learn to drive, you get excited at the thought of driving your mates around and going off on adventures but I’m telling you this now, the first couple of times driving with a car full of people is so annoying. I block out the noise now and try not to get distracted by the conversation but that can be easier said than done. Don’t show off; it ain’t cool getting into a car accident. Most people will respect you more for getting them somewhere safely, not quickly and dangerously. God, I sound like my dad – but it’s true. Don’t fuck about behind the wheel or you won’t be driving very long.
10. Speeding Is Never Necessary
This ties in with the one above. Just do the speed limit goddamit. You don’t get anywhere quicker dead. Blunt but true. You can’t react as quickly at a high speed and for instance, what would you do if a deer jumped out into the middle of the road (or a child) and you’re doing 60mph? You’re not stopping in time. Best outcome you have antlers through your windscreen and badly damaged bonnet. Worst case, someone is killed. Slow the fuck down mate. Speeding isn’t cool, it’s just dangerous. There is never any reason to speed – nothing’s worth it.
9. Peripheral Vision Is Everything
Mirrors, of course, are important and I’m not saying don’t use them – they’re crucial. But being able to see things going on without your mirrors to the sides of you or while your eyes are on the road ahead but you can keep part of your focus in your rear view mirror because of your awesome peripheral vision can give you extra time for when people want to do stupid things like overtake you on a blind bend or wandering children falling into the road. Be vigilant and use that ‘profiterole’ vision! Sorry, peripheral.
8. Road Rage
I’m pretty bad even now so I can’t lecture too much but I will say it to myself and to you. CALM THE FUCK DOWN. Yes, he’s tailgating you. Yes, she cut you up. Oh yes, they’re going to overtake you there. And of course, that cyclist didn’t indicate when they pulled across in front of you. However, no matter how much you swear, rage or even chase after these assholes, you will never win. You will never gain anything out of it except maybe causing an accident yourself or frighten your passengers.
My partner says I have bad pedestrian rage – and I was terrible in my car. Now, I roll my eyes and I and my car continue along because worst case scenario, you’ll get yanked out of your car and beaten up (Harlow, Essex everyone).
7. Know Your Car
Know what’s under your bonnet. Know how to check and add to your oil. Know how to add water and windscreen wash to your fluids. Keep stuff with you like windscreen wash, water for the radiator and in the winter (when you know the weather’s going to be bad and you’re doing long journeys) maybe even a blanket and shovel – for snow. It’s worth keeping your breakdown cover number on your phone and even knowing how to change a tyre. Be as independent as you feel and look after your car.
Don’t just get in it and drive. Check your tyres and oil before long drives, otherwise, you could find yourself freezing and stuck at the roadside because your car has broken down. Be prepared and love your car because they’re your noble steed.
6. Maths Is Everything
I’ve always been terrible at maths but since driving I’ve become better at it. Simple stuff like keeping track of your mileage and knowing exactly how many miles your car can do on one tank. Understanding petrol prices (what’s good and what isn’t) and keeping track of time. I’ve become a junior mathlete since driving because I’m so conscious of how far I can go before I have to fill up and exactly how long it takes for me to get from place to place, as well as how many miles. I’m obsessed but I’ve found if you’re a bit of an anxious driver to begin with, this can help keep you calm.
5. Weather Is An Ass
Oh my god I hate every type of weather except clear and dry. Raining = wet roads and aquaplaning (where your vehicle hits a large patch of water on the road and glides because it’s unable to get traction) – this is terrifying as fuck because you literally have no control. Wind = your car swerving all over the place – my car is tiny and even a light breeze will push me into a different lane on the motorway. Snow and ice = don’t even get me started. I don’t need to explain the hazards to this weather. Fog = where is the road? Mist = what even is this? Sunny = I’m blind! Sunset = also very blind. Sunrise = soooo blind I can’t see a thing. Night time = is that a person or a traffic island? And lights!!?!?! So blind!! Add rain and mist into the night and you’ve got yourself one heck of a situation. Drive carefully and at your own pace to fit the conditions of the road. Clear and dry here we come!
Bonus: Thunderstorms. Oh yes. Lightning streaking down the sky and rumbles of thunder all around you. “You’re safer in the car!” says my dad. Yup. I feel so safe.
4. Expect the Unexpected
I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before numerous times but if I could give only one piece of advice to a new driver it would be expect the unexpected. Don’t ever assume because you have the right way that the other driver won’t disrespect this. Don’t EVER think that they won’t pull out of that side road right in front of you. And don’t you ever just expect what you’ve been taught in books and your lessons. Expect a meteor to fall from the sky and land in front of you. Expect a herd of horses to run across the road. Expect the car to keep on driving straight into you. Expect the unexpected my lovelies. Be prepared and be aware.
3. Car Accidents Are The Worst
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obPcbYZdPw4&index=27&list=WL
The Worst. Stating the obvious I know but until you’ve been in one, or even the driver in one, you won’t completely understand. Bumping into the back or having it done to you are simple knocks and bumps but to have someone slam into your side, crash into you head first or other horrible incidents can be life changing. If you’re lucky enough to walk away unhurt, you will be left with the mental scar that you will play over and over again in your head.
It’s even worse when it wasn’t your fault too because you doubt yourself as a new driver and your ability to drive safely. But as I said previously, some accidents are unavoidable. If you do walk away unhurt but your car has had a nasty hit, you’ll find the insurance companies wanting to write off your car, which when it nearly happened to me was more devastating than the crash; that someone had crashed into me and now I was losing my baby (my car, who I love dearly –maybe too much).
Most important thing you can do is get back in your car and drive again. It can be a slow progress to be okay driving again but you will get there. Also, if it wasn’t your fault stop blaming yourself. Don’t carry that guilt for someone else’s mistake. Learn from what has happened and keep driving. We see fatal crashes in the news all the time and it’s vital you remember most accidents are small bumps where everyone is unharmed. But remember when you’re driving that you don’t want to be in one or cause one. There is nothing worse than calling 999 hands shaking and breathing uncontrollably. Even worse, calling your parents and telling them you’ve been in an accident. They are the worst. Don’t cause them and be safe.
2. You Never Stop Learning
Needless to say, you never stop learning whilst driving. Like life, you are constantly learning new skills, hazards and ways to prevent accidents. You will never stop learning and the key is to never become cocky. Expect the unexpected! Be prepared! Stay safe! I use these as a mantra every time I get in the car. Eyes peeled and using the knowledge from your lessons and experiences on the road, you will only ever add to it.
1. Driving Is Freedom
Finally, the last thing I’ve learnt in my first year of driving is that driving fun, driving is liberating and driving means the world. Behind the wheel, you can be more flexible in where you work. You can drive to the shops instead of lugging it back on the bus. You can visit places you would never have seen without your wheels. Driving opens up the world for you; leads you on adventures and if you are a safe, careful driver, can be full of enjoyment. My favourite alone times are when it’s just me, my car, music and the open road.
Alone with my thoughts, it gives me a chance to relax and just breathe. Roll down the window and breathe in freedom. You have a car now and you can go anywhere (if you have the petrol). Just remember all the usual (expect the unexpected etc) and you will hopefully have many many years behind the wheel. I don’t know what I would do without my car (Gaz). He’s my noble steed! And my trusty companion.