Learning to drive is an important milestone in a person’s life. It is like the first day at a new job or the first day at a new school!The surroundings are not familiar and they are also strange.There are rules and regulations.You need to know the signs, signals and pavement markings.
I was a novice driver, when I started learning driving at’Young Drivers of Canada’.Two years back, I got my licence. Learning to drive was the first thing I enjoyed doing here, after coming from Saudi Arabia.As you may be aware of, in Saudi Arabia, women cannot drive.This is by law.
Here, the driving lessons package includes in- class sessions plus in- car sessions. Before the in-car training, you are given classroom instructions.I have no idea how the driving lessons are held in driving schools back in India.
Here, during in-class sessions, you are taught what to do in response to common traffic signs and how to behave at intersections.You also learn how to interpret pavement markings.
The major thing you need to have while learning driving is to have confidence. Unless you have confidence in yourself, it is very difficult to start learning driving.
While learning to drive, you don’t have to rush. You can learn at your own pace. Learning to drive is like learning a new skill.It’s like building a house.The foundation has to be perfect, and that takes time.But, once we begin building on that foundation, the job goes much faster and the results are much easier to see!
As a driver, you need effective seeing habits. Ninety percent of the information you use to drive comes through your eyes.You have to use your vision to it’s greatest effect!
You must maintain space in which to operate your vehicle.You need space in front, behind and wherever possible, on both sides. This space allows you to see effectively and provides you with an escape route in case of trouble!
All other road users also need space. You must time your maneuvers in traffic, especially when entering the flow or changing lanes, to avoid taking away another driver’s space, forcing them to brake.
You must strive to drive proactively.You should attempt to predict the actions of other road users and then act before they do, to avoid conflict.
According to state laws in the U.S., and federal law in Canada, it is an offence, to operate or have control of a motorized vehicle, vessel or aircraft, while impaired by alcohol or a drug. Which ever part of the world you may belong, please avoid these two while driving.
You must learn to handle adverse conditions of weather too!Normal driving conditions exist, when you are driving in daylight on a dry, straight, smooth road with light traffic.In winter, rain and snow reduce traction and hence visibility becomes very poor. On a gravel road, you have to reduce the speed and drive smoothly.
The manufacturer of every car sold in North America is required by law to provide a seat belt for every passenger space.I don’t know if this is applicable to India. When I was there four years back, I don’t remember seeing any car with a seat belt.May be, they have now. Seat belt is a safety device and should be made use of.
You must take a defensive driving course and learn driving. Before you get the learner’s permit, you will be required to pass a standard vision test and a written test. The written test consists of questions about the rules of the road, safe driving practices and road sign recognition.80% mark is a passing grade for the written test.
When you have passed the vision and written tests, you can apply and pay a fee for your beginner’s licence.With your beginner’s licence, you may start to practice your driving.
After a period of not less than two weeks, you can take the road test.You are required to pay your road test fee when you purchase your beginner’s permit.On the day of your road test, you have to present the following:
1) The receipt for the payment of your road test fee
2) Your beginner’s licence
3) The insurance and registration papers for the vehicle in which you are to be tested.
So, best of luck from me, when you are trying to learn driving. Get your licence and be a responsible driver, behind the wheel.Become more independent and enjoy your driving.Driving is indeed a great privilege!