You have been bitten by the driving bug and can?t wait to get behind the wheels of a beauty and burn the roads. But wait pal, before you hit the roads, these are a few things you should do-
Pehla step? Learner?s License:
This is the first step of learning how to drive. This is issued by the local Regional Transport Office(RTO). You can go their either directly or through a driving school. I suggest going through a driving school since it reduces the chances of being denied the LL. There are a few documents that need to be taken on the day of the LL Test -*3 passport size photographs, age proof and residence proof.
A duly filled in form along with the certificates have to be presented to the officer there who may or may not ask you questions(unke mood pe depend karta hai). But it is best to go prepared with some knowledge of the road signs. Agar kismat aacha ho, the LL is issued by the evening of the same day.
LL mil gaya? Ab Kiya?
By this time, you have already decided whether you want to learn by yourself or enroll in a driving school. I once again suggest that you join a driving school since their cars are fitted with an extra clutch and brake which can prove useful in a tricky situation. I shall continue my discussion assuming that you are joining a DS.
First Lesson:
During the first few days concentrate only on the steering wheel. Let your instructor do the rest. Balancing the car is the first important step. Learn where to keep your hands on the steering wheel and don?t try tricks like driving with one hand or no hands! Taking turns comes next. Signal, check out for other traffic and then take the turn at a slow speed(at least initially.) - you don?t want to hit the car parked by the side.
Accelerator:
Once you have attained the perfection of keeping your car straight, try the accelerator gently. GENTLY is the keyword here since a press too hard might just shoot off the car and you might be caught unaware. Always keep an eye on cars trying to overtake you and keep to the leftmost lane of the road. Do not try to compete with other drivers at this point of time? they are more experienced and you can show off your skills at a later time. Get to know how the car responds to how much pressure on the accelerator.
Brake and Clutch:
A fine balance between the brake and the clutch has to be attained for a smooth drive. Experiment with the brake while applying a little pressure on the clutch so that your car doesn?t stop in the middle of the road. Learn how much brake is to be applied to slow down the car and how much to stop it. Keep an eye on the car in front of you to see whether it is slowing down? you don?t want to have a rear-end hit if it suddenly stops.
Changing Gears:
This is the part most first time drivers find a little difficult. Unless you are planning to drive an automatic vehicle, better concentrate on this. Most cars these days have five gears and the reverse gear. Initially get to know the gear positions and try changing it while the car is not moving. In city driving, 5th gear can be hardly used so learning the proper use of the other four gears is mostly enough for fuel efficiency.
Reverse gear is used to move your car backwards. This is another tricky thing to learn. Adjust your mirrors properly so that you get as much view as possible and then try to reverse. Do not try to do this is a heavy traffic road, look for a secluded lane and practice there till you get a hang of things.
Parking and Driving off:
With so less parking space in India these days, your parking skills will come very handy in crowded parking lots. Try to keep your car straight while parking so that it is not jutting out on the road. Keep enough place for other drivers to take out their cars otherwise you might end up getting a nasty surprise in the form of a dent in your car.
Always use the hand brake while parking the car so that the car doesn?t accidentally start moving and cause damage. Also practice a safe driving off from a parked position by giving proper signal to other drivers. It can be very dangerous to move without signaling since the driver from behind may not be expecting you.
Sab ho gaya? Aab kiya?
Well, you have learnt all about driving but before you can hit the roads alone, you have to take the driving test and get a valid Driving License. Driving license is also issued by the RTO. Find out about the days when the test can be taken and go there taking along your *Learner?s License, passport size photographs and papers of your vehicle(not mandatory in case you are going through a driving school).
The officer taking the test will usually ask you to take the car for a spin and get you to do a few things like parking and reversing. Make sure you follow the signs on the road and give proper signals during the test. Try to be levelheaded and follow whatever the officer is asking you to do.
Do not be disheartened if you are not issued a DL in your first attempt. You can take the test once again in a fortnight?s time. The DL is usually issued within two days of taking the test.
Yipeeeeeeeee? I have a DL:
Ya, ya time to jubilate? your efforts have borne fruit but do not forget to always practice safe driving.
Some Tips:
Always wear your seat belt while traveling
Check your oil, tires, battery, cooling system and all belts and hoses before going on a trip in order to avoid trouble on the road. Also keep your spare type in tiptop condition. Breakdowns on the road can be stressful and even frightening.
Keep your distance between vehicles.
Allow plenty of time to drive and reach your destination.
Do not drive when angry, overtired, or upset.
Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt - all drivers make mistakes.
Do not retaliate or in any way engage an aggressive driver.
Be patient and courteous with other drivers? we do not own the road.
Don’t leave any valuables in the car, nor expose them to the passers by.
Carry a cellular phone with you so that it can be used in an emergency(not while driving!)
Happy Driving! Your tips are also most welcome in the comments section since I am a new driver myself.